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I have a 99 and LOVE it. The biggest downside to the 99 imo is the EBCM issue. If it goes bad, you are not likely to find a replacement. GM stopped making it. The EBCM controls the active handling, traction control and ABS. Good luck
hey guys I already own a 92 C4 and am looking ata 99 C5 83k miles asking price 12,500 would appreciate any pros/cons your willing to share , thanx
Have a '98. Had it from new. Mine has about 72k on it. Need to see a history, but IMO the early cars are good buy. What else does $12.5k get you these days? Things that will go wrong are stuff like the odd sensor or relay - make sure all the door controls are working properly.
Mechanically, as long as they have been properly maintained, and not beaten to death, these cars seem very tough - mine still uses absolutely no oil between changes, never has.
In my area that's a fair asking price for that car. Although when it is time for business $11k or $11,500 would probably buy it. Especially if it is needing tires or any other expensive maintenance.
My car is a 2000, another one at possible risk of EBCM failure, but so far so good and in the end, I don't really worry about it as bad as some people do. Just enjoy the car and worry about that stuff if it happens.
My only advice is what you already know... You're a Vette guy and I'm sure you know the general things to look for.
C5's are fun cars. You will love it if you buy it.
Good luck and keep us posted if you buy it, or any c5 for that matter.
hey guys I already own a 92 C4 and am looking ata 99 C5 83k miles asking price 12,500 would appreciate any pros/cons your willing to share , thanx
I have a 2000 FRC with 104000 + miles don't leak or smoke ,does have piston slap on start up about 1 min. My everday car don't have all the driving help.
thanx guys and I was already warned about that EBCM and is weird they didn't make a part to replace it, but that problem would not bother me as long as the car stops will get back to ya when I see and drive it BTW I might be putting my 92 up for sale..........o
Last edited by lectroglide; Oct 9, 2014 at 07:44 PM.
Love my 99. I still get compliments. Someone today said "that is one of those new ones, right?" They couldn't believe it when I told them it is 15 years old. A timeless design that is a blast to drive!
ok so I went to see that 99 and wasn't impressed or should I say it had been abused and not kept up very well, however I did have a chance to drive it, that was a good experience! I also noticed how low it was and hard to pour my 6'2 255 lb a$$ in the drivers seat.
it definitely had different features my 92 and much work had been done according to the receipts like about $4.500,
test drive was good and felt way different than my 92 and had a lot more power especially when I put my foot in it!
Am still not too knowlegable about this year but am learning and am looking forward to owning one.
Last edited by lectroglide; Oct 11, 2014 at 09:29 PM.
ok so I went to see that 99 and wasn't impressed or should I say it had been abused and not kept up very well, however I did have a chance to drive it, that was a good experience! I also noticed how low it was and hard to pour my self in >>>>>>>>>6'2 255 lbs. more later
I can't believe someone coming from a C4 would comment on how hard the c5 is to get in and out of. I went from a 94 to a 2004 and the 04 is much, much easier to get in and out of.
ok so I went to see that 99 and wasn't impressed or should I say it had been abused and not kept up very well, however I did have a chance to drive it, that was a good experience! I also noticed how low it was and hard to pour my 6'2 255 lb a$$ in the drivers seat.
it definitely had different features my 92 and much work had been done according to the receipts like about $4.500,
test drive was good and felt way different than my 92 and had a lot more power especially when I put my foot in it!
Am still not too knowlegable about this year but am learning and am looking forward to owning one.
Depends on your budget, but one thing you can be sure of. There are lots of well maintained C5's out there. You just have to look around a while. And maybe it's a couple of states away, or a few cities over, or cross country. Lots of guys (myself included) have flown many miles to get our C5, then had a hoot driving it back home.
Maybe it's best for you, that the first deal fell through. Gives you a little time to read up on C5, and look around at others.
Good luck, you should love it, when you find it.
Don
riversidedan1, My first ride in a C5 two years ago was a 99 and a lot like yours. I liked the power and the ride overall, but the car needed attention and was overpriced. If your budget is $12.5K, you should be able to find a very clean early C-5 for that price or very close to it. You might want to pass on that first ride until you've seen several more. Hope this works for you.
Last edited by roadbike56; Oct 12, 2014 at 12:00 AM.
thanx for the replys and yes, the C4 is not easy getting in/out of! but the C5 being lower was even harder! to be honest, the effort is worth it if ya know what I mean! and yes I was unlucky to run into a bad example but am sure thiers some nice ones out their. the main thing is I had the chance to actually drive one. Believe me guyz im not that much over wieght just a big guy
Last edited by lectroglide; Oct 12, 2014 at 11:10 PM.
thanx for the replys and yes, the C4 is not easy getting in/out of! but the C5 being lower was even harder! to be honest, the effort is worth it if ya know what I mean! and yes I was unlucky to run into a bad example but am sure thiers some nice ones out their. the main thing is I had the chance to actually drive one. Believe me guyz im not all blubber just a big guy
My comment wasn't about your size. It's about having to climb over the frame rail while avoiding the corner of the dash and the steering wheel with the seat bolster poking in your back. I think if you measure, you'll find the C4 seat bottom is also lower. Unless perhaps you didn't drive a stock C5. Next time you drive one, take your 92 and climb out and into the C5. If you don't have the 92 any more, then there's the problem, you've just forgotten how low it was.
I also have a 92 vert. I just purchased a 99 FRC. They are completely differnt cars. Both cars are lowered, but the 99 is lower and harder to get in and out. I have completed coil overs on the 92 and it handles better than the 99, but I think it is because of the coil overs. Both cars a a blast to drive. Other than a small leak in the water pump, the 92 is show quality. The 99 six speed has a blinker issue and the key fobs don't work, but my god does this thing go. The torque is amazing. I would highly recommend a C5 to ad to your garage.
I can't believe someone coming from a C4 would comment on how hard the c5 is to get in and out of. I went from a 94 to a 2004 and the 04 is much, much easier to get in and out of.
question for out of town buyers>>>>>>>so you had to go out of town to see your potential vehicle, how many here had to take the car for a professional inspection and how many here did the inspection their self? I know reading codes is a must but how did you check out mechanical issues w/o using a shop/garage, or did you just know what to look for?
I know that this is not what you were asking but have you considered a 2001 or newer? The 01-04 had a number of improvements and they don"t have the EBCM problem.For a few more dollars you should be able to get into one of these.
Fred
I know that this is not what you were asking but have you considered a 2001 or newer? The 01-04 had a number of improvements and they don"t have the EBCM problem.For a few more dollars you should be able to get into one of these.
Fred
ya that's what Im hearing and wish I had the xtra funds however that ABS problem wouldnt bother me , I still think its weird they didn't make a replacement part, ohwell vettes are like America, lovem or leavem
question for out of town buyers>>>>>>>so you had to go out of town to see your potential vehicle, how many here had to take the car for a professional inspection and how many here did the inspection their self? I know reading codes is a must but how did you check out mechanical issues w/o using a shop/garage, or did you just know what to look for?
I did the inspection myself when I bought the Vette, but I knew the dealer's (excellent) reputation from years ago when I lived in that town. Still, not the best idea and I'll never take that chance again. When I bought my used Lexus RX recently, the selling dealer was not a Lexus dealer. I took the Lexus to a Lexus dealer who was a rival and not affiliated (i.e. different owner). So they're motivated to tell me why I need to not buy that vehicle. They gave me a short list of items to replace/repair with a buy recommendation. The guy before me got a much different, long expensive list of reasons to pass on the car he was having inspected. I would recommend you find a Chevy dealer in the area who knows Vettes and call ahead and ask for them to inspect it. Chances are they have a program that they run to inspect a car. I know the Lexus program was VERY complete.
Last edited by roadbike56; Oct 12, 2014 at 11:35 PM.
Questions re 99 c5
will get back to ya when I see and drive it
BTW I might be putting my 92 up for sale..........o
