I'm finally picking up a 2001 coupe this week (well hopefully if thing go well). The car has 25k miles, a 6 speed and fully loaded. I need to know before I hand over the check if there is anything that I should look for. I'm afraid to give away the cash on my deam car only to find out that it's a lemon. My buddy told me to check for oil leaks around the valve cover, anything else?

Thanks in advance.

 

Sounds like you've already made your purchasing decision. Here's what I would do....

1. Have a dealer run a service history report by running the VIN. It will show all warranty claims performed, as well as originated dealer, build date, etc. Corvette Forum member SpongeVette has been known to run these on request, you might contact him and ask for his kind assistance.

2. CAR-FAX, isn't perfect - as it only shows what info got reported to them, but there is value in running a CAR-FAX.

3. Have an independent inspection performed by either a mechanic that you trust or contact someone like AUTOMOBILEINSPECTIONS.com It's worth an inspection by a qualified individual.

01's allegedly had some oil consumption issues, there's also rear differential leaks, the column lock issue, and an errant gas guage problem. The service history report will show if all of the recall campaigns have been performed, as well as these items just mentioned.

Hope I didn't scare you off - good luck with your purchase!

 

The above says it all. Good luck with the purchase. Post some pics if you buy it.

 

all of the above are good to check. Second, just the general appearance of the car. Do any body panels appear to have been repainted, do the seams line up? Is the color correct for the year? Is this a dealer purchase or a private party? Odds are you did fine, but a little dilligence on your part will help the comfort level. Most of what was listed above by blacksedan87 would not be a showstopper but may take away from your enjoyment. These are just generally good cars, but we do have some gremlins that haunt us. Good luck with your purchase.

Paul

 

Here is the list of problems that I have had with my 01 MN6 (not that I would ever get rid of it).

1. Gas Guage

2. Oil Consumption around 8K miles (rings were to small - have to replace with newer style). This is more prone to the MN6, but happens to many of the 01s.

3. Column Lock recall then added CLB for the real fix

4. Altenator died (new altenator)

5. rocking seat (new hardware corrected the problem)

6. Water Vapor in Passenger Blinker - replaced with new one and better seal.

7. Crappy Lug Nuts - replaced the corroded ones (the car is garaged and after 3 years all lugs were nasty) with McGard Chrome ones. Much Nicer look too,....

That is it. Not bad (all are fixable). These problems can cost you a few bucks out of pocket. I would recommend some sort of long term warranty just to make sure.

 

I bought my '01 almost two years ago (12,000 now24,000). I have not had a single problem. I bought an extended warranty and I have never taken the car in for anything other than oil change.

As for the oil consumption-put in a little extra. I have no interest in re-ringing. I have the same engine in a couple of boats-now those things burn lots of oil and my previous GM-'01 STS burned alot more oil than my vette.

Remember its just a Chevy-drive it and enjoy it. I love my vette.

 

I burn about 1 quart every 500 miles. A little extra would not help my cause, but I am sure for many your solution would work....

 

Used C5 Buyer's Checklist

Check for the rocking seat, leaky rear end, headlight motors, and if it is a 6-speed get the column lock bypass kit if it is not installed already. After that, this should get you started

Documentation available? Window Sticker Build Sheet
Are maintenance records available?
Who maintained the car and where
Are maintenance or upgrade receipts available?
How many previous owners have there been?
Can the former owners be contacted?

Is it currently registered?
Does it have a current inspection sticker?
Will it pass state inspection?
Are there any modifications?
If equipped with standard transmission, has the clutch ever been replaced? If so, what mileage?
Has the car ever been in an accident or had bodywork done?
Has the car been kept garaged?
What have been the average driving conditions? (Sun only, rain, snow?)
Does the car need anything now?

Body Condition
1. Does the car sit level?
2. Check body panels for uniformity.
3. Check for body damage. Look at: Wheel wells, floor pan, rear hatch front and rear valance, fenders, quarter panels, uniform body molding. Check for paint over-spray in: headlights, gas door, door jams, fender skirts, engine compartment?. Is there evidence of body damage?
4. Is the paint oxidized
5. Has the car ever been repainted?
6. If so, why, by whom, and how long ago?
7. Does sides of the car appear aligned?
8. Are there any waves or stress cracks in the fiberglass?
9. Are there any dings or stone chips in the paint?
10. Are there any cracks or chips in the windshield or side and rear glass?
11. Do the doors open and close normally?
12. Do the doors and trunk lock and unlock correctly with the key?
13. Do the doors and trunk (if applicable) lock/unlock correctly with remote key FOB
14. Does the rear hatch glass open properly? From inside?
15. Do the struts hold the rear hatch?
16. Does the hood release work?
17. Does the color match the trim tag color code?
18. Are there missing badges, or moldings?

Chassis & Suspension
1. Are the tires in good condition?
2. Is tire wear uniform.
3. Are the wheels stock?
4. Are the wheels in good condition?
5. Are the brake rotors in good condition? (check for cracks or scarring)
6. Are there any wet spots under the car?
7. Are the rubber axle boots in good condition?
8. Inspect the tie rod ends and ball joints.
9. Inspect the shocks. Dry Wet If the shocks appear to be wet, they may be leaking and in need of repair.
10. Is the exhaust in good condition?

Interior Condition
1. Are all door, hatch, and top seals in good condition?
2. (If applicable) Is the ratchet wrench for the targa top there?
3. Are the seats clean? Torn or cracked? Worn?
4. xxxxx
5. Is the carpet clean? Worn?
6. Can you adjust the mirrors?
7. Does the interior light work? Does it work with the doors?
8. Is the dash in good condition?
9. Is the center console in good condition?
10. Does the glove compartment door work properly?
11. Do the windshield wipers function properly?
12. Does the overall interior condition match the mileage?
13. If equipped, does the tilt wheel work properly?
14. If equipped does the alarm work?

Engine Evaluation
1. Is the oil clean? Dark or black colored oil indicates a change is necessary and may be indicative of past maintenance trends.
2. When was the last oil change? ______________ Overdue?
3. Check for a leaking oil pan gasket.
4. Check for a leaking front/rear main seal.
5. Check the master cylinder and slave cylinder for leakage.
6. Check all coolant lines for leakage.
7. Check the coolant in the reservoir. A brown frothy mixture in the reservoir usually indicates oil and water mixing in the oil filter/cooler housing.
8. Inspect the fuel lines going to the fuel rail for brittleness or cracking.
9. Inspect the plug wires for brittleness or cracking.
10. Inspect the brake fluid for color. Black colored brake fluid indicates a change is necessary.
11. Is the air filter clean?
12. Is the engine bay clean and neat? All hoses / wiring in correct place?

Engine Operation
1. Does the car start properly?
2. The car should have a steady idle.
3. (If equipped) Check the ECM (computer)? Engine Codes recorded?
4. Is the oil pressure normal?
5. Engine coolant temperature: Normal? 6. Is there valve chatter or excessive engine noise? Yes No
7. Is there excessive engine vibration at idle or revving? (can indicate bad motor mount).
8. With the engine running, listen for leaks at the exhaust manifolds and exhaust.
9. Does the heat work?
10. Does the AC work? Is the compressor quiet?
11. Does the AC / heater blow at each speed?
12. Does the radio work properly (tape and CD if applicable)?
13. If equipped, does the power antenna work?
14. If equipped, do the power windows and door locks work?
15. Does the defroster work properly?
16. Do all ***** / controls function correctly?
17. Do all of the gauges / dashboard lights work properly?

Test Drive Evaluation
1. Does the parking brake work properly?
2. How does the brake pedal feel?
The following 3 questions assume manual transmission:
3. How does the clutch pedal feel? Firm Soft
4. Does the clutch operate in a smooth quiet manner?
5. Does the shifter seem tight?
6. Are there any squeaks / noises (specially over rough roads)?
7. Is the steering smooth and responsive?
8. When going straight is the wheel straight? Does the car drift to one side?
9. Brake with your hands off the wheel does the car stop straight?
10. At highway speeds does the car pull, or shake / shimmy?
11. Does the cruise control work properly?
12. Is there exceptional wind noise?
13. If equipped, does the ABS system function properly?
14. If equipped, does the Traction control system function properly?
15. If equipped, does the Selective Ride Control function properly?

Miscellaneous
1. Is the battery in good condition?
2. Do all lights / signals work correctly? Headlights (high and low beams)?, Brake lights? Parking/Side Marker Lights? Turn Signals?

 

Patches, you did it again! Awesome list for any used car purchase!
Thanks...

 

Now thats a check list!

 

WOW, what a list. Thanks for all the help guys/gals.

I'm buying the car from a private owner who has assured me that the car is in like new condition.

I'm going to get the VIN and check the service records and such.

Also, is there any way to detect milage rollback or disconnected speedometer?

Thanks again all.

Oh, and I will definetly post pics of the car if I buy it. :fingerscrossed:

 

Oh, I forgot to ask. Where can I find the current list of recalls for the 2001's? Thanks!

 

awesome list!!!

*copying and pasting to print it out*

 

The odometer value is stored in the instrument cluster and the PCM. It's not easy to tamper with the mileage on a C5.

For TSB's ad recalls, go to:

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/kb/category.php?catId=6

 

Can I take you with me when I buy my next car?

My checklist....

1. Is it a cool color?
2. Does it look good?
3. Will I look good in it?