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C5 as daily driver?

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Old Aug 15, 2004 | 01:03 PM
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Default C5 as daily driver?

I have a C3 for fun and a hobby. I have a 98 Grand Prix GT as a daily driver which I will probably give to my daughter. I don't really need the back seat anymore, so I was thinking about an 01 or 02 C5 for daily transportation. I assume gas mileage won't be too bad - 70 mile round trip for work, premium instead of regular, right? What about driving in snow, we get some every winter here in north Jersey. Anything else I should be considering? Thanks.
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Old Aug 15, 2004 | 01:13 PM
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Originally Posted by BKbroiler
I have a C3 for fun and a hobby. I have a 98 Grand Prix GT as a daily driver which I will probably give to my daughter. I don't really need the back seat anymore, so I was thinking about an 01 or 02 C5 for daily transportation. I assume gas mileage won't be too bad - 70 mile round trip for work, premium instead of regular, right? What about driving in snow, we get some every winter here in north Jersey. Anything else I should be considering? Thanks.
I use mine as a daily driver and I love it. With A4/3:15 gear it gets around 21 MPG commuting...just a few less than my Miata. It's very comfortable and with the LS1, you'll have no problem merging with traffic.

I don't know about the snow issue...personally, I wouldn't drive it in snow. A relatively light car with wide tires and a powerful engine is not a recipe for great success, even with traction control. I had a 95 Z28, and while it could be driven in the snow, it was a handful.

What I'd worry about more is getting hit by someone else. There are always lots of mishaps in the snow, and I'd rather my vette be in the garage in those conditions.
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Old Aug 15, 2004 | 01:15 PM
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Originally Posted by BKbroiler
I have a C3 for fun and a hobby. I have a 98 Grand Prix GT as a daily driver which I will probably give to my daughter. I don't really need the back seat anymore, so I was thinking about an 01 or 02 C5 for daily transportation. I assume gas mileage won't be too bad - 70 mile round trip for work, premium instead of regular, right? What about driving in snow, we get some every winter here in north Jersey. Anything else I should be considering? Thanks.
Just that you're going to love every minute of your commute to work.

Seriously, though - make sure you have an extended warranty of some kind since you'll be wracking up the miles. Although I love my car, she's had her share of glitches that would cost even more $$$ had I not had one.

I get anywhere from 18 to 20 MPG here in the city on premium gas, depending on traffic.

Snow isn't a factor for me, but there should be a forum member or two who can tell you about it.

Since she won't be a Garage Queen, your car will have it's share of road rash and nicks and scratches (mine sure does after 82,000 miles) -But the sound and feel of your engine at the beginning and end of the work day should be more than worth it.

Last edited by Dr_PimpRide; Aug 15, 2004 at 01:18 PM.
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Old Aug 15, 2004 | 01:35 PM
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You can run it on regular, I run mine on regular all the time, who can afford premium?? Mine is a daily driver, although I wouldn't be crazy about having to drive it in snow, plus with the gas gauge and column lock issues you are probably better with something else as a daily driver.
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Old Aug 15, 2004 | 02:46 PM
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I use mine as a daily driver all summer long (02 MY CONVERT),great mileage 28 hway.its tough to find fresh hightest though as it seems most people are just using the lower grades with prices being up so notr as much turnover for premium.as far as winter naaa i use my f250 good luck in the snow though ....
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Old Aug 15, 2004 | 02:49 PM
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My 04 is a daily driver and enjoying every miles of it.
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Old Aug 15, 2004 | 02:54 PM
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I just picked up an 04 for a DD ..was driving my 90 ZR-1 its for sale now just felt bad about putting all the miles on it.
http://www.vettehound.com/geo/classi...php?a=2&b=1442
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Old Aug 15, 2004 | 02:56 PM
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Mine is a daily driver from Michigan ... all year round. I do have a back-up 02 Siverado 4x4 for weather that the Vette can't handle.
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Old Aug 15, 2004 | 03:04 PM
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My '99 was a daily driver for the past three years. Only problems are a couple of rock chips in the windsheild. Of course we don't have much trouble with snow in Louisiana.
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Old Aug 15, 2004 | 05:44 PM
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Originally Posted by George8211
Mine is a daily driver from Michigan ... all year round.

Same here. When winter arrives, the Goodyear M+S EMT tires go on.
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Old Aug 15, 2004 | 06:01 PM
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As you can see there's lot's of daily drivers here. Enjoy the commute!!
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Old Aug 15, 2004 | 06:21 PM
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My C5 is my daily driver and I wouldn't have it any other way. Great gas mileage and is often the best thing about getting up and going to work every morning.
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