C5 - Deal Evaluation
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Joined: Aug 2017
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C5 - Deal Evaluation
Looking at buying a C5 in the next few days. Looking at two; one of the options is:
Torch Red 1998
46,000 miles
Base model - no option packages (manual a/c)
Auto
New rear tires, front tires will need replaced
needs brake pads
front headlight bushing is broken (the rat-a-tat sound)
needs AC & alternator belts replaced
The seller's bottom dollar is $13,750. Seems like I've got about $1k-1500 of work to put into it. How does the deal sound?
Other option is a 2001, 33k miles with the 2LT option package. Bottom dollar on that is $15,500. Has new tires, not sure on brakes (its in Elmhurst IL - I'm in Indy, haven't seen it yet). This one does have an accident history, but according to Carfax it hit a mailbox. Looks to have been repaired well.
Torch Red 1998
46,000 miles
Base model - no option packages (manual a/c)
Auto
New rear tires, front tires will need replaced
needs brake pads
front headlight bushing is broken (the rat-a-tat sound)
needs AC & alternator belts replaced
The seller's bottom dollar is $13,750. Seems like I've got about $1k-1500 of work to put into it. How does the deal sound?
Other option is a 2001, 33k miles with the 2LT option package. Bottom dollar on that is $15,500. Has new tires, not sure on brakes (its in Elmhurst IL - I'm in Indy, haven't seen it yet). This one does have an accident history, but according to Carfax it hit a mailbox. Looks to have been repaired well.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Fords, NJ
Fairly large issue. Early EBCM's ( 97 - 00 ) cannot be repaired. Once the relays go in them they are finished. 01 thru 04 can be taken apart and repaired. Your ONLY recourse with the early model is used, which can become VERY EXPENSIVE and brand new is totally out of the question, unless you come across a dealer who has one sitting on the parts shelf. Again that's highly unlikely.
Another issue with early models is the Steering Position Sensor. Not available new, not made aftermarket. Only recourse is again used.
If you think I'm talking nonsense just go on eBay, search for early EBCM's and see what kind of prices they are asking for them.
Another issue with early models is the Steering Position Sensor. Not available new, not made aftermarket. Only recourse is again used.
If you think I'm talking nonsense just go on eBay, search for early EBCM's and see what kind of prices they are asking for them.
Last edited by SG Lou; Sep 14, 2017 at 11:36 AM.
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Fairly large issue. Early EBCM's ( 97 - 00 ) cannot be repaired. Once the relays go in them they are finished. 01 thru 04 can be taken apart and repaired. Your ONLY recourse with the early model is used, which can become VERY EXPENSIVE and brand new is totally out of the question, unless you come across a dealer who has one sitting on the parts shelf. Again that's highly unlikely.
Another issue with early models is the Steering Position Sensor. Not available new, not made aftermarket. Only recourse is again used.
If you think I'm talking nonsense just go on eBay, search for early EBCM's and see what kind of prices they are asking for them.
Another issue with early models is the Steering Position Sensor. Not available new, not made aftermarket. Only recourse is again used.
If you think I'm talking nonsense just go on eBay, search for early EBCM's and see what kind of prices they are asking for them.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Condition and maintenance over mileage
A car where basics are neglected is a red flag...you can assume not much else was given much attention to either.
better to pay a little more upfront for something thats kept up on
A car where basics are neglected is a red flag...you can assume not much else was given much attention to either.
better to pay a little more upfront for something thats kept up on
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Drifting
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From: Little Rock Arkansas
It's not really a ball-drop on Chevrolet's part per say. At the time, GM dealers were replacing a lot of EBCMs under warranty. GM quickly depleted parts and any remaining NOS parts created for repairs were exhausted through subsequent sales. The biggest issue that hasn't been able to be gotten around is 97-00 EBCMs have some proprietary issues that haven't been as well figured out as 01-04 cars, which is why they cannot be readily repaired.
A note though; EBCM issues in an 97-00 car doesn't make them un-driveable. If that were the case then every C5 made pre-2001 would effectively be worthless and a lot of people would be panicking.
For sure as with any automotive advice buy the newest car you can absolutely afford but don't be completely turned off by pre-01 cars, especially if you come across a tremendously good deal.
A note though; EBCM issues in an 97-00 car doesn't make them un-driveable. If that were the case then every C5 made pre-2001 would effectively be worthless and a lot of people would be panicking.
For sure as with any automotive advice buy the newest car you can absolutely afford but don't be completely turned off by pre-01 cars, especially if you come across a tremendously good deal.
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Thanks everyone. Great advice. I think what hit it home is that if basics are neglected its a big red flag (belts, tires, brakes). Will take a look at the 01 in Elmhurst (hopefully) and continue to keep my options open.
Going into winter in the midwest - will I find some deals or do people generally pull them off market until spring?
Going into winter in the midwest - will I find some deals or do people generally pull them off market until spring?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,827
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From: Brighton MI
Fall is a good time to buy in snow country from a price perspective. Winter, many cars are put away and not on the market. Not saying you couldn't find one in the Winter, just less to choose from.
I am always leery of body work and paint on any car, especially a Vette. If you have the expertise to look at a repair and know if it was done right, less of a worry. But still, so many C5's out there, why settle?
One day you will be the seller and stories kill resale value.
Good luck!
I am always leery of body work and paint on any car, especially a Vette. If you have the expertise to look at a repair and know if it was done right, less of a worry. But still, so many C5's out there, why settle?
One day you will be the seller and stories kill resale value.
Good luck!
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By the way, there is no such option package as a 2LT on a C5. Aand of those two, the 2001 would be my choice. Lots of good upgrades to the C5 platform that year.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 323
Likes: 57
01 would be my choice as well.. accidents tend to scare people away, but if you plan to keep it then do a very thorough inspection on the area that was damaged and and go from there.
good things to look for when you are looking..
make sure both windows go up and down. do 1 at a time and listen for what sounds like parts coming apart in side the doors.. could be the regulator going bad. do it a couple times. i did it once down and once up.. went out after i had paid for the car and it didn't go down unless i helped it..
gauges, make sure they work. oil gauge is notorious for not working. know that it will be either expensive for a dealership or frustrating for you to fix. especially if you have OCD like me.
column lock.. that is a big one if it is a manual. see if the fix was completed, youtube the LCM5 for corvettes.. explains it all very well.
and that is just the beginning.. i am sure there are others that can chime in and give more advice. spend as much time as possible inspecting everything. have fun with it tho. it should be fun looking for the right corvette and don't every settle.
hope this helps,
Michael
good things to look for when you are looking..
make sure both windows go up and down. do 1 at a time and listen for what sounds like parts coming apart in side the doors.. could be the regulator going bad. do it a couple times. i did it once down and once up.. went out after i had paid for the car and it didn't go down unless i helped it..
gauges, make sure they work. oil gauge is notorious for not working. know that it will be either expensive for a dealership or frustrating for you to fix. especially if you have OCD like me.
column lock.. that is a big one if it is a manual. see if the fix was completed, youtube the LCM5 for corvettes.. explains it all very well.
and that is just the beginning.. i am sure there are others that can chime in and give more advice. spend as much time as possible inspecting everything. have fun with it tho. it should be fun looking for the right corvette and don't every settle.
hope this helps,
Michael
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