Hello There,

I am Timothy, a first time car buyer, and new Corvette lover.

I'm 28, living in West Chester, PA (a 4-seasonal area) I've saved up a little money to get a used car (about $15,000). I was considering a C3 for a daily driver, but many of you advised against it. And since I am a novice, I'm going to humbly respect your suggestions.

Easy Mike recommended a C5 for a daily cruiser.

I'm going to repeat my same questions, if you'll please answer them again, but in the context of a C5.

- Would you consider this wise for a primary car? I recognize enthusiasts usually relegate them to a second vehicle - but my mileage is less than 10,000 per year and strictly local. Does this factor in?

- Would I be reasonably able to get repairs for such a vehicle in an emergency?

- Is it realistic to get a warranty for one of these? Or is just a positive inspection the norm?

Thank you for your thoughts!

All the best,
Timothy

 

Timothy,
I hope you do get a C5, but there's something to consider based on your location. You need to hear from those who live in areas with plenty of snow like you will face. I used to have a C3 and it used to be a DD in NJ. Back then all you needed was a set of F-70 snow tires with studs and a set of metal mud flaps to protect the rear quarter panels and you were good to go. But the C5 is lower and I don't know what folks up north do for snow tires for these cars. I've since moved to NC and don't have to deal with that problem. Hope someone from the north regions comments.

 

Welcome Timothy. You'll definitely get a lot of answers on this but with the $$ you've saved you'll be able to get into an earlier C5 (1997-2000) with fairly low miles or even better (a slightly higher mileage 2001-2004, *I have a 98 myself). There are some benefits to each. Lower miles usually means less wear and tear on the car but that's not always true. Miles don't seem to hurt on these cars much as they're designed to last a long time. My 98 still looks almost showroom new, but it does have its flaws. I got my 98 Coupe 2 years ago for $12,900. That left me a few $$ to spend on updates (which thank goodness I have an understanding wifey).
Now the reason I might point you towards the newer C5s (01-04) is because they got most of the "kinks" worked out and you can still find parts for them, in some cases, parts that do not exist anymore for the older models (of which I have one and will not be selling it ever). Also, you've hit a good time of the year to start searching. Vettes start bringing a premium in spring time as ppl anticipate the cruising during the nice days. Where I live, I can drive my car year round. But up north, the guys put their cars away for the winter as a Corvette being very low, is a lousy driver in the snow. Well, what that does is some one decides they don't need their Vette anymore and would rather sell cheap than put it away for the winter. Lowest prices will be in the Nov-Feb months as a general rule.
Next thing for you to ponder is what do you want? There are coupes, FRCs, and convertibles. Decide what you want. Next, decide what colors appeal to you, then whether an auto or 6-speed tranny. One of my desires was to NOT have a black interior. I ended up with light oak. Black however is THE most popular color interior.
So there you have it. Start by searching the local ads, craigslist and there is a good for sale section here on CF. Don't be afraid to drive to find what you want. The car I bought was a 3 hour drive from my house. I spent an entire Saturday driving out to see it then picked it up the following weekend. That was a fun week of anticipation!!
Lastly, we have a little rule here on CF. Once you find your new baby, you must post pictures of it so we all can ogle her (un-ashamedly I will admit as well). We'll enjoy her as well. The guys and gals here on CF are awesome folks, willing to help a fellow Vette owner and you'll be surprised at how much knowledge is available. Just ask! We here to help!

 

Timothy, I'm in Pittsburgh and am friends with a guy who has daily'd his c5Z for like 5 years straight. He said he'll never go back to anything else. He puts on a good winter tire and says he doesn't have the first issue. With snow being more limited anymore these years, only the occasional big snow happens. Also, the car has an LSD, so with good snow tires, it gets very good off the line traction, you just have to be careful not to turn it around. Active handling works though, no question.

The cars are reliable...it wouldn't be a problem. My other friend daily's an S2000 year round...he does fine.

You also might notice, they test Corvettes in the snow during development...they can do it, for sure...

 

Thanks for acknowledging the weather concern!

WOW THANKS!!!

I haven't fully wrapped my mind around the implications of the different types: coupe/FRC/convertible.

Is a convertible colder in the winter, because it has a fabric top? (Yes, it's colder)

Aren't convertibles a bit riskier due to no overhead protection? (Yes)

Are they more liable to be targeted for car theft? (Yes)

Is the convertible roof function automatic or manual? (Manual)

Thank you for enlightening me.

*** I did research and found my own answers - included in parenthesis ***


Yes! Now, I'm convinced this car is suitable for me, despite our occasional snowfall. Thanks for sharing that anecdote.

 

Funny story was I bought my first vette in San Diego...actually flew out from Pittsburgh. It was a 1992 6spd I got in 2010. My friend and I went out, did the deal and drove back. It was early May, so I figured going out I70 through the Rockies then into Denver would be safe....HA...not!

We hit a damn blizzard...lol. We ended up having to overnight in Avalon near Vail Pass because they shut down the interstate. Next morning we left, but were driving in about 4" of snow on the road. We were wearing shorts and people thought we were nuts, but honestly...the thing did fine...even on stock tires.

 

Hello everyone,

I just joined this forum and just bought my first Corvette. I bought a 99 C5 with only 37k at a really good price. I thought something was wrong with the car because the price was so low, 18k. I have had the car for a week and so far so good. Also, had it checked out by a local mechanic and no obvious faults. The interior and exterior is in near perfect condition. It's 6spd and the clutch is really smooth. I guess I just lucked out with my dream car. I drove about 2hrs away to get it and it was definitely worth the trip.

Arsh

 

Timothy - - I grew up near Cleveland and did my first 360 spin in a Corvette in the first snow in Columbus while in grad school - - living in Arizona now allows more Vette time- but for many years in Ohio, one of the Vettes was a daily driver.

I personally favor the coupe - - I've had both- but like the "security" of a coupe . . quieter, less 'exposed', more security, etc- but clearly personal choice.

At your price point, you're probably looking up to a 2001 depending upon condition and miles. Suggest you find a local Corvette club and go hang out - - if you're not familiar with the idiosyncrasies, see if you can find someone to go with you when you've narrowed down your candidates - - or perhaps a club member may be selling - -a higher price but higher confidence in the purchase too . . .

You'll do well to read through the 'stickies' on buying a C5 in the section above - - all good info. I've owned a couple of each of the 'generations' of Corvettes except the new C7 at this point and enjoy the "roadability (?) of my C5 coupe as much as any Corvette I've had.

Good luck-

 

Timothy- Great car and with the wimpy snow we get here nowadays you will be in fine shape. GM tested these in the permafrost areas far north of here and they are rugged in the snow. I wish I could find the videos of the C5 being tested in winter conditions it was incredible.
Plus it is the most economical and funnest vehicle I have out of 6.

 

Congrats on your new Vette and welcome to the forum !

Post up a picture when you can - -

 

So you've never owned any other type of car before? That's pretty awesome to go for a Vette for your first car. I'm assuming that you don't have any need to have more than 2 seats?

I'm the same age as you and I just bought my C5 this summer. It had 85k on it when I bought it and I have loved every moment behind the wheel so far. It gets fantastic mileage and is an amazing driver's car. If I were you I would test drive one first before considering it further though. A Corvette is a great car but it has it's limitations. I use mine as a second vehicle and my primary vehicle is a Silverado so I can buy large items to bring home from the store, I can fill it up with people, and I can use 4x4 to get through our Canadian snow drifts etc. The C5 has an etremely large "trunk" and you will find that you can carry about 80% of the things you buy in the store so compared to other sports cars it has great cargo capacity.

Anyway, the C5 is a very reliable from my experience so far and should be a great car for you if it offers the features that you need.

Good luck on your hunt.

 

Ok, you know the rules. Gotta post them pics for us!! Don't do it here, start a new thread and you'll get a proper welcome from the gang.

 

If you get a lot of snow/ice, which in PA I would assume you do, the C5 can be a real handful to drive in that kind of weather. Otherwise it is a great car for a primary vehicle. If I were you and you really wanted a C5, get a cheap beater car to drive when the weather is bad.

The C5 is very reliable and when repairs are needed, most parts can be obtained easily. There are certain parts, like the EBCM for '97-00 models that is no longer available so if it goes out, you either drive it without the ABS working or find a used one and take your chances on how long it will last. If your budget allows, go for a '01 or newer car not only for the upgrades, but for the availability of parts or repairs to them.

You may have difficulty finding a company that will offer an extended warranty on a C5 considering the age of even the newest one. If you do happen to find a warranty, be sure to read it over carefully to ensure you understand what your deductibles will be and what parts are or are not covered in the event a repair is needed.

 

I would have to say no as a year round car in PA. We do get snow, sleet, heavy rains, etc. and there will be days you won't be able to get around even if you bought snow tires for it. It's a great car but say you get a quick half foot of snow, you'll end up plowing the road because it sits so low. Ultimately it's up to you but IMHO I would have to say no

 

I say if the guy uses a Z06 as DD why not..

go for it

 

Thank you all very much for your input. I heed the concern about the weather, and also acknowledge those who say I'll be OK in winter.

I believe if I see an opportunity I am going to take it.

 

Does anyone have experience getting a car delivered?

For example, how do you purchase a car form a private party from across the country? Do you not test drive it?

 

Timothy - check out Conte's Corvettes in Vineland NJ. Not too far from you, a great selection, and an outstanding place to do business. No need to have it shipped and you can test drive anything they've got. Joe is legendary.

http://www.contes.com/en/

Good luck!

 

I used to DD a Trans Am in Ohio, I highly recommend a dedicated set of skinny snow tires for winter use. Driving through small amounts of snow and large amounts of slush were fine, but if the snow gets too high it will be a snow plow and you'll have issues on those days.

 

I bought my first 1998 C5 in August, 2004. I owned this car for 14 months before selling it to buy a Honda Civic Coupe. While I owned this car is was the cheapest car to maintain of ANY car I have ever owned. I bought it with 24000 miles and sold it with 56000 miles. This car was trouble free. One set of tires when I first bought the car, along with a set of Y2K wheels, normal maintaince including oil changes, and a set of tires prior to selling this car. I got 17 to 19 mpg in the city (Huntington Beach) and with cruise I hit 31 mpg. It was a great handling car and I'm now starting to look for a good used C5 to buy later this year in the $20K range. there are a lot of cars, both FRC, Coupes and Convertables to choose from and in the different colors. I think with the many choices out there in the market you probably have many to choose from. Good luck in your venture.