I plan on buying a 1997 c5
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 19
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I plan on buying a 1997 c5
I plan on buying a 1997 c5 for my wife is their any thing i should know about the c5. i already own a 1984 c4 very familiar with the problems my 84 has giving me how are the 1997 c5's what can i expect the good and the bad
thank you
thank you
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Racer
Joined: May 2013
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From: New Salisbury Ind
I bought my 97 a year ago and love it, had to fix a lot of little things normal to a 17 year old car,(door hinge, window regulator, sunviser, ww pump, underhood lite, seat back handle, etc) so plan on fixing stuff if you want it right. good thing is the price was right and had some bolt on mods, plus a lot of things already fixed lite the head lite motors.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,102
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From: Newark Delaware
You will get a lot of comments to avoid the early years/only look at '01-'04 because electronics. The later years have just as many electronics that can have problems as well. And the aftermarket will fill the niche for replacement parts - someone will solve the EBCM issue (maybe not cheaply but it will be done).
K9Leader
K9Leader
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Lehigh Valley PA
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I bought a rare 97 as well. Have it for a year, floor mats, center console cover, changed fluids, minor stuff. But it truly is in cream puff condition! Can't imagine getting rid of it now.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,279
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From: Pittsburgh PA
Quality control
Was very high on the 97&98 year cars. Just like buying any used car it's a role of the dice. If the car was maintained properly it can possibly be a good car. I own a 98 and do not care what is said about the early cars because it is as good as any year. Bought my car new, 43000 mile, would put it up against any model year. You make the choice on what year you like no one else.
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: oregon
all about cost. before i bought my z06 i nearly bought a 97 coupe for 7200 bucks. just wanted a little nicer and newer.
if you get a 97, just make sure the price matches what you could sell it for yourself
if you get a 97, just make sure the price matches what you could sell it for yourself
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
All the C5's are a great car, But as others have said put a few more bucks with it and get a 2001-04, The early C5 has had troubles with the traction control and the part isn't available any longer and not able to be fixed like the 2001-04 units.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Holly Springs NC
St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
The recommendation to buy a newer car is a good one BUT I understand if you find a really low price for a no excuses, early car. Some of the early cars are now available for thousands less than an 01-04 car. That difference can buy a lot of repairs and make the purchase irresistible. If you decide to go with an early car, don't limit yourself to 97's, include 98's & 99's for sure.
Race Director
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,657
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From: Boxford Massachusetts
Whatever you propose to buy, you will be advised here to buy something newer and more expensive. When you say what you are proposing to pay, you will be told that it is too much, that you could buy a better car for that money. Take it all with a grain of salt. Do your own research into market conditions. You'll know a good deal when you see one, and you won't have to ask.
The key to the C5 is the care that has been taken of it. Stay within your means, be picky about condition and pay a fair price. The older the car, the more likely it is to require maintenance. Beyond that, it is a roll of the dice no matter what you buy.
Best of luck. If you are fussy without being crazy about it, you should be very happy with what you get. The C5 is a wonderful car and a great value.
The key to the C5 is the care that has been taken of it. Stay within your means, be picky about condition and pay a fair price. The older the car, the more likely it is to require maintenance. Beyond that, it is a roll of the dice no matter what you buy.
Best of luck. If you are fussy without being crazy about it, you should be very happy with what you get. The C5 is a wonderful car and a great value.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 51
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From: Pekin Illinois
I bought the best '99 I could afford. Sure, I had to replace the HVAC check valve for $8.00. Rebuilt the lumbar supports for $40.00 and replaced the driver's side headlight motor and that has been the most expensive repair, $115.00. This is over a 2 year period and is what I consider my hobby. Of course I don't want something to fail every time I drive it and it doesn't. It is 15 years old and I consider it normal repairs.
Two weeks ago at a very small car show I won a 14 inch plastic trophy for my class.
Have fun with what you can afford.
Two weeks ago at a very small car show I won a 14 inch plastic trophy for my class.
Have fun with what you can afford.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Los Angeles CA
I remember the C5 when they were new and can't remember any serious problems at all. My brother bought a new 1999 C5 that I got to drive a while and I couldn't imagine a better car.......
I currently have a 1997 C5 6 speed for sale (130,000 miles) but that's not why I'm posting. I just think they are good cars. They are even better cars considering what they are and the selling price these days. I wouldn't hesitate to but another one
Find one u like, have somebody check it and go for a long test drive.
Good luck
I currently have a 1997 C5 6 speed for sale (130,000 miles) but that's not why I'm posting. I just think they are good cars. They are even better cars considering what they are and the selling price these days. I wouldn't hesitate to but another one
Find one u like, have somebody check it and go for a long test drive.
Good luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
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From: Columbia SC
Never buy any C5 without knowing how to pull the trouble codes from the internal diagnostics the car has. It will show you the possible problems with ALL the dozen or so computer modules in the car.
Once pulled and posted to us we can help you sort out whether they are just past history or are a real current issue to affect the car.
Here is a start to learn how to do that. You are also welcome to PM me with your phone number and I can discuss this and other things with you.
Once pulled and posted to us we can help you sort out whether they are just past history or are a real current issue to affect the car.
Here is a start to learn how to do that. You are also welcome to PM me with your phone number and I can discuss this and other things with you.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 76
From: Portland OR
When I looked, I read through the sticky on this forum and it was very helpful. After looking at about a dozen cars, I had a pretty firm list of wants/needs/requirements.
I knew what options I NEEDED (6 speed manual, targa) and what options were "nice" (HUD, sport seats). and what was required ('01+, less than 75k miles, less than $15k). In total it took me about 2 months from start to finish. I wasn't REALLY looking until the second month when winter was finally starting to take hold (NEVER BUY A SPORTS CAR IN THE SUMMER).
The only thing I might do different is I might have gotten an '02 since my '01 (and many others it seems) burns a little oil, but no drips.
But my '01 was everything I wanted including my daughters favorite coupe color (quicksilver metallic).
I knew what options I NEEDED (6 speed manual, targa) and what options were "nice" (HUD, sport seats). and what was required ('01+, less than 75k miles, less than $15k). In total it took me about 2 months from start to finish. I wasn't REALLY looking until the second month when winter was finally starting to take hold (NEVER BUY A SPORTS CAR IN THE SUMMER).
The only thing I might do different is I might have gotten an '02 since my '01 (and many others it seems) burns a little oil, but no drips.
But my '01 was everything I wanted including my daughters favorite coupe color (quicksilver metallic).