C5 Dependability by year help
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 6
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C5 Dependability by year help
Not sure if this is correct to ask, but I'm in the market to buy a C5, as that is what I can afford at the moment, perhaps a 2005-2007 model, but that would be pushing it.
Which C5 model from 1997-2004 would you say had the best overall mechanics/electronics with the less problems and bugs?
Which C5 model from 1997-2004 would you say had the best overall mechanics/electronics with the less problems and bugs?
Pro
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 657
Likes: 181
From: Houma Louisiana
In my opinion, you shouldnt focus too much on which year C5 to get, get the cleanest most well maintained C5 in your budget. The early year C5's (97-00) have the abs module which if goes out cannot be fixed but the 01-04 can be repaired. The 03-04 also have the fuel leak problem as well. I have a 98 and have been daily driving for 2 years with no major issues. There is a thread on here that list all the changes throughout the years just do a search.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 769
From: jefferson texas
I agree with garline14 on what he's said. I might have others disagree with me but, and this is just my personal opinion, condition and documented maintenance trump most everything. I spent about a year looking and finally found a '99 vert 6m, 30k last year. Outside of a bad battery, the car has been flawless, no issues at all. Excellent previous ownership and maintenance, I'm sure, play a heavy part in that! Best wishes and good luck on your hunt! PS, Read the stickies at the top of this page for some very important info on C5's.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,257
Likes: 433
From: Bossier City Louisiana
Two good selling points for the 2001+ years would be a fixable abs module and the ls6 intake manifold on all ls1 motors. The abs unit on my 2000 coupe went south two weeks after I traded in the car for my C6. Thank goodness it was on the dealers lot and not with a new owner.
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 368
From: Iowa
2001-2004 would be where you would want to look. You said 2005-2007 would be pushing it so why not play it safe and go with a C5, unless you prefer the look of the C6 and/or are longing for one. Don't make the mistake many do and settle. Get the car you want.
With that said there's nothing wrong with the '97-00 but many things changed on the '01-'04. EBCM may not be repairable. The cost of a used one is outrageous. Steering Wheel Positioning Sensor isn't made anymore so you have to buy used. On the flip side you can get a much better deal on a '97-00 so if price is a concern there's that to consider.
What you need to do is go to the tech section for C5 and C6 and look at all the stickies. That will help you make an informed decision.
With that said there's nothing wrong with the '97-00 but many things changed on the '01-'04. EBCM may not be repairable. The cost of a used one is outrageous. Steering Wheel Positioning Sensor isn't made anymore so you have to buy used. On the flip side you can get a much better deal on a '97-00 so if price is a concern there's that to consider.
What you need to do is go to the tech section for C5 and C6 and look at all the stickies. That will help you make an informed decision.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,962
Likes: 254
From: Richmond, Ky
I can narrow it down even further for you. Some 01's had ring problems some 03 and 04's had fuel tank issues. Most 02's were built while my cousin Bubba worked on the line and I wouldn't buy anything he had a hand in. However he got sick and was off work most of December 01 and all January of 02.If you can find an 02 with a build date of January 15 2002 on the first shift after lunch I can pretty much guarantee you a perfect car, at least when it rolled off the line!!! Happy hunting
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 26,040
Likes: 157
I can narrow it down even further for you. Some 01's had ring problems some 03 and 04's had fuel tank issues. Most 02's were built while my cousin Bubba worked on the line and I wouldn't buy anything he had a hand in. However he got sick and was off work most of December 01 and all January of 02.If you can find an 02 with a build date of January 15 2002 on the first shift after lunch I can pretty much guarantee you a perfect car, at least when it rolled off the line!!! Happy hunting
Pro
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 579
Likes: 50
From: Chambersburg Pa
After months of research i found a low miles 04 Z06 that had a late build date to avoid the fuel tank issue.The 04 also i believe has the better shocks and steel shift fork 3-4th gear started about mid 2003.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 34
Likes: 2
From: Fairview, OR.
Not sure if this is correct to ask, but I'm in the market to buy a C5, as that is what I can afford at the moment, perhaps a 2005-2007 model, but that would be pushing it.
Which C5 model from 1997-2004 would you say had the best overall mechanics/electronics with the less problems and bugs?
Which C5 model from 1997-2004 would you say had the best overall mechanics/electronics with the less problems and bugs?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 1,145
From: Sleepy Hollow- NJ
Especially after 25 years and 148k miles of owning one '99. And about 6 years and 60k miles on two other '99s. And two of my brothers both owning '99's for many years. And you guessed it...none of them fell apart, had balancers fail nor have EBCM issues.