2002 corvette
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 485
Likes: 99
From: Long Island, NY
2002 corvette
I will be looking at a 2002 6-speed corvette coupe once the weather clears up. The car has only 11,500 miles on it. As far as I know it is not stored in a heated garage.
I'm concerned that with such low miles and lack of use I will be dealing with leaks and dry rot.
Any input would be much appreciated, thanks.
I'm concerned that with such low miles and lack of use I will be dealing with leaks and dry rot.
Any input would be much appreciated, thanks.
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Just check the car over carefully. If the owner drove it somewhat regularly to keep things lubricated, it could be that you won't have any leaks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,782
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From: The Lowcountry South Carolina
Look at every inch of the weather stripping and feel all along all fluid hoses for deterioration or cracking. If nothing else, I would be considering the replacement of all fluid hoses in the near future... after all the car is approaching 15 years.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 935
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I will be looking at a 2002 6-speed corvette coupe once the weather clears up. The car has only 11,500 miles on it. As far as I know it is not stored in a heated garage.
I'm concerned that with such low miles and lack of use I will be dealing with leaks and dry rot.
Any input would be much appreciated, thanks.
I'm concerned that with such low miles and lack of use I will be dealing with leaks and dry rot.
Any input would be much appreciated, thanks.
Check the basics, tires, brake lines, how it was stored. You might be fine, but I'm no longer the guy that shops for the ultra low mile cars anymore
Last edited by Roddy13; Oct 1, 2016 at 08:50 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 93
Likes: 3
From: Langley BC
Hey shutout.
Was it stored outside or a non-heated garage?
There's quite a difference.
Along with all the other recommendations, if it was stored outside check under the carpets for moisture.
Low miles does not always no worries.
Good luck. Graham
Was it stored outside or a non-heated garage?
There's quite a difference.
Along with all the other recommendations, if it was stored outside check under the carpets for moisture.
Low miles does not always no worries.
Good luck. Graham
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 3,638
Likes: 245
rotten bushings, Bad fluids, water leaks, mechanical issues, & signs of accidents.
This should be some things to look for.
Collectors don't keep a car for more than 2 years.
For those who just want o own it and dont drive it, they will tend to neglect even general maintenance.
This should be some things to look for.
Collectors don't keep a car for more than 2 years.
For those who just want o own it and dont drive it, they will tend to neglect even general maintenance.
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 361
Likes: 55
From: Los Angeles CA
When I was shopping for a 2002 coupe about three years ago, I drove a couple of low mileage ones that looked great at first, but closer inspection even without taking them to a mechanic showed that both were clearly not quite right. Then when I drove both of them, they each showed signs of neglect, misuse, or maybe even accidents that had been repaired. It was strange in a way, because the mileage and the condition of the paint and interior were all so misleading, I supppose.
I ended up buying a 2002 with 71,000 miles that had all the maintenance records, had been driven up and down the coast by a retired couple on the same trip each year for 12 years. I had a Corvette fanatic/mechanic put the car up on a lift and spend almost two hours going over it front to back, top to bottom. It was so clear that this car was the one for me. Over the last two years it has been such an absolute pleasure.
So yeah. The mileage seems like a big red flag, and you need someone who really knows C5s to go through it front to back, top to bottom.
I ended up buying a 2002 with 71,000 miles that had all the maintenance records, had been driven up and down the coast by a retired couple on the same trip each year for 12 years. I had a Corvette fanatic/mechanic put the car up on a lift and spend almost two hours going over it front to back, top to bottom. It was so clear that this car was the one for me. Over the last two years it has been such an absolute pleasure.
So yeah. The mileage seems like a big red flag, and you need someone who really knows C5s to go through it front to back, top to bottom.
Last edited by speedmaster64; Oct 2, 2016 at 10:58 AM.
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From: Kelso Washington
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Perhaps it might help to save the final and more detailed inspection for the time AFTER you drive it. Getting it warmed up and bearings turning and seals and gaskets warming, it might reveal more issues than a static check cold.
Make it as long a test drive as you can without being weird
Your biggest safety concern might be the tires though so be careful, especially if it's wet.
Good luck man.....could be an OSSUM find or a garage queen gone bad.
Make it as long a test drive as you can without being weird
Your biggest safety concern might be the tires though so be careful, especially if it's wet.
Good luck man.....could be an OSSUM find or a garage queen gone bad.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 485
Likes: 99
From: Long Island, NY
Perhaps it might help to save the final and more detailed inspection for the time AFTER you drive it. Getting it warmed up and bearings turning and seals and gaskets warming, it might reveal more issues than a static check cold.
Make it as long a test drive as you can without being weird
Your biggest safety concern might be the tires though so be careful, especially if it's wet.
Good luck man.....could be an OSSUM find or a garage queen gone bad.
Make it as long a test drive as you can without being weird
Your biggest safety concern might be the tires though so be careful, especially if it's wet.
Good luck man.....could be an OSSUM find or a garage queen gone bad.