New member introduction
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: Jensen Beach, Florida
New member introduction
Greeting from sunny Florida!
Now that I've made the decision to move away from British sports cars and into some thing more domestic (and less troublesome to find parts for), I'm looking for a new-to-me Corvette. The boss (my wife) likes the C5 versions, but I'm insisting on a convertible. We've settled on something in the 2001-2004 range. I've found several good candidates, but one has the magnetic ride control and the other does not. Since both cars are on different side of the county, it is not possible to drive them both and see which rides better. Does anyone have any experience with magnetic ride control in cars of this vintage?
Thanks in advance!
Now that I've made the decision to move away from British sports cars and into some thing more domestic (and less troublesome to find parts for), I'm looking for a new-to-me Corvette. The boss (my wife) likes the C5 versions, but I'm insisting on a convertible. We've settled on something in the 2001-2004 range. I've found several good candidates, but one has the magnetic ride control and the other does not. Since both cars are on different side of the county, it is not possible to drive them both and see which rides better. Does anyone have any experience with magnetic ride control in cars of this vintage?
Thanks in advance!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 17,736
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From: Aiken, SC
St. Jude Donor '13 thru '26
Welcome to the forum Rich!!
I would suggest finding something local just to drive so you can test the suspension difference. Like many things here, you will get a variety of opinions.
Good Luck!!
I would suggest finding something local just to drive so you can test the suspension difference. Like many things here, you will get a variety of opinions.
Good Luck!!
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Welcome and moved this over to C5 General for some input to your questions.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 253
From: Oconomowoc Wisconsin
When the magnetic ride shocks need to be replaced, they are very expensive. Minimum of $400.00 each. If you are buying the car for leisurely driving, I would look for a Corvette with the standard suspension. You get a very good ride with great handling and when the shocks need to be replaced, a set of 4 will cost $200 - $250. One thing that really helps the ride on a Corvette is non run flat tires. If the car you buy has run flat tires, check the age of the tires. If they are older than 7 - 8 years old, replace them with non run flat tires. You will be happy you did.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,664
Likes: 15
From: Wellsboro Pa
I own a 2002 C5 convertible with the magnetic ride system and I'm perfectly happy with it. Living in the snow belt I don't get to drive it a lot but the system is working fine at 89,000 miles on the odometer.
Welcome to the Corvette Forum. You'll fine a lot of very useful information and friends here.
Welcome to the Corvette Forum. You'll fine a lot of very useful information and friends here.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: Jensen Beach, Florida
I've been noodling on this all day and everyone's comment are really helpful. I'm not so much worried about the replacement cost if and when the shocks need to be replaced. My main concern is if they are a long-term maintenance issue, especially as the car ages. If it's a fairly robust system that simply wears out with time, I'm fine with that. I just did want to buy into something that had chronic issues.
NCM Lifetime Member
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Cunningham, TN
2021 Corvette of the Year - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '18 thru '26
Welcome to the forum Rich, and good luck finding the right Vette!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,035
Likes: 843
From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
Congratulations on your decision and welcome from the Gulf side of Fla. 
I'd just say to look for an '03 or '04 C5 as they are the most up to date with any changes/advances made to the line. I've got an '03 coupe with standard suspension that I updated to C6 sway bars. Nice ride and holds the road very well. I also am running Michelin standard tires. No run flats for me.
Here a bit of light reading on buying a C5
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ion-files.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...fo-thread.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ngths-etc.html
I'd just say to look for an '03 or '04 C5 as they are the most up to date with any changes/advances made to the line. I've got an '03 coupe with standard suspension that I updated to C6 sway bars. Nice ride and holds the road very well. I also am running Michelin standard tires. No run flats for me. Here a bit of light reading on buying a C5
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ion-files.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...fo-thread.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ngths-etc.html
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: Jensen Beach, Florida
Thanks for the links! Lots of good information, esp about the battery acid leak issue - that seems like a real concern especially here in Florida where things tend to get rather warm. Many of the other things seem to be more a function of advancing age and hard(er) use, things I'm much more accustom to...
I ran Michelin Pilots on a several cars and liked them a lot. This despite the fact that I use to work (many years back) for Goodyear and have a strong appreciation for the Eagle tire line. The Michelins ride better and had much less road noise which I always attributed to their use of rayon rather than polyester body cords and a better tread design. Michelins definately have a softer sidewall and a very different rubber compounding and belt support system that provides great handing with a more comfortable and quiet ride.
While I'm now living on the east side of the state in what appears to be the cross hairs of every major tropical storm this season and last, I'm actually a Gulf-coaster - Go Bulls!
I ran Michelin Pilots on a several cars and liked them a lot. This despite the fact that I use to work (many years back) for Goodyear and have a strong appreciation for the Eagle tire line. The Michelins ride better and had much less road noise which I always attributed to their use of rayon rather than polyester body cords and a better tread design. Michelins definately have a softer sidewall and a very different rubber compounding and belt support system that provides great handing with a more comfortable and quiet ride.
While I'm now living on the east side of the state in what appears to be the cross hairs of every major tropical storm this season and last, I'm actually a Gulf-coaster - Go Bulls!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,035
Likes: 843
From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
I've owned my '03 since 2012 and had a battery problem. I did replace it once "just because". It was a tad long in the tooth and I figured I'd prefer to replace it BEFORE any trouble such as the problem you mention or the column lock issues raised their fugly heads.... My experience with these cars is if you stay on top of the maintenance and in a pro-aggressive manor, you probably won't have issues. I did develop the "rocking seat" issue but not sure I wanna rip it apart...
Good luck
Good luck
Pro
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 611
Likes: 415
From: Sarasota, Florida
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2019 C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Great place to look for one is Hawley Motors, but they're here on the Gulf (Sarasota).
They specialize in Corvette especially C5'S.
Great small family run dealership with only the highest quality in cars.
Good luck with your choice and welcome.
They specialize in Corvette especially C5'S.
Great small family run dealership with only the highest quality in cars.
Good luck with your choice and welcome.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,420
Likes: 969
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
When the magnetic ride shocks need to be replaced, they are very expensive. Minimum of $400.00 each. If you are buying the car for leisurely driving, I would look for a Corvette with the standard suspension. You get a very good ride with great handling and when the shocks need to be replaced, a set of 4 will cost $200 - $250. One thing that really helps the ride on a Corvette is non run flat tires. If the car you buy has run flat tires, check the age of the tires. If they are older than 7 - 8 years old, replace them with non run flat tires. You will be happy you did.
Rick is on point about the mag ride. My friend had to replace one of his and it cost him over $500. FWIW, I have C6Z06 shocks on mine as many others have. $250 and done.
Get rid of the runflats, get an inflation kit like the C5 Z06 comes with and you’ll have better ‘everything’ from the tires. I saw you mentioned the Goodyears. I couldn’t wait to get rid of them on both my c5’s.
good luck on your search and drive a few, amazing how different a bit of neglect will make a car over the years.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 760
Likes: 242
From: All Over The Place
WELCOME to the group! You are now a member of the best enthusiast forum on the web! You will be able to find an answer for ANY problem you might have and of course voluminous advice.
Rick is on point about the mag ride. My friend had to replace one of his and it cost him over $500. FWIW, I have C6Z06 shocks on mine as many others have. $250 and done.
Get rid of the runflats, get an inflation kit like the C5 Z06 comes with and you’ll have better ‘everything’ from the tires. I saw you mentioned the Goodyears. I couldn’t wait to get rid of them on both my c5’s.
good luck on your search and drive a few, amazing how different a bit of neglect will make a car over the years.
Rick is on point about the mag ride. My friend had to replace one of his and it cost him over $500. FWIW, I have C6Z06 shocks on mine as many others have. $250 and done.
Get rid of the runflats, get an inflation kit like the C5 Z06 comes with and you’ll have better ‘everything’ from the tires. I saw you mentioned the Goodyears. I couldn’t wait to get rid of them on both my c5’s.
good luck on your search and drive a few, amazing how different a bit of neglect will make a car over the years.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 253
From: Oconomowoc Wisconsin
I have a condo in Port Charlotte, which is 40 miles from Hawley Motors. Almost bought a 2004 A4 Millennium Yellow Convertible from them. They usually have low mileage clean and well kept C5’s in stock. I think they still have the 2004 Millennium Yellow in stock. Was a very clean well kept car. I ended up buying a low mileage 2004 A4 Magnetic Red II Convertible from a speciality car dealer in Indiana.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: Jensen Beach, Florida
Hawley Motors? They appear to have a black 2003 and a yellow 2004 that would fit the bill. That and they're a lot closer than Houston or Virginia. The yellow convertible has Z-06 chrome wheels rather than the stock aluminum "wagon wheel" style rims. Any thoughts on clearance issues with alternate rim/tire combinations? They sure looks nice!
Pro
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 611
Likes: 415
From: Sarasota, Florida
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2019 C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Hawley Motors? They appear to have a black 2003 and a yellow 2004 that would fit the bill. That and they're a lot closer than Houston or Virginia. The yellow convertible has Z-06 chrome wheels rather than the stock aluminum "wagon wheel" style rims. Any thoughts on clearance issues with alternate rim/tire combinations? They sure looks nice!
Hawley is very respected for the quality of the Vettes they carry.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,420
Likes: 969
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
Actually the yellow vert has C6ZR1 repros, while the black one has what looks to be the stock ‘thinline’ polished spoke wheels(sometimes people put chrome ones on that are usually repros).
Both look like nice cars, but the drive and personal inspection is most important.
How a used car dealer ends up with a 200 mile C7 is beyond me.
Both look like nice cars, but the drive and personal inspection is most important.
How a used car dealer ends up with a 200 mile C7 is beyond me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 253
From: Oconomowoc Wisconsin
I took the 2004 Millennium Yellow for a test drive and almost bought it. Everything worked on the car and the car was in really good condition and drove well. The tires looked fairly new and they were Goodyear run flats. The C6 chrome rims look really good on the car. The car has a clean CarFax and looked to be well maintained. If I remember correctly, the tires were the correct size, 17” front and 18” rear but the TPMS sensors were not working. They are probably old and weren’t replaced when the C6 chrome rims were installed.
I didn’t look at or test drive the black 2003. Wasn’t interested in a black one.
I didn’t look at or test drive the black 2003. Wasn’t interested in a black one.