Potential CE purchase question
Thread Starter
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
Likes: 1,174
From: Southlake, TX
Potential CE purchase question
Hey all!
I'm a C4 guy pretty serious (I've been reaching out to sellers) about a C5. I'm interested in a 2004 CE model.
I'm a bit confused as I do my research on interior colors. The "authorities" say that the color is a Shale (greyish tan) but all the cars I've seen have black?
Also, I see some lemans blue cars being advertised as CE cars but without the stripes. Was there a stripe delete option?
Also, how many miles is TOO low and how many miles are TOO many. I ask as with C4s they like to be run regular so a 25k car will need some solid maintenance to bring her up to standard while 50-60k means it was driven regular enough to keep it all working.
Any questions to ask (I know about the steering lock) so I sound reasonably bright.
Thanks!
I'm a C4 guy pretty serious (I've been reaching out to sellers) about a C5. I'm interested in a 2004 CE model.
I'm a bit confused as I do my research on interior colors. The "authorities" say that the color is a Shale (greyish tan) but all the cars I've seen have black?
Also, I see some lemans blue cars being advertised as CE cars but without the stripes. Was there a stripe delete option?
Also, how many miles is TOO low and how many miles are TOO many. I ask as with C4s they like to be run regular so a 25k car will need some solid maintenance to bring her up to standard while 50-60k means it was driven regular enough to keep it all working.
Any questions to ask (I know about the steering lock) so I sound reasonably bright.
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 544
From: Appleton WI
I'm not an authority on the CE cars but I believe the coupe and convertibles offered both black and shale for an interior option and the Z06 was just black.
As far as mileage, that is a personal preference. Many have had good luck with low and high miles. The big thing is upkeep. If you find one with low miles, expect to spend some money on fluid changes, hoses and belts, battery, and tires if that hasn't already been addressed.
I bought mine with 167k miles and had to do the tranny at 250k. Everything else has been what I consider routine.
The main thing is to find one that meets your wants and needs and "feels" right. Trust your gut. If it doesn't feel right, walk away. Don't justify your way into a purchase if it doesn't feel right.
There are stickies at the top of the section that are good reading for what to look for when buying.
Have fun and let us know what you find.
As far as mileage, that is a personal preference. Many have had good luck with low and high miles. The big thing is upkeep. If you find one with low miles, expect to spend some money on fluid changes, hoses and belts, battery, and tires if that hasn't already been addressed.
I bought mine with 167k miles and had to do the tranny at 250k. Everything else has been what I consider routine.
The main thing is to find one that meets your wants and needs and "feels" right. Trust your gut. If it doesn't feel right, walk away. Don't justify your way into a purchase if it doesn't feel right.
There are stickies at the top of the section that are good reading for what to look for when buying.
Have fun and let us know what you find.
Thread Starter
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
Likes: 1,174
From: Southlake, TX
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From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
assuming it hasnt been beaten LS1s are just breaking in at 70K.....these are wonderful motors. 50k would be very sweet spot but dont be scared of a well maintained 70k car
Thread Starter
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
Likes: 1,174
From: Southlake, TX
So, please help me with this one... I found one I like with 25kish on the clock, It look like it has been taken care. The guys seems pretty upfront and answers my questions, however he shot me this note:
The harmonic balancer has a little wobble to it, not a lot though - that is a known issue with these cars and thought you should know.
I did some quick reading and it looks that while it IS a common problem, will require a replacement? Maybe not a deal breaker, but a definite consideration.
The harmonic balancer has a little wobble to it, not a lot though - that is a known issue with these cars and thought you should know.
I did some quick reading and it looks that while it IS a common problem, will require a replacement? Maybe not a deal breaker, but a definite consideration.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,905
Likes: 250
From: Orlando FL
So, please help me with this one... I found one I like with 25kish on the clock, It look like it has been taken care. The guys seems pretty upfront and answers my questions, however he shot me this note:
The harmonic balancer has a little wobble to it, not a lot though - that is a known issue with these cars and thought you should know.
I did some quick reading and it looks that while it IS a common problem, will require a replacement? Maybe not a deal breaker, but a definite consideration.
The harmonic balancer has a little wobble to it, not a lot though - that is a known issue with these cars and thought you should know.
I did some quick reading and it looks that while it IS a common problem, will require a replacement? Maybe not a deal breaker, but a definite consideration.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Central Ma
Obviously ask what has been done to the car over the years.
Condition of tires/runflats/or non runflats?
Factory wheels? Some had cracking issues.
Original gas tank? Again, some had issues.
Accidents?
Mine has been a very reliable car and still cleans up well!
Condition of tires/runflats/or non runflats?
Factory wheels? Some had cracking issues.
Original gas tank? Again, some had issues.
Accidents?
Mine has been a very reliable car and still cleans up well!
Thread Starter
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
Likes: 1,174
From: Southlake, TX
A slight wobble to some is a cataclysmic gyration to others. The car is 3 hours from my home so it will be immediately tested!
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,905
Likes: 250
From: Orlando FL
No PM, it will just need to be replaced. Sight wobble should be not a to do yesterday, but it should be done sooner than later. Mine had very little wobble, but made a hell of a noise.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 361
Likes: 31
From: Hamilton New Jersey
C5 z06
Seems like 25k shouldn't create a HB problem. I have a CE with 15K and and no problem whatsoever . Check maintenance records. Good Luck !
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 865
Likes: 53
Hey all!
I'm a C4 guy pretty serious (I've been reaching out to sellers) about a C5. I'm interested in a 2004 CE model.
I'm a bit confused as I do my research on interior colors. The "authorities" say that the color is a Shale (greyish tan) but all the cars I've seen have black?
Also, I see some lemans blue cars being advertised as CE cars but without the stripes. Was there a stripe delete option?
Also, how many miles is TOO low and how many miles are TOO many. I ask as with C4s they like to be run regular so a 25k car will need some solid maintenance to bring her up to standard while 50-60k means it was driven regular enough to keep it all working.
Any questions to ask (I know about the steering lock) so I sound reasonably bright.
Thanks!
I'm a C4 guy pretty serious (I've been reaching out to sellers) about a C5. I'm interested in a 2004 CE model.
I'm a bit confused as I do my research on interior colors. The "authorities" say that the color is a Shale (greyish tan) but all the cars I've seen have black?
Also, I see some lemans blue cars being advertised as CE cars but without the stripes. Was there a stripe delete option?
Also, how many miles is TOO low and how many miles are TOO many. I ask as with C4s they like to be run regular so a 25k car will need some solid maintenance to bring her up to standard while 50-60k means it was driven regular enough to keep it all working.
Any questions to ask (I know about the steering lock) so I sound reasonably bright.
Thanks!