I put this in intros but not sure how many actually read that. Also read the C5 newbie posts.

I have decided to replace my 2003 SSR as it has reached 177k miles.

I am just beginning the learning process but after reviewing the first page of C4s for sale I think I have figured out that a C4 or maybe C5 automatic will be in my $10,000 price range. I owned a 1984 C4 back in 1991 so have some idea what they are like.

I have some unusual requirements and invite you all to comment in any helpful manner.

1. Reliability - I am retired and living on a fixed income so unscheduled expenses are to be avoided whenever possible.

2. Car will be driven very little (less than 500 miles per month) but will be the only vehicle I own. Car will be started a couple times a week.

3. Car will be parked outside in the south Florida sun and rain.

I value your experience and hope you can advise me on years, models and features to seek out or avoid as well as maintenance costs to plan on. Thanks in advance for your time.

 

Not sure which newbie posts you've read, but these two in particular are very informative and valuable for someone looking to get into a C5:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ion-files.html

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...must-read.html

If the car is going to sit out in the sun and rain, consider getting a good car cover for it. Just be sure you put the cover on when the car is clean - even putting it on with dust on the paint surface can cause scratches.

While the C5 is overall a very reliable car, you have to remember that even the newest one is 13 or so years old. And with a $10K or so budget, you are looking at cars that will not be of the low mileage variety. Things do go bad over time even with the best of maintenance. Be sure to have the car thoroughly gone over by a trusted mechanic before you buy. It could save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Good luck in your search.

 

its good that you started your search but it took me almost 2 years of searching to finally get my first C5

Don't rush it, wait for the right deal and save up a few more grand in the meantime

 

There's only two things that are really going to hit you.

1) If you're price range tops at $10,000 and 2) you plan to not have the car under covered parking then you're going to REALLY need to check the conditions of the weather stripping for whatever C5 you look at if you go that route. My assumption is that $10,000 is going to buy you a relatively higher mileage car, which will likely mean that the door weather stripping will need to be replaced. My further assumption is that since you want an automatic you're going to go for a targa fastback (FRC/Z06 is manual transmission only, and a convertible not under covered storage is typically bad). You will need to price weather stripping accordingly, and I would actually recommend doing that research now as you may get a bit of sticker shock on how much OEM pieces go for.

The reason why I push this so much is if the passenger side in particular sees any water leakage you could be in a world of serious hurt. The EBCM is mounted in the passenger foot well on the C5, and if water gets in there it can cause all sorts of headaches. No start, very odd CEL codes thrown, and other anomalies. A lot of headaches that will cost money.

Being driven so little one other thing I would look for is a car with relatively new or "young" tires. You don't want to purchase a car with seemingly good tread but the tires be North of five to six years in age. That means that over the years of it being in your possession sitting outside the tires will just continue to deteriorate in condition.

The rest just read the stickies and follow what Vetteman Jack said.

Personally - personally, now - I think a $10,000 budget on your stipulations is rather ambitious. I know this is the C5 section but I would seriously consider looking for a C4 in your shoes. You owning a 1991 model means that you owned the final year for the L98. The good thing is that over the recent years LT1 cars (post-1991) have begun to fallen, especially since what owners want is a later C4 with a manual transmission. You should have absolutely no difficulty finding a fairly sorted LT1 C4 automatic well within your budget with coin left over for headaches or whatever else. The only bad thing I could see about the C4 is that the permeation of the LS engine for so long means that serviceable items are relatively comparable to often cheaper than the older LT1

 

Good for you to start researching vettes. I would test drive a c4 and C5 to get a good perspective on each. Although C4's are cool......you may enjoy a C5 more. So....I would keep researching and save a few more $$$ for the right C5.

 

The C5’s are great cars but many times previous owners do not make the repairs necessary for a happy ownership. Here are three more thoughts I used in my C5 purchase quest.
1. Do not buy a C5 from a used car dealer. They get vettes from an auction that new car dealers get in trade and do not want because of the many mechanical/electrical issues. Focus on private sellers where maintenance receipts should be available.
2. Have an alternate reliable (but maybe old) DD. With your budget to buy, anticipate repairs. Can you do yourself? If not and you do not have the funds to pay for repairs by someone, I would seriously rethink buying a C5.
3. TAKE YOUR TIME. Bring a friend with auto mechanical knowledge with you to be your “inner conscious” when inspecting a potential buy. And listen to the friend!
Good luck on your search.

 

Congratulations on your decision. You've already gotten excellent advice in the previous posts so not a whole lot to add. I do think finding a decent late model C5 in good condition for that price is going to be difficult.

I had a C4 Z51 and the C5 is a TOTALLY different car. Much more "refined".

As for repairs, the C5's are a VERY well engineered and built car. That said, anything mechanical requires routine maintenance and WILL break at some point. Even routine maintenance on them isn't cheap. Much cheaper if you have the skills, tools, and area to do it yourself. But if the car will be outside, I doubt you'll be doing it.

All that said, if you do get one, I have a CoverKing outdoor cover that I bought when we lived in NY that I don't need anymore now that it's in a garage in Florida all of the time. If you score a C5 and need a cover - ring my bell. I'm on the other coast from you butwe could work something out if you're interested. I only used the cover for two winters.

 

I would recommend a light color interior and exterior to stay cooler. Buy a 2001 or newer C5.

 

I would say stick with the C5 or a C4 prior to the LT-1. If you get the LT-1 you will have to worry about the optispark..I've replaced several and most people only want to buy the aftermarket unit for $150.00..lucky if they last a year. The GM unit is about $450.00. LABOR FOR EITHER UNIT IS EXPENSIVE. GOOD LUCK!