C5 advice
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 33
Likes: 17
From: SC
C5 advice
Good morning, all I have been looking at some options for available C5's out there. It will be my first Corvette. I have looked at so many and there are prices all over the place. I wanted to try and avoid 97-2000 after doing some research. I'm open to opinion on folks with the earlier C5's. So, I have pinpointed a C5 coupe at a dealership in Cary, NC. It's listed around 13K. 127K miles. No accidents. 5 owners. Dealership did oil service, wiper blades, door blend actuator, washer pump, two tires, drive belt, and tensioner. I do plan on seeing the vehicle before buying, but I am still nervous pulling the trigger. The deal seems solid. CarFax was reviewed and title is clean. Overall, it looks like the owners have done at least the normal services needed. Advice is appreciated.
Melting Slicks
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If the car has a solid service history and is clean, you shouldn’t have any major issues. Check to see the condition of the harmonic balancer, or if it’s been replaced. Is it an auto or standard?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
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From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Regardless of the repair history, I recommend finding an independent repair facility that specializes in Corvettes and have them inspect the car mechanically and electrically before buying. The local Corvette club can provide repair facility recommendations. Also, I always take a person with me when buying a used car that you trust for objective comments. THAT has save me some grief when I was looking for my C5.
Instructor
Joined: May 2008
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From: Elverson, PA
Regardless of the repair history, I recommend finding an independent repair facility that specializes in Corvettes and have them inspect the car mechanically and electrically before buying. The local Corvette club can provide repair facility recommendations. Also, I always take a person with me when buying a used car that you trust for objective comments. THAT has save me some grief when I was looking for my C5.
This is spot on!
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Never hurts to have a pre-purchase inspection done. And an extra set of eyes helps to see things that may be missed.
Pro
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ANY year C5 can have issues don't let the year be the determining factor. Look at condition and as much history as you can.
I had an 01 that was nothing but problems. Have had my 00 for almost twice as long and have just had to do maintenance on it.
Just find one that "feels right" and get it. You will never know complete history or what will happen in the future.
I had an 01 that was nothing but problems. Have had my 00 for almost twice as long and have just had to do maintenance on it.
Just find one that "feels right" and get it. You will never know complete history or what will happen in the future.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
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From: Virginia
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Regardless of the repair history, I recommend finding an independent repair facility that specializes in Corvettes and have them inspect the car mechanically and electrically before buying. The local Corvette club can provide repair facility recommendations. Also, I always take a person with me when buying a used car that you trust for objective comments. THAT has save me some grief when I was looking for my C5.
Pre-purchase inspection is a must! It seems like you've done your homework. If the car checks out, buy it and enjoy it.
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Instructor
Joined: May 2011
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From: Maui
What kind of dealership? If it's a Chevrolet (or even another major brand) I generally feel better than if it's at a wholesale lot. Mainstream dealers want no part of selling crappy cars with problems and will usually just send them to auction... and they end up at a wholesale lot. I'm looking at the same type/age/price and can relate to some of the hesitation. In the end, that's not a huge amount of money and definitely a good value for what you get performance-wise. I'm pretty comfortable with cars and a good Carfax, a reasonably trustworthy seller and my looking it over and I'm good to go. Good luck!
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Joined: Oct 2004
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ANY year C5 can have issues don't let the year be the determining factor. Look at condition and as much history as you can.
I had an 01 that was nothing but problems. Have had my 00 for almost twice as long and have just had to do maintenance on it.
Just find one that "feels right" and get it. You will never know complete history or what will happen in the future.
I had an 01 that was nothing but problems. Have had my 00 for almost twice as long and have just had to do maintenance on it.
Just find one that "feels right" and get it. You will never know complete history or what will happen in the future.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 324
Likes: 157
From: Maine
Make sure everything works just like any used car, the price seems right. I also got an auto and after a year changed the diff gearing to 3.15 it transformed the car.
3.42 gearing is what i was looking for, but i am happy with 3.15 gearing with any luck it will come that way.
3.42 gearing is what i was looking for, but i am happy with 3.15 gearing with any luck it will come that way.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,896
Likes: 1,657
From: North Coast
I would recommend doing your home work too.
Get on the web read the stickies here and there are tons of video’s on the web that teach you what to look for and avoid.
Lyle from C&S corvette has some really good videos on C5 models.
the best years are 02-03
01 had some cars with ring issues but most are fine.
04 is good accept for the fuel pump. You have to pull every thing to change the pump in back vs other years.
Earlier cars I’d the traction control goes out they can not be rebuilt or bought new. Later Delco units are rebuildable.
get the car on a lift and even if you pay someone get under it and look for damage of any kind or leaks.
I stopped a buddy from buying a C6 that had a major oil pan leak. Very involved to repair but we found it on the lift.
Check rear seals.
Get in the car and mash every button and switch to make sure what works and what does not work.
Drive it for a good while. Listen for noice and feel how it handles.
The mechanic also can look it over. Compression test it and check suspension parts.
paying a hired wrench is good but the more informed you are the better.
Get on the web read the stickies here and there are tons of video’s on the web that teach you what to look for and avoid.
Lyle from C&S corvette has some really good videos on C5 models.
the best years are 02-03
01 had some cars with ring issues but most are fine.
04 is good accept for the fuel pump. You have to pull every thing to change the pump in back vs other years.
Earlier cars I’d the traction control goes out they can not be rebuilt or bought new. Later Delco units are rebuildable.
get the car on a lift and even if you pay someone get under it and look for damage of any kind or leaks.
I stopped a buddy from buying a C6 that had a major oil pan leak. Very involved to repair but we found it on the lift.
Check rear seals.
Get in the car and mash every button and switch to make sure what works and what does not work.
Drive it for a good while. Listen for noice and feel how it handles.
The mechanic also can look it over. Compression test it and check suspension parts.
paying a hired wrench is good but the more informed you are the better.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 1,023
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From: Nappytown MD
I bought my 02 from a Nissan dealer. They gave me a 30 day/1000 mile warranty and I had a window motor go out 3 days after I picked it up. No sweat, they ordered the part and I took it in a week later and they repaired it. Ask the dealer if they have any warranty-
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
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From: North Coast