Hello Everyone. I still REALLY enjoy my C4 1995 with 33,000 miles. Red with Black interior- but it is time for change. Looking at a 2000 (Blue) with 9,000 miles for 20,995. Other car at same place is a 2004 (Black) with 31,000 miles for 21,995. Is there that much difference/evolution from 2000-2004? I read about a traction control system. Looking forward to enjoying a C5! You can see pics at VanBortel Corvette.

 

PCM-Faster, more memory. Program updates.
Fuel-C6 FFS System, to fix gauge issues.
Cooling-LS2 water pump and T-stat.
Ignition-LS2 coil paks.
Ignition-GM HIPO spark plug wires (red).
Ignition-Delco Iridium spark plugs.
Intake-Revised LS6 manifold to fix whistling issue.
Crankcase-New PCV orfice design eliminates plumbing, less blowby.
Gears-Revised seals, to fix leaking.
HVAC-New drain, to fix water damage.
Chassis-New rear frame design to stiffen chassis for FFS tanks (late 2003).
Electrical-Valeo 140 Amp alternator.
Electrical-Top post acid Delco battery, to fix failed AGM batteries.
Suspension-Aluminum end links.
Suspension-Recalibrated shocks (Z51).
Transmission A4-valve body calibration changes.
Wheels-Lugs changed to steel/stainless covered (no locks).
Brakes-Revised pads.
Weatherstripping improvements.

2002+ block has better oiling and coolant gallies
2002+ LS1 or LS6 are the same LS6 block
2002+ rod bolts were upgraded

2001 had some minor oiling issues, consumed a bit too much oil.

 

Thanks typeav. Extensive upgrades. Though 04 has 20,000 more miles, dealer wants to move the Blue 00. It sounds like the upgrades may worth the additional miles.

 

^ I would

 

Tough decision - both are nice cars. I would have a tough time choosing.
The blue one looks like it has, at the very least, cat back exhaust.
The black one looks stock except for the rims?

For me, it would come down to which color I like better. Mileage isn't an issue. Our 1999 C5 has about 90 000 miles on it and runs and looks brand new.

I think if I sat them side by side I would take the black one. It just "jumped" out to me more. Then again, I haven't seen too many blue ones around. I think it is those rims. They are sharp.

Good luck!

EDIT - just noticed the black one has an aftermarket head unit. It if were "me" that is money off the car. Ours had an aftermarket stereo in it and the first thing I did was get a factory head unit for it. That dash doesn't look right with that stereo in it IMO.

 

Thanks for picking up on the possible different exhaust deejbee. I am surprised it is not mentioned when you go to the dealers site. I agree now that you mention it. The "upgraded" stereo may sound better, but I too feel it looks out of place in the interior. Dealer e-mailed me and said he had more room to move on the blue one than the black. If you scroll through pics, the Blue 2000 has a pinstripe that screams 80's. I hope I can look past it.

 

Just as a 95C4 is significantly better than a 92; the 2004C5 is much better than a 2000.

I guess that I am a bit biased as I own both a 95 and an 04.

If you're only going to keep the car for a year or so.... well then no big deal. If you're going to keep the car an put lots of miles on it.... you're way ahead of the game with the 04. The difference in miles on those two cars is not significant.

 

My choice would be the 2004.....

 

I would move up as well. I got an 04 and I love it.
Just one tiny issue with the 04's.
Fuel Tank crossover pipe had a know problem of leaking and it was addressed via a dealer fix but that offer has long since expired.
Check the VIN on that 04 you're looking at and if it falls between these numbers, 45110258 - 45125500 I'd think about maybe passing on it unless it has documented proof the repair was made by the dealer.
Going to expensive to have the tanks replaced. A Chevy dealer can run the VIN to confirm any repairs, Recalls, etc, etc. Just give them the VIN #

Here is a link to a thread on the forum regarding this issue:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...read-this.html

Good Luck and I hope the 04 you're looking at checks out OK


STOP THE PRESS.......I just went to the dealers web site and noticed they list the car's VIN# 1G1YY22G245133569 and it's past the sequence of numbers that's in question so.................GO FOR IT

 

Pinstripe is easy to remove. Factory stereo's are dime-a-dozen. Factory exhaust is easy to find and cheap. Ours came with a Borla exhaust on it and I hated it when we got it and was going to go back to factory but it has grown on me.

I wouldn't let the mileage deter me on the black one. At all.

Maintenance is obviously an issue. Have fluids been swapped in either car? Dealer should back that up for the prices they are asking. Have either of them been repainted or collision damaged? Is the tires good?

Another thing to consider is the stereo on the 2004. If it is a clean install, then you can just plug in a factory head unit if you want to go back to factory. If they hacked and whacked the harness you could have issues. Lucky for us, there was a ton of wires, harnesses and adapters added to the aftermarket setup but it all unplugged. Plugged a factory stereo in and it is good to go. Some people like aftermarket, personally I don't. I find they don't fit with the car and subtracts value, doesn't add any...

Other than that, I think the best choice for you would be which color you like the most.
I prefer the black one, but the blue one isn't all that common if you want something more unique. And it IS a nice blue... it's a sharp car, too.

 

I got lucky...mine is 2000+ past the problem build numbers

 

Mine as well

 

Lou

 

I think Mr. Peabody has the answer! Keep the 95 AND get a C5! Thank you for your help everyone. I just don't have the storage for two corvettes. I spent a TON of time educating myself on the C4's before I bought it. By 95' they were as refined as they were going to get. I am glad to hear C5's too evolved. I actually own and read "All Corvette's are Red". So impressed with all that went into the C5. The way corvette evolved and how they paid attention to the details- it is no wonder this car continues to impress. Decision time.... When I make a decision AND get it home, I will post some pics. Glad to see those in the C5 section are willing to help just like those in the C4 section helped.

 

Sounds like high $$$$$$ on both of them. A friend of mine just bought a nice 2002 for $10,000.

 

not on this conditions, I have seen them for $6,000 but are not worth it, those miles on this 2 cars means they have been garage queens

 

Nothing wrong with a 2000. But I wouldn't pay that much for it. I have a 2000frc and paid $15500 for it with only 23k miles. It already had long tube headers and a full Magnaflow stainless polished exhaust system. The car is mint. I also wanted a 2004, but everyone wanted close to 20k with 60k miles+. Might as well get a Z06.

They are both C5's. You can do whatever you want with it as far as performance goes. I'm not being biased either. I have friends with both. I've also driven many C5's.

The 2000 also has a bigger cam than the 2001-2004 cars (except Z06). Throw an LS6 intake on it and your good.

Try to get that 04 for less money, that would be a better buy.

Overall, they are both excellent cars.

 

EVLGTO- $15,500 for a fixed roof coupe- wow- that is a great price. The C5 shows well from any angle -I am amazed at how each color shows the curves differently.

 

Well, if it were me, I'd get a red one. . .

 

Garage queer or not, I would rather a car proven to go down the road. Unless your are only going to park it in another garage That the case, I don't get. it