looks nice
Buying first corvette - C5
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2013
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Buying first corvette - C5
Hey there...long time lurker here for years. About to test drive my first c5 this weekend. 2000 C5 for $21000, craiglist ad expired but here's what was written:
Bought it new. 16,000 miles. Non-smoker. Black with oak leather, all options, two tops, automatic, never hit, stored in heated garage. Exceptional condition.
I already downloaded the buyers checklist. Seller has disclosed one light has trouble closing and thinks its a linkage problem. GM mechanic says 95% of the time its a $600 motor repair. Seller lowered price to $20500. What else should i be looking for? Engines codes, etc. Tires are 13 yrs old but low miles..is tire age a factor?
About to realize a dream of owning a corvette since I was 16, and trying to keep emotion out of it...any help is appreciated.
Bought it new. 16,000 miles. Non-smoker. Black with oak leather, all options, two tops, automatic, never hit, stored in heated garage. Exceptional condition.
I already downloaded the buyers checklist. Seller has disclosed one light has trouble closing and thinks its a linkage problem. GM mechanic says 95% of the time its a $600 motor repair. Seller lowered price to $20500. What else should i be looking for? Engines codes, etc. Tires are 13 yrs old but low miles..is tire age a factor?
About to realize a dream of owning a corvette since I was 16, and trying to keep emotion out of it...any help is appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,868
Likes: 770
From: Kelso Washington
St. Jude Donor '09, '13, '15
Sweet looking ride....it's BRAND NEW!!
Headlights are gear driven and the nylon gear can fail. There are brass gears available for a retrofit. Only way to find the real problem is to find the real problem so it might be easy and cheap....or not.
Look at the axle output seals on the trans, see if it's been leaking...very doubtful with low miles.
Be ready to get tires....yes, age is a factor.
If you have the buyer list, you are in good shape.....it's a beautiful car.
Six speed or auto?
Good luck.
Headlights are gear driven and the nylon gear can fail. There are brass gears available for a retrofit. Only way to find the real problem is to find the real problem so it might be easy and cheap....or not.
Look at the axle output seals on the trans, see if it's been leaking...very doubtful with low miles.
Be ready to get tires....yes, age is a factor.
If you have the buyer list, you are in good shape.....it's a beautiful car.
Six speed or auto?
Good luck.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 3
From: US
Awesome! You'll love it! I have owned a lot of different cars but the Corvette is one I always love driving! This is a great forum with lots of good knowledge.
Tire age is a factor so take it easy on them and look into replacements. Unless you really need runflat tires, I would suggest looking elsewhere. You can spend 600ish dollars on a great set of tires and that includes all 4.
For the headlight motor - take a look here: a lot less than $600 dollars; more like $45 and a couple hours of your time- plus it's a better, long term fix. Pretty easy too if you're decent at following directions and handy.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...orialized.html
Have fun man! Post more pictures of her when you get her!
Tire age is a factor so take it easy on them and look into replacements. Unless you really need runflat tires, I would suggest looking elsewhere. You can spend 600ish dollars on a great set of tires and that includes all 4.
For the headlight motor - take a look here: a lot less than $600 dollars; more like $45 and a couple hours of your time- plus it's a better, long term fix. Pretty easy too if you're decent at following directions and handy.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...orialized.html
Have fun man! Post more pictures of her when you get her!
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 347
From: yardley, pa 19067
You will definitely need new tires which will cost up to $1600 for new runflats. Those tires are old & dry rotted. Check to see if these common issues have been fixed" (fuel gauge that drops to empty, Column lock has been disabled or it could lock up on you, leaky rear seal). These 3 alone could cost you a few thousand to fix. I'd offer $17500 just based on needing new tires & a headlight motor.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Sweet looking ride....it's BRAND NEW!!
Headlights are gear driven and the nylon gear can fail. There are brass gears available for a retrofit. Only way to find the real problem is to find the real problem so it might be easy and cheap....or not.
Look at the axle output seals on the trans, see if it's been leaking...very doubtful with low miles.
Be ready to get tires....yes, age is a factor.
If you have the buyer list, you are in good shape.....it's a beautiful car.
Six speed or auto?
Good luck.
Headlights are gear driven and the nylon gear can fail. There are brass gears available for a retrofit. Only way to find the real problem is to find the real problem so it might be easy and cheap....or not.
Look at the axle output seals on the trans, see if it's been leaking...very doubtful with low miles.
Be ready to get tires....yes, age is a factor.
If you have the buyer list, you are in good shape.....it's a beautiful car.
Six speed or auto?
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Awesome! You'll love it! I have owned a lot of different cars but the Corvette is one I always love driving! This is a great forum with lots of good knowledge.
Tire age is a factor so take it easy on them and look into replacements. Unless you really need runflat tires, I would suggest looking elsewhere. You can spend 600ish dollars on a great set of tires and that includes all 4.
For the headlight motor - take a look here: a lot less than $600 dollars; more like $45 and a couple hours of your time- plus it's a better, long term fix. Pretty easy too if you're decent at following directions and handy.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...orialized.html
Have fun man! Post more pictures of her when you get her!
Tire age is a factor so take it easy on them and look into replacements. Unless you really need runflat tires, I would suggest looking elsewhere. You can spend 600ish dollars on a great set of tires and that includes all 4.
For the headlight motor - take a look here: a lot less than $600 dollars; more like $45 and a couple hours of your time- plus it's a better, long term fix. Pretty easy too if you're decent at following directions and handy.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...orialized.html
Have fun man! Post more pictures of her when you get her!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
You will definitely need new tires which will cost up to $1600 for new runflats. Those tires are old & dry rotted. Check to see if these common issues have been fixed" (fuel gauge that drops to empty, Column lock has been disabled or it could lock up on you, leaky rear seal). These 3 alone could cost you a few thousand to fix. I'd offer $17500 just based on needing new tires & a headlight motor.
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Thread Starter
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Definitely tire AGE is an issue on tires. If your going to drive this car at highway speed then plan on replacing the tire immediately. Car comes with Run Flat tires which at 13+ years are going to be hard and lack traction. Many recent posts on this subject. Non Runflat tires are running around $800 for all 4. Run Flats are MUCH more expensive.
Also before deciding on tires, consider whether you are going to change wheels. If so then figure out what you want for wheels as OEM tire sizes may not fit your choice of wheels.....
Definitely pull the codes. If you don't know how here is both written and video info:
http://www.c5forum.com/ayc/dtcdic.php
OR
There is also a list of code meanings. Print both that list and the procedure for pulling codes. Of most interest to you will be codes related to 28 - TCS. The Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS) and the Electronic Brake Controller (EBCM) are no longer available for the 1997 - 2000 model year C5's. If you have codes under 28 - TCS, I suggest you identify what the codes mean from the list. If any are SWPS or EBCM related, I would walk away from the deal or look at getting the car cheap cheap. No fix for EBCM or SWPS problems on 97 - 2000.
If you are unsure of any of the code meanings, write them all down including the H or C or HC that follow each 5 character code and post them here. There are many here that can help you figure out what the codes mean.
Also ask the owner if he has any of the records for the Column Lock Recall Service that should have been done for the car.
The buyers check list info in the stickey at the top of this section should cover MOST other things you want to check out.
Also before deciding on tires, consider whether you are going to change wheels. If so then figure out what you want for wheels as OEM tire sizes may not fit your choice of wheels.....
Definitely pull the codes. If you don't know how here is both written and video info:
http://www.c5forum.com/ayc/dtcdic.php
OR
There is also a list of code meanings. Print both that list and the procedure for pulling codes. Of most interest to you will be codes related to 28 - TCS. The Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS) and the Electronic Brake Controller (EBCM) are no longer available for the 1997 - 2000 model year C5's. If you have codes under 28 - TCS, I suggest you identify what the codes mean from the list. If any are SWPS or EBCM related, I would walk away from the deal or look at getting the car cheap cheap. No fix for EBCM or SWPS problems on 97 - 2000.
If you are unsure of any of the code meanings, write them all down including the H or C or HC that follow each 5 character code and post them here. There are many here that can help you figure out what the codes mean.
Also ask the owner if he has any of the records for the Column Lock Recall Service that should have been done for the car.
The buyers check list info in the stickey at the top of this section should cover MOST other things you want to check out.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 3
From: US
No problem! If you aren't dead set on run flats, I wouldn't bother with them. Like a lot of these guys are saying - they cost $$$ and are heavy. A good cheaper alternative could be something like Nitto 555's or something along those lines. I've run Nittos 555's and Nitto 555r's on my Vette, Cobra, and 2 other Mustangs and got decent life out of them and the traction is good. Have fun!
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Intermediate
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Thread Starter
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 473
From: Rockland County NY
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2016 C5 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '12, '14
Nice car! Tire age is definately an issue, but you'll appreciate the fresh rubber, especially if you get away from the stock run-flats! I would guess the headlight issue is a slipping gear which is a cheap fix if you do it yourself. If you plan to stay with the stock headlights, I recommend replacing the nylon headlight gears with a set of brass ones. Lastly, I remember being in your position and I came up with a bunch of good reasons why I thought the automatic was a 'smart' choice. 6 years later and I kick myself everyday for not going manual. The fun factor is worth the impracticality! Either way, enjoy your first Vette! 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,724
Likes: 2
From: Holland Landing Ontario
Looks like a beauty.
Like others have said, you will need new tires. Drive it home with the old ones and you will see why. They will be noisy and very hard. Drive easily because those old tires will break loose and you could find yourself going the wrong way in a hurry.
Also, don't take it to the dealer to repair the headlight. Get the new gears and do it yourself. No big deal. Ask me how I know.
Finally, if you really want a manual, keep looking. A nice one will come along eventually. You will kick yourself if you don't. If its not that big of a deal, go ahead with this one.
Like others have said, you will need new tires. Drive it home with the old ones and you will see why. They will be noisy and very hard. Drive easily because those old tires will break loose and you could find yourself going the wrong way in a hurry.
Also, don't take it to the dealer to repair the headlight. Get the new gears and do it yourself. No big deal. Ask me how I know.
Finally, if you really want a manual, keep looking. A nice one will come along eventually. You will kick yourself if you don't. If its not that big of a deal, go ahead with this one.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,868
Likes: 770
From: Kelso Washington
St. Jude Donor '09, '13, '15
When I was looking, automatics weren't considered...at all. I got lucky finding mine.
This might be your "gateway" Vette. With the low mileage, you might be able to drive it while you keep looking and then use this one's value to help you get into the "right" car. Big gamble though.
good luck
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 367
From: Iowa
You are making a mistake if you are settling for an auto but really want a manual. It's a huge mistake financially. Don't settle just so you can get a Corvette. I settled buying a car once and it costs me at least $5k. Buy exactly what you're looking for.
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I believe i am settling just to get a corvette.........
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I want to thank all of you who responded...you brought up many good points.
Just for the fact it will need new tires/sensors and its auto I'm not even going to make the two hour drive to test drive it.
Just for the fact it will need new tires/sensors and its auto I'm not even going to make the two hour drive to test drive it.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 367
From: Iowa
Not to mention all the fluids need to be changed. If you have the dealer do it you're looking at $500-1000.