Considering a C5
Racer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 263
Likes: 105
From: Salisbury, NC
If I was to buy another one, the first thing I'd look at is rusting around the brake lines (and other metal parts on the chassis) to see if the car was regularly driven in bad weather. This would give a good general idea of how hard things will be to work on in the future, On a weathered car even a gas filter change can be a nightmare.
It would be a good idea to check the harmonic balancer (for wobbling) and make sure the a/c compressor doesn't leak at the seam. If you don't do your own work both of these items can be costly to fix.
I wouldn't sweat the EBCM on the earlier cars because, as one poster said above, the problem is blown out of proportion. Nobody ever came on the forum and posted about how great their EBCM was working. I knew about the issue when I bought mine and I don't worry about it at all as I've saved enough money doing all of my own work to replace it if it ever fails.
It would be a good idea to check the harmonic balancer (for wobbling) and make sure the a/c compressor doesn't leak at the seam. If you don't do your own work both of these items can be costly to fix.
I wouldn't sweat the EBCM on the earlier cars because, as one poster said above, the problem is blown out of proportion. Nobody ever came on the forum and posted about how great their EBCM was working. I knew about the issue when I bought mine and I don't worry about it at all as I've saved enough money doing all of my own work to replace it if it ever fails.
Night Owl for life
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 24,699
Likes: 4,542
From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
^ true it doesn't make the car undrivable but I'd at least like to have the option to repair mine...if you've got an -01 and up you have that opportunity.
Mine has been out for the last 17 years give or take 👎
Mine has been out for the last 17 years give or take 👎
Intermediate
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 26
Likes: 15
From: Texas
I was looking for a 2004 with low mileage that was somewhat local, but seen a 99 FRC in black (the last color I would usually consider & was not aware of the FRC package) it kept calling me every time I looked at it, lol.
Purchased online and shipped, it’s not perfect and I’ve only had it less than a week, still going through it. No leaks, runs quite well, cleaner underneath than expected for an Ohio vehicle. I’ve found a few issues, some are minor, it a weekend toy vehicle.
Carfax said 4 owners, but looking closer showed two were dealers, overall I’m happy with my black FRC at 42k miles.
Purchased online and shipped, it’s not perfect and I’ve only had it less than a week, still going through it. No leaks, runs quite well, cleaner underneath than expected for an Ohio vehicle. I’ve found a few issues, some are minor, it a weekend toy vehicle.
Carfax said 4 owners, but looking closer showed two were dealers, overall I’m happy with my black FRC at 42k miles.
Last edited by SlowandoldTexan; May 29, 2022 at 02:11 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,374
Likes: 423
The 01+ units can only be repaired if it's one type of failure. And that's a good thing because that failure seems to happen a lot more in the later models than the early models. For all other failures are they are the same.
Bare in mind that most traction control problems come from wheel speed sensor and wiring problems that are easily fixed. For any year.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 5,972
Likes: 719
I dont care how good it runs now. Seen this over and over. guys buying these cars and then their on here looking for help within six months later, but i guess that's why we r here. no help
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
as posted I would highle recommend having a shop that specializes in these cars go over it.
Every car has its issues and these are no different.
I try to buy cars that have long term older owners..they usually take care of them, goes to the dealer etc. Ones that pass hands a lot, are modded are usually a frigging headache you never know who has done what to it.
Records...meh not that important to me. I dont care about a water pump replaced 8 yrs ago.
They may show the owner gives a little more concern its an old scholl thing.
Lots of cars for sale that say lost keys or some excuse why it doesnt run dont even think about it!! Many times the seller disabled the car to cover up a serious mechanical issue.
Id have no issue buying an early one, maintenance and condition are what counts once you hand the money over. Look past the shiny paint, good price etc to see what youre really buying.
Every car has its issues and these are no different.
I try to buy cars that have long term older owners..they usually take care of them, goes to the dealer etc. Ones that pass hands a lot, are modded are usually a frigging headache you never know who has done what to it.
Records...meh not that important to me. I dont care about a water pump replaced 8 yrs ago.
They may show the owner gives a little more concern its an old scholl thing.
Lots of cars for sale that say lost keys or some excuse why it doesnt run dont even think about it!! Many times the seller disabled the car to cover up a serious mechanical issue.
Id have no issue buying an early one, maintenance and condition are what counts once you hand the money over. Look past the shiny paint, good price etc to see what youre really buying.
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Utah
I'm in the same boat and will become a first time Vette owner. I found a 2004 ZO6 that is in "show" condition with 33,000 miles. Probably close to $10k of mods (performance and cosmetic). I've driven a few in my search, and this one is way above the others in regards to condition and just being a solid great car.
I fell in love driving it and probably going to pull the trigger soon.
I fell in love driving it and probably going to pull the trigger soon.
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Night Owl for life
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 24,699
Likes: 4,542
From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
I'm in the same boat and will become a first time Vette owner. I found a 2004 ZO6 that is in "show" condition with 33,000 miles. Probably close to $10k of mods (performance and cosmetic). I've driven a few in my search, and this one is way above the others in regards to condition and just being a solid great car.
I fell in love driving it and probably going to pull the trigger soon.
I fell in love driving it and probably going to pull the trigger soon.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,662
Likes: 24,663
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
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St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
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CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
I will not discourage you from considering a '97-00 car (I had both a '99 and '00), but keep in mind that with the '01 model, GM made a lot of changes to the platform, and subsequent years built on those changes.
Best thing to do with any car is to have it checked out thoroughly by a competent technician. If buying from an individual, ask for maintenance records. You can also ask for a vehicle history from your Chevy dealer which will show the service performed under warranty and also as a repair from a dealership.
Best thing to do with any car is to have it checked out thoroughly by a competent technician. If buying from an individual, ask for maintenance records. You can also ask for a vehicle history from your Chevy dealer which will show the service performed under warranty and also as a repair from a dealership.
8th Gear
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I have a 99 C5, I think the harmonic balancer, steering lock and ECBM issues were already taken care of by previous owners. I think there's a cheaperish ECBM fix that's not hard to do. Depends what kind of deal you can get I guess, I'm not disappointed that's for sure!
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 16
Likes: 7
From: Red Sox Nation (okay, it's NH)
I am new to the forums so forgive me if this has been asked. What is the group consensus on how likely an ECBM failure is on the 99-01's? I've heard a lot about the problem both here and other online sources, and that's it's very expensive to fix (assuming you can find the part), but how common is a failure for those early C5 EBCMs? If you had to guess the likelihood would it be 10%, 50%, inevitable? Thanks!
Instructor
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 136
Likes: 66
From: Long Island, NY
Yeah I get the module issue concerns for sure.. I was in same position few months back as my buddy had a 2k with the t/c abs lights on. At first I was like "oh hells no im not dealing with lights on the dash etc" But was a great deal so i bought it.... Turns out it was a $5 fuse. Replaced the fuse and hasnt had an issue since. If you find a 97-00 and its a good deal than go for it. I wouldnt just spend more on an 01 to avoid a possible issue in future. In addition, I cant stand traction control.. so dont use it anyhow. I get the ABS thing but than again I dont drive the vette in the rain. c5's F'N rule... the LS1 is a legit engine... these cars are a total blast. Find a good clean one that has been taken care of and go for it. I personally wouldnt narrow your search for specific years. Just my opinion ofcourse!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,680
Likes: 1,039
It appears that the tv auction house.. Me come... indicates that bidding on C5 cars is not from the high roler type spenders ... ordinary Joe folks may own the C5, and will experience first hand The Exotic, and are not eliminated from ownership of Americas V8 sports car... No foreign little bitty 6 bangers for us to be "considering".
Last edited by c5arlen; Oct 18, 2022 at 02:25 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,181
Likes: 4,565
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
The C5 Corvette is a great car and esthetically beautiful. It is also a 19-26 year old car and despite low mileage or beautiful clean flawless appearance, some have been driven very hard. Many have been modified then returned to stock. Others have had extensive electronics modifications that you may discover only after you own it a while. It's a crap shoot so it's best to buy a car with few owners, a documented maintenance schedule and a clean history and title. Don't buy the car based on the purchase price, that's only the price of admission. Expect the unexpected regardless of the milage or model year. Buy the car because you really want it and expect to be spending some money. If possible, buy a car that you know the owner of and the history of.
Last edited by Mike98SilVert; Oct 19, 2022 at 07:29 AM.