In too deep...
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Alberta
In too deep...
<rant>
Afternoon!
Bought my '97 Silver C5 back in June and since then - it has done nothing but cost me money...
- Oil Change
- Brake Fluid Change
- New AC compressor, pulley, belt and tensioner
- AC repair (performance shop over charged the system and didn't add oil)
- New O2 Heat Sensor
- Harmonic Balancer
- Adjust parking brake, etc. - minor maintenance.
So far, in to the Corvette for about $4000.00 and to the point where if it's not going to run right and properly, I am going to sell it! Ever since I took it to the "Performance shop" to have some stuff looked at and to get an overall opinion of the car, it's just problem after problem and code after code...
At what point do you just give up and call it a day?!
I'd like to enjoy the car, but it appears she doesn't want to cooperate.
</rant>
Afternoon!
Bought my '97 Silver C5 back in June and since then - it has done nothing but cost me money...
- Oil Change
- Brake Fluid Change
- New AC compressor, pulley, belt and tensioner
- AC repair (performance shop over charged the system and didn't add oil)
- New O2 Heat Sensor
- Harmonic Balancer
- Adjust parking brake, etc. - minor maintenance.
So far, in to the Corvette for about $4000.00 and to the point where if it's not going to run right and properly, I am going to sell it! Ever since I took it to the "Performance shop" to have some stuff looked at and to get an overall opinion of the car, it's just problem after problem and code after code...
At what point do you just give up and call it a day?!
I'd like to enjoy the car, but it appears she doesn't want to cooperate.
</rant>
Last edited by thevirtualguy; Jul 24, 2018 at 07:15 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
I cannot take anything seriously from someone who’s first complaint about expense is that they had to pay for an oil change.
Good luck OP. Sounds to me like you didn’t do a very good job inspecting the car before purchase.
Good luck OP. Sounds to me like you didn’t do a very good job inspecting the car before purchase.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,685
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From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
I’ve got thousands in my ‘01z and I do my own work. Spent $5k recently (parts only) and about to spend another $2500 (parts only). Damned thing is Ferrari expensive (parts only) 
It’s a gem when it’s together and running though. Glorious.
It’s a gem when it’s together and running though. Glorious.
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I agree that it sounds like you need to find a better shop for fixing your car or do it yourself if you can. The C5 is really a pretty reliable platform so once you get the things you mentioned repaired, hopefully it will be good to go for a long time.
But, if you want to sell it, good luck and hope you do well with the price.
But, if you want to sell it, good luck and hope you do well with the price.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
well buying the right car is really important....what made you pick this car? what made you pick this shop? how do we know that the performance shop isn't just out to gouge you? what is the car doing that requires you to have work done on it? how many miles are on the car and what codes are showing up on the DIC?
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,338
Likes: 66
From: Whittier California
well buying the right car is really important....what made you pick this car? what made you pick this shop? how do we know that the performance shop isn't just out to gouge you? what is the car doing that requires you to have work done on it? how many miles are on the car and what codes are showing up on the DIC?
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 390
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From: Columbus, OH
Last edited by Joepro95; Jul 24, 2018 at 08:14 PM.
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 371
Likes: 223
From: Charlotte, NC
It's a 21 year old car...
I bought a 2002 Toyota sequoia back in 2016. I had to put a new rear-end in it because the original one (with 175,000 miles on it) was roaring and I've had to do a brake fluid change and a transmission fluid change (not to mention several oil changes). That stuff's just maintenance and with cars it's a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" thing. If you drive it a lot, mileage goes up and things wear out. If you don't drive it, stuff deteriorates and goes bad (especially an A/C system).
In any case, a 1997 Vette is an "old car" now. things are gonna go wrong, and keep going wrong. It's the nature of the beast.
I bought a 2002 Toyota sequoia back in 2016. I had to put a new rear-end in it because the original one (with 175,000 miles on it) was roaring and I've had to do a brake fluid change and a transmission fluid change (not to mention several oil changes). That stuff's just maintenance and with cars it's a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" thing. If you drive it a lot, mileage goes up and things wear out. If you don't drive it, stuff deteriorates and goes bad (especially an A/C system).
In any case, a 1997 Vette is an "old car" now. things are gonna go wrong, and keep going wrong. It's the nature of the beast.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Alberta
Can not disagree with anything said here, it just rolled 102,000KM - it is a beauty and both my wife and I love it.
I was/am just frustrated with the amount of money spent - but I knew going in it would not be cheap. It was fully inspected by a shop before I purchased it and they identified the AC as a concern as it was leaking refrigerant all over. I took it to a Corvette Specialty shop in town thinking they would do a great job, they clearly did not. I have now found a much better shop and am happy with the way they have been able to get things going - but they told me the harmonic balancer needs to be changed out as there is a noticeable wobble and vibration which will ring it at just north of $965.00 with parts and labor.
My wife and I both hope that after this is done Thursday, we can actually enjoy the car now that all the obvious problems have been addressed.
Believe me, this is a dream car and I want things to work - but $4000.00 can get discouraging for anyone. I knew the AC would be about $1500.00, but it seems after we fixed that, other problem just kept creeping up.
I do agree with you on fixing things myself and my wife is strongly encouraging me to do so. I want to learn the car but thought leaving things to the pro’s until I was comfortable with it was best to start with.
Didn’t mean to raise the ire of anyone here, apologies if it seemed like I was whining, just frustrated.
~tvg
I was/am just frustrated with the amount of money spent - but I knew going in it would not be cheap. It was fully inspected by a shop before I purchased it and they identified the AC as a concern as it was leaking refrigerant all over. I took it to a Corvette Specialty shop in town thinking they would do a great job, they clearly did not. I have now found a much better shop and am happy with the way they have been able to get things going - but they told me the harmonic balancer needs to be changed out as there is a noticeable wobble and vibration which will ring it at just north of $965.00 with parts and labor.
My wife and I both hope that after this is done Thursday, we can actually enjoy the car now that all the obvious problems have been addressed.
Believe me, this is a dream car and I want things to work - but $4000.00 can get discouraging for anyone. I knew the AC would be about $1500.00, but it seems after we fixed that, other problem just kept creeping up.
I do agree with you on fixing things myself and my wife is strongly encouraging me to do so. I want to learn the car but thought leaving things to the pro’s until I was comfortable with it was best to start with.
Didn’t mean to raise the ire of anyone here, apologies if it seemed like I was whining, just frustrated.
~tvg
Last edited by thevirtualguy; Jul 24, 2018 at 08:44 PM.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 518
Likes: 264
From: Jasper GA
Totally get the frustration, it happens. But jump into doing it yourself and the rewards are much higher. You will get to know the car more than you ever could, and you'll have the satisfaction that things are done right. My SOP is to buy older cars with needs and make them my own. I bought my 04 back in March knowing it had needs, and I have really enjoyed putting them right. I have a nice reliable car now, and I'm getting to know every little thing about it. Part of the fun!
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,685
Likes: 1,330
From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
If I needed to change the balancer it would cost me $80 for the balancer, $6 for the bolt and around $20 for the crank seal.
Compare that to your $965 quote. Now think long term.
You can see how over time you’re f*cking yourself with this car.
I’m getting f*cked by my own car and that’s with me doing the labor, but it’s a lifetime keeper and a hobby. Different animal.
You should sell it.
Compare that to your $965 quote. Now think long term.
You can see how over time you’re f*cking yourself with this car.
I’m getting f*cked by my own car and that’s with me doing the labor, but it’s a lifetime keeper and a hobby. Different animal.
You should sell it.
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 371
Likes: 223
From: Charlotte, NC
I do agree with you on fixing things myself and my wife is strongly encouraging me to do so. I want to learn the car but thought leaving things to the pro’s until I was comfortable with it was best to start with.
Didn’t mean to raise the ire of anyone here, apologies if it seemed like I was whining, just frustrated.
~tvg
I've seen a lot of good iron go on the market because the owners were experiencing the same type of frustration that you are. Sometimes, the best cure for that is to go out and take a long drive on a twisty road.
Regarding fixing stuff yourself...the only way to really learn how to fix a car is to screw it up first.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 352
From: Carson City Nevada
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 345
Likes: 86
From: Goodlettsville Tennessee
Dive in a wrench yourself. There's plenty of info here on the forum to pretty much tackle any project. I had to replace my blancer on my03, and rebuilt my own transmission when 2nd gear syncro went out.
Hardest part about the balancer is removing the steering rack, once its done, having the right tools to remove and install the new one is easy.
Use this as a learning opportunity. Made me feel a lot better knowing how to fix just about anything that comes along. The C5 is a amazingly simple car.
Hardest part about the balancer is removing the steering rack, once its done, having the right tools to remove and install the new one is easy.
Use this as a learning opportunity. Made me feel a lot better knowing how to fix just about anything that comes along. The C5 is a amazingly simple car.
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 300
Likes: 34
From: Bella Vista, AR
1. Learn how to fix the car yourself. Fixing something yourself can be very rewarding.
2. If #1 in not applicable, find a mechanic in your area that is more reasonable.
3. Your car is aging and things will break, guaranteed.
4. Understand the "Corvette Tax" (search this forum)
5. If #1 and #2 are not applicable, sell the car.
Good luck!
2. If #1 in not applicable, find a mechanic in your area that is more reasonable.
3. Your car is aging and things will break, guaranteed.
4. Understand the "Corvette Tax" (search this forum)
5. If #1 and #2 are not applicable, sell the car.
Good luck!