03 or 04 c5
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 30
Likes: 2
From: NJ
03 or 04 c5
I'm currently looking at a 03 and 04 c5. Both have 10000 miles both automatic coupe and both black on black and both are priced the same except the 03 comes with 2 targa tops one solid and one glass, the 04 just comes with solid top..I'm leaning towards 03 because of 2 tops..what do you think
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 29,256
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From: Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light.
St. Jude Donor '08 thru '26
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?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 29,256
Likes: 176
From: Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light.
St. Jude Donor '08 thru '26
Always like the south west for there should be zero corrosion issues, But given the low mileage and Mary/Virg, this should not be an issue...where are you from?
Factor the cost to pick it up into equation...either as a $$ thing or a Thing...I prefer the latter....it's a great way to get to know your new ride. Flew out to OKC and NO for 2 different ones.
Factor the cost to pick it up into equation...either as a $$ thing or a
Thing...I prefer the latter....it's a great way to get to know your new ride. Flew out to OKC and NO for 2 different ones.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 30
Likes: 2
From: NJ
I live in jersey..this will be my first vette...i can drive to virgina and see it and buy it...or have it shipped from texas...right now the 04 is $100 less with the shipping...both cars look immaculate from pics....
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 312
Likes: 49
If you can run the VIN's you may be able to see how they were optioned out. Someone on here may be able to help out with that. You may also want the G92 option which is a 3.15 rear as opposed to a 2.something.
Get the Black '04..... I am partial though
Welcome to the Forum.
Get the Black '04..... I am partial though
Welcome to the Forum.
Last edited by BlackandTan2004; Aug 5, 2016 at 08:20 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,799
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From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
I'm currently looking at a 03 and 04 c5. Both have 10000 miles both automatic coupe and both black on black and both are priced the same except the 03 comes with 2 targa tops one solid and one glass, the 04 just comes with solid top..I'm leaning towards 03 because of 2 tops..what do you think
1. Two tops
2. No body side moldings
BTW, there should be a sticker on the inside of the glove compartment door that lists all the options, by option code, that the car came with.
Last edited by Corvette SSX; Aug 5, 2016 at 08:25 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,216
Likes: 1,140
From: Santa Rosa Beach FL
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?
Flaw in a batch of mold compound led to cracks & fuel vapor/fuel leaks of a quick connect on fuel crossover tank to tank.
16 pages on this thread
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2480428
Pay attn to 8Vette7. He is an authority on this.
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
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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. In addition, consider how many times you will use both of the tops - the solid one could be handy in the hot summer, the lexan one the rest of the time.
I generally say buy the newest, best condition Vette you can, but this one would be a toss-up in my mind. I will say I have an '03 and it has been completely trouble free for the nearly 7 years I have owned it.
I generally say buy the newest, best condition Vette you can, but this one would be a toss-up in my mind. I will say I have an '03 and it has been completely trouble free for the nearly 7 years I have owned it.
