Commute with C-5
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 4
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Commute with C-5
I am looking at a 2004 C-5 with 99,999 miles. I would like to drive as a daily commuter, about 200 miles round trip, 4 days a week. Good or bad idea?
Thanks,
Richard
Thanks,
Richard
Last edited by RPFowler; Oct 30, 2019 at 10:50 AM.
8th Gear
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 3
From: Connecticut
based on past reliability threads I suspect people will say yes. Weather is turning but I did 75 miles a day for a week when i first got mine. comfortable, but the muffler-less Borla Stingers drone pretty bad - i keep earplugs in the car now
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Check the tires for tread depth and definitely check the tire date codes. Any tire that's more than 6 years old should get replaced. Condition of the brakes is a very important thing to check; Remaining pad wear, rotor condition and hoses and fluid should be closely checked. You didn't say where you are located, but if the winter weather brings snow or freezing temps with wet roads, you may not want to use a Corvette as a DD. They are great for warm temps and dry roads, but constant rain and things like freezing temps and snow is not goping to be a fun drive.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 96,209
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From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
How long is the commute...?
Is it bumper to bumper or wide open....?
Is it a stick or an auto...?
How is your health, knees...?
A lot of variables to consider....
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 503
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From: Bradenton, FL
It's going to come down to comfort. Mine has been a DD off and on for years now. The toughest part for me has been the seats and spending an hour and change each direction in them... I would change out the foams in the seat if you get it. Good time to add heated seats if you are in a climate that would benefit from it.
Last edited by unlvrebel; Oct 30, 2019 at 01:52 PM. Reason: Add
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From: Douglas County WI
Melting Slicks
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From: Appleton WI
In the warm weather months, I did the 200 mile / day thing for years with my Z06. Kept the miles down on my truck and is much more fun to drive. They are easy to maintain. As mentioned, get it checked out. If good, go for it!
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Lots of very good advice has been given. If the car has been well maintained and everything works, nothing wrong with having a C5 as a daily driver. The engine and tranny are really reliable so you could go a long time without worry about them.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Chambersburg Pa
My main concern would be that the Corvette sits low and most of the vehicles on the road today are SUV types which sit higher. People tend to change lanes after a quick glance in the side mirror and that gets scary at interstate speeds.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Yes, I did it (DD) for over twenty years, in and with Corvettes. Just make sure you keep up the maintenance.
You can put some unbelievable mileage on these cars...200,000 or 300,000 miles is not unreal.
You can put some unbelievable mileage on these cars...200,000 or 300,000 miles is not unreal.
Last edited by runner140*; Oct 31, 2019 at 05:52 AM. Reason: add
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,373
Likes: 423
I put 120 miles per day for 10 years (not in snow) up and down the Turnpike. It was a perfect commuter car. You just have to have something else for snow days and Manhattan trips.
After a few years you will not win any beauty contests at the car shows. But you'll have the widest smile.
After a few years you will not win any beauty contests at the car shows. But you'll have the widest smile.