Stealerships...
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Stealerships...
This morning, took a quick tour of C5 General and C5 Tech. There were two stealership storys...one for $2800. This breaks my heart. Older C5's need to be worked on by us (the owners) and not dealerships.
Do we need to put a warning label on these things? (like do not buy if you are not handy) I'm an old stockbroker and a gearhead because of this Forum. We all need a shop once in a while but this Forum will get us thru most problems (brakes, wires and plugs, water pumps etc.)
Sorry for the short rant.
Do we need to put a warning label on these things? (like do not buy if you are not handy) I'm an old stockbroker and a gearhead because of this Forum. We all need a shop once in a while but this Forum will get us thru most problems (brakes, wires and plugs, water pumps etc.)
Sorry for the short rant.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
This morning, took a quick tour of C5 General and C5 Tech. There were two stealership storys...one for $2800. This breaks my heart. Older C5's need to be worked on by us (the owners) and not dealerships.
Do we need to put a warning label on these things? (like do not buy if you are not handy) I'm an old stockbroker and a gearhead because of this Forum. We all need a shop once in a while but this Forum will get us thru most problems (brakes, wires and plugs, water pumps etc.)
Sorry for the short rant.
Do we need to put a warning label on these things? (like do not buy if you are not handy) I'm an old stockbroker and a gearhead because of this Forum. We all need a shop once in a while but this Forum will get us thru most problems (brakes, wires and plugs, water pumps etc.)
Sorry for the short rant.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 886
Likes: 87
From: Largo FL
I learned to work on cars out of necessity in the late 60/70's and found that I liked it. Also learned to do body work which served me well later buying, fixing up and selling cars on the side. To be fair, back then the cars were easier to work on, more mechanics, less electrical.
Nowadays it seems very few owners actually have the knowledge to work on cars. I put them in 4 classes, no clue (70%), think they know how (10%), good at it (10%) and good at it but don't want to do it anymore (10%, me now). I took one C5 one time to a dealer to have AC checked, they did a good job (evac and recharge) and I learned a lot from the guy that worked on it about how C5 AC units work (not the way most people think, cools the pass side first).
I will agree that most dealers are a ripoff, but they are in business to make money. But I agree with you and have told a few people that if they don't know how to work on cars, a C5 might not be the best idea.
Nowadays it seems very few owners actually have the knowledge to work on cars. I put them in 4 classes, no clue (70%), think they know how (10%), good at it (10%) and good at it but don't want to do it anymore (10%, me now). I took one C5 one time to a dealer to have AC checked, they did a good job (evac and recharge) and I learned a lot from the guy that worked on it about how C5 AC units work (not the way most people think, cools the pass side first).
I will agree that most dealers are a ripoff, but they are in business to make money. But I agree with you and have told a few people that if they don't know how to work on cars, a C5 might not be the best idea.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 2
From: Peoples Republik of Kalifornia Ka
I too am an old Stock broker and am pretty handy with tools. I also have pretty extensive knowledge of corvettes in general and the C-5 in particular. With that said, there are a few times when I take my 2001 to the dealership (which BTW is very good).Alignment, and tires are two reasons. My dealership will match any one's price and they know a whole lot more about handling my car than any 'tire shop' around here.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
I too am an old Stock broker and am pretty handy with tools. I also have pretty extensive knowledge of corvettes in general and the C-5 in particular. With that said, there are a few times when I take my 2001 to the dealership (which BTW is very good).Alignment, and tires are two reasons. My dealership will match any one's price and they know a whole lot more about handling my car than any 'tire shop' around here.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
I will agree that most dealers are a ripoff, but they are in business to make money. But I agree with you and have told a few people that if they don't know how to work on cars, a C5 might not be the best idea.[/QUOTE]
Of course the other option is to financially plan when buying the C5 for those repairs done by others. Unfortunately, home space and age keep many of us from getting our hands dirty to do the repairs but still want the C5 thrill.
Of course the other option is to financially plan when buying the C5 for those repairs done by others. Unfortunately, home space and age keep many of us from getting our hands dirty to do the repairs but still want the C5 thrill.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 479
Likes: 44
From: Northern Colorado
Well I fit into to two categories- 1. No Clue (A CAI and LMC5 were my "major" projects). and #2- I don't want to do this stuff. However I do have a great dealership with a ton of experience and every time I go there (had my fluids changed) the place is full of Vettes. I think a main concern is you just can't go in and "lay down" at 125 and hour. You have to research, get informed (i.e. this forum) and have a good idea what's up and what parts run. Then you can make an informed decision. I think if you grab the right car with history etc you don't need to be a DIY guy to own one but it will always be an asset. Between the dealer and a very well respected private mechanic nearby, I'm no worse off then with any car. My DD Toyota for example...
Last edited by RoninC5; Aug 30, 2016 at 09:09 AM.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,039
Likes: 2,592
From: Del Boca Vista FL
I find that you need to be knowledgeable about your car and handy with tools to keep the dealership service department in check. Plug and wire change comes to mind. Two hours of labor and less than $100 vs $506.50. Yeah, my time is well spent on that one.
Oil change $79.99. To save $40 I am no longer willing to jack up and crawl under my car, get dirty, haul the old oil off to recycle while risking a hazmat spill in my transport vehicle, drive back home and clean up the transport container, now store the container. For this one I'll pay the dealer. That's just me.
If you can do it yourself and are willing to do it yourself, do it yourself. If you aren't able or unwilling to do the work yourself then you pay someone else.
Oil change $79.99. To save $40 I am no longer willing to jack up and crawl under my car, get dirty, haul the old oil off to recycle while risking a hazmat spill in my transport vehicle, drive back home and clean up the transport container, now store the container. For this one I'll pay the dealer. That's just me.
If you can do it yourself and are willing to do it yourself, do it yourself. If you aren't able or unwilling to do the work yourself then you pay someone else.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 203
From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
Hey this issue is not just a Corvette thing...all cars that are taken to dealerships (or any repair shops) are subjected to large labor charges!!!! If you wanna play you have to pay. (many people opt out of owning cars)
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 76
From: Portland OR
I wish I could have done my clutch myself, I will have a shop eventually and be able to do proper work on my car.
The only issue I have is some things are worth paying someone else to do. I don't change the oil in my car, I pay the gas station $20 (plus a $5 tip) and bring my own oil and filter. I buy a few gallon jugs when on sale at BiMart and get my filters at NAPA.
It is too much of a pain to get under it, drain it, and recycle it. I'll just drop $25 and let them do it. I get my gas at that same station and they love my car, so they take good care of it.
The only issue I have is some things are worth paying someone else to do. I don't change the oil in my car, I pay the gas station $20 (plus a $5 tip) and bring my own oil and filter. I buy a few gallon jugs when on sale at BiMart and get my filters at NAPA.
It is too much of a pain to get under it, drain it, and recycle it. I'll just drop $25 and let them do it. I get my gas at that same station and they love my car, so they take good care of it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,430
Likes: 4,829
From: BEST Corn-Nation
2015 C5 of the Year Winner
I learned to work on cars out of necessity in the late 60/70's and found that I liked it. To be fair, back then the cars were easier to work on, more mechanics, less electrical.
Nowadays it seems very few owners actually have the knowledge to work on cars. I put them in 4 classes, no clue (70%), think they know how (10%), good at it (10%) and good at it but don't want to do it anymore (10%, me now).
Nowadays it seems very few owners actually have the knowledge to work on cars. I put them in 4 classes, no clue (70%), think they know how (10%), good at it (10%) and good at it but don't want to do it anymore (10%, me now).
I agree with this one too. I might be broke if I had to rely on a mechanic all the time and modding would be kept to a minimum.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,928
Likes: 93
From: Boulder City NV
I'm on Vette #12 been screwed every way possible..I just got my 2nd C5 both 99's..my last had 230000+
But I don't wrench, so like you guys said it ain't easy or cheap, but my current ride has only 57K so I'm hoping for a long relatively trouble free life span.
I do have a great local mech who is reasonable and honest, I'll always avoid the dealership if possible. My talent lies in finding the right mechanic and parts at good price..
But I don't wrench, so like you guys said it ain't easy or cheap, but my current ride has only 57K so I'm hoping for a long relatively trouble free life span.
I do have a great local mech who is reasonable and honest, I'll always avoid the dealership if possible. My talent lies in finding the right mechanic and parts at good price..
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Sad to hear all these stories about dealerships ripping the owners off and not doing a good job. I guess I am very fortunate that the small dealership that I use for any repairs has always treated me fairly, done the work right and charged me a reasonable cost for working on my car.
I do any repairs that I have the technical knowledge to do, but I do know my limitations and see the help of the pros when that happens. I guess the key here is to find a dealership that has the expertise to work on the cars and treats you right.
I do any repairs that I have the technical knowledge to do, but I do know my limitations and see the help of the pros when that happens. I guess the key here is to find a dealership that has the expertise to work on the cars and treats you right.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,363
Likes: 429
From: Birmingham Al
I said the same in 1965 working under a old shade tree in the back yard on my 1961 3 speed Corvette . If I had to pay someone for all the work that's be done on my Z-16 I would have $50,000 in it .. Very few people in the dealerships left that know how to work on these C-5s any more .. Unless you got big money for labor buy a new Corvette not cheap to have work done to them if you can even find someone to work on them..