Hi Guys,
I am looking at getting my first C5 and have seen a few 1997's around town. Being the first year of C5, are there any common bugs that the 97's have? Any reason to avoid a 1997?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Best Regards,
Jeremy

 

Common bugs, yes there are, but not bad enough for you to avoid the 97s. I love mine....

 

Go for it!

 

I had the same fears as you before I bought mine. I have had a few minor problems with the last year and half of ownership, but all of the problems are common with all model years, not just '97's. Hope that helps in your decision.

 

I just sold mine and got an 04 Z06. Just the basic common C-5 problems you'll probably have with any model year. I had the gas gauge issue, rocking seat problem, leaking battery, colum lock (of course), after 85k miles I replaced one headlight actuator and one power window motor. That's about it. You can get a great deal if you look around for the right 97. Mine looked like new, had 85k on it and I sold it for 18k. Pretty good deal IMHO. Good luck!

 

I don't think there are any problems unusual enough to the 97 that I would avoid them. More that some of the accessories didn't show up until 99 or 00. HUD and Active Handling being the two biggest. If you find a nice clean C5 and can afford it I don't think year matters. Just my .02!

 

for what its worth, my 82k mile 97 has only had a switch replaced, column lock replaced under warranty which since has been permanelty fixed by the gm recall (automatic) a goofy fuel tank sender that remedied itself with a change of fuel, a leaky water pump (slight leak) at 67k miles. of course, i have adjusted some windows etc to take care of waterleaks and windnoise, but nothing abnormal. ive posted this before, and ill post again. seems the cars that get driven alot have less problems than those that see occasional use. to me, i'd expect less issues to arise out of a 70k or 80k mile 97 than a 15-20k mile 97. for some reason looking at the people who post common problems on here seem to be the lower mileage group. of course, around 95-100k normal problems associated with ANY car in this mileage group will probally surface.

keep in mind, u can always say u have one of the "limited production" year C5's....not that its worth a darn cent but its fun to say. i think only like 10k or less were made. someone will post the correct info shortly im sure. good luck. plus, if u can get by w/o having active handling and heads up display like the newer ones have u can save a buttload on a nice clean 97 nowadays.

 

Normal Corvette issues is all we've had with our 97 with 97k miles.

And we just got back from Beech Bend in Bowling Green where it did a 12.1 @112 mph quarter mile.

Then we went to the Nashville Speedway where Liz and I both autocrossed it.

And it is my daily driver and commuter...Knoxville, TN to Columbus, GA 300 mile trip home on Fridays and the 300 mile return trip on Mondays.

Can you road test it any more than that!?

 

Nothing wrong with the 97's IMO. Just make sure to run a car fax on it and get the service history on it. I have had mine for 2 years now and the only thing that went wrong with it was the harmonic balancer. Other than that its been a very reliable vehicle. Good luck on your decision.

 

I don't think you can go wrong with a '97, they built them at a slower rate and the build quality is pretty good for a first year. I have only replaced the ignition cylinder on mine in 45000 miles. 9752 built in '97.

 

Hi Guys,
Thanks for all the info. I saw one near me for sale:
1997 CHEVROLET CORVETTE, Bose sound sys, dual pwr seats, glass top, loaded, runs new, was $17,599, reduced $13,599.

It is white, my favorite color. It does not say the miles on it. Would this be a good deal if the body was ok and miles under 90?
Thanks, Jeremy

 

Jeremy,

I would take a close look at that one and make sure that the title is not salvage. That sounds like a really great deal if the miles and title isn't bad. I had a 97 for over 2 years and loved it. Keep us in touch.

Jeff

 

You may find some fuel guage issues, leaking differential seals, column lock problems, etc, but nothing that the other years don't have. If you find a nice '97, go for it and enjoy.

 

That seems like the right price for a salvaged title. Make sure you take a good look at it. An average price for a good condition 97 should be around 18k, maybe a bit less, but not much. JMHO from what i've seen around here and recently selling my 97. Good luck!

 

It sounds like a good deal(almost too good) - so go get the VIN and post it here - someone can do a title check on it to be sure it has a clean title. Look it over anyway, and if you can - take it to a mechanic or dealer to have them look it over before you make any offer.

 

Welcome to the Forum ...and good luck with finding the right new ride!

 

I bought a 98 C5, only problems I had was column lock and tire sensor gone bad.

 

If you read all of the posts on the 97's you'll want a can of raid for that year,but I'm sure there are some good ones out there.do a search on carfax on the vin first.