New C5 Owner
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 186
Likes: 15
From: Elliot Lake Ontario, Canada
It's sad that we've had to accept that people in general are so irresponsible and disrespectful these days, that we can't be comfortable leaving our cars in public. There has always been some of that of course, but not like it is now. And no, I don't feel comfortable leaving mine "out of sight" in public either.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 19,980
Likes: 74
Welcome!
1.) You got the best color.
2.) Don't worry about it being stolen. If the owner gets jammed up using the key, no way a thief can bypass the column lock. That's why I love the C5...anti theft column lock is so good not even the owner can drive it away without a problem.
3.) I worry about scratches, dings, dents, etc. My 2000 Millenium Yellow C5 has 21,000 miles...almost exactly the same as yours. Is it worth a lot? No...maybe $18-$19k. But it's still a Corvette, it still looks gorgeous, it still has a stunning Millenium Yellow paint job, and it still doesn't have a single scratch, dent, ding, on it. Being 17 years old, it still feels and drives like almost a new car. I want it to look that way, too. So nothing wrong with paranoia about getting it scuffed up.
If I were you, I wouldn't park it in a "public" place. Some are jealous, and although it's only worth $15-$20k, it looks much more expensive, so ******** love to damage it intentionally. Others are just inconsiderate...If their shopping cart hits it or their door bangs it, they don't care. I've heard the Millennium Yellow in particular is very, very hard to paint, so if you get a scratch, you're SOL.
I'd keep it away from the public as much as possible when you're not around.
1.) You got the best color.
2.) Don't worry about it being stolen. If the owner gets jammed up using the key, no way a thief can bypass the column lock. That's why I love the C5...anti theft column lock is so good not even the owner can drive it away without a problem.
3.) I worry about scratches, dings, dents, etc. My 2000 Millenium Yellow C5 has 21,000 miles...almost exactly the same as yours. Is it worth a lot? No...maybe $18-$19k. But it's still a Corvette, it still looks gorgeous, it still has a stunning Millenium Yellow paint job, and it still doesn't have a single scratch, dent, ding, on it. Being 17 years old, it still feels and drives like almost a new car. I want it to look that way, too. So nothing wrong with paranoia about getting it scuffed up.
If I were you, I wouldn't park it in a "public" place. Some are jealous, and although it's only worth $15-$20k, it looks much more expensive, so ******** love to damage it intentionally. Others are just inconsiderate...If their shopping cart hits it or their door bangs it, they don't care. I've heard the Millennium Yellow in particular is very, very hard to paint, so if you get a scratch, you're SOL.
I'd keep it away from the public as much as possible when you're not around.
Last edited by Slo Yelo C5; Apr 14, 2017 at 12:15 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,793
Likes: 333
From: Leesburg Fl
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '14,'18
My 2002 has 91k and no parking lot damage from going to the store and parking between trucks. Maybe because I was a car dealer I view the Vette as just another car. Spent a total of 12 months in the desert without a cover, paint still looks new. Drove it off road while touring the country. Enjoy the car as I do, driving it everywhere.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,815
Likes: 2,266
From: Brighton MI
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 106
From: The Natures Coast/Caribbean
While I lived in central Florida I was alright. When I relocated to the island, I must admit a bit nervous. Didn't really take it to shopping areas until I had some type of lock. In my dads tool shed I found and old brake and steering wheel lock, belonged to baby brothers 1985 Monte Carlo SS. I started using it, and was more calm about going out. Then another brother of mine sent me a Club, use it all the time. I tend to park far away and not worry who's next to me or who parks near me.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 768
From: jefferson texas
Congratulations on your new baby, beautiful C5! I've just tried to use reasonable precautions with my various toys through the years. I park in a well lit or observable area, and in a manner that doesn't **** other drivers off such as parking diagonally across parking spaces etc. Just common sense, if it doesn't look or feel right, don't leave it there. Hoping you have a great time with your new ride, seeing a yellow C5 coming down the road on a sunny day is indeed a sight! Best wishes!
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 138
Likes: 6
From: Tallahassee Florida
More paranoia from me....
You're right! Drivers texting or just being plain stupid and coming up quickly behind me and stopping way too close give me the jitters.
It seems that those who have responded to my concern about leaving my C5 unattended are about equally split....many will not leave there Vette out of sight...and many others will...some with some concern...others not worrying so much about possibilities.
Regarding texting/careless drivers behind me...has anyone employed any of the aftermarket gadgets that for example will make the brake lights flash when applied, etc.? In a weird way, I almost think that might aggravate a crazy person behind me. I guess I just need to chill..
It seems that those who have responded to my concern about leaving my C5 unattended are about equally split....many will not leave there Vette out of sight...and many others will...some with some concern...others not worrying so much about possibilities.
Regarding texting/careless drivers behind me...has anyone employed any of the aftermarket gadgets that for example will make the brake lights flash when applied, etc.? In a weird way, I almost think that might aggravate a crazy person behind me. I guess I just need to chill..
Last edited by Barry6547; Apr 15, 2017 at 09:46 AM. Reason: grammar change...
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 246
Likes: 107
From: Sioux Falls SD
No need to add anything special to your Vette - will just cause more attention from people you don't want attention from. Drive it and enjoy it, but use common sense when parking - in addition to other tips already mentioned - don't park next to a 2-door car unless it's another well taken care of sports car. Those doors are long and if a POS 2-door can reach your car when it's door is opened - look out!
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 138
Likes: 6
From: Tallahassee Florida
No need to add anything special to your Vette - will just cause more attention from people you don't want attention from. Drive it and enjoy it, but use common sense when parking - in addition to other tips already mentioned - don't park next to a 2-door car unless it's another well taken care of sports car. Those doors are long and if a POS 2-door can reach your car when it's door is opened - look out!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 19,980
Likes: 74
A friend had POS his whole life. Never had any issues, ever, with damage to his POS. Saved and saved and bought a low mile, bright yellow, 2012 (?) Camaro SS for a daily driver around 2014. It's been keyed twice in 2-3 years of ownership and scratched, dinged in parking lots at least 3-4 times.
The guy is livid and has every right to be. He said something to the effect of "I had POS Toyotas and Cavaliers my whole life--never touched. I get a nice Camaro and suddenly it feels like every time I park it some jealous or inconsiderate ******* seems to be committed to destroying it one piece at a time".
I'm not sure why, but the "bold" colored sports cars (ie yellow, orange, bright red, lime green, purple) tend to always be the ones damaged most frequently. It's like people see a "bold" color sports car and almost...want to damage it because they're jealous. All my friends with the colors named above on Corvettes, Camaros, Mustangs seem to be damaged in parking lots. It forces people like me to have to not park in public lots. BS.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Live life to the fullest, enjoy your car to the max and what ever happens, move on. You never know how long you have before you take a dirt nap.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 768
From: jefferson texas
No need to add anything special to your Vette - will just cause more attention from people you don't want attention from. Drive it and enjoy it, but use common sense when parking - in addition to other tips already mentioned - don't park next to a 2-door car unless it's another well taken care of sports car. Those doors are long and if a POS 2-door can reach your car when it's door is opened - look out!
Last edited by friou; Apr 16, 2017 at 09:56 AM. Reason: add
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 136
Likes: 1
From: Farmington Maine
You gotta get over this......drive your Vette, park your Vette and then drive it some more. There are some things you can't control. Make sure that you have good insurance and be VERY selective about your Walmart parking space. A little longer walk from your space to the store is worth the peace of mind. I'd probably feel different if I lived on an urban area but I live in the "boonies" where folks still feel safe.....most of the time.