So I have decided on purchasing a C5...It's my favorite gen Corvette and I want to make a sound decision. So I have skimmed some posts and it seems this is a really helpful forum and I'm looking forward to be part of the community.

So first, budget, I have 20,000 but am a big fan of tasteful after market rims so I'd love to get the car for 17-18k and leave some for rims and tires. I don't want a convertible. I definitely want a 6speed and I want it stock/no mods. A k/n intake or maybe an exhaust is ok but no SC, but prefer stock. I'd love a z06 but would rather a base if I don't have enough for a low mileage z06..I'd like it under 50k. Also was a factory nav unit available as an option or standard in any C5s? Should I stay away from early C5s and just be looking at 02 and newer? I'll start there, I can read Wikipedia and articles all day but actual owners have the best info. Thank you in advance.

 

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ion-files.html

Start with Stickies section above. LOTS of information to wade through and process but VERY helpful for you at this stage. Ask me how I know

 

I would start with 02 and up. I would not use the wording stay away from the early cars. There are plenty of great early cars out there. I am an owner of one. And would not pass on one if it meet my needs. No nav available. As for those stickies, I for one am not a fan. They would make me cut and run if I was looking for any C5. That’s just me. Not all the cars have the problems that are listed there. There is no foolproof method to buying a used car. Good luck

 

I agree with this poster. I have a 1997 and virtually everything works just fine.

 

Welcome to the forum! I think you're going to love the C5. As others have said, you should start with reading the sticky posts. Based on your budget, and what you've said you want, in the current market, you will likely not be able to afford a Z06. However, there are some good six speed coupes that should be in your price range. There are no C5s that came from the factory with a navigation system. For factory nav, you would need to step up to a C6. However, swapping out the factory head unit for a double din unit is a somewhat common mod. It's not factory, but most of these units support GPS navigation in some form or another (even if it is through your phone). If I were you, I would focus mostly on the newer cars. They will cost a bit more. However, parts are easier and cheaper to find, and they have a bit more HP. Make sure that you get a pre purchase inspection on any car before you buy. Good luck with your search. Be patient, the car you want is out there.

 

Agree with all that have opined and I will add two more. 1) These cars are old and things break. Therefore, even if you are a DIY mechanically, I encourage you to find a auto repair shop locally that knows Corvettes. Suggest calling the local Corvette club for recommendations in your area. The C5 electronics can be a challenge for those that have no experience tracing electrical problems. 2) whether you have car purchasing creds or not, take a friend with you that likes cars to help you point out any visible issues on a car you are interested in buying.. Mine did for me that I missed. Good hunting in your quest to find your car. Make it a fun experience.

 

^^This bit of advice might seem trite and even cliché to some but it is GOLD^^

 

Where are you

 

Learn to run the codes and print the list out so you can check whatever cars you look at and circle the codes present.

If you are non-mechanical.... which is what the original post leads me to believe.... then I'd aim towards the 02+. Not for any direct mechanical issues at all, but because they have less potential risk of not having replacement parts or requiring mod to reverse engineer or upgrade systems.

Owning a C5 seems to be goal #1. Second step will be wheels and tires by the sound of it.

What is the goal beyond that for the car? Daily driver? Weekend cruiser and car show ride? Occasional runs against newer cars on the street?

I ask because these cars are durable and fun, but they are increasingly less relatable to modern sports cars or even "sporty" import daily drivers as technology progresses. If you are not seeking to go nuts on mods but do want more performance, I really would consider a blower kit with a very conservative tune to keep up with the joneses. Tune is key and these engines can run 6, 8, 10psi without concern for nearly endless miles.

Also make a list of consumable / wearable parts which can be replaced with better parts as the car ages.
Tires - summer compound with good reviews
Pads - Z26 carbon/ceramic dustless
Rotors - high carbon cryo treated
Clutch - RST
Add remote bleeder - Katech fits correctly like OEM and had far less incidence of leaks
Flywheel - any, but I like lightweight Fidanza
Master Cylinder - Tik
Suspension - when the shocks/struts sag, seek a cheap coilover set and enjoy a whole different upgraded world of handling

 

I agree with all. I'd like to add 1 thing. I wasn't honest with myself when I bought my C5. Like many here, I told myself I was leaving it all original. I did just that.....For 3 or 4 months. One mod led to another. This damn Corvette Fever disease could kick Covid to the curb!!!! It's TERRIBLE!! You're looking at a member who's had 2 different 427 engines in his C5, the second one not entirely by choice, but 2 nonetheless. If I had it to do over again, I'd go with a blower. Stock sound, stock fuel efficiency (if you behave!), stock reliability, not-so-stock performance. I write this because you'll probably have good intentions keeping it stock, but at some point, I'll bet that flies right out the window! Welcome to the forum, and even though I own a 2000 vert, I'd consider nothing but an '01-up MY, knowing what I know now. Good luck finding your dream car......

 

I've got one you might be interested in, but where are you located?

 

I had modded the mustang that I owned before my Vette. When I bought the Vette, I swore that I was going to keep it stock. I actually managed to do that (mostly) for a few years. Now I have a supercharger, and have spent more on mods than I paid for the car.

 

A young guy like you should take advisement and stay attached to this forum for no less than 12 months reading daily..... You'll then ask better questions.. and learn what you need.

 

Welcome and congratulations on making a sound choice for a great car!

Aside from the history and general condition of the car there are some optional features you may wish to look for, some of which are combined in factory packages, 1SB being the most.

This is not a complete list, but a few to look for:
Heads up display HID
Memory package
Telescoping steering wheel - they all have tilt wheel, but telescoping was an option
Magnetic shock ride control

Heres a link for more information:
https://corvettestory.com/corvette-o...ptionyear=2004

 

Take it from those of us who have modded Corvettes. If there is ever a time in the future that you know full well that you will probably mod the car, then figure out all the mods you would do and seek out a Vette that already has those mods in place. It will save you a ton of money down the road. While you may have the mentality that,"I want to start fresh and want to know exactly what's done," in the end it's the same amount of mods the only difference is you will be spending twice as much to start "fresh" rather than to find one that is already done the way you want.

 

I know, Monte. At least you didn't get the "illness" as quickly as I did. We need a vaccine!!!! Anyway, not only do you have a beautiful car, you're the perfect example of what I'm talking about!

 

I don’t smoke, and I don’t do drugs, but I have a Corvette problem.

 

For $20,000 you can get yourself into a nice Z06. Don't be afraid of miles. Age is the enemy of these cars at this point. Before this one, I had a 49,000 mile 04 Z06, aannnndddd the trans **** the bed. A lot of the **** that goes bad on these cars are things that will inevitably happen regardless of miles. Look for a one or two owner car with a good service history. I just bought a 2004 Z06, 100,000 miles. Two owner local car, clean car fax, runs and drives great. Needs paint correction and an oil pressure sending unit. Tires are less than a year old. Stock except Borla cat-back. $19,000. I took a swing at and missed on an 04 Z06 with 136,000 miles on it that I really wanted, it was a one owner car with a car fax that had 70 service records from one dealership. One owner and one service facility was enough to make me over look the miles.

 

No factory nav. I blanked off the stock radio and just run my phone to a BT receiver to the 5-ch amp. the phone has nav



I do suggest 02 and up. Others will disagree with me but that's my suggestion, and my first C5 was an '00 with 130+k miles and solid. The stickies are very useful. The cars tend to be very reliable, lots of cheap parts, most maintenance / repair is relatively simple. It's a crude simple beast. A mostly stock C5 is a great car - I do suggest replacing the valve springs as a preventative measure, all fluids, and throw a set of DRM Bilstein's on there, which makes the ride 10x better than stock.

GL with your search

 

Welcome aboard 1998 all stk.