Buying used c5
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Buying used c5
Hey guys I'm new here but looking for some advice. I found this c5 vette and it's in amazing condition. He's had all the services checked, fluids flushed and brand new tires. The odometer reads 200k, engine has been allegedly swapped and has 105k on it and the auto transmission only has 90k on it. He's asking 8k should I Pursue it?
Last edited by c7corvettelover; May 11, 2017 at 11:51 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 32
Likes: 2
It sounds like a car that was rode hard and put away wet then cleaned up to sell. All new fluids is suspicious. You have to ask yourself how this guy grenaded an LS1 at 95k miles
However, that doesn't mean don't buy this car. I just wouldn't pay 8k for it
However, that doesn't mean don't buy this car. I just wouldn't pay 8k for it
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 184
Likes: 36
From: Ontario CA
It's hard to say. If it's what the PO says, and he has documents to support it, then it may be. Do some reading here and you'll see reports of cars with that kind of mileage and even more. The year is important since '00 model year and earlier have some components that are no longer available new and very costly and scarce used. You'll need to pull the codes and post them for all to see so opinions can be given. I have 2 C5s, a '00 supercharged A4 coupe with 110K that has a new engine and trans plus a '99 6 speed Vert with 141K, all original except for Wilwood brakes put on by PO. Both have had their little issues but nothing I haven't been able to fix myself. I look forward to driving one of them every day and also working on something on one or the other every day too. Read the stickies on this forum plus the Tech forum to see what you will be getting yourself into. Check the car out closely and let us know if you have any more questions. Update your profile with your location and maybe someone close can look at the car with you.
Good luck and I hope you can join the party!
Good luck and I hope you can join the party!
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If it were me, for a few K's more you should be able to find a C5 with less miles and a lot less history. Your choice, but I'd keep looking.
Safety Car
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 276
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From: DFW Texas
You're looking in the running, but needs work price range. I have one in this range myself and yeah it can be a headache but at the same time, it's not $12k either. The guys that are saying $4-5K are out of their minds, I've seen them with no engines selling in that range.
You have to decide if you want to save and pay over $10K for a better one, or if you don't mind fixing the odd problem. Also remember that there are no guarantees in a used car, you might pay $15k for a C5 and have the engine grenade the next day.
You have to decide if you want to save and pay over $10K for a better one, or if you don't mind fixing the odd problem. Also remember that there are no guarantees in a used car, you might pay $15k for a C5 and have the engine grenade the next day.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,398
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From: jefferson texas
If at all possible, up your budget and keep looking. Doesn't sound right. I have to go with above poster who thought the car might have been thrashed to death. Simply put, I wouldn't do it! Good luck!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,132
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From: Los Angeles CA
Heck, for $ 9,500, if u were in the south/west, I might sell u my C5 and drive it to u for fun. Of course, I probably change my mind saying, It runs too good and I just had so much fun 
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Hey guys I'm new here but looking for some advice. I found this c5 vette and it's in amazing condition. He's had all the services checked, fluids flushed and brand new tires. The odometer reads 200k, engine has been allegedly swapped and has 105k on it and the auto transmission only has 90k on it. He's asking 8k should I Pursue it?
Safety Car
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From: Fords, NJ