Seeking Advice on First C5
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
From: Glastonbury CT
Seeking Advice on First C5
I have been looking for a few months now for my first Corvette. I started looking at C6s but I think the price to value is better on the C5 (at least for me). I have identified 2 C5s that I'm interested in. The first is a 1997 with about 34k miles on it. The second is a 2002 with about 60k miles on it. Both are Autos. Both appear to be in nice shape. The 02 is a convertible and the 97 a regular coupe. Both are priced exactly the same at about 19k. I have a few questions.
Do those prices seem fair in this market?
Is there any particular reason to stay away from either year. I know the 97 is the first year of the C5 but I haven't really read anything negative on it.
I want a Corvette (vs a Porsche, BMW, or some other foreign brand) because its 1. American 2. Known to be reliable 3. Easier and cheaper to fix. Do you think a 97 or 02 is likely to give me a whole lot of problems? Is my thinking on this sound?
What if anything in particular should I look at as I evaluate both cars?
I am leaning towards the newer car with higher miles over the older car with lower miles. I just want to get something that is fun and reliable to cruise around in and show off a little. When I get one I'll have pictures up here real fast
Thanks for the input.
Do those prices seem fair in this market?
Is there any particular reason to stay away from either year. I know the 97 is the first year of the C5 but I haven't really read anything negative on it.
I want a Corvette (vs a Porsche, BMW, or some other foreign brand) because its 1. American 2. Known to be reliable 3. Easier and cheaper to fix. Do you think a 97 or 02 is likely to give me a whole lot of problems? Is my thinking on this sound?
What if anything in particular should I look at as I evaluate both cars?
I am leaning towards the newer car with higher miles over the older car with lower miles. I just want to get something that is fun and reliable to cruise around in and show off a little. When I get one I'll have pictures up here real fast
Thanks for the input.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
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From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
The 97 is over priced and the 02 is over priced but not as much as the 97.
I would be more interested in the 02 myself but for the right price I wouldn't be afraid of a low mileage 97 either.
I would be more interested in the 02 myself but for the right price I wouldn't be afraid of a low mileage 97 either.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
From: Glastonbury CT
Thanks for the input guys. Really appreciate it. Anything I should watch out for in the 2002? What do you think a fair offer would be if 19k is over priced?
Oh the car does have HUD and Ride Control - not sure if those were both standard or extras.
Oh the car does have HUD and Ride Control - not sure if those were both standard or extras.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 352
From: Carson City Nevada
I still think the vert is a fair price. The HUD and selective ride control were part of an upgraded option package. Run through the computer and see what fault codes come up. If it's a well taken care of car, you shouldn't have any major problems. My 02 has 85k miles and I hop in and take it anywhere.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 41
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From: Glastonbury CT
Thanks guys. The car is at a place that specializes in Corvette restorations and mods. It's basically all they do and they are local. I spoke to the owner a while back and he said all his cars are 'clean'. He encouraged me to go on the Corvette Forum and inquire about his business which is why I have another thread going. I do want to make sure it wasn't in an accident or anything like that. Fingers crossed I will own a C5 by end of week if they can come down a little on their price and the car checks out.
I really appreciate the helpfulness of the folks on this forum. Everyone seems to jump right in to share information without hesitation and it's really great.
I really appreciate the helpfulness of the folks on this forum. Everyone seems to jump right in to share information without hesitation and it's really great.
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Good luck with your search for a C5. Just check the car over very carefully - and you can use the checklist provided in the thread referenced by RetiredSFC 97.
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From: Marana, Arizona
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 174
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From: Wilmington DE
I just bought a 98 last week, the price seems a bit high for the 97. Does the 02 have the select ride? if so it is expensive to fix. My needs shocks, Mechanic told me its 1100 per shock to replace, lucky for me my 98 does not have that supension system.
Something to consider though
Something to consider though
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 352
From: Carson City Nevada
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 352
From: Carson City Nevada
I've had 3 c5's with the selective ride control. Never had any problems. Some people have, though. You can always replace the ride control shocks with regular ones, and then put a gizmo in to fool the computer if something happens, and you would want to go the cheaper route. That is something I wouldn't worry about. It's not a very common problem.