Need opinion
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 668
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From: Bismarck IL.
Need opinion
I have a 73 but I am going to buy a c5. I found a 98 coupe with 22,000 miles and a 2004 coupe with 76,000 miles. I like the 22,000 miles on the 98 but I have been told you can't get abs controllers if they go bad. The price on the 04 is $17;000 and the 98 is $14;500.
What is your opinion? Thanks Charlie
What is your opinion? Thanks Charlie
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I would go with the newer one for the reason you mentioned, I believe there are other nuances about the older models too but I'm not as familiar with them as the 01+... 76k is still not bad mileage, maybe you could talk them down a bit and close the money gap between the older car
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That's a lot of difference in miles, but the 2004 has many more very good updates to the platform. Hard call, but if the '04 checked out 100%, I'd probably lean towards it.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Pittsburgh PA
Yes the abs in the 98 May be a problem. Check to see if it has AH, that seems to be a factor with the abs unit. The 01 thru 04 have some problems that the 98 does not. So none of these car are full proof. Any used car is a gamble. As an owner of a 98 and has friends that own 98's a lot of these problems that are discussed have not appeared in these cars. One has 28000 miles mine has 45000 and one has over 80000 miles. The final pick is yours. 22000 miles is very low, still a new car. Just my 2 cents. Good luck with your pick
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Knoxville Tn
I'd go with the newer 2004, there are several differences that can become costly with the older model. EBCM, TPMS, remote key fobs etc. The newer car has 5 more HP also. The 2004 did have some issues with the fuel tank crossover leaking, but a recall is supposed to have fixed that. 75,000 miles on a LS engine is just nicely broken in.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Columbia SC
Recommend for the 2004 you determine if the VIN is in the range for a fuel tank problem. There was a recall that may or may not have been done if the VIN is in the range. NOT A CHEAP FIX.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...el-system.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...el-system.html
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Scottsdale AZ
I followed a similar path and sold my `73 in early October - - bought the `02 C5 in November -(a couple years ago) - -From your two options, I'd go for the `04 in Ohio . . . not a bad price point to start from.
Last edited by CQRT; Mar 3, 2015 at 11:53 AM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 277
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From: Central Mississippi
Don't narrow it down to two. I shopped for months and flew 700 miles to buy mine. It was worth the wait, even after the plane ticket. Take your time with this and good luck.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Rocky Mountains
So cars with AH are more likely to have issues with the abs unit ? My car doesn't have AH. I was happy with that, I figured one less thing to go wrong.
OP, hard decision. Colors and options would be a large factor in my decision. But just based on what you told us, I lean towards the '98 with 22k miles.
I bought a 2000 with 45k miles. I test drove an 01 and 03. I could feel the extra torque, but ultimately decided I wanted the closest thing to a new car.
Not that 76000 is high mileage, but 22000 is really low. But this is where options come into play. I'd rather have a mag red 6 speed with 76k miles than a green automatic with 22k miles. Or a car with lots of records than a garage queen that has been sitting for years.
cesssna10
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Big Canoe Ga
Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
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From: Michigan
Personally I would go for the '04. Yes, the mileage is higher, but I've heard of many issues with the older models, parts availabilty being one of them.
Like many have said already, though, I would check the VIN range to make sure you don't have one with the defective gas tank issues.
Properly taken care of these things will last 200,000 and more...
Like many have said already, though, I would check the VIN range to make sure you don't have one with the defective gas tank issues.
Properly taken care of these things will last 200,000 and more...
Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 717
Likes: 80
From: Michigan
Recommend for the 2004 you determine if the VIN is in the range for a fuel tank problem. There was a recall that may or may not have been done if the VIN is in the range. NOT A CHEAP FIX.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...el-system.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...el-system.html
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 297
Likes: 26
From: San Jose California
Learning curve
As a longtime Engineer and a 2000 C5 owner, I'm convinced that it takes GM at least four years into a new model until most of the bugs get sorted out. I waited until the fourth year of the C5 to order mine and I wish I'd waited longer. Don't consider anything earlier than 2001!