High mileage C5s
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2016
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High mileage C5s
I think I've got my motorcycle sold and I would like to find a C5 for the amount I'm getting for the bike (under $10K) I've been finding C5s for under 10, but they're all higher mileage cars. Most have between 100 and 150K. I have seen quite a few members here posting about their high mileage Vettes, and most seem to still be very happy with them. I'd love to hear from owners about the higher mileage C5s and if they've had any problems specific to higher mileage cars (not the typical problems all C5s have, I know about those). Of course things like color, option packages, minor cosmetic flaws , etc, wouldn't matter in my search as this would be, for lack of a better word, a "beater" Vette for me until I get moved back home and I can get my garage queen...
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From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
Cheap 'Vettes are expensive 'Vettes.
That being said... you step into additional issues once you enter the bottom/murky end of the pond.
My '01z when I bought it was low mile and pristine before I daily drove it for two years. I spent some serious money keeping it right. Wheel hub, sensors, leaking diff, front torque tube bearing killing the clutch, A/C compressor (twice) saying FU to all the times I went high RPM out of nowhere before it could disengage, and countless other things. And my cost was only parts wholesale, free/my labor.
A Corvette can be a primary car, but have a spare ride handy. And a $10k bottom feeder beater? Doable as this forum will help but you'd better be ready to do some of your own work or it will become expensive quick.
That being said... you step into additional issues once you enter the bottom/murky end of the pond.
My '01z when I bought it was low mile and pristine before I daily drove it for two years. I spent some serious money keeping it right. Wheel hub, sensors, leaking diff, front torque tube bearing killing the clutch, A/C compressor (twice) saying FU to all the times I went high RPM out of nowhere before it could disengage, and countless other things. And my cost was only parts wholesale, free/my labor.
A Corvette can be a primary car, but have a spare ride handy. And a $10k bottom feeder beater? Doable as this forum will help but you'd better be ready to do some of your own work or it will become expensive quick.
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From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
I'd get the bike money and use it as a down payment towards a lower mile ride. Banks may limit to C6 years but places out there that have lenders for old 'Vettes going back to the '50s
www.buyavette.net is one place and they ship internationally.
Buy a cream puff in the low 20's and relax.
www.buyavette.net is one place and they ship internationally.
Buy a cream puff in the low 20's and relax.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
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It isn't the vehicle price, it's the notion of having a nice Vette, and then not being able to keep it nice. If I'm getting a low mileage, still nice looking car, I want to be able to keep it garaged. I figure if I get a rougher, higher mileage version, I won't mind so much if it sits out in the rain....I have seen quite a few people posting here with higher mileage Vettes who still like them...some say they wouldn't part with them...I wouldn't think that would be the case if there were a lot of problems with them because of their mileage...
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2016
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My '01z when I bought it was low mile and pristine before I daily drove it for two years. I spent some serious money keeping it right. Wheel hub, sensors, leaking diff, front torque tube bearing killing the clutch, A/C compressor (twice) saying FU to all the times I went high RPM out of nowhere before it could disengage, and countless other things. And my cost was only parts wholesale, free/my labor.
Kind of sounds like a luck of the draw kind of deal. You bought a low mileage C5 and it sounds like you've had a ton of problems with it. I bet there have been those who have bought much higher mileage cars and had far fewer problems...
Last edited by grampi50; Nov 4, 2016 at 09:35 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
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Team Owner
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From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
It isn't the vehicle price, it's the notion of having a nice Vette, and then not being able to keep it nice. If I'm getting a low mileage, still nice looking car, I want to be able to keep it garaged. I figure if I get a rougher, higher mileage version, I won't mind so much if it sits out in the rain....I have seen quite a few people posting here with higher mileage Vettes who still like them...some say they wouldn't part with them...I wouldn't think that would be the case if there were a lot of problems with them because of their mileage...
Honestly the number of miles doesn't scare me one bit. But especially if it's an M6, they just seem to be beat to hell if they were not a 1 or 2 owner car. I'd try to find a 1 or 2 owner car before I'd worry about the miles. I don't think the miles are a big deal, but having had 6 people beat the hell out of a car is a big deal. If they've had a lot of owners, just figure they were rode hard and put away wet.
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IMO, a high mileage car, any car, is always a risk, but how much of a risk would depend on how meticulous the owners have been over the years in keeping proper maintenance on the car and how it has been treated - driving-wise. If you decide to go the route of a high mileage Vette, just be sure to have some $$$s set aside for any unexpected repairs that may be needed. Some parts are reasonable in cost to repair, others not so much.
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From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
Mine wasn't a problem 'Vette, it was one I kept up, hence the cost. If you saw it now aside from the driver seat you'd think it has 5k miles. The seat is about to be reskinned for ($450 freaking bux).
Many owners won't keep them up, they let little things pile then sell/dump it for $11k with some miles.
That same '01z (engine) is my avatar picture when it became a garage queen. I also have an '09z and they both cost equal to run. C6s are a good choice as well but with similar pitfalls.
Personally, ONLY get the beater 'Vette if you know the platform and have a full set of tools and a spare car for potentially a week at a time. Serious.
Many owners won't keep them up, they let little things pile then sell/dump it for $11k with some miles.
That same '01z (engine) is my avatar picture when it became a garage queen. I also have an '09z and they both cost equal to run. C6s are a good choice as well but with similar pitfalls.
Personally, ONLY get the beater 'Vette if you know the platform and have a full set of tools and a spare car for potentially a week at a time. Serious.
Melting Slicks
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From: Toronto Ontario
I would also agree that your best bet , if possible would be to use the 10k as a down payment on a lower mileage car.
For even $13-$14k you can score a nice one if you look around
But if that's really not an option then just find the best you can for 10k, if you can get something with 100 000 miles or so youd be doing well , just have iot checked out before a purchase
For even $13-$14k you can score a nice one if you look around
But if that's really not an option then just find the best you can for 10k, if you can get something with 100 000 miles or so youd be doing well , just have iot checked out before a purchase
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Le Mans Master
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I hate to say it but I tend to agree with Josh above. I bought my C5 w/80k miles, virtually all road miles in the first 3 years, then it sat for 12 years. The 'car' was fine, but everything about it needed some sort of maintenance. I did almost all my own work (except when I was going in the hospital for back surgery I did have some work done at a shop), but I am afraid to add up the total of what I have in it. The car is nice now, don't get me wrong, but it came at a price. I would take a serious bath if I were to sell now. I have virtually a brand new 98 Vette. And I mean that almost literally.
Honestly the number of miles doesn't scare me one bit. But especially if it's an M6, they just seem to be beat to hell if they were not a 1 or 2 owner car. I'd try to find a 1 or 2 owner car before I'd worry about the miles. I don't think the miles are a big deal, but having had 6 people beat the hell out of a car is a big deal. If they've had a lot of owners, just figure they were rode hard and put away wet.
Honestly the number of miles doesn't scare me one bit. But especially if it's an M6, they just seem to be beat to hell if they were not a 1 or 2 owner car. I'd try to find a 1 or 2 owner car before I'd worry about the miles. I don't think the miles are a big deal, but having had 6 people beat the hell out of a car is a big deal. If they've had a lot of owners, just figure they were rode hard and put away wet.
I agree with the notion of finding a 1 or 2 owner car...too many owners and there's no telling what the car's been through...
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
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The only reason I said that is because you recommended not to buy a high mileage C5, and then you said you bought a low mileage one and then said you had to replace a bunch of stuff on it, which goes against what you were saying...
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From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
I said I bought low miles and spent money keeping it nice.
You seem confused but I don't know why. Seems simple to me.
I was and still am trying to convince you against a $10k C5 as your only car, especially if you don't have tools and a willingness to budget repairs especially for a $10k 'Vette. There's a reason it's $10k
Last edited by ~Josh; Nov 4, 2016 at 11:50 PM. Reason: HilLIAR deserves jail
Burning Brakes
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From: Springboro Ohio
Bought a 100k mile 2001 Silverado in 2012 and the 5.3 LS (I am assuming) based motor in it was actually what convinced me to buy my C5. Great Motor no leaks. Obviously a garage kept truck so I am assuming a well maintained truck. Bought my 02' Z06 in July with 10k miles. Problem free vehicle so far even though it has only been 500 miles. No leaks even after all fluids being changed. It all comes down to maintenance regardless of miles.
Drifting
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From: Danelaw
I would recommend buying an '01 up since they have less issues. Personally, I've had 2 '01's. My 1st one I bought with 38,xxx miles, sold it with 119,xxx miles on it. The only thing I had to replace on it was a $45 dollar oil pressure unit. My 2nd, which I own now has been very dependable too. I bought it with 68,xxx miles, it now has 79,xxx. I've only had to buy a new battery and replace a heated mirror. I don't track or drag my cars, so I'm sure that has something to do with the dependability. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a high mileage '01+ C5 as long as it wasn't abused.
Last edited by RBS_Z51C5; Nov 5, 2016 at 12:17 AM.
Drifting
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From: Boulder City NV
I just sold my '99 base coupe for less than 6 thou with hi miles 228000+, I had sunk a ton into the car, but it got old.... the car was a tough sell, but it did have a new trans and cam and ran pretty good..
Now I'm sinking my dough into the new baby, another '99 but this time a 'vert, only 56K on the clock, but she was rode a little hard and I've already sunk a few bucks into the car.., but my money spent on resto is better spent I think on the lower mile example...
Now I'm sinking my dough into the new baby, another '99 but this time a 'vert, only 56K on the clock, but she was rode a little hard and I've already sunk a few bucks into the car.., but my money spent on resto is better spent I think on the lower mile example...
Instructor
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From: Omaha Arkansas
I bought my '01 convertible with 92,000 miles on the clock. while I would have rather found a lower mileage car mine had been well cared for, looked great, and the price was right. As near as I can tell I am the 6th owner while not the most ideal situation, it has been a great car so far. I now have just over 95,000 on it and I have only done minor maintenance on it since I bought it. I runs strong, delivers a constant 27 mpg and looks great doing it. I think a person needs to keep in mind these cars are after all just cars. They are subject to anything any other vehicle will experience based on the kind of care they have had. Most buyers today wouldn't think twice about purchasing a Chevrolet pickup with over 100,000 miles on the clock if it looked to be in reasonably good condition and the price was right. I think the same applies to a C5. Just my 2 cents worth. Good luck. 
Safety Car
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From: Orlando FL
Older mileage cars can be just fine. The key is to find a decent, well maintained car. My 2000 Coupe I bought in 2004 with 43K on it. I have always done oil changes on time with Mobil 1 products, and done preventative maintenance. Today with 138K on it, it is as solid as the day I bought it. Not as pretty as she used to be, but I would drive it anywhere. The car is worth more to me than to anyone else most likely.
Racer
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Buying a cheap one only to ditch it and get a nicer one makes no sense to me. As some have already stated in many more words, you get what you pay for. My advice, buy the cleanest lowest mileage car you can afford. Where I live the nicest C5's run from 23-28k. Although everyone's situation is different, a "3rd car" or "toy" should never be a financial burden.