Millennium FRC

I'll be the cynic of the group. I have a 2000 with 164k miles. When I got the car at around 130k a little over 3 years ago, it needed EVERYTHING. I can't imagine that a 97 with that many miles doesn't need a ton of maintenance. That being said, ask about the cars history and ask them what they have done to the car since they've owned it. Definitely pull a car fax.

RapidC84B

Agree... no matter what it's a $15K car. Buy one for $5K and it'll need $10K to get it "right". Or buy one for $15K and maybe not need to do much.

c4cruiser

Are you close enough to the car where you can go look at it and drive it? Tell the seller that you want to take the car to a reputable auto repair shop and have them do a Used Vehicle Inspection. This will cost around $150 but you will get a written report of the overall condition and will also include what repairs need to be done right away and what repairs can wait for awhile.

Besides the A/C components, figure on another $300 for labor and refrigerant. You need to think about possible brake work and maybe suspension component replacement (shocks, bushings, alignment, etc.). Driving the car will help figuring out if a clutch will be needed. Another think to think about are tires. Look at the date codes and if the tires are more than 6-7 years old, they should be replaced regardless of the remaining tread depth.

Personally, I would pass on this one. There are too many decently priced later C5's out there that are in very good condition with lower miles and probably won't need a lot of repairs.

Shannon Johnson

Just curious what the issue is with the harmonic balancer.

ALLEN007

I just purchased a 97 almost 2 months ago. As far as looks go, it's a 8 (maybe 9) out of 10 inside and out. Just turned 70,000 miles. Clean car fax. I'm the 3rd owner. After 1,500 miles now the only thing I can find wrong with it is the drivers mirror will go in and out but not up and down. I could not be happier and the price was right. They are 23 years old used cars. So I guess you never know.

knewblewkorvette

It's a known issue with the C5 Corvette. It can begin to wobble and then will need to be replaced. It has cheap parts but the labor is expensive. Knock on wood, I've owned 5 C5s and haven't had to replace one yet.

Evil-Twin

In general, the entry level model ( 1997 ) is the worst of the generation
Bill

grampi50

That's a strange year group recommendation...most people also recommend the '01 models too...they have the same upgrades as the '02-'04 models...

Evil-Twin

Some 01 models had ring issues.. oil leakers..

RapidC84B

oil burners to be more accurate. I had a 2001 Z06 that ate a quart every 800 miles. Was re-ringed under warranty and totally fixed. Used 1/2 quart between OLM mandated OCIs 6-7K miles.

Evil-Twin

when I said Oil leakers I meant the oil would leak past the incorrect wipe rings and be burnt in the combustion chamber. Sorry..
Bill

jackthelad

Here we go:

'97 - Alpha test

'98 - Beta test (that's what I have, actually built in summer '97)

IF I was in the market for another C5, it would be a late model.

And I while love the idea of a mid engined Vette, I would definitely not buy a first model year car - or maybe even a 2nd. Too much new stuff, just like there was on the C5 back in '97-'98. They will make a lot of changes based on early owner and dealer feedback.

Mr. Black

Didn't you get the memo? All 1997s are junk! Just ask the internet and they'll tell you.

Acosta001

If unchecked the balancer will move forward or back. I bought my C5 from a friend and my brother stored and worked on it when I was out of country. Unfortunately, my brother discovered the balancer moved backwards which ground into the oil pan and timing cover. Luckily it didn't compromise the pan. Replaced the stock balancer with an ATI. Since I had the engine dropped for additional work it was a no brainer. I think I paid somewhere around $400 for it. Excuse his language - we're from New Jersey.