As my co-worker so politely put it "We should all be blessed with this dilemma".

Anyway, sold my C4 and now ready to pull the trigger on a C5. I've test drove and researched the heck out of this and narrowed down the choices to 5 possibilities. If anyone can help me eliminate a few or elevate a few it would be most appreciated.
#1: 2004 Coupe, 6 speed, 64K miles, silver, very good cond. $13,500
#2: 2004 Coupe, auto, 75K miles, red, good cond. $14,000
#3: 2001 Coupe, auto, 52K miles, silver, very good cond, $14,000
#4: 2000 Convertible, auto, 61K miles, blue/tan top, excl cond $15,500
#5: 1998 Coupe, auto, 54K miles, red, good cond, $11,600

I like them all with the blue convertible probably most eye appealing and in the best overall cond. My budget is $15K and the 2000 convertible is form at $15,500.

Please, advise needed...

 

Well, what do you want? Coupe or vert? 6M or auto? That in itself should shorten the list. Assuming all of the cars are in good and equal condition, the 04 Coupe is the best buy. If you want a coupe, the 04s are price pretty good, just pick the trans you want. If you want a vert, keep looking, the 2000 seems over priced.

 

It's about what you want. Me; no verts and no auto. Are you that open minded that you're OK with either options?
Without seeing the cars, history etc. impossible to pick one.

 

Develop a list of MUST haves followed by WANT to have. Don't settle for any car. Take them for a test drive. If your gut and brain agree, you found the one you want. If your gut and brain do not agree, keep looking. As you have adequately demonstrated, there are plenty to choose from.

 

See, I'm pretty flexible. I can tout benefits of auto vs manual and coupe vs convertible. I want the most reliable car I can afford. I'm sure the newer the car the newer the technology. But, is there a point in the C5 lineup that I may want to avoid? I read where there was a lot of upgrades with the 2001 model but anything will be an improvement over the C3's and C4 that I had.

 

I prefer to not make decisions based on pure gut but to have some logic involved. Obviously if I were to but strictly on logic I'd be in the Toyota Camry forum...lol

I love the look of the 2000 blue convertible but it's also the most expensive. But, is it going to be the best overall value and should I pony up the extra few bucks? I have narrowed down my search to these few and can live (happily) with either choice.

 

I'd get the '01..... lowest miles and very good condition. The '01s were improved over previous models. More HP and torque were a couple things. Some parts are not available for the '98 or 2000. Condition and maintenance records are important.

 

If you can, narrow it down to 2.

Then.... Flip a coin, if you're happy when it lands on heads,it was what you wanted all along. (Taken from a Big Bang Theory episode but the logic here does have some merit)

 

6 speed Plus if you've done your homework you know they made many significant improvements in the 04 you just need to make sure the VIN is NOT in the affected cars with the gas tank crossover issue or that it's been addressed...

Originally Posted by 8VETTE7 View Post
GM had some issues with the gas tanks in a range of VIN's made between Oct 8 2003 and March 18, 2004. VIN range is 45110258 through 45125500.

Many cars in that range developed fuel tank leaks like this:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/albu...ictureid=42084


Potentially any car in that VIN range can still have the problem.

NHTSA let GM off the hook by allowing them to issue a "Special Coverage Adjustment" rather than forcing a recall of vehicles in the VIN range. That special coverage was a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty, which ever came first, on failure of the fuel tank. The 10 years has gone by so now anyone that has a failure pays out of pocket for repairs. Typical dealer charges will be around $2500 for replacement of the tank and associated parts. Usually only the drivers side tank fails.



There were a couple recent threads by members whose car experienced the problem after the 10 year period and GM refused any help on payment for repairs.

Basically you take the risk of having to pay out of pocket for this repair should it happen to a car in the suspect VIN range if you purchase one that has NOT already been serviced. GMVIS will have info if the repair HAS been done on any car you may be interested that is within the suspect VIN range

 

#1 is the only one I would consider. Good luck.

 

When I was shopping I was told buy the newest I could afford...

Good Luck and enjoy the pain!

 

I didn't tell you make the decision on gut alone. I said gut and brain.

There are too many people that get so focused on buying a Corvette that they over ride their sensibility and buy whatever they get their hands on only to regret it later. My point is be picky and get the one that satisfies your wants and desires and when all is said and done the deal feels right.

PS. If you buy one you're obligated to post a picture.

I looked at several Vettes that met my criteria but something didnt feel right. I couldn't figure out why I felt the way I did but decided to pass and keep looking. Then I found the car that fit the bill. I've owned it for 5 years and have never looked back and wondered if I made the right choice.

Enjoy the hunt and enjoy the car you choose if you choose to buy one.

 

If I had to choose, I would probably go with either #1 or #2 if that helps.

 

My opinion the C5 vert is the best looking corvette ever. Especially the Anniversay Red with Shale top, Mag Red with Oak top, Navy Blue with Oak top, Electron Blue with Oak top, Lemans Blue with Shale top and Millenium Yellow with black top. For me it has to be a vert and an auto. My 79, 85 & 87 were manual transmissions. Had fun with those cars when I was younger. Now I am no longer interested in having to clutch and shift gears. Want to just get in and put it into gear and enjoy the drive.

 

One or two

 

I'm with you.

 

Either way it's a Corvette!

 

 

This was the kind of feedback I'm looking for. I had scanned a lot of the C5 forum discussions but did not see this issue. Thanks!

 

I checked the VIN on #1 and it falls within the range stated (45120382). I called a GM dealer and had them run the VIN and they did not find any records where the gas tank issue was addressed/fixed.