C5 Purchase advice
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 184
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From: St. Louis MO
C5 Purchase advice
I have owned a few older vettes in the past and now I want to buy a 2001 to 2004 corvette. My max price is $20K and I have found quite a few in the USA that would meet my criteria. I want a base model with 6 spd for the increased fuel economy.
Are there things that I should be looking for or looking out for?
How many miles are too many miles for a used corvette?
The only colors I would not consider are white and yellow.
Do some of the systems present problems? (HUD)
This car will be a daily driver so reliability is a must. I have been driving an H3 Hummer and I think it gave me kidney damage.
Any advice would be appreciated
Phil G
Are there things that I should be looking for or looking out for?
How many miles are too many miles for a used corvette?
The only colors I would not consider are white and yellow.
Do some of the systems present problems? (HUD)
This car will be a daily driver so reliability is a must. I have been driving an H3 Hummer and I think it gave me kidney damage.
Any advice would be appreciated
Phil G
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,892
Likes: 47
From: Helotes TEXAS
If you'd drop down one year to a 2000.... Find yourself an FRC or an 01 or newer Z06. These cars have less problems than the coupes. At least in my opinion since I had an 04 coupe and now drive an FRC. 
And by the way.... the FRC's only come in 6-speeds.
And by the way.... the FRC's only come in 6-speeds.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: The heartbreaking shame of pink stars Kentucky
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
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From: Knoxville Tn
Do not get a 2000 or earlier if you can find a suitable 2001 and up. The unavailable electronic parts and expensive accessories are quite simply a pain in the a$$ on the older models.
You should be able to find many 6 speed C-5s that are priced under $20,000. There is no reason not to buy a coupe (or Convertible) if that fits all your needs. The FRC offers very little over a coupe or vert. I've had 'em all. The Z06 does offer HP upgrades, 385 for the 2001 V. 405 on 2002 and up. Base car is 350 HP on the 2001 and up, 245 on the 200 and older (another reason to stay newer than 2000.
You should be able to find many 6 speed C-5s that are priced under $20,000. There is no reason not to buy a coupe (or Convertible) if that fits all your needs. The FRC offers very little over a coupe or vert. I've had 'em all. The Z06 does offer HP upgrades, 385 for the 2001 V. 405 on 2002 and up. Base car is 350 HP on the 2001 and up, 245 on the 200 and older (another reason to stay newer than 2000.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Bradenton Florida
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
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From: oregon
have seen a couple 04's with 60-70k miles go for 17-18k
if you want a base i would get something like that, newer is always better
mileage is more of a worry for paint and interior condition
lot of the common failure items are age related
the 2002-2004 cars are considered best of breed since they have all the bugs worked out
the 01 has 98% of it, just seems to have more complaints about ring seal especially in the z06
if you want a base i would get something like that, newer is always better
mileage is more of a worry for paint and interior condition
lot of the common failure items are age related
the 2002-2004 cars are considered best of breed since they have all the bugs worked out
the 01 has 98% of it, just seems to have more complaints about ring seal especially in the z06
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lots of good advice here:http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ion-files.html
good luck!
good luck!
Best of luck with the search.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
For 20K, you should be able to find an 01-04 Coupe with 50-75K miles.
For 3 grand more there is a super nice black 40K 02 Z06 over on the Z06 site for sale.
The Z06 is a lot more car for the same money. How do I know?? Owned both.
People who tell you there is little difference between a base Vette and a Z06 have obviously never owned a Z06. Engine differences are only part of the equation.
No knock on the Coupes, they are nice cars and the removable Targa top is a nice addition in the warmer months. Only thing I miss in my Z06.
For 3 grand more there is a super nice black 40K 02 Z06 over on the Z06 site for sale.
The Z06 is a lot more car for the same money. How do I know?? Owned both.
People who tell you there is little difference between a base Vette and a Z06 have obviously never owned a Z06. Engine differences are only part of the equation.
No knock on the Coupes, they are nice cars and the removable Targa top is a nice addition in the warmer months. Only thing I miss in my Z06.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
Do not get a 2000 or earlier if you can find a suitable 2001 and up. The unavailable electronic parts and expensive accessories are quite simply a pain in the a$$ on the older models.
You should be able to find many 6 speed C-5s that are priced under $20,000. There is no reason not to buy a coupe (or Convertible) if that fits all your needs. The FRC offers very little over a coupe or vert. I've had 'em all. The Z06 does offer HP upgrades, 385 for the 2001 V. 405 on 2002 and up. Base car is 350 HP on the 2001 and up, 245 on the 200 and older (another reason to stay newer than 2000.
You should be able to find many 6 speed C-5s that are priced under $20,000. There is no reason not to buy a coupe (or Convertible) if that fits all your needs. The FRC offers very little over a coupe or vert. I've had 'em all. The Z06 does offer HP upgrades, 385 for the 2001 V. 405 on 2002 and up. Base car is 350 HP on the 2001 and up, 245 on the 200 and older (another reason to stay newer than 2000.
The 1998-2000 Vettes had 345 HP, not 245.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,215
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From: Orlando FL
lots of good advice here:http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ion-files.html
good luck!
good luck!
stay with the newer C5 and good luck. Did you look on the for sale section here on this site. sometimes you can find some real deals
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
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From: Knoxville Tn
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2013
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Except the coupe looks soooooo much better than the frc
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,499
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From: Scottsdale AZ
In the Phoenix market, a sub-$20k target would probably get you a nice `03 will good miles - - - not sure in your market, but definitely a realistic budget for a solid car.
From most perspectives, an 02-04 should be your target . . remember, the tires for these cars are generally more expensive than older years - -roughly $1500 a set for run flats and half that for non-run-flats.
And if a good, low mileage car still wears it's factory tires- it'll probably ride like a truck and you will want to replace them. So take those thoughts with you as you evaluate your selections.
Good luck !
From most perspectives, an 02-04 should be your target . . remember, the tires for these cars are generally more expensive than older years - -roughly $1500 a set for run flats and half that for non-run-flats.
And if a good, low mileage car still wears it's factory tires- it'll probably ride like a truck and you will want to replace them. So take those thoughts with you as you evaluate your selections.
Good luck !
This guy's funny !!
