C5 question
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
C5 question
Hello I am new to this forum. I have owned a C3 and a 92 C4. I am thinking about purchasing a C-5 are there any things that I should know about the C-5 that wear out quickly or need to be replaced often or anything like that?
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 940
From: Orlando Florida
You simply must read the information here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ion-files.html
There are something like 5,431 known issues with the C5 that you should know about before making a purchase. My '99 has had about 5,425 of them so far, and I anticipate the other 6 in the years ahead. All of which are forgiven each and every time I accelerate out of a stop and go through the first three gears.
Accelerating through four would get me arrested...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ion-files.html
There are something like 5,431 known issues with the C5 that you should know about before making a purchase. My '99 has had about 5,425 of them so far, and I anticipate the other 6 in the years ahead. All of which are forgiven each and every time I accelerate out of a stop and go through the first three gears.
Accelerating through four would get me arrested...
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Thanks
They are a great car in many ways but can have more than their share of electrical issues. Not every car experiences those but here is another thread you should absolutely read before making the move:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...must-read.html
Hope you are a DIY person when needing repairs as it could be expensive if you run into problems and have to pay others for repairs.
If you have the money to spend I would go with a 2001 or newer C5. There are several parts that are no longer available new for the 97 - 2000 cars that when they fail will cost big $$$ for used that may not be much better than the part that failed. Two key components are the Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS) and the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM). The 2001 - 2004 EBCM are still available new PLUS some failures of the EBCM for those years are repairable. Not repairable on the 97 - 2000. JMHO
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...must-read.html
Hope you are a DIY person when needing repairs as it could be expensive if you run into problems and have to pay others for repairs.
If you have the money to spend I would go with a 2001 or newer C5. There are several parts that are no longer available new for the 97 - 2000 cars that when they fail will cost big $$$ for used that may not be much better than the part that failed. Two key components are the Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS) and the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM). The 2001 - 2004 EBCM are still available new PLUS some failures of the EBCM for those years are repairable. Not repairable on the 97 - 2000. JMHO
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
read the sticky threads about buying a c5 it will answer all your questions....if you want a quick answer from a guy who owns an 04 vert, i would say buy 02 and newer.
these are good cars that have highly sophisticated engine management and body control systems.....not all parts are made for replacement and used parts can be expensive.
not all the sophisticated systems are critical for base operation so a running car could have problems......you can pull codes from the DIC to see if a potential car you want to buy has issues.
edit: and if you follow 8vette7 advice you will be well served
these are good cars that have highly sophisticated engine management and body control systems.....not all parts are made for replacement and used parts can be expensive.
not all the sophisticated systems are critical for base operation so a running car could have problems......you can pull codes from the DIC to see if a potential car you want to buy has issues.
edit: and if you follow 8vette7 advice you will be well served
Last edited by bobs77vet; May 18, 2018 at 10:49 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 865
Likes: 53
I agree with 8vette7 . I bought a 2002 because of replaceable parts , higher hp , ls6 manifold. But there is a lot of love for the earlier years too . I just felt the 01 and up , for me , was the best way to go .
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Agree with all above that suggest buying a C5 as late as possible. If you do not have the electrical and mechanical skills for a DIY, then make sure there are some local Vette mechanics that can do the work. I would not let any repair garage touch a C5 unless you have vetted them on C5 repairs know how. I include the stealerships vetting. Good luck on your search.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,868
Likes: 770
From: Kelso Washington
St. Jude Donor '09, '13, '15
I've owned my 02 six-speed Coupe for over ten years and have never had a "no start".
I drove it daily for months on a 100+ mile round-trip commute and in heavy traffic and it always was reliable and easy to drive.
Wear and tear parts have been replaced and had a minor ECBM issue fixed with mailing the unit out for $150 and my labor.
Still loving the car and is still a blast to drive at 137K miles.
Some have had worse luck but you have that with any brand/model.
My answer would be "Yes, it is basically a very good car". ....at least in my experience
and yes............read the stickies!
I drove it daily for months on a 100+ mile round-trip commute and in heavy traffic and it always was reliable and easy to drive.
Wear and tear parts have been replaced and had a minor ECBM issue fixed with mailing the unit out for $150 and my labor.
Still loving the car and is still a blast to drive at 137K miles.
Some have had worse luck but you have that with any brand/model.
My answer would be "Yes, it is basically a very good car". ....at least in my experience
and yes............read the stickies!
Last edited by Oh 2 Fun; May 19, 2018 at 03:28 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
I've owned my 02 six-speed Coupe for over ten years and have never had a "no start".
I drove it daily for months on a 100+ mile round-trip commute and in heavy traffic and it always was reliable and easy to drive.
Wear and tear parts have been replaced and had a minor ECBM issue fixed with mailing the unit out for $150 and my labor.
Still loving the car and is still a blast to drive at 137K miles.
Some have had worse luck but you have that with any brand/model.
My answer would be "Yes, it is basically a very good car". ....at least in my experience
and yes............read the stickies!
I drove it daily for months on a 100+ mile round-trip commute and in heavy traffic and it always was reliable and easy to drive.
Wear and tear parts have been replaced and had a minor ECBM issue fixed with mailing the unit out for $150 and my labor.
Still loving the car and is still a blast to drive at 137K miles.
Some have had worse luck but you have that with any brand/model.
My answer would be "Yes, it is basically a very good car". ....at least in my experience
and yes............read the stickies!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,683
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
YES, this is a great car.
It was designed to be a 300K mile car, AND it is a Chevrolet. Service is everywhere.
The amazing thing is that my '03 still has some features that are just today being equaled. Just saw a commercial for the BMW i8, and how cool for 2018 the HUD is. Wow, my 2003 AE was WAY before its time. LOL
Enjoy
It was designed to be a 300K mile car, AND it is a Chevrolet. Service is everywhere.
The amazing thing is that my '03 still has some features that are just today being equaled. Just saw a commercial for the BMW i8, and how cool for 2018 the HUD is. Wow, my 2003 AE was WAY before its time. LOL
Enjoy
Last edited by ALLEGRO; May 20, 2018 at 12:09 PM.