I am thinking about getting a C5, but I really want to find something not molested, clean and I can just jump in and drive / enjoy. I don't mind a nice driver that needs a little TLC.

My goal is to be fully prepared and know what I am looking for, about 10 years ago I bought a 1993 Silverado, overpaid but it seemed clean....only to find out it didn't have the 130,000 miles the OD said it had, it was more closer to 275,000 miles. I thought it was a factory 350, but started out as a V6.

Having said that I am willing to spend $7500-8500 for a 130,000 mile example with average use on the inside, and decent paint. And maybe upwards of $12,000 for one that is super clean, and needs very little, with 75,000 miles.

I haven't seen any come around in my area lately but this one popped up in my feed yesterday........this seems kind of high for the price doesn't it? The interior looks wore out and he's done some mods to the powertrain. I'm not a huge fan of the audio being screwed int the panels either.
I looked up a quick value and it seems to be worth 1/2 of his asking price, does that sound correct?


Thoughts or suggestions? Thanks!

 

Too high should be 8k-10k the interior is rough and the ABS will cost 1000. for a used unit.
I waited 2 years to find my Corvette and got it one year ago last Saturday. 2002 mileage 77k in awesome shape for 15,500.
No lights on the dashboard just gas and drive.

 

Thanks! Yeah that's what I was thinking...I would prob do $7500-8000k for that one, but my ocd would want me to start replacing seat upholstery and interior parts right away...which would then put me in project stage lol. I already have a 71 LS swapped camaro that is my project, don't need another one.

Yours is exactly what I would be looking for, just a nice, unmolested, well taken care of car. I'm going to be patient and check the ads every so often until something comes along

 

Been looking myself the last few months. Prices are ebbing back to earth (albeit slowly) but finding something currently in that range with that mileage may prove difficult until sellers get the memo that the corona price grab is up. It seems the average for cars your describe start at 10k and I've sent them as high 20k. Good luck with your search.

 

Prices skyrocketed during the pandemic. They have come down a good bit. However, you're going to have a VERY hard time trying to find a car such as you describe for the price that you want. The days of finding a C5 in good shape for under $10K are gone. The car that you listed would be right in the ballpark for what cars in that condition and mileage are going for these days if it didn't clearly have the dreaded EBCM issue. Even with that, it's probably worth at least $10K. You'll want to avoid any of the older C5s if the EBCM is not in working order.. If you wait, the prices may fall some more. However, with inflation being what it is, I wouldn't count on that. The sticky posts here have a ton of great info on possible issues to look for. You will also want to get a pre-purchase inspection done on ANY C5 before you buy it. Good luck with your search.

 

That ABS problem can probably be fixed for $150. My low mileage Z started with that crap, I removed the module and sent it to ABS fixer and it has been flawless since.

 

It is my understanding that ABS Fixer only dies 2001 and newer. The older ones can't be repaired.

 

True. Only the later ones can be fixed.

But this car is overpriced. It's got mileage and it's an automatic, plus a failed EBCM. More like $8-9k.

Mine is an original owner unmolested (apart from new wheels and tires - still have the wagon wheels), never damaged '98 6 speed with all the options for the day, including both roofs, with 80k on the clock. Even have the VHS tape and the Corvette pen. Undamaged and everything works. Maybe worth $12-13k.

 

Lots of good advice in this post. You may get lucky and find a really nice C5 for what you want to pay, but I wouldn’t get your hopes up to much.

 

I have a search on cargurus that alerts me every day to C5s for sale nationwide. I see the prices are still about 30% higher than pre-wuflu era.

 

Make sure that the windshield is not compromised and needing replacement.

 

Don’t see you finding a nice one in that price range maybe $15000-20. Good luck and happy hunting