Hi new to the form looking to pick up a vette for a dd to replace my pos cobalt ss lol need some advice I can buy a c5 with cash for 10-15k in good shape or should I go with a c6 for 25-30k but will have to make payments are the c5s despite there age still good for dd whitch route would you guys go I could afford payments but I also don't like to owe somebody and to pay on something that dose not have a warranty but I also want a car that's going to be reliable for years to come

 

Great question, just went through same thought process, picked the C5. Think C6 reliability will be better due to age and better electronics so if you need a 99% reliable car don't think the C5 can do that as a daily driver.


I am using my C5 as a daily driver. In 2 months wiper, gas gauge issues could just be getting the bugs out.


Others can give a more long term opinion...

 

I have a truck that I drive mostly in the winter and a 96 z28 highly moded not good for a dd but a lot of fun lol so if something brakes I won't be screwed but I also don't want to have to fix something every week or going to brake down on a long trip that's why I'm getting rid of the cobalt I fix something and something brakes a week later

 

I thought I read somewhere here that chevy built the LS1 to last 250k - - I could be wrong...going from memory...

But:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...o-on-a-c5.html

 

The C-5 and C-6 are both very reliable. If you go the C-5 route, stick with a 2001 and up, mostly because of difficulty in finding some parts that are no longer manufactured. I have used a 2001 C-5 as a daily driver for several years, and just sold it with over 130,000 miles. I still have a low mileage 2001 that I have now made a daily driver. It only has about 30,000 miles on it.

You didn't mention what part of the country you are from, but any Vette would be a problem going through the snow because of the low stance.

I now have a C-5 and a C-7

 

I live in Indiana I have a 4x4 truck for the winter it only be driven spring through fall then get put up for winter I plan to drive this for a few years then sell it and get a c7 when the used prices have gone down a bit

 

Yep think mechanicals are definitely up to snuff....its the electronics and plastics etc.. like any late model car as they get up there in age.


So depends on how you define reliable....coming from years of using new cars as DD gets you spoiled and unrealistic to compare.


Went through this looking for a used car for my son - found plenty of 10 yr old cars that ran great over 100k miles but had other issues, electrical, body, etc...

 

That's what I'm mostly afraid of is the electrical gremlins that start to come up in a car this age I have no worries about the engine or transmission it's all the other little things I plan on driving what ever I get for 5-6 years and then upgrading to a c7

 

it's really up to what you like and want to spend. I suggeat getting out and driving both. Make sure you drive a C5Z06...that will put a on your mug! Alot of fun for the $$. Happy vette shopping!

 

If it were a choice between a standard C5 or C6, I would opt for the C6.

If it were a choice between a C5 Z06 and a C6, then I would get the C5 Z06.

If it were a choice between a C5 Z06 and a C6 Z06 or ZR1, then I would go for the C6.

For 28K, you can have a super nice low mileage C5 or C5 Z06, with cash left over (probably 6-10 K on the Coupe or 3-7K on the Z06).

You can have a nice C6 with probably just enough to close the deal (on a nice low mileage one).

 

I like the C5 for the pop up headlights. 82k on it now and yes I've spent some money on it recently. The electrical situations that may come up are a DIY project getting all the instructions from this forum.
Save your money and get the C5 since it's not a long range keeper.

 

I don't mind having to do some work on it but I don't want to do major repairs every week if I go with a c5 it will definitely be an frc I love the way those look I am not in a super hurry either ill take a month or two and make sure I get the right one for me

 

I agree spend the little extra and go C5Z. You can get low miles and power/price is hard to beat. That is the route I went when thinking C5 vs C6.

 

OP,
Wether you buy C5 or C6 is a subjective decision you'll have to make.

Considering the payments issue, I'd get the C5, and make the same monthly payments, to myself (yourself) into savings for whatever may arise. And something will, someday. That's life.

Don't worry about LS1 or LSII, either will probably last for many years with good gas and clean oil. These engines are amazing. We had a member recently, turn over 500,000 miles on his C5.

I agree with other members saying stick to 2001 or newer C5, for parts issues.

If you get a newer C5 with A4 transmission (auto) and 2.73 gears, and leave it stock; you can easily get 27 mpg on the highway (for your commute to work, less in the city of course). The same car with the 6 manual, some guys get 30+ on highways with the cruise set at 70 or 75. These cars make practical daily drivers, in many ways.

Oh, and it's a C5 Corvette (or C6) when your not working!!!

Many many C5's running around with 2, 3, and 400,000 miles. Many guys drive C5 for years with no issues at all, but just don't belong to this forum; but they're out there!

Hell, you know you can buy a 3 year old Prius, and start having trouble with it, the day after the warranty ends. That's just the way it is. But, we also have guys who SuperCharge C5, after 100,000+ miles, have 500 RWHP; and drive for years trouble free (with a huge grin on your face).

So, I'd go with C5, put the extra money in the bank, for the day (which will come) when you want the SuperCharger (or something) on your C5.

Good luck,
Don

 

I don't know if this helps but I have a stock C5 Z06 and have raced my buddies C6 a few times.. Not lost one yet

Oh and my C5 has 153,000 miles on it

 

kinda went through the same issues...I went with a c5 the dealer had a 07 c6 with only 8,000 miles on it ...heck it's a older new car..but wanted 32k for it...my c5 is a one owner (lady) who traded for a new 2015 ...mine is not my DD ...I have my 2013 truck for that..my 02 only has 47k miles on it and runs great..it's been so long since i have driven a older car...I kinda feel funny taking it out for long runs...worried it may break down...then i keep telling myself my 2013 truck has 43k on it...LOL so why worry...I still like the looks of the C5...not saying down the road someday I won't get a c6 ...but for now I am loving my C5

 

thanks for all the replies as of right now from what you guys have said I am leaning towards getting a c5 frc or z06 with the 6 speed no autos for me lol but don't think the z06 is going to be in my 10-15k budget what ever I get ill be much happier with than that stupid cobalt ss the sad thing is the corvette will get the same mpg if not better than the 4 banger cobalt and you get more hp and better handling I am going to wait for Christmas and tax time before I pull the trigger on something usually can find the best deals around that time

 

I agree. I will take a C5 Z over a base C6 any day.

Shakey

 

Excellent advice by Don. The LS1 motor is very reliable so as long as the car has been well maintained. There can be electrical gremlins that pop up, but that can happen with any car - even the new ones. I would recommend the C5 if you can find a really nice one and without any payments, save the money for any needed repairs or hopefully as a down payment on a new one down the road.

 

I love my c5z. Wouldn't trade it for a c6 outright!

To me it's more fun than a c6 coupe, even an ls3 coupe due to the shorter gears. It's also more reliable than a c6z, and easily as reliable as a c6 coupe.

Between a c5 coupe and a c6 coupe I would have a tough choice, I like the c5 more but I would need to add some serious power to it in order to be happy.