Advice on the 2002 C5
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4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 4
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Advice on the 2002 C5
So I've been hunting for a C5 for a minute now and I finally came across this
https://www.lot99llc.com/vehicle-details/2002-chevrolet-corvette-coupe-only-52k-miles-leather-glass-roof-2-owners-coupe-dcb6fc2947f3c94c8f311ee0f80801b6
i guess my question is, since there are more knowledgeable people on here then myself about Corvettes in general, does this look like a solid deal or no and if so why?
https://www.lot99llc.com/vehicle-details/2002-chevrolet-corvette-coupe-only-52k-miles-leather-glass-roof-2-owners-coupe-dcb6fc2947f3c94c8f311ee0f80801b6
i guess my question is, since there are more knowledgeable people on here then myself about Corvettes in general, does this look like a solid deal or no and if so why?
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 43
Likes: 7
Cool color and it looks pretty clean! I think it is a bit over priced at $16,000 but it is a dealership so there is no telling how much you can talk them down. If it is any reference, I purchased a 2004 convertible with 75,000 miles for $10,000.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14,137
Likes: 2,984
From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Looks to be a very clean Corvette and it's the BEST color available. I think $16K is about right but you should be able to talk him down a little. You are going to get replies that that's too much money but I'll disagree up front. It appears to be in perfect condition and only has 52K miles which is less than 3K miles a year. Best wishes
Pro
Joined: Sep 2019
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From: Northern Ohio
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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But what was wrong with it? Anyhow, very nice car and even its a little overpriced and it's what you really want then go for it. Just make sure you get it thoroughly inspected before you commit so you don't end up with any nasty surprises. Life is just too short to wait.
Last edited by Adwest52; May 2, 2020 at 10:02 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,280
Likes: 1,097
From: Pittsburgh PA
Day after day someone comes on here and is asking about what a car is worth. And you hear the same thing, too much, I paid less. Well you can’t compare one too the other unless you have them both sitting in front of you. I’ve said it a few times on here. These cars are worth what someone is willing to pay. The value is what you have sitting in front of you. OP you are the one that will know what the car is worth to you. You are the one paying for it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Day after day someone comes on here and is asking about what a car is worth. And you hear the same thing, too much, I paid less. Well you can’t compare one too the other unless you have them both sitting in front of you. I’ve said it a few times on here. These cars are worth what someone is willing to pay. The value is what you have sitting in front of you. OP you are the one that will know what the car is worth to you. You are the one paying for it.
OP, these cars can have electrical and mechanical issues that are complicated to repair and costly if you are not a DIY. Make sure you read all the Sticky's on the C5 AND before turning over the money, have a qualified C5 mechanic do an inspection. JMHO.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,219
Likes: 788
From: Fort Myers Beach Florida
Looks like a nice car at a reasonable price. Glad to see it looks original without mods. Personally I prefer manual transmission. Since you are working with a dealer and the car is old negotiate for the extended warranty described in his ad along with a better price. Good luck!
Last edited by DDaaryl; May 2, 2020 at 10:36 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Fort Wayne IN
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
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That's a super clean all stock unmolested car. You might be able to talk the lot down a little bit but don't expect much at all. That would be a good buy as is IMO.
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Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Looks like the car is on a lot in Milwaukie, OR. You may want to post this in the Pacific Northwest section of the CF to see if a member in that area could go have a look at the car and give you some info. As to the selling price, make them an off of something like $14 and see what they say. People say that "Cash is King" so you may want to get your finances in order. IF you will be taking out a lon to get the car, have your bank set up a loan for the agreed-upon amount and they can then do a wire transfer to the dealer. Check with your bank to see what they need from you.
BTW, my '02 coupe is also Electron Blue but with a 6-speed and a Vortec supercharger. I bought it down in Sacramento in 2005 and drove it home to Washington. Never had a problem with the car since.
BTW, my '02 coupe is also Electron Blue but with a 6-speed and a Vortec supercharger. I bought it down in Sacramento in 2005 and drove it home to Washington. Never had a problem with the car since.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 352
From: Carson City Nevada
Oh boy! There are some questions you really don't want to ask on here. This is the biggie.
If you feel comfortable with the deal, that's what counts. Everybody on here has gotten a better deal, and they will let you know, too. This is the internet, so not everything you read on here is true.
If you feel comfortable with the deal, that's what counts. Everybody on here has gotten a better deal, and they will let you know, too. This is the internet, so not everything you read on here is true.Last edited by o2bnkc; May 2, 2020 at 02:36 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Oviedo Florida
2024 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Oh boy! There are some questions you really don't want to ask on here. This is the biggie. If you feel comfortable with the deal, that's what counts. Everybody on here has gotten a better deal, and they will let you know, too. This is the internet, so not everything you read on here is true.
If you feel comfortable with the deal, that's what counts. Everybody on here has gotten a better deal, and they will let you know, too. This is the internet, so not everything you read on here is true.Trust yourself, before unknown people,
pounding the key board.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,280
Likes: 1,097
From: Pittsburgh PA
In my opinion, if I was going too buy a car and I was going too base my buying on the sticky. I would run as fast as I can. They make these cars sound like a pile of junk. I own a 98 that I’m the original owner. It has been a great car and all I do to it is drive it. All cars have problems. These corvettes are not perfect. The problems are not chronic in all the cars. Buying any used car is a roll of the dice. Good luck to the OP in his decision.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 768
From: jefferson texas
As posted above read the stickies at the top of this page. Do your due diligence regarding the background on the car and if all is still well have it checked end to end by a tech/shop who knows these cars and I'm not talking about the dealer selling the car. Get an independent evaluation. A dealer could tell me the sky is blue but I would still go outside and check for myself, Good luck in your search!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,305
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From: East Metro (Twin Cities) Minnesota
St. Jude Donor '21
Seems a little high to me if it is in excellent condition to go with the low miles. Also, you don't price these cars at what you expect to get, you price them at least 15% above what you expect to get so you can come down. If the car checks out and needs nothing, I would offer 13k and see if you can strike a deal at 14k after some back and forth. Just my opinion - worth what you paid for it 
Racer
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 359
Likes: 124
From: South Louisiana
For reference my neighbor sold his 04 almost identical to the one you have listed but his was around 70k miles. Excellent condition 100% stock. He sold his pretty fast for 14k. But he sold it right before all this Caronaviris crap. They may be willing to deal because cars have not been moving so well for the last month and a half.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,420
Likes: 969
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
I agree with all who advised you attempt to get a better deal. It looks like a nice car. I paid 16,250 for my ‘02 3.5 years ago with 47k on it. Manual, but that’s the only difference. Remember that <can have> is different than ALL have.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 581
From: Conway South Carolina
A test drive will tell you a lot. Like does it have those horrible run flats that you'll probably want to swap out, and when stopping whether it needs the rotors turned or replaced. Something else you may want to do is go through the ECM history to see if it has any alerts stored. The ONLY one who has to pleased with the car is....YOU!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,496
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From: Walhalla South Carolina
See if the dealer will give you the previous owners contact info so you can contact him or her to get the history of the car, most want for privacy reasons but ask. Have dealer turn maint. history of the car with vin#. Pull the codes on the dic. lot of info on how to do that. Good luck with it. I just bought an 03 Z06 in Feb. and like other said it is a gamble, check it out best you can and if it feels right get it and enjoy, its just a car if it breaks have it fixed and move on.