98 C5 question
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,211
Likes: 167
From: Rochester Hills Michigan
My ‘98 has not seen a dealer other than column lock warranty since new. 73k now I do routinely try to drive spin/cycle the ABS/Traction control just to make sure does not sit idle.
How many miles on car? Ask owner if it gets cycled occasionally.
How many miles on car? Ask owner if it gets cycled occasionally.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 1,213
How much do you care?
The car is still driveable, you won't have ABS or traction control. May cause issues passing inspection in some states.
It's up to you to decide if the potential failure is a big deal. All modern cars will have issues with electronics failing and replacements not available sooner or later so the problem in general will be present on every car.
The car is still driveable, you won't have ABS or traction control. May cause issues passing inspection in some states.
It's up to you to decide if the potential failure is a big deal. All modern cars will have issues with electronics failing and replacements not available sooner or later so the problem in general will be present on every car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 2,006
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From: FL Keys
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
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From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner- Unmodified
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If it was a simple even up choice between the ‘98 and an ‘02, for example, I would get the later model because there are some drivetrain upgrades. On the other hand, they all have “potential” weak points.
My input is go with a car that is in your desired condition and price range, and not stress too much over the model year.
My input is go with a car that is in your desired condition and price range, and not stress too much over the model year.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 1,183
From: Conyers Georgia
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 426
I have 152K miles on my 98 and the ABS/Traction Control System has been flawless. I exercise the pump 2 or 3 times a year. The wiring to the wheels gives me more problems but that is common to all years. And easily fixed.
The older EBCM is much more robust than the later one.
There is only one type of problem that can be repaired in the newer EBCM. New ones have problems that can't be fixed and must be replaced (they don't make them anymore either) from a junk yard. Just like the early ones.
There are really no problems with any year C5 that should make you avoid one year over another. They are all good. Get the color and options you want. Current condition and maintenance history is more important than year with these cars.
The older EBCM is much more robust than the later one.
There is only one type of problem that can be repaired in the newer EBCM. New ones have problems that can't be fixed and must be replaced (they don't make them anymore either) from a junk yard. Just like the early ones.
There are really no problems with any year C5 that should make you avoid one year over another. They are all good. Get the color and options you want. Current condition and maintenance history is more important than year with these cars.