Buying a C5 - problems fixed?
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 592
Likes: 17
From: Tempe AZ
I suspect many of the "problems" have not surfaced on ALL C-5's, so unless you can see the service history it will be a crap shoot. The service column lock may not come on for one owner. so they have never had to do a bypass. I had to replace the rear seal but ssupect some others are spot free. Go Figure
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 6,480
Likes: 556
I drove a C6 today with an automatic...I like the C6, but not the auto...I gotta have a manual...I'd like an '04, but a manual...
Last edited by grampi50; Oct 19, 2016 at 09:01 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,000
Likes: 283
From: New York
I just picked up a 00 FRC 2 owner car, with 128k miles and it has ALL of common issues including the column lock!!
Car was almost 100% original down to the shocks!! So the RISK is HIGH!
Buy it, be ready to fix whatever might need to be done and enjoy the car!
Car was almost 100% original down to the shocks!! So the RISK is HIGH!
Buy it, be ready to fix whatever might need to be done and enjoy the car!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 6,480
Likes: 556
Being patient, insisting on service records, receipts, and a thorough inspection by someone who really knows C5's is mandatory to minimize risk of buying into a problem C5. While minimizing risk, I don't believe you can eliminate it, especially in cars as old as C5's. At some point, if you're serious about a C5, you are just going to have to find the cleanest, best maintained car that fits into your wants category and pull the trigger. You could wait forever trying to find a "perfect" C5 with a guarantee of no future problems or issues. They just don't exist. If the prospect of possible problems rearing their heads is that worrisome then perhaps a new(er) vette under warranty would be more suitable. As an example I'll relate the following: Looked for an extended period of time to find exactly what I was looking for, very specific, and was being pretty fussy about maintenance etc. Bought the C5, great purchase, only a defective from the factory battery to replace. Perfect, no issues at all for a fair while. Then developed a fuel leak from the drivers side tank. Ok, annoying, really annoying, and somewhat expensive ($1300.00), but these things happen on a 17 year old car. I don't think any amount of fretting and checking could have foreseen that problem. Paid the bill and moved along, very happily, a little lighter in the wallet, but still very pleased with my C5. I've owned a lot of performance cars of widely varied descriptions in my life and my C5 ranks at the very top in bang for the buck purchases that I've made. I hope you find what you are looking for so you can get in on the fun. Good luck and best wishes!
I think you're right, the perfect C5 doesn't exist. I can be as vigilant as possible, but sooner or later, I'm just gonna have to pull the trigger. I also doubt I will run across many sellers who will be willing to let me pull the battery out to see if there's been any damage caused by a leaky battery, just as one example. Service records will be nice, but also will not be all telling. If I want one, which I do, I'm just gonna have to roll the dice and get on with it! But first, I gotta sell my bike...one toy at a time!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 6,480
Likes: 556
Did you get a good price on it (because of all these issues), or did they all just happen after you bought it?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,000
Likes: 283
From: New York
I paid 12.5 for mine @ 126k miles when I got it. Car as I said was almost totally original, which seems to be going rate in the NY area.
I addressed the column issue, had to fix a few leaks (5!!) and now I use the car almost daily or my C7.
I can turn a wrench so I'm only paying for parts, the car is old so I expect to pay to play!
BTW I went over the WHOLE car as best I could including the battery! If the seller won't let you go over the car within reason, walk away!! It's your $$ and have every right to feel comfortable before handing over a few grand or more. Only way I have ever done it for any car, period.
Last edited by nyciti; Oct 19, 2016 at 09:23 PM.
Racer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 356
Likes: 108
From: Chicago
I like manual, but only for a quick drive. Long term, I'm much happier I went with the auto. One less thing to mess with.
