C5 has been a nightmare
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,605
Likes: 3,322
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
You have a 16yo car that has hardly been driven. I don't care what kind of car it is, you're going to run into issues if it's that old and driven that little. Most of the issues that you described are somewhat common and pretty cheap and easy to fix. I suspect they've popped up all at once, because you're actually driving the car, and the previous owner just let it sit. Use the resources on this forum and YouTube to fix these issues yourself, and learn how to better prevent other ones from happening. You'll learn more about your car, and gain a better appreciation for how durable and reliable these cars are after 16+ plus years.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 217
From: Victoria tx
You have a 16yo car that has hardly been driven. I don't care what kind of car it is, you're going to run into issues if it's that old and driven that little. Most of the issues that you described are somewhat common and pretty cheap and easy to fix. I suspect they've popped up all at once, because you're actually driving the car, and the previous owner just let it sit. Use the resources on this forum and YouTube to fix these issues yourself, and learn how to better prevent other ones from happening. You'll learn more about your car, and gain a better appreciation for how durable and reliable these cars are after 16+ plus years.
Use YouTube as previously stated. Most all those parts are affordable.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 769
Likes: 95
From: Central Pennsylvania
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 394
From: Rocky Mountains
Your issues appear to be minor knick knack kind of stuff. Any 20 year old car, I don't care what kind, will need work from time to time. But it's worth it if you're planning to keep It for the long haul. For instance, my original AC compressor went out. It wasn't cheap to fix, but the new one should be good for another 12-15 years.
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 217
From: Victoria tx
Your issues appear to be minor knick knack kind of stuff. Any 20 year old car, I don't care what kind, will need work from time to time. But it's worth it if you're planning to keep It for the long haul. For instance, my original AC compressor went out. It wasn't cheap to fix, but the new one should be good for another 12-15 years.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 157
Likes: 48
From: Charlevoix, Mi
Exactly. Parts that fail in a 20 year old car means it's basically time for them to have issues. Remember...it's over 20 years old. If it lasted that long then once you fix it then you're good basically for the rest of the time you have it. I know you're upset about the car having issues but it's a 20 year old car and like we've said, those fixes honestly aren't bad and once you fix it then you're golden pony boy.
Last edited by Bubba1951; Aug 24, 2020 at 08:37 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 166
Likes: 66
From: Tijeras, New Mexico
I've owned my '99 for 2-1/2 years and 12K miles. Have had a few similar issues. They may have been a little annoying, but never discouraged me from owning the car. In most cases, this forum was extremely helpful and one of the top reasons I like owning a Corvette.
- TPMS sensors
- oil pressure sending unit
- climate control dim repair
- fuel line check valve
- hood, deck lid, and trunk struts
- driver window regulator
- LMC5 module
- learning that it's best to keep it on a battery tender when driving it
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 414
From: New Jersey
Most 20 year old cars with most these kind of problems would just leave it alone and keep on driving it until it goes to the junk yard. Corvettes are different in that most owners will fix them and hold on to them for years longer and then when they do sell they still get a good price for them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 63
From: Staten Island NY
It all depends on your level of expertise.
I really regret selling both of my past C5s, they were great cars though some jobs were involved, like seperating the entire drive from the body to replace the clutch......
But it was the journey as much as the destination.....
I really regret selling both of my past C5s, they were great cars though some jobs were involved, like seperating the entire drive from the body to replace the clutch......
But it was the journey as much as the destination.....
Racer
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 450
Likes: 94
From: Glendale Arizona
I've had my 2004 CE Coup with 34k miles for almost two years now.
Here's the problems I've had SO FAR.
1. Pop up headlight not working.
2. Battery died three times.
3. Tire Monitor System needs serviced.
4. Sometimes the hood wont latch.
5. Driver side window wont roll down.
6. 12 disc cd changer broke because I switched between discs too fast. How the xxxx was I supposed to know you have to go slow when doing this?
7. Gear shifter under car broke and had to be fixed.
8. Now my sound system is not working properly ever since I was messing around in the fuse box trying to fix my broke cigarette lighter.
This is insane. Before I got this car I drove a 94 Z28 for 20 years and never had this many problems.
I can not recommend anyone buying a C5 Corvette.
Here's the problems I've had SO FAR.
1. Pop up headlight not working.
2. Battery died three times.
3. Tire Monitor System needs serviced.
4. Sometimes the hood wont latch.
5. Driver side window wont roll down.
6. 12 disc cd changer broke because I switched between discs too fast. How the xxxx was I supposed to know you have to go slow when doing this?
7. Gear shifter under car broke and had to be fixed.
8. Now my sound system is not working properly ever since I was messing around in the fuse box trying to fix my broke cigarette lighter.
This is insane. Before I got this car I drove a 94 Z28 for 20 years and never had this many problems.
I can not recommend anyone buying a C5 Corvette.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 139
From: Surprise AZ
That is everything said that needs to be said in a nut shell. A C5 is meant to be worked on, and modified, at this point in it's history as a performance car. The work I have done on my car, including clutch, TT Rebuild, new fuel sending units, new heads, cam, intake, all new front engine accessories, stereo, bolt ons, etc. would have well over $12k had I not done them myself. If something doesn't work on a car it set's me into an OCD tail spin - so my car is 100% functional and working as everything should. But working on the car and making it perfect is 50% of the fun of the car.
If you are intending to buy a used car to drive while a shop maintains it, maybe a C5 isn't for you. There is a late model C6, or even maybe a C7, with your name all over it that will require a hell of a lot less maintenance.
If you are intending to buy a used car to drive while a shop maintains it, maybe a C5 isn't for you. There is a late model C6, or even maybe a C7, with your name all over it that will require a hell of a lot less maintenance.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 263
Likes: 105
From: Salisbury, NC
I enjoy this kind of work. Just this year I've replaced the a/c compressor and the balancer at parts-only cost. I never would have bought my car if I couldn't repair it myself. To me the whole idea of owning the car is having the most fun at the least cost. Just my opinion.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14,137
Likes: 2,985
From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
I've had my 2004 CE Coup with 34k miles for almost two years now.
Here's the problems I've had SO FAR.
1. Pop up headlight not working.
2. Battery died three times.
3. Tire Monitor System needs serviced.
4. Sometimes the hood wont latch.
5. Driver side window wont roll down.
6. 12 disc cd changer broke because I switched between discs too fast. How the xxxx was I supposed to know you have to go slow when doing this?
7. Gear shifter under car broke and had to be fixed.
8. Now my sound system is not working properly ever since I was messing around in the fuse box trying to fix my broke cigarette lighter.
This is insane. Before I got this car I drove a 94 Z28 for 20 years and never had this many problems.
I can not recommend anyone buying a C5 Corvette.
Here's the problems I've had SO FAR.
1. Pop up headlight not working.
2. Battery died three times.
3. Tire Monitor System needs serviced.
4. Sometimes the hood wont latch.
5. Driver side window wont roll down.
6. 12 disc cd changer broke because I switched between discs too fast. How the xxxx was I supposed to know you have to go slow when doing this?
7. Gear shifter under car broke and had to be fixed.
8. Now my sound system is not working properly ever since I was messing around in the fuse box trying to fix my broke cigarette lighter.
This is insane. Before I got this car I drove a 94 Z28 for 20 years and never had this many problems.
I can not recommend anyone buying a C5 Corvette.
2) When not driving for over a week, put on a battery tender. https://www.batterytender.com/Battery-TenderR-Plus Also, get an Optima Yellow Top. It can take draining and charging much better than an average battery. https://www.optimabatteries.com/en-u...-battery/d3478
3) Yeah, your car is old so it probably needs new sensors. https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...)+sensor,12036
4) The hood latches are easy to adjust.
5) Could be several things. Regulator is bad, relay inside door module gone bad, loose connection in door boot, etc. If regulator, https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Power-W...sAAOSwySVaNYAY
6) This is somewhat common too.
7) Not sure what you are referring to.
8) see #6, just put in aftermarket stereo.
Ope, just say it's a CE. I'll go straight to $2,400!
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 274
I've had my 2004 CE Coup with 34k miles for almost two years now.
Here's the problems I've had SO FAR.
1. Pop up headlight not working.
2. Battery died three times.
3. Tire Monitor System needs serviced.
4. Sometimes the hood wont latch.
5. Driver side window wont roll down.
6. 12 disc cd changer broke because I switched between discs too fast. How the xxxx was I supposed to know you have to go slow when doing this?
7. Gear shifter under car broke and had to be fixed.
8. Now my sound system is not working properly ever since I was messing around in the fuse box trying to fix my broke cigarette lighter.
This is insane. Before I got this car I drove a 94 Z28 for 20 years and never had this many problems.
I can not recommend anyone buying a C5 Corvette.
Here's the problems I've had SO FAR.
1. Pop up headlight not working.
2. Battery died three times.
3. Tire Monitor System needs serviced.
4. Sometimes the hood wont latch.
5. Driver side window wont roll down.
6. 12 disc cd changer broke because I switched between discs too fast. How the xxxx was I supposed to know you have to go slow when doing this?
7. Gear shifter under car broke and had to be fixed.
8. Now my sound system is not working properly ever since I was messing around in the fuse box trying to fix my broke cigarette lighter.
This is insane. Before I got this car I drove a 94 Z28 for 20 years and never had this many problems.
I can not recommend anyone buying a C5 Corvette.