Hello everybody!

Long time car guy, prospective Corvette buyer. I have been driving smaller front wheel drive cars for my entire life, I graduated from college fairly recently, just became a home owner at the end of last year, and there is a void in my 2 car garage.

I searched high and low for what the perfect sunny day car would be; Mustangs, Miata, 350z, older Porsche. Then I was given the keys to a C5 'vette and told to "have fun." Unfortunately it was a 4 speed automatic, but never have I fallen in love with a car so fast in my entire life. 1 mile down the road and I was hooked, until I got on the expressway and felt the mighty shove of the LS1.

I must have one.

Im working with a slightly limited budget, and I absolutely don't mind road trips, being in Michigan I almost planned on heading down south to find one to ensure I get a clean under body, and it seems like there are more for sale down south.

I want to spend about $10K on the car, which I can see is doable, however, most examples are around 100K miles. High mileage doesn't bother me, especially if its a garage queen, as long as its clean bodied and mechanically in tact, I can do basic service myself, I even went as far as doing an engine upgrade in an old SVT Contour I had back in college, so I know my way around a wrench.

What should I look for on a C5? Common problems? Any kind of thing I should know to potentially avoid a nightmare would be fantastic.

Thanks in advance!

 

Welcome to the forum!

Read this sticky...will tell you a LOT:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c5-general/3265266-help-for-buying-a-c5-and-also-some-technical-information-files.html

 

First, read here...

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ion-files.html

You're going to find "earlier" (1997-2000) C5s in your price range indeed with higher mileage, but it's not impossible to purchase a C5 for around $10,000 as many have. Pre-2001 cars are coming down in price because there are some issues with them that can cost more money to deal with. A prime example is the ABS & EBCM issues that plague a lot of owners. I suggest you do a lot of research on these issues here on the forum and determine if this is what you want to deal with (I own a '99 model and am very pleased with it, despite any issues with earlier cars that arise).

The other thing I suggest you become familiar with is Column Lock issues, especially if you ultimately plan to purchase a manual transmission car. All manual transmission C5s except later 2004 cars and all 1997-2000 automatics (2001-2004 automatics had this issue resolved) were susceptible to column lock issues. This was a big headache that never was fully resolved by GM, and they themselves will probably be unable to help you if an issue arises in ownership and you try to get it serviced at a dealer.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ky-please.html

I became very familiar with column lock issues the second week of ownership as I had to install a CLB (column lock bypass) and un-strand my car.

The LS1/LS6 (Z06) engines used in C5s are exceptionally reliable if well taken care of. Ideally in any car you purchase with considerable mileage it would be nice to have service records if they exist. The other thing you will for sure want to consider is at that mileage you are likely looking at servicing suspension components or even items like rear diff seals ("leaky butt"). A full fluid change of all fluid components also would be something you would probably want to do. I would suggest that any car that you may purchase you try and get it hoisted in the air somewhere to inspect it. Any individual who is serious about selling you the car shouldn't have any qualms against doing this, and looking at the underside of a C5 can tell a lot about it.

 

Here is another thread that will give you a lot of information

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...must-read.html

When you find a car you think you like check back here with pictures and see if there is someone close that can do an inspection for you. The people on here are very helpful and give excellent advice. You made the right move looking this forum up.

 

Good luck on your search. Just remember don't rush into buying a one and take time looking for the right Corvette. Your budget will put you looking for one with over 100k miles. Yet, shouldn't be a big deal as Vettes are good cars. Post some pictures when you finally acquire one.

 

Read the stickies the guys posted and take your time looking for the right one, ie: exterior color, intrerior color, convertible, hard top, coupe, Z06, etc.

It took me two years of looking daily to find my 2002 Z06 and about a year to find my 1968.

The search is part of the fun in my opinion.

Good luck.

 

This post hits the nail on the head.

 

The above posters have given you some sound advice and best of luck finding the right car for you.