Hi, I'm new to this forum but have been checking it out for awhile. I'm normally on the C-2 forum as FastJimmy. I have a 1965 convertible I'm re-doing.
I'm considering buying a C5 and have my eye on this 2003 convertible at AutoNation in Clearwater, FL....https://www.autonation.com/cars/1G1YY32G335127171.

Is anyone familiar with this particular car?
Anyone have a list of things I should be sure to check out on the test drive and look-see. I'm from Indiana so it would mean flying to buy it and cancelling
the return flight and driving it back. Or, not buying it and flying back.
The other thing I'm not too clear on ( even after reading Florida's purchase laws) is how the paper work can be handled.

Any help will be appreciated. FastJimmy

 

Read the stickies at the top of the page. It will give you a ton of info and what to look for.

That looks like a nice clean low miles car. Price is a little high but then it is at a dealer so expected. Not sure how much they will negotiate. You should probably call them to ask about out of state purchase and what you need to do to fly and drive. Most states will issue a ten day temp tag. Maybe check with your state's DMV too.

Good luck!

 

It looks like a pretty decent Anniversary Edition. But take a look at picture number 23 of 27. It looks like the rear window is separating from the convertible top. That could be a problem if you're going to drive it back home.

 

It looks like that is a sunshade in the interior by the rear window. I don’t think I have ever seen one in a C5 Corvette Convertible.

 

In addition to the rear window being popped out (some have luck DIY regluing the window, I replaced mine). When I replaced my top 2 years ago- I found it was not cheap, figure around $1,200 to have that professionally done. The antenna is up- fine if the radio is on ; but if not; that's an issue. The radio has been replaced, fine if you like it, I would rather see the original radio. The '03 is generally considered a good year. The mileage is low. The suspension on that car from what I have read here can be pricey to maintain. It has nice tires, but check the tread wear and date codes. These cars typically get sold or traded around the time they need new tires. New quality tires are pricey. Good time of year to buy a convertible in the Midwest! You might want to look locally.

 

When my rear window popped out, it looked just like that car's window, and was hanging on those two elastic retaining bands. I don't think that is a sunshade.

 

Took a closer look at the photo’s. Agree that the rear window has become detached from the top. Some have claimed to be able to re-glue the window to the top with success and some have done it with the window detaching again a short time later. The real cure is to replace the top, which will cost approximately $1,200.00. I would pass on that car for the price. To many nice low mileage C5 verts out there for similar price that don’t have that problem.

 

I would replace the top if it was me. I might glue it long enough to get the thing home and that would be the end of that top.

I'm not familiar with that car but I sure do love those 03 AE cars. That color, just everything about them. The Magnesium Wheels. I think it's the sweetest C5 of all. Maybe a close second is the special edition Z. But I prefer the 03 colors. The blue with the stripes is just a bit ostentatious for me. I would feel better about it if I thought more people knew what the car was but most people don't.

 

Thanks for the responses.
With you all noticing the rear window, I took another look and the researched it further on the forum and it sure does
look like like it's coming loose. Possibly an item for price negotiation although it would make the drive back north to Indiana somewhat drafty.
As it happens, I'm about to begin a top install of an Al Knoch soft top on my 65'. Not sure I need another top project.
So other than tires and the top, any mechanical issues I should be looking for and, of course, I'll check the "stickeys"

Thanks again, Jim

 

I am surprised that a dealer would be selling a car with the rear window that is detached from the top. You would think they would at least glue it back before the sale.

 

Well, if you just drive it back to Indiana with the top down, then you won't have to worry about the window.

 

It's winter!

 

There are some hard-core convertible drivers out there. I'm not one of them. Heck, I don't even own a convertible.

 

I did a top replacement on my C5 and it was actually quite easy. Way overrated the having somebody else do the job. It's as easy as pie and with nothing but basic tools and a nice clean work table you can do it in one day no problem. Probably more like half a day.

I did a write up with pictures in the C5 section somewhere. It's been years now. You can have a new top and purchase all the tools and things to go with it for $650 easily.

 

Overall looks like a nice vert, but a little overpriced especially if the rear window is unglued and the cheap aftermarket radio. As far as purchasing out of state, generally is not a big deal. Florida will make you pay sales tax. If it's less than 7%, Indiana will only make you pay the difference. Some states double dip. Make sure the title is clean and released by the owner.

 

As one member pointed out above be sure to check out the stickies at the top of this page if you are interested in C5's. Lots of terrific info on what to look for! Regarding the C5 you are asking about I think the price is a bit high especially considering a top job that can run a grand, more or less.If they let the top go there may be other items needing attention that a thorough inspection may reveal. If travel of any length is required to go see that car the I would pass on it. Unless a true bargain I would not spend monies traveling for a car with issues. Just my opinion. Good luck whatever you decide.

 

I like it, beautiful 50th anniversary color with the mag wheels, doesn't get much better than that (Electron Blue is best ) Price doesn't seem out of line to me since it has less than 50K miles. But, that being said, I'd ask for at least the $1,200 off the price because of the tops condition.

 

Thanks again for the responses. Especially to those who put all the information in the sticky. Based on that and the responses, I made my own check list to check out any C5
not just the one I hilighted, I'll post it for your reviews:Here’s a checklist I made for myself, some are specific to the one mentioned.

Replacement battery leaked acid onto wiring and pcm. Would show rust on frame under battery.

Originally on 03’ should have been gel cell which wouldn’t have leaked.

Rear windows sometimes come loose, $1200 replace.

Tires expensive, should be run flats, little wear, date code not more than 5 years old.

After market radio not correct and because of this antenna doesn’t retract.

HVAC vents open and close properly?

Emergency flasher working?

TPS monitor working?

Headlights open /close properly?

Headsup display working?

Drivers seat mounting worn allowing seat to rock.

Impact loops under front bumper show excessive damage.

Squeaking rear wheel bearings.

Differential leaking at side covers?

Travel from Fort Wayne to Clearwater FL is fairly inexpensive via Allegiant airlines and it's a lot warmer there than here. Might take a week or two to properly check out a car.
One thing that surprised me a little in the responses was the notion that the price was high, given the window and radio issue, that may well be true
but aside from, that I haven't seen any 50000 miles or less 2003 Anniversary convertibles for less than $18000. If you know of one,
feel free to let me know about it.
Thanks again, FJ

 

This would be my second choice! FJ

 

Looks like you have a good plan, enjoy the trip. The anniversary red color looks fantastic in the sun, goes from burgundy in the shade to candy red with lots of metallic in bright sun.

One benefit of the anniversary model is they are pretty much optioned out. See if you can get it on a rack to check the magnetic shocks for leaks. A little seeping seems to be normal but fluid dripping is not good.