98 Corvettes
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: Prattville AL
98 Corvettes
I have found a Sebring Silver 1998 C5 Coupe I have my eye on. It only had 29K miles on it and they are asking 24999 for it. Are there any major differences between a 98 and a 99 model? I was looking for a 99 to Y2K, but since this one has low miles and from the pics looks to be in good shape, I am considering it.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I have to disagree somewhat....
Some of the later production 98's had active handling (option code JL4) and some of the early production 99's didn't have HUD. The 98's were good cars, you rarely hear of issues with piston slap, oil consumption, etc. They also have a fuel regulator at the fuel rails, making them naturals for supercharging or turbo charging if that floats your boat.
$25K is a little rich, even with 29K miles - if you like the car, and it has the options you're looking for, maybe the price can be negotiated a little and you could wind up like I did - with a car you truly love!
Some of the later production 98's had active handling (option code JL4) and some of the early production 99's didn't have HUD. The 98's were good cars, you rarely hear of issues with piston slap, oil consumption, etc. They also have a fuel regulator at the fuel rails, making them naturals for supercharging or turbo charging if that floats your boat.
$25K is a little rich, even with 29K miles - if you like the car, and it has the options you're looking for, maybe the price can be negotiated a little and you could wind up like I did - with a car you truly love!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,631
Likes: 2
From: Clever, MO aka SOMO
I paid $25K for my '98 in Feb. this year, w/19K miles on it...in mint condition...with every option available at the time. This car had never seen rain (So.Calif) and was absolutely perfect, inside...outside...underneath....engine. ...everything. I just drove 4,260 mile on vacation without burning a drop of oil and avg. 28 mpg. This is best car I've ever owned, and my 2nd vette.
If the car is in GREAT shape, go for it and have a blast!!
If the car is in GREAT shape, go for it and have a blast!!
Last edited by fixvet; Jul 12, 2004 at 09:13 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: Prattville AL
What would a fair price be for this car? It is at a Corvette dealer in Atlanta.
You think this is overprices, check out my thread about the 99 C5 Coupe with 31K miles close to where I live. The woman wont budge off $29K!
You think this is overprices, check out my thread about the 99 C5 Coupe with 31K miles close to where I live. The woman wont budge off $29K!
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Nashville tn
I agree you could probably do better than 25K right now, even from a dealer. As a 98 owner, I too have to say it is a hell of a car, much stronger than other newer ones I have raced. Does not burn oil at all. The things like seat movement, fuel gauges, leaking diff, etc. may eventually strike, so get an extended warranty if you can afford it; the car is still almost 7 years old despite the mileage. Mine paid for itself in one shot when I had to replace the fuel tank and oil pressure sensors at 50K.
If you don't care about spending an extra grand or two to get the car you love, go for it. The money is nothing in the long run.
If you don't care about spending an extra grand or two to get the car you love, go for it. The money is nothing in the long run.
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Miami Florida
I bought my 98 vert 1 year ago with 35k miles, active handling, dual climate, sport seats, F45 ride cont., fog lights. All for $24k. You can do better in price than that. $23-$24 is what you should pay for that coupe.
Lepus-temperamentalus
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,827
Likes: 5
From: Roswell Ga
Too much!
I bought my 98 coupe just six weeks ago with 26K on it for $22500, right here in Atlanta and it was immaculate. The guy even supplied a new console top because he'd accidently cut the original one.
Course, I didn't buy from a dealer either.
Course, I didn't buy from a dealer either.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Walker LA
I have a 1998 Hard top with 63500 miles and is still running strong with no problems. You gotta love that Mobile 1 synthetic oil. By the way you can do better on that price..........probably around $22500 here in Louisiana where they run rampant.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
From: Nashville TN
According to the Feb. 1999 issue of Corvette Fever there were "literally hundreds of changes from the early (1997-1998) years". Of-course most of these changes you would probably never notice -- but there were some bigger worthwile changes that you might want, other than available options. I have a list of those, but right now I can't find the publication that lists them. As many have stated in the past, get the latest year you can afford. 
Instructor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Hey there,
Just thought I would add my 2cents to the topic.
I bought my 98 in Oct of last year, and I also agree with what everyone else is saying. I paid 25k for mine last year too, but bottom line is, you have to like what you are getting. If the car has the features you want and the price is good for you. Go for it. You will not be sorry. This is the best car that I've ever owned.
Remember when you do get it though. Save the wave
Vertigo
Just thought I would add my 2cents to the topic.
I bought my 98 in Oct of last year, and I also agree with what everyone else is saying. I paid 25k for mine last year too, but bottom line is, you have to like what you are getting. If the car has the features you want and the price is good for you. Go for it. You will not be sorry. This is the best car that I've ever owned.
Remember when you do get it though. Save the wave
Vertigo
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,753
Likes: 191
From: Orange County California
I just picked up the 99 coupe in my sig a week and a half ago from a dealer for 22K in outstanding shape with the wheel upgrade, a borla exhaust system etc. You can do a lot better.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 0
From: Litchfield Park Arizona
I bought my 98 about a year and a half ago with 31k miles for $26,000. It does not have all the options, but the car had every receipt and maintenance record from the original female owner and was garaged. It has had all the recalls done already and never had an issue with the oil consumption, piston slap, etc...It was immaculate and completely bone stock, so I felt paying a little more was worth it. Don't settle, but go with what you feel is appropriate. And after what I have recently spent to modify this car and what I plan to spend in the future, the price was a killer deal if you ask me.
It doesn't matter really what you pay, as it is all about how you feel after you drop the cash. And to me, that ride home after having handed over that cashier check to the lady was worth a lot more than 26G's.
Good Luck!
Tanya
It doesn't matter really what you pay, as it is all about how you feel after you drop the cash. And to me, that ride home after having handed over that cashier check to the lady was worth a lot more than 26G's.
Good Luck!
Tanya
Last edited by Xlr8tnC5; Jul 9, 2004 at 01:01 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 799
Likes: 17
From: Rio Rancho NM
I've had my 98 since 2000, purchased with 800 miles on it. I have had absolutly no problems with the car in the 4 years I've owned it. It doesn't burn oil, no column lock, I buoght the extended warranty, and never used it..The 98's are very well made, IMHO.
Steve
Steve
