Looking to buy a C5
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
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From: Wisconsin
......and a car that has been well maintained and not abused.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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The stickies should help you out. There are a number of parts for the '97-00 that are no longer available from the dealer and cannot be repaired so keep that in mind when you go shopping.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 769
From: jefferson texas
Hello, please read stickies at the top of this page, mandatory reading for you if you are serious about a C5. Please be aware that these cars are not like earlier generations (I've had a number of them). They are, in my opinion, a different, but much better animal, but they do have their unique issues. Ok, just my thoughts on this: Only consider clean, documented cars, no accidents, a documented maintenance history, no mods unless you are sure of what they are, who installed them etc (I still wouldn't buy a heavily modified car, very risky), no to a car that has been hard used on tracks (drags, autocrosses etc), a thorough bumper to bumper check by a shop or tech who is well versed in these cars. Don't be afraid to walk away from any car for any reason, be suspicious and make the car prove itself to you. Look far and wide for a good clean example, they are out there. Any questions, post them on this forum, members are more than willing to answer any question. Be fussy and selective, take your time, it will pay you big bonuses. Best wishes!
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 355
From: Little Rock Arkansas
Yes, for the most part prices aren't likely to get any lower. If anything, it's going to get harder and harder to find particular options and such that particular buyers will want that will creep the prices back up due to demand. Ask a C4 buyer how difficult it is to get a good LT1 six speed that hasn't been ragged out.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,443
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From: Buffalo Texas
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,429
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From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
This one is special !!!!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1592129542
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1592129542
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,710
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From: Bonita Springs, Florida
I have had several C5's, '98 thru '02, convertibles, coupes, an FRC and a Z06. They all were great cars but my '99 Coupe has been flawless in the 10 1/2 years that I have owned it and the best C5 I have owned along with my '02 Z06. I bought the '99 Coupe with only 1,600 miles on the odometer and it was completely stock so I have basically owned it for it's entire life. With that said, I suggest that you find the lowest mileage, unmodified, well maintained C5 with fully documented maintenance records. Don't buy something that needs work because of a low price or a track rat unless you are planning on major modifications. Here is a link with very good info to learn about the changes in the model years and the different models: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/c5/index.html
There are exceptions when it comes to modified cars such as Toques awesome Z06 and many other well done C5's on this Forum.
There are exceptions when it comes to modified cars such as Toques awesome Z06 and many other well done C5's on this Forum.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 769
From: jefferson texas
Referencing a couple of the above posts, and neither advocating for nor speaking against, only reporting my own experience. After deciding to get out of Porsches and back into Corvettes, specifically C5s, I spent the better part of a year looking from coast to coast via the interweb. I had a specific list of must haves and standards to be met (same standards I've outlined above and have given out a number of times). Eventually I found what I wanted that met my requirements on the east coast (I'm in Texas). The vette I found was a '99 vert, manual trans, low miles, accident free, the right color, the right interior, excellent maintenance, no mods and at a very good price. The '99 has been perfect, no issues at all, runs and drives as a new car. I did have a temporary aggravation with a 2 to 3 week old defective low voltage battery, not the fault of the car. Just my own experience for your consideration. Best wishes to all!