Greetings,

I'm toying with the idea of picking up a clean, low mileage late model C5 convertible (2002-2004) and want to know how these cars have aged with regard to reliability. I have had two C5 coupes (01 and 02) and three C6s (06 A6 F55, 06 M6 Z51, and 07Z) so I am very familiar with both generations and recognize that any C5 would need the column lock bypass, headlight gears, and rocking seats addressed.

I haven't had a C5 in 6 years, however, and I don't know what has changed in the meantime; specifically, curious if people are starting to have all sorts of issues as these electronics and parts quickly approach 20 years old. I want to use the car as a daily driver to complement my modded ZL1, not as a garage or shop queen, so I need it to be reliable and not strand me as I drive all over the country with it.

Anybody still daily driving these cars?

-Tommy

 

I average a bit over 1000 miles a month on my '03 Coupe in the two years I've had it. Have done a few things to it just maintenance wise with about any car with 133,600 miles on it. Totally stock cept for exhaust that was put on it when the orginal owner bought it in '02.

 

A 1999 C5 went over 770k miles on the original engine with the automatic transmission rebuilt twice. These cars can be very reliable in stock form with proper maintenance.

 

My 02 has 105k on it. It's been very reliable with only 2 tows which I consider very good. One time was the cooling system & the other the shift cable broke in park. The fuel tank sensors were replaced as well as shocks. Very satisfied over all.

 

As long as it doesn't leak when it rains it's fine.

 

Do it

 

I daily drive . 02 coupe , it’s awesome . Big trunk , golf bags fit , 2 if I bring someone . All season tires for rain and snow . Every drive is a joy !

 

I daily my 99 in the spring, summer, and fall seasons. In the winter, Ford Expedition 4X4.

 

My "01's convertible top needed to be replaced last year (at around 98,000 miles). The rear window popped out (very common problem). The top shop I used has been in business for many years; the owner does a lot of work for dealerships and he said the rear windows are starting to fail on the C5 convertible tops. You may want to see if the top has been replaced, and if not, check the rear window (some people will re-glue them with mixed results). Seat cushion, typically the driver's side tends to collapse (the supporting wire frame cuts through the foam). My passenger side window needed the track repaired (I suspect because a prior owner's passenger was shutting the door by the glass).

My car did have the "pull key wait 10 seconds" error (LMC5) took care of that- but you know about that already. Rocking seat too- but very minor. Again you know about that.

You should revisit the stickies before you narrow down your year- not all C5s have the column lock issue- virtually all manuals are subject to it; but later model automatics are not. Some '01 are known to consume oil (ring flutter), mine does not; and some '04s have a gas tank issue (check the VIN). Most of that I picked up in a year of membership on this forum- and all of that can be found in the stickies.

PS- over 11,000 miles since buying it in December of 2017- without question- amazingly solid car!

 

I daily my Z06. No complaints here, love driving it every day.

 

I don't have much issue daily driving mine. It's a little hard to see around trucks and suv's when turning.

 

I put 130K miles daily driving it up and down the NJ Turnpike everyday it wasn't actively snowing. One of the most reliable and entertaining cars of my life.

 

Been daily driving my Z for 5 years, spring, summer and fall. No issues.

 

I DD drive my vert 8 or 9 months a year. I've put 60k miles on it in 5 years. Very reliable.

 

not a daily driver but I drive my C5 at least 4 times a week...

 

Awesome, thanks to everybody who replied! Great to hear the C5 is holding strong and looking forward to getting another one.

 

Might offer an Alternative Suggestion to Daily Driving a C5...

Don't get me wrong, the C5 is blast to drive, is an American Icon, and is an Eye Catcher,.... but....



How about the Japanese version of the C5 as a Daily Driver ?



The reality is the Nissan 350 Z works as a DD so much better

2 less cylinders and 'bout 50 less base HP, but of plenty of torque and get up and go to get you through the traffic

No front scraping on bumps and uneven road surfaces

Shorter and all around easier to maneuver in daily situations

Incredibly durable

Just as exhilarating to wheel

No obsolete electronic control modules that go bad and can't be replaced

Easier on the kidneys on rough roads

Less of a magnet for trouble and weird stuff

Far more modern interior

Greater visibility

Every bit as well balanced and equal road hugging ability

Cheaper on the used market than a C5, produced '03 to '08 and plenty of garage queens still out there at around $10,000 vs. $20,000 for later year C5

If your going to put a bunch of miles on a Daily Driver and you want a fun 2 seater, the 350 Z is really a superior alternative for the task at hand



Based on a 35 mile 1 way commute and years of experience with both... Can't speak highly enough about the advantages the Z has

 

I just bought 2 cars because how cheap they are right now used in the last several months, one was a 1999 Vert and I have put 2000 miles on it with no problems and I hope that holds but the car was very well maintained. These cars can have issues as you know and as a 1 car only car for DD and nothing else I guess that would depend on how much you like the car. The fuel mileage on mine in town is not good but on the HW it is.

How does it compare to the Acura RL 2003 I bought ? I like the Vette better but it's no where near the quality of the Acura over all and If I could only have 1car long term It would be smart to keep it but emotion runs supreme and logical is not always the best approach to these types of things...

 

That car is no where near as cool as the Vette I just bought, thats a girly mans car...!

 

I've been daily driving my 2004 CE convertible since new. Now 110k miles. I've had very few problems. Only one that required tow truck ... Auto transmission shift cable bushing failed. Had to replace rear axle hubs, headlight gears, Headlight Control Module, Resolder HVAC control resistors, front signal light housings and the convertible top because some A-hole sliced it open to break into car. Something must have spooked him because he never opened the doors. The alarm would have gone off.