Help needed on C5 purchase
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Help needed on C5 purchase
Hi to all, looking for advice/help, been looking to buy a C5 for a few weeks now, recently came across a clean 2001 C5 coupe with 156,000 km’s. However, there’s a few issues such as; Hud not working, tear in drivers’ seat, climate control is dim, only has 1 key, 1 FOB, and what really scares me is a slight clicking engine sound. I’m mainly concerned about the engine clicking sound. Seller said it’s nothing, he’s always done regular oil changes with synthetic oil and adds Lucas’s oil additive.
Following my research on forums, might be loose rockers, broken spring or pushrods all issues C5’s is known to having.
Called dealer to inquire on clicking sound and price to repair and of course they said had to leave them car for a deep dive to investigate where the sound comes from and only then they could give me a price, Naturally, this makes senesce.
Not sure if I should walk away from deal, ☹
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks again
He’s asking $10,500
Following my research on forums, might be loose rockers, broken spring or pushrods all issues C5’s is known to having.
Called dealer to inquire on clicking sound and price to repair and of course they said had to leave them car for a deep dive to investigate where the sound comes from and only then they could give me a price, Naturally, this makes senesce.
Not sure if I should walk away from deal, ☹
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks again
He’s asking $10,500
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 1,213
Look at it this way. $10,500 + new engine + HUD repair + climate control lighting repair + seat recover + additional key + additional fob + other things you'll discover.
If that total is less than the value of comparable cars then it's a good buy. If that total is higher than comparable cars it isn't.
Without knowing what's up with the ticking sound I'd walk away. Lots of cars out there don't have that multi-thousand dollar question mark. And if you're considering a dealer to perform the work you're probably not a car person so I'd walk away and find something that's ready to drive right now. Every repair is an additional opportunity for a headache.
If that total is less than the value of comparable cars then it's a good buy. If that total is higher than comparable cars it isn't.
Without knowing what's up with the ticking sound I'd walk away. Lots of cars out there don't have that multi-thousand dollar question mark. And if you're considering a dealer to perform the work you're probably not a car person so I'd walk away and find something that's ready to drive right now. Every repair is an additional opportunity for a headache.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 162
Likes: 134
From: Nashville
Definitely move on to another option. There are tons of clean C5s you can get into for a lil more. Also, find yourself an independent shop to work with. I hate seeing you list a dealership as your resource for help
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 4,356
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner- Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
These issues “may” not be insurmountable. My underlying concern is that the current owner has not kept up the basic maintenance. People who don’t fix things as they go would be unlikely to change oil religiously, etc.
These cars can turn into a money pit, so choose carefully. Depends on your budget and what you’re willing to fix. So, for example, say you’re planning on heads, cam, headers anyway. Well then you’re doing lifters and top end anyway. In that case, work the price down some more. If you want a driver, I’d walk away from this one.
These cars can turn into a money pit, so choose carefully. Depends on your budget and what you’re willing to fix. So, for example, say you’re planning on heads, cam, headers anyway. Well then you’re doing lifters and top end anyway. In that case, work the price down some more. If you want a driver, I’d walk away from this one.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 758
Likes: 366
That car might be what you could call a mechanics special if it were priced less.
Personally I’d keep looking unless you want to gamble a bit.
The ticking could be valve train, exhaust leak, injectors or even a bad PCV valve. The big question is if you are ready to dig in a start working on the car from day one. You’ll go broke if you are paying someone else to do it though. Gremlins can get expensive really quick
Personally I’d keep looking unless you want to gamble a bit.
The ticking could be valve train, exhaust leak, injectors or even a bad PCV valve. The big question is if you are ready to dig in a start working on the car from day one. You’ll go broke if you are paying someone else to do it though. Gremlins can get expensive really quick
Pro
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 627
Likes: 181
From: west coast of Canada
this might help...The key to buying a C5 is:
One or two owner car.
Meticulous maintenance w maintenance records.
Excellent condition. Check to be sure car was not abused or tracked.
Nothing whatsoever wrong. Means the owner took care of all problems which means trouble free driving.
Under 50,000 km.
Manual transmission is very reliable. Convertible or FRC coupe.
Preferable to buy 2003 or 2004. HVAC is not replaceable on 1997 to 2000.
2000 and 2001 had ring problems.
Fuel filtres on 1997 to (1999) have the fuel filtres in fuel line, newer have them in the fuel tanks. 97 – 99 have fewer problems with key fob.
For more info on 1997 – 2000 C5’s check this post
Who's happy with their 97-00's????
One or two owner car.
Meticulous maintenance w maintenance records.
Excellent condition. Check to be sure car was not abused or tracked.
Nothing whatsoever wrong. Means the owner took care of all problems which means trouble free driving.
Under 50,000 km.
Manual transmission is very reliable. Convertible or FRC coupe.
Preferable to buy 2003 or 2004. HVAC is not replaceable on 1997 to 2000.
2000 and 2001 had ring problems.
Fuel filtres on 1997 to (1999) have the fuel filtres in fuel line, newer have them in the fuel tanks. 97 – 99 have fewer problems with key fob.
For more info on 1997 – 2000 C5’s check this post
Who's happy with their 97-00's????
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski