If we can see the codes we can help you.
03 or 04 c5
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 1,135
From: Santa Rosa Beach FL
Both sound like nice cars. With the '04, check on the fuel tank issue as mentioned above. With the '03, it could still have the newer FFS fuel system depending on the build date of the car. 2003 gas tank changed with VIN 35111542 - beginning on November 25, 2002. However, seems like the '04s are the ones that have experienced the problem. My car has the FFS system and thankfully no problems at this point.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,114
Likes: 4,138
From: Kannapolis NC
To me the glass top is just a pain to store and fool with. It gets too hot for me and it's noisier. My purchase would be based on other things first, if the car and price were comparable. I'd check first in the options list to see if it has G90 and G92 listed. If it does it's the 3.15, if it has GU2 instead, it's the 2.73 rear. That would be my first check and then decide if you do or don't want the side mouldings. I personally like them and would choose over non equipped if cars were equal. Also consider that 04 is a year newer for resale, that's not much of a concern either. Check the codes on both, check the options, see if everything works on both, and check tire age and wear, that can get expensive quickly.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 30
Likes: 2
From: NJ
The sticker looks like this. Attachment 48006677 If we can see the codes we can help you.
This is 04
This 03
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
The 03 has the 3.15 gear axle but came with a cassette player.
The 04 has the 2.73 axle and will feel more sluggish. it came with a CD player.
The 03 is the winner.
The 04 has the 2.73 axle and will feel more sluggish. it came with a CD player.
The 03 is the winner.
Last edited by Rob 02; Aug 5, 2016 at 08:45 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 30
Likes: 2
From: NJ
I think you might have that backwards...03 comes with glass targa also which is like $1000. And is Virginia so a could see it with me being from Jersey the 04 is in Texas which have to be shipped to me
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,114
Likes: 4,138
From: Kannapolis NC
EDIT: If you can only look at one, that's the one I'd buy, unless you find something wrong. Don't buy one you haven't seen or had inspected. It may be a better car, but it may not and you may regret it for as long as you own the car.
Last edited by 65GGvert; Aug 5, 2016 at 08:58 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
I do have them backwards I thought the first one listed was the 03 at first.
I would buy the 04 for its rear gear performance. You can find used tops for $300.
I would buy the 04 for its rear gear performance. You can find used tops for $300.
Last edited by Rob 02; Aug 5, 2016 at 09:16 PM.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,114
Likes: 4,138
From: Kannapolis NC
As did I, I misunderstood that the year was after the picture. Either way, I hope you can look at the 04 because I really like the performance axle option.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 235
From: Pa
I passed on a 2004 that was a good deal, since the VIN was in the range of gas tank issue. I bought a 2002 instead. Plus the 2002 has a little more head room.
Do your research on the gas tank issue, if ends up leaking, it could be an expensive repair.
Do your research on the gas tank issue, if ends up leaking, it could be an expensive repair.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 79
From: pueblo co
03...just prejudice as I owned 2. 
04 had the fuel tank issues? someone please correct me if this was also an 03 issue (which I never encountered)
After fixed they are the best of the C5's. Latest greatest improvement along the way.
Identical in everything, clear carfaxs?
Where did they spend their life?
04 had the fuel tank issues? someone please correct me if this was also an 03 issue (which I never encountered)
After fixed they are the best of the C5's. Latest greatest improvement along the way.
Identical in everything, clear carfaxs?
Where did they spend their life?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,509
Likes: 946
From: Western New York
When I bought my 04 and yes the vin# was with in the numbers with crossover problem. I was able to get extended warranty for car which covered the cost of repair for crossover problem. My car had 10,400 miles on it when I purchased car, crossover problem started around 14,500 miles. If I remember right it would have cost me around $2300.00 at GM dealer If I didn't have the extended warranty. Maybe you can workout Extended warranty with dealer of 04.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
The car he bought was in his town (Virginia area). The Texas one would have been bought sight-un-seen. If the shipping cost on the '04 was $700 then it makes since.
You can have a used Z06 rear gear (3.43) and a tune for about the same price.
He didn't make out bad!
You can have a used Z06 rear gear (3.43) and a tune for about the same price.
He didn't make out bad!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 252
From: Oconomowoc Wisconsin
He said in an earlier post that the 2004 was $100 less including the shipping. Could of bought a one way airline ticket for a couple hundred dollars and driven the car home. Total savings would of been $600 assuming shipping costs would of been $700. Perfect way to get to know your first corvette with a drive from Texas to New Jersey and the adventure and memories. As long as the OP is happy with the decision he made, that's what's important. His money to spend as he chooses.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 30
Likes: 2
From: NJ
I drove to Virginia to look at car and it was like out of the showroom, I couldn't be more happier, pictures don't give it justice I also like the idea of having the 2 targa tops....I had the car for 2 days now and everyone that sees it is blown away...and car only has 9500 miles on it
Last edited by joeyo27; Aug 8, 2016 at 04:34 AM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 30
Likes: 2
From: NJ
He said in an earlier post that the 2004 was $100 less including the shipping. Could of bought a one way airline ticket for a couple hundred dollars and driven the car home. Total savings would of been $600 assuming shipping costs would of been $700. Perfect way to get to know your first corvette with a drive from Texas to New Jersey and the adventure and memories. As long as the OP is happy with the decision he made, that's what's important. His money to spend as he chooses.