Advice on c5
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,153
Likes: 859
From: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Here's a couple of threads that should answer most of your questions. Good luck with your decision. My best advice would be to be patient. Don't settle for a car that's not perfect for you. 
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...must-read.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ion-files.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...must-read.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ion-files.html
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,657
Likes: 7,296
From: CT
Ditto above. Take your time. Drive a few first so you know of the options you do or don't want. Also to see the difference between mint and ragged out. Then lurk here daily on the forums and find the right one! Good luck.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
How do you remain patient? When I start looking I want to just grab one. But I don't want junk. The best thing to tell myself is that "within 2 years at this time, I will have a c5 in the garage next to my c4.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,153
Likes: 859
From: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
That's a difficult question to answer. Once you have it in your head that you want a C5, it's very easy to fall in love with the first one or two you lay your eyes on. Here's a tip: go test drive a C5 you have zero intention of buying. Wrong color, transmission, etc. That way you'll get a feel for the car, without falling head over heels for something you don't want/need. It'll give you a better perspective on what's important to you. Options, color, mileage, and condition to name a few. Have a very specific choice in mind, and patience will come much more easily. You can still find a very solid car for $11k, so you should not settle for a car that's been abused or neglected.
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Remaining patient is difficult, but remember there are plenty of C5s out there for sale, many at a good price. Don't be afraid to travel a bit to find just the right one either. I traveled 1400 miles to find mine.
I would make a list of all the options, colors, max mileage, any mods, etc. that you would accept on a car and go from there.
I would make a list of all the options, colors, max mileage, any mods, etc. that you would accept on a car and go from there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,153
Likes: 859
From: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Not necessarily. If it hasn't been abused, it could still be a great car. An older gentleman that bought my last C5, a '00 vert with 42k miles, had an identical '99 vert with 270k miles. His interior was a little rough, and the paint had faded a bit, but all in all his car looked awesome. It was obvious he had taken great care of it. That being said, I would shoot for lower mileage if possible, but it's not a deal breaker. Make sure you get any car checked out by a reputable mechanic. That will give you peace of mind.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,153
Likes: 859
From: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 106
From: Sloatsburg NY
Oldtimer
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
Well the c5 is superior in every single way to a c4, especially an early c4. It's faster, better looking, more comfortable, more reliable, roomier, has a bigger trunk, literally everything is better.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
High milleage is nothing to C5's if they've been maintained well. My Z06 was bought new by me and now has 140k miles. By no means I am a fanatic, though non-Vette people would think so. Just normal Vette owner procedures and I try to maintain the appearance diligently.People think it's new. It also runs like new, so by no means discount any high mileage Vette. C5 motors can exceed 200K miles with any problems or oil leakage. At this point in time I haven't given it any thought about selling yet either.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
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From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
My car is 16 years old, and has 100,000 miles on it...Not a Garage queen.... I drive it.. I could go out and get in it right now and drive across the country without any fear. GM built 1/4 million C5's, and as this forum will attest, there are lots of nice ones out there. The on thing you failed to mention , and the most important thing is your budget...what are you willing to spend.
I have every receipt, and maintenance record from the first day of ownership.. when I bought it new.
This isn't about my car.... this is about your idea of 11K or under. Which in my very experienced opinion, is not in your best interest.
Here are a few recent pictures of my 16 year old C5 with 100K. Even with 100K I think my car is " Decent "
Maintenance records ( Very important )
My point here is, there are lots of nice cars out there. many of them are found on this forum, most have 10X the mileage you think is necessary for your purchase.
Good Luck, there is one out there with your name on it.
Bill aka ET
Last edited by Evil-Twin; Oct 10, 2015 at 01:10 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,153
Likes: 859
From: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I believe he meant $11k is his budget. The car he's interested in has 168k miles. But I must say ET, your car doesn't show it's age one bit. Looking amazing, especially those wheels. 