Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

Found my vette!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 28, 2013 | 04:08 PM
  #1  
cmark84's Avatar
cmark84
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City MO
Default Found my vette!

No, I didn't lose it! haha

I've been searching for the past 4-5 months for a C5 vette, white, manual trans, with black interior. I finally found one and going to take a look tomorrow. It has approx 80k miles on it and adult owned/driven and from what I'm told, the vette is all stock except for exhaust.

Of course now I've spent a lot of time reading the forums of common problems (ie steering lock, EBCM, etc) and it's got me nervous about buying one and considering waiting another year to save more money and purchase a C6 instead that's still under warranty. (I personally like the C5's a lot better although the C6 does look nice too!)

The problems that I see listed, are these very common? I previously owned a lot of 4-banger japanese cars, most of which have been reliable, but if anyone owned a DSM, you know it was a money pit. And that's something I'm not looking to get back into (draining money on repairs). I understand buying any car has its risks but some are higher than others.

I don't plan on modifying the vehicle except for its intake and exhaust, maybe a set of wheels, and possibly suspension (if it needs it due to worn dampers, etc). I definitely don't plan on rebuilding the engine or adding any major power mods.

If I decide to buy it, I will definitely post up pics of the car. I'm also hoping it makes it up my driveway
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2013 | 04:29 PM
  #2  
sbulla's Avatar
sbulla
Racer
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Sevierville TN
Default

I can feel your excitement from here!

Check out the stickies at the top of the page for a lot of good info.

Good luck!

Sonny
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2013 | 05:30 PM
  #3  
Mr.TT's Avatar
Mr.TT
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,371
Likes: 5
From: Mission Viejo, CA
St. Jude Donor '10, '15-'16
Default

Originally Posted by cmark84
No, I didn't lose it! haha

I've been searching for the past 4-5 months for a C5 vette, white, manual trans, with black interior. I finally found one and going to take a look tomorrow. It has approx 80k miles on it and adult owned/driven and from what I'm told, the vette is all stock except for exhaust.

Of course now I've spent a lot of time reading the forums of common problems (ie steering lock, EBCM, etc) and it's got me nervous about buying one and considering waiting another year to save more money and purchase a C6 instead that's still under warranty. (I personally like the C5's a lot better although the C6 does look nice too!)

The problems that I see listed, are these very common? I previously owned a lot of 4-banger japanese cars, most of which have been reliable, but if anyone owned a DSM, you know it was a money pit. And that's something I'm not looking to get back into (draining money on repairs). I understand buying any car has its risks but some are higher than others.

I don't plan on modifying the vehicle except for its intake and exhaust, maybe a set of wheels, and possibly suspension (if it needs it due to worn dampers, etc). I definitely don't plan on rebuilding the engine or adding any major power mods.

If I decide to buy it, I will definitely post up pics of the car. I'm also hoping it makes it up my driveway
A C5 is roughly 230703175897130204x more reliable than a DSM.

Been there done that!

In all seriousness they are pretty reliable cars. I've had 2 C5s over 5 years and 40k miles and I've replaced one water pump on one car, and that was after I tracked it. I wouldn't lose too much sleep over it.

Read up on here, ask the owner if it had any of those problems, and go from there. Trust me, they are nowhere close to a DSM.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2013 | 05:39 PM
  #4  
usgecko's Avatar
usgecko
Pro
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 597
Likes: 25
From: Atlanta Georgia
St. Jude Donor '13,'14
Default

Good luck with it!
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2013 | 05:47 PM
  #5  
cmark84's Avatar
cmark84
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City MO
Default

Thanks!
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2013 | 08:42 PM
  #6  
Jeff T.'s Avatar
Jeff T.
Race Director
15 Year Member
St. Jude 10 Year Donor
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 17,734
Likes: 1,210
From: Aiken, SC
St. Jude Donor '13 thru '26
Default

Good Luck!!
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2013 | 09:05 PM
  #7  
VETJAZZ's Avatar
VETJAZZ
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime Gold
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 211
From: Marana, Arizona
Default

Good luck with your purchase.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2013 | 09:50 PM
  #8  
cmark84's Avatar
cmark84
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City MO
Default

Thanks guys! I'm really excited to finally own a corvette.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Jun 28, 2013 | 09:51 PM
  #9  
cmark84's Avatar
cmark84
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City MO
Default

Originally Posted by Mr.TT
A C5 is roughly 230703175897130204x more reliable than a DSM.

Been there done that!

In all seriousness they are pretty reliable cars. I've had 2 C5s over 5 years and 40k miles and I've replaced one water pump on one car, and that was after I tracked it. I wouldn't lose too much sleep over it.

Read up on here, ask the owner if it had any of those problems, and go from there. Trust me, they are nowhere close to a DSM.
That's good to know. I'd like to have a nice weekend car to enjoy, maybe drive it to work on Fridays if the weather is good.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2013 | 10:31 PM
  #10  
madmatt9471's Avatar
madmatt9471
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
Default

Right on! Here's hoping to the best!

Thanks,Matt
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2013 | 11:01 PM
  #11  
jrose7004's Avatar
jrose7004
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 58,500
Likes: 1,823
From: Oklahoma City OK
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Default

Good luck!
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2013 | 12:31 AM
  #12  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,080
Likes: 24,732
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default

I've had three C5s and the only one I've had any of the common problems with is the '00 - had the leaking rear differential seal problem three times on it but GM finally got that fixed. Other than that, all three have been very reliable. Best of luck with your search.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2013 | 10:47 AM
  #13  
mjones871's Avatar
mjones871
Advanced
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Powder Springs GA
Default

Good Luck...I'm only a month into mine and love it. The guy I bought from had a binder about 2 inches thick that recorded everything done to the car...and I mean EVERYTHING. He even had receipts for detailing jobs that were done, so I felt real good about the purchase. That's the only newbie advise I got...

When you get it, come here often....These guys on this forum truly embrace each other and do nothing but promote a positive experience for new corvette owners. Point blank, they don't make you feel stupid. They know what it means to be new to this world and they have been nothing but helpful in the month or so I've been around.

Hope to see a picture soon!
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2013 | 11:22 AM
  #14  
dadaroo's Avatar
dadaroo
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Default

Learn how to pull the codes before you buy. You need to pull them after you drive it and while it is still running to make sure you get all/any.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2013 | 10:14 PM
  #15  
cmark84's Avatar
cmark84
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City MO
Default

Originally Posted by dadaroo
Learn how to pull the codes before you buy. You need to pull them after you drive it and while it is still running to make sure you get all/any.
The only code that came up was TPMS because he never had them installed in the new wheels.

I put the deposit on the car. Should be picking up in 2 weeks!
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2013 | 10:15 PM
  #16  
cmark84's Avatar
cmark84
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City MO
Default

Originally Posted by mjones871
Good Luck...I'm only a month into mine and love it. The guy I bought from had a binder about 2 inches thick that recorded everything done to the car...and I mean EVERYTHING. He even had receipts for detailing jobs that were done, so I felt real good about the purchase. That's the only newbie advise I got...

When you get it, come here often....These guys on this forum truly embrace each other and do nothing but promote a positive experience for new corvette owners. Point blank, they don't make you feel stupid. They know what it means to be new to this world and they have been nothing but helpful in the month or so I've been around.

Hope to see a picture soon!
Awesome!
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2013 | 10:19 PM
  #17  
Baldfart's Avatar
Baldfart
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,180
Likes: 2
From: Yes it's hot! Arizona
Default

Congrats! And....
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Found my vette!

Old Jun 29, 2013 | 10:39 PM
  #18  
69monzacpe's Avatar
69monzacpe
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 51
From: Cartersville GA
Default

Congrats

Need pics!
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2013 | 12:54 AM
  #19  
jdot's Avatar
jdot
Drifting
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 1
From: Somerset Kentucky
Default

I wish you good luck.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2013 | 01:54 AM
  #20  
memmer's Avatar
memmer
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 22
From: Portland OR
Default

Did I miss something here,Like what year is this C5.Happy days are ahead.
Fred
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:24 PM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE