I'm looking to buy a Vette, I don't have one at the moment. I'm leaning towards a C5, but would like to know if there are any common issues or problems I should look for or any thing in particular I should avoid. Thanks

 

Thie is some great information.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...must-read.html

 

Thanks for the links, I was unaware of the battery issue. Some issues seem standard in any vehicle such as the squeaks and other minor noise problems. But the battery will now be something I check out. I have looked at two C5's with the AC only blowing out of the defrost. One guy told me its a common and easy fix, but he didn't know how to fix it himself.

 

This thread was developed to help anyone looking to buy a C5.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ion-files.html

 

Thank you for the new link and more info, I was not aware of the brake situation. Not a big deal as my ABS didn't work in either of my Mustangs after awhile. It was very easy to spin the tires in the Cobra and that would blow the sensor, but you never knew which one and there were 5.

 

Brock, every car on the market or street has it's different issues. Some have less and others more. Yes, there are list out there that captures what's happened to a C5 in the past and so does every make and model. So when you begin looking at cars that are from 1997-2004 just remember, most likely you'll have a problem come up and it may not be the same as someone else and don't let it bother you. That's the risk anyone takes when they purchase a car.
Try to buy as a second owner, low mileage, not raced, body in excellent condition, clear carfax and if possible stock. That way you can change it any way you like if you"re into that sort of thing (like some of us). IMHO the C5 is the car that will always be the class to have. The looks, the lines, the car for the money, but it depends on what you're looking for. Take your time, C5's are all over, but limit your distance to where you can look the car over good yourself before you buy and perhaps be able to know the car's history. Lastly, one of the great things about the C5 is the aftermarket upgrades you can do to enhance the quality and mechanics of the car. If the battery is bad, then get a Redtop or Delco and when it starts getting cold and you drive as much, hook a battery tender to it. Brakes, suspension etc., if you don't like the feel then upgrade like I did, what a difference in handlilng.
C5's are great cars.

 

thanks for the info, most of what you have said I already have taken into consideration. I always use optima batteries unless the car was bought brand new and I know the condition of the battery. I wouldn't waste money on a battery on a new car lol. I have been looking at a lot of different C5's for well over 4 months. That really isn't that long as it took my 6 months to pick out what I wanted in options on my 2013 SHO and 2012 Ford Edge(waited mostly for the ecoboost to drop into the Edge). I did find a decent deal today on a 1998 torch red with 101k miles. Higher mileage than I wanted, but its a family friend and the original owner and would sell it at 9k to me. The car is in Ohio and I'm in NJ though.

 

C5s are really great cars and are as dependable as most other high end cars. To own one it's a good idea to have a lot of disposable income or be a pretty good wrench. Most problems that come up can be repaired in your own garage if you have the tools and the knowhow. This forum will walk you through just about anything you can possibly immagine. Like someone above mentioned, check for any codes.