$15k Budget Realistic?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 29
Likes: 7
From: New York
$15k Budget Realistic?
I'm looking to buy a C5 soon and would appreciate some feedback on how realistic my budget is.
Here's my criteria:
- Around 70-100k miles.
- 6 speed
- Coupe style, no FRC
- Great mechanical condition, mostly stock, properly maintained
- Good cosmetic condition. No peeling clear or major damage, but some scratches and blemishes are fine.
- Around 15k budget. Willing to go up to 17-18k for a clean 2001-2004, but would prefer to spend 12-13k on a clean enough 1997-2000 (no ABS/TC doesn't bother me).
- Located in NY, would prefer local but willing to travel for a deal
I'm also planning to do some work on it - HCI, suspension, etc. I know I can find a car cheaper with these mods done, but I want something to wrench on, and enjoy gradually making the car faster.
If you were looking for a driver's quality C5 to do some work on, how much would you spend, and what years/mileage would you go for? Spend more on a clean later model, or less on an earlier model?
Thanks!
Here's my criteria:
- Around 70-100k miles.
- 6 speed
- Coupe style, no FRC
- Great mechanical condition, mostly stock, properly maintained
- Good cosmetic condition. No peeling clear or major damage, but some scratches and blemishes are fine.
- Around 15k budget. Willing to go up to 17-18k for a clean 2001-2004, but would prefer to spend 12-13k on a clean enough 1997-2000 (no ABS/TC doesn't bother me).
- Located in NY, would prefer local but willing to travel for a deal
I'm also planning to do some work on it - HCI, suspension, etc. I know I can find a car cheaper with these mods done, but I want something to wrench on, and enjoy gradually making the car faster.
If you were looking for a driver's quality C5 to do some work on, how much would you spend, and what years/mileage would you go for? Spend more on a clean later model, or less on an earlier model?
Thanks!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,794
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From: In the woods
2024 C5of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I inherited my 2K coupe, price was not an issue....However regular repair and parts replacement can get $$$$. Mine needed tires, shocks, starter, exhaust for starters, that came up to a few grand. Something to keep in mind when figuring your budget.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 29
Likes: 7
From: New York
Curious if your exhaust rusted out, or if there were emissions issues?
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 56
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From: Montrose CO
Thoughts on your question which I include my experience with my '98 base coupe would be lower the miles the less you are going to have to repair for now. You want to have some $ for making it the style you envision after you have owned it for a little while. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
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From: Florida
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Great point, I'm pricing in ~3k for parts to get it road worthy, as well as taxes and what not. I usually like to change all the fluids and some basic items like plugs when I get a new car regardless of the condition.
Curious if your exhaust rusted out, or if there were emissions issues?
Curious if your exhaust rusted out, or if there were emissions issues?
If you’re considering an ‘04, ask if the driver side fuel tank has been replaced (yet). Many were fixed under warranty. Very expensive.
If the car has F45 or F55 suspension have it thoroughly inspected.
Plus items that save you thousands:
Headers.
Upgraded heads/porting.
Harmonic balancer replaced.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Good C5 hunting for your avatar. Just get out and look at what is available through dealerships and private owners within your price range and the "must be's' That will give you a clear idea what is available for the $$ you want to spend.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,962
Likes: 1,703
From: North Coast
My buddy just sold a 04 coupe 90k miles at $19k.
he paid $12k 5 years ago.
It was clean and needed nothing.
The best advice buy the best you can afford as what you don’t pay for now will cost you later
he paid $12k 5 years ago.
It was clean and needed nothing.
The best advice buy the best you can afford as what you don’t pay for now will cost you later
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 2,060
From: In the woods
2024 C5of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Great point, I'm pricing in ~3k for parts to get it road worthy, as well as taxes and what not. I usually like to change all the fluids and some basic items like plugs when I get a new car regardless of the condition.
Curious if your exhaust rusted out, or if there were emissions issues?
Curious if your exhaust rusted out, or if there were emissions issues?
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Burning Brakes
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Maybe if you run into a really good deal but I think you’ll need a bit more for a 6speed. The coupe 6 speeds aren’t really that common. As strange as that seems. The good news is you’re not way off and this is the time of year to find a deal. If you had about $3000 more in reserve I think your options would go up.
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To find a really nice, albeit higher mileage C5, you may need a bit more than $15K in the current market.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 1,213
I don't think 15k is enough. It's possible, if you search nationwide for six months to a year. If you want one within a month or two, fairly local it will take a bit of luck to find it.
There are a few on Autotrader that seem to fit your criteria.
There are a few on Autotrader that seem to fit your criteria.
Last edited by Dads2kconvertible; Dec 11, 2023 at 12:39 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 129
Likes: 35
Is this driver side fuel tank issue only a problem specific to the 2004 model year? Can you please explain a bit more? I am looking to buy a C5 as well. Thank you.
If you’re getting a 6sp, take a good look at the clutch master. If it’s really dirty, you may be looking at a slave cylinder and while you’re in there clutch and torque tube freshen up.
If you’re considering an ‘04, ask if the driver side fuel tank has been replaced (yet). Many were fixed under warranty. Very expensive.
If the car has F45 or F55 suspension have it thoroughly inspected.
Plus items that save you thousands:
Headers.
Upgraded heads/porting.
Harmonic balancer replaced.
If you’re considering an ‘04, ask if the driver side fuel tank has been replaced (yet). Many were fixed under warranty. Very expensive.
If the car has F45 or F55 suspension have it thoroughly inspected.
Plus items that save you thousands:
Headers.
Upgraded heads/porting.
Harmonic balancer replaced.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Oviedo Florida
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C5 is great car.
1. If you can find a Z06 or Hardtop for your price they have more vlue , less built
2. Stay newer than a 2000. 2001/2004 easyer to find a ECBM . Those can be rebuilt the older 2000 and later can not and can cost used $3000.
Good luck in your search
1. If you can find a Z06 or Hardtop for your price they have more vlue , less built
2. Stay newer than a 2000. 2001/2004 easyer to find a ECBM . Those can be rebuilt the older 2000 and later can not and can cost used $3000.
Good luck in your search
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 1,040
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From: Nappytown MD
Maybe if you run into a really good deal but I think you’ll need a bit more for a 6speed. The coupe 6 speeds aren’t really that common. As strange as that seems. The good news is you’re not way off and this is the time of year to find a deal. If you had about $3000 more in reserve I think your options would go up.
Plan on needing tires (check the date codes), flex lines and pads for each corner. I bought an 02 in Jan of this year. While to flex lines could have stayed on, there was some light cracks and I wanted to know my brakes were good so fresh SS lines done. If you are lucky, the car you find will have decent tires to hold ya over since it is winter.
Melting Slicks
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St. Jude Donor '25
My journey with C5s began in early 2022 when I purchased my first one, a 1999 A4 Coupe boasting 90k miles. At $12,000, it was a good price, but it needed some work—general maintenance, new tires, a harmonic balancer, paint touch-ups, suspension overhauls, and a tune-up.
The second C5 I acquired was a 2003 MN6 Convertible with just 30k miles, a beauty that cost me $21,800. Surprisingly, it demanded a similar level of care and maintenance as the '99, despite having more than half the mileage.
Now onto my third C5, another 2003 model, this time an MN6 Coupe. While it required an EBCM repair, I'm planning to refresh all fluids and replace the wear-and-tear components soon.
In essence, owning these 20+ year old cars has taught me that they all demand a certain level of tender loving care. Maintenance remains key, regardless of the mileage or specific model year, but 2001+ is preferred.
The second C5 I acquired was a 2003 MN6 Convertible with just 30k miles, a beauty that cost me $21,800. Surprisingly, it demanded a similar level of care and maintenance as the '99, despite having more than half the mileage.
Now onto my third C5, another 2003 model, this time an MN6 Coupe. While it required an EBCM repair, I'm planning to refresh all fluids and replace the wear-and-tear components soon.
In essence, owning these 20+ year old cars has taught me that they all demand a certain level of tender loving care. Maintenance remains key, regardless of the mileage or specific model year, but 2001+ is preferred.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Omaha NE
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These are Hagerty's current numbers on a base Coupe in #3 good condition...
'97-'00...$16,500
'01-'04...$17,200
Subtract 10% for automatics...Good Luck!...
'97-'00...$16,500
'01-'04...$17,200
Subtract 10% for automatics...Good Luck!...
Melting Slicks
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St. Jude Donor '25
Le Mans Master
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From: Omaha NE
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2022
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They are a nation wide average I believe. With the OP being in the NE market I would be they are low as you say. The best deals always seem to be far away when I’m in the market.