Buying first corvette - C5
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 798
From: Windsor CA
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
You might try videoing the codes with a camera or smart phone, that is what I did after getting our low mileage (44K) '98 I was lucky to find codes only in the A0-LDCM, A1-RDCM and A6-SCM. Good Luck with your search!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Thanks for the advice....this thread alone has saved me money!
The problems with a C5...
Original Tires that need replacing
Any error codes
fuel gauge that drops to empty
Column lock has been disabled or it could lock up on you
leaky rear seal
Tire Pressure Monitoring Modules
Will a reputable dealer (not GM) know about these issues? I guess my question is should I buy from a dealer or private party? I found another prospect, mileage 55K - manual trans - $18900:
http://www.jabaay.com/vehicle/466817...illinois-60438
The problems with a C5...
Original Tires that need replacing
Any error codes
fuel gauge that drops to empty
Column lock has been disabled or it could lock up on you
leaky rear seal
Tire Pressure Monitoring Modules
Will a reputable dealer (not GM) know about these issues? I guess my question is should I buy from a dealer or private party? I found another prospect, mileage 55K - manual trans - $18900:
http://www.jabaay.com/vehicle/466817...illinois-60438
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,868
Likes: 770
From: Kelso Washington
St. Jude Donor '09, '13, '15
I think most will agree that for what you are willing to pay, go for a 2001 or newer.
Like ANY car, there are sometimes issues and some are "luckier" than others. So, as with any car, you pay yer money and take yer chances.
I have over 103K on my coupe and am VERY pleased with the reliability and actually also please with what some fixes have cost me AND that some have been DIY's thanks to this forum.
Do NOT let some of the common issues scare you away. These cars can take some abuse but if you don't abuse them, they last even better. Regardless, the drive experience and look is worth it!
Over six years I've fixed (or had fixed or replaced):
Column lock
flasher unit
Water pump
brakes/rotors
plugs/wires
EBCM ($150 @ absfixer)
belt idler/tensioners - both
I think that's it!! The rest was just regular maintenance and I'm still running on the original clutch!
I can't think of a single regret about buying this amazing car. We're a helluva team.....
Get one....but only make small compromises.
edit: Oh....and....Pewter is a great color that loves the camera, is complimented by the sun, and is easy to keep looking clean. The most common word I hear from people is "classy"...
oh....and....again....if you can get a two-tone interior it makes the inside experience much better.
Like ANY car, there are sometimes issues and some are "luckier" than others. So, as with any car, you pay yer money and take yer chances.
I have over 103K on my coupe and am VERY pleased with the reliability and actually also please with what some fixes have cost me AND that some have been DIY's thanks to this forum.
Do NOT let some of the common issues scare you away. These cars can take some abuse but if you don't abuse them, they last even better. Regardless, the drive experience and look is worth it!
Over six years I've fixed (or had fixed or replaced):
Column lock
flasher unit
Water pump
brakes/rotors
plugs/wires
EBCM ($150 @ absfixer)
belt idler/tensioners - both
I think that's it!! The rest was just regular maintenance and I'm still running on the original clutch!
I can't think of a single regret about buying this amazing car. We're a helluva team.....
Get one....but only make small compromises.
edit: Oh....and....Pewter is a great color that loves the camera, is complimented by the sun, and is easy to keep looking clean. The most common word I hear from people is "classy"...
oh....and....again....if you can get a two-tone interior it makes the inside experience much better.
Last edited by Oh 2 Fun; Sep 24, 2013 at 08:24 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 17,754
Likes: 1,210
From: Aiken, SC
St. Jude Donor '13 thru '26
I was in the same boat as you this spring, buying my first Corvette. I test drove an auto and I have to admit I was less than overwhelmed. After waiting 41 years to buy a Corvette I expected fireworks the second I stepped on the gas, didn't happen.
Second test ride - 6 spd - fireworks!!
If you really want a 6 spd get one!!
Good Luck and remember, patience!!!!
Second test ride - 6 spd - fireworks!!
If you really want a 6 spd get one!!
Good Luck and remember, patience!!!!
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Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,360
Likes: 24,783
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Good luck finding just the right car. Lots of good advice has been given and the sticky threads at the top contain some great info on the C5. If you really want a manual tranny car, try and find one. The auto is a fine car (I had two 6-speed C5s before I bought my current A4 '03) but if this is your first Corvette, best to find just what you are looking for.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,594
Likes: 4,619
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
I have had great experience with Nitto 555 Extremes. There are aftermarket TPM's for half the price of OEM. Check with Forum Vendors who sell TPM's.Otherwise a very nice low mileage C5.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Once again I have to say thanks for the advice! Since most would agree to get a 2001 or later, main reason the SWPS and EBCM are both available new, my search will continue for a blue, manual 2001 or later. Might need to save up a few more pennies!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,868
Likes: 770
From: Kelso Washington
St. Jude Donor '09, '13, '15
You'll find the right car....and you're not far off on the money part.
Best of luck to you.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
OK, I know i should take my time looking for what I want, but interests rates are 1.99% at PenFed (found through this forum) right now...for a used vehicle thats crazy! So i found this:
His ad: "Hi I am selling my Z06 , it has new tires , stored winters in heated garage, drives absolutely great .. Serious inquires only please this is a very good car. Brand new Tires with the correct perfomance rating. All brakes and rotors on all 4 wheels were done also in summer 2012 so there are a lot of miles left for them. Thank you for your interest a head of time. Car cover comes with the car. 46,650 miles"
I asked him to check the error codes using the youtube procedure, fuel gauge that suddenly drops to empty?
Column lock has been disabled?
leaky rear seal?
Tire Pressure Monitoring Modules...were these replaced with the tires and brakes?
We will see the responses...firm price of $19K...
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/4031492024.html
His ad: "Hi I am selling my Z06 , it has new tires , stored winters in heated garage, drives absolutely great .. Serious inquires only please this is a very good car. Brand new Tires with the correct perfomance rating. All brakes and rotors on all 4 wheels were done also in summer 2012 so there are a lot of miles left for them. Thank you for your interest a head of time. Car cover comes with the car. 46,650 miles"
I asked him to check the error codes using the youtube procedure, fuel gauge that suddenly drops to empty?
Column lock has been disabled?
leaky rear seal?
Tire Pressure Monitoring Modules...were these replaced with the tires and brakes?
We will see the responses...firm price of $19K...
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/4031492024.html
Last edited by barryc5; Sep 25, 2013 at 03:10 PM. Reason: ADDED LINK
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,868
Likes: 770
From: Kelso Washington
St. Jude Donor '09, '13, '15
My first impression is very good of this car. I'm ASSuming you know the difference between the coupe and this Z06.
Smiles per mile should be much more with the Z but you'll lose some creature comforts and the removable (targa) top.
This Z looks good for good price. And it's execeptionally clean underneath!
Smiles per mile should be much more with the Z but you'll lose some creature comforts and the removable (targa) top.
This Z looks good for good price. And it's execeptionally clean underneath!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
My first impression is very good of this car. I'm ASSuming you know the difference between the coupe and this Z06.
Smiles per mile should be much more with the Z but you'll lose some creature comforts and the removable (targa) top.
This Z looks good for good price. And it's execeptionally clean underneath!
Smiles per mile should be much more with the Z but you'll lose some creature comforts and the removable (targa) top.
This Z looks good for good price. And it's execeptionally clean underneath!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
One little FYI on the Z06. They did NOT come from the factory with TPMS. A few owners have added them but you need access to someone with a TECH II device to activate that RPO in the Body Control Module (BCM). Then you install the actual transmitters in each wheel and train them to the computer.
What the Z06's did come with is a 12Volt air compressor and a bottle of sealant. If you pick up a nail or what ever, you inject the sealant through the valve stem and then use the compressor to inflate the tire. Works for small punctures. Check to see if the air compressor is still in the rear cubby hole. The sealant will likely be past it's expiration date but you can purchase some fresh stuff or use any of several after market sealants.
What the Z06's did come with is a 12Volt air compressor and a bottle of sealant. If you pick up a nail or what ever, you inject the sealant through the valve stem and then use the compressor to inflate the tire. Works for small punctures. Check to see if the air compressor is still in the rear cubby hole. The sealant will likely be past it's expiration date but you can purchase some fresh stuff or use any of several after market sealants.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 315
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
One little FYI on the Z06. They did NOT come from the factory with TPMS. A few owners have added them but you need access to someone with a TECH II device to activate that RPO in the Body Control Module (BCM). Then you install the actual transmitters in each wheel and train them to the computer.
What the Z06's did come with is a 12Volt air compressor and a bottle of sealant. If you pick up a nail or what ever, you inject the sealant through the valve stem and then use the compressor to inflate the tire. Works for small punctures. Check to see if the air compressor is still in the rear cubby hole. The sealant will likely be past it's expiration date but you can purchase some fresh stuff or use any of several after market sealants.
What the Z06's did come with is a 12Volt air compressor and a bottle of sealant. If you pick up a nail or what ever, you inject the sealant through the valve stem and then use the compressor to inflate the tire. Works for small punctures. Check to see if the air compressor is still in the rear cubby hole. The sealant will likely be past it's expiration date but you can purchase some fresh stuff or use any of several after market sealants.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
After 6 months I still wanted a manual, so I sold that vette after 2 years and bought my current vette. Took an absolute beating on the sale of the first one.
The moral of the story
What's more important, having a manual, or the options you're looking for? I would bet you'll still want the manual after 6 months, but if you don't have an option like HUD for example, will you really miss what you won't use that often and could possibly be something needing repair down the line?
You'll use that manual at least 4 times every stop and go.
Last edited by RetiredSFC 97; Sep 26, 2013 at 10:00 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,831
Likes: 21
From: The Voice of Reason!
St. Jude Donor '14
Bought the automatic and ALWAYS regretted it. When I bought my current Vette, I took my time and got everything I wanted and couldn't be happier.