New C5 Owner
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 138
Likes: 6
From: Tallahassee Florida
New C5 Owner
I bought my C5 (2001) a little over a month ago. She had only 20,000 miles when I bought her. Now she has over 21,000. Even though she is not a spring chicken, I am reluctant to drive her to any place where I cannot keep my eyes on her. How comfortable do you seasoned Corvette owners feel about leaving yours unattended, away from home? Yes, I know that should the car be stolen I would be reimbursed with the insurance...and could then purchase another one...but that doesn't sit well with me. I love that car...and don't want someone to damage or steal it. Maybe I need counseling? I would appreciate feedback.
Thanks....Barry
Thanks....Barry
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 234
From: SW Nuh Hampsha
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
Can't speak for all, but I still get a little nervous when leaving my C5 in a place where it's out of sight... kinda like kids - the worrying doesn't go away. 
And welcome to the club!
And welcome to the club!
Last edited by c5vetteguy; Apr 12, 2017 at 02:47 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 25,303
Likes: 1,683
From: The Steel City, Colorful Colorado
Winner 2020 C7 of the Year - Modified
Welcome to the CF! I feel the same way about my Vette as you do with yours. I have found that I'm better off parking it in the mix of everyone, preferably by a curb on one side and a well cared for vehicle on the other side. It seems like more drama happens when my friends and/or I park our cars in the back 40, seems to draw the haters in to do their damage. Whatever you do, don't take up 2 parking spots, that is real bad karma. Try not to stress about it too much and enjoy your new ride.
Advanced
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 97
Likes: 10
From: Minnesota
I take reasonable precautions (be aware of the area), lock it and forget about it.
However, I'm always glad it's still there when I get back
.
Realistically, Corvettes don't even make the top ten of most often stolen vehicles. My concern is some "yahoo" hitting it because they were on their phone or combing their hair or lighting a cigarette or doing something other than paying attention.
JerryM
However, I'm always glad it's still there when I get back
.Realistically, Corvettes don't even make the top ten of most often stolen vehicles. My concern is some "yahoo" hitting it because they were on their phone or combing their hair or lighting a cigarette or doing something other than paying attention.
JerryM
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 177
Likes: 13
From: Niantic Connecticut
I rarely park mine anywhere besides shows or when I'm on a day trip. I just weigh how much enjoyment I'll get out of driving it versus how ticked off I'd be if someone messed with it, and that normally results in me taking my truck.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 343
From: Chicagoland
St. Jude Donor '16
Welcome to the CF! I feel the same way about my Vette as you do with yours. I have found that I'm better off parking it in the mix of everyone, preferably by a curb on one side and a well cared for vehicle on the other side. It seems like more drama happens when my friends and/or I park our cars in the back 40, seems to draw the haters in to do their damage. Whatever you do, don't take up 2 parking spots, that is real bad karma. Try not to stress about it too much and enjoy your new ride.
Good advice!!There will always be jealous jerks out there that do stupid sh#$t.
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 434
Likes: 240
From: TINLEY PARK, IL
Congrats on the super-low mileage yellow C5!
I used to worry about my 82' CE whenever I parked it anywhere, taking the usual precautions like parking far away from other cars, tight up against a curb like AE suggested, and covering it when on trips.
I guess that on longer trips (we took the CE to Tulsa and Colorado from Chicago last year, planning on taking the C5 to Niagara Falls and Maine this year) I don't worry so much because it seems that most people on vacation are out to have fun with their families, and also, when traveling, I have found most people taking extreme care when driving near my Corvette.
As you stated, if it's stolen, the insurance will buy me another one, but that would not be my preferred course!
Anyway, enjoy your new C5! I, like you, have put on over a thousand miles in the past month. I put 6,000 on the C3 last year too. Drive Em!
-Ray
I used to worry about my 82' CE whenever I parked it anywhere, taking the usual precautions like parking far away from other cars, tight up against a curb like AE suggested, and covering it when on trips.
I guess that on longer trips (we took the CE to Tulsa and Colorado from Chicago last year, planning on taking the C5 to Niagara Falls and Maine this year) I don't worry so much because it seems that most people on vacation are out to have fun with their families, and also, when traveling, I have found most people taking extreme care when driving near my Corvette.
As you stated, if it's stolen, the insurance will buy me another one, but that would not be my preferred course!
Anyway, enjoy your new C5! I, like you, have put on over a thousand miles in the past month. I put 6,000 on the C3 last year too. Drive Em!
-Ray
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,222
Likes: 798
From: Fort Myers Beach Florida
Hopefully you will get over that and just drive it. It's a machine, not rare, not collectable, not expensive, and easily replaced. I never ever locked the door on my vert no matter where I park it. If someone wants to get inside I spared the canvas top. As a youngster it was my observation that the vehicle that got stolen were the ones with fancy wheels and expensive stereo systems. They got my 8 track back in 1971. Leave it original without extra "bling" and it's just another car and no one will bother it.
Last edited by DDaaryl; Apr 12, 2017 at 04:42 PM.
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Congrats on your C5. I am always careful on where I park my car and if I have to leave it overnight at say a motel, I try and park it where it is close to my room and in a well lit area. But honestly if a pro really wants the car, they will be in and gone in a short period of time. I have an agreed value policy on the car and if it gets stolen, at least I'm well covered.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 106
From: Sloatsburg NY
Oldtimer
First off welcome to the Forum, I never get very far from it no matter where I park and I leave it open to save the convertible top (had the top on my '59 slashed years ago).
Remember to WAVE
Remember to WAVE
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
First off welcome to the Forum, I never get very far from it no matter where I park and I leave it open to save the convertible top (had the top on my '59 slashed years ago).
Remember to WAVE Attachment 48082940
Remember to WAVE Attachment 48082940
Pro
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 622
Likes: 48
From: Nederland Texas
Welcome to CF! and don't worry about the nervousness. All of us in here regardless of what they say, feel the same way about their cars like you do for yours. They wouldn't be here if they didn't IMO. Also this should help you feel better.
http://www.lojack.com/
My girlfriend's father has one in his truck and highly recommends them for any nice vehicle, especially corvettes. They do a damn good job too. You can also find a dash camera system that watches the inside and outside.
http://www.lojack.com/
My girlfriend's father has one in his truck and highly recommends them for any nice vehicle, especially corvettes. They do a damn good job too. You can also find a dash camera system that watches the inside and outside.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
I NEVER go to Walmart and park with the Vert. All you have to do is spend a little time observing the type of drivers at Walmart. Other than that, I park the car in spaces that normally do not see a lot of pull ins or back outs. The car sits low and SUV and Trucks have a hard time seeing the C5's.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
I NEVER go to Walmart and park with the Vert. All you have to do is spend a little time observing the type of drivers at Walmart. Other than that, I park the car in spaces that normally do not see a lot of pull ins or back outs. The car sits low and SUV and Trucks have a hard time seeing the C5's.