We can only hope!
How long will a C5 hold up?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 338
Likes: 3
From: Huntsville AL
How long will a C5 hold up?
Hey guys. I am in the process of getting my first Vette and i was just wanting to get some opinions. How long in terms of mileage can the C5's go assuming it is taken care of and not beat on? I was wanting to get an idea because i am wanting to get one with about 45k or 50k miles and was just wanting to know how they stood up. I plan on keeping it as long as the car will allow. Thanks for your help.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 120,798
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From: Charlotte NC
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Originally Posted by stangkiller18
few hundred thousand miles, with proper up keep these motors last forever!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 338
Likes: 3
From: Huntsville AL
re:
So if it is well taken care of i should be able to get at least 200k miles out of it? I hope so. That would be awesome. I have wanted on for so long i just wanted to make sure that i didn't purchase one and only get 100 out of it. I drive a lot and i have a feeling that once i get one it will never be in the garage. 
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 4
From: Slidell La
Keep on rollin
If you maintain it properly and not wastefully,, Don't bump into anything or get bumped by anything you should expect with normal maintenance 150,000+ miles. After 150,000 you might be making some reasonable repairs. But essentially the car could make the corvette centennial celebration. 
Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 632
Likes: 0
From: Enterprise AL
There are a lot of 1997 first year C5s still going strong out there. Some have well over 100,000 miles on them according to owners who have told their high mileage story.
Just the other day I was reading about a 2001 Z06 with 154,000 miles on it already. Now there's a person who is enjoying their Vette!
zo6vettepilot
Just the other day I was reading about a 2001 Z06 with 154,000 miles on it already. Now there's a person who is enjoying their Vette!
zo6vettepilot
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There are a number of members here that have well in excess of 100K on their cars. I would say if you take good care of the maintenance and don't beat on it, then 150-200K is certainly within reach.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
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From: arlington tx
83k on mine as of today. no problems, still runs great, no oil consuption, passes smog test with fling colors, great gas mileage, etc. only thing ive really had done to it besides mods is a water pump and teh GM column lock recall. no leaks from frt or back. of course, cant seem to keep tires on the thing.......
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 159
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From: Lilburn Georgia
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
There are a number of members here that have well in excess of 100K on their cars. I would say if you take good care of the maintenance and don't beat on it, then 150-200K is certainly within reach.
Good luck on your purchase! Just do it!!
Best regards,
FDA
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 76
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From: Tomball Texas
Lasting Love Affair
When I was working a a little Corvette shop in Houston, a 1998 came in with 188K on it. The column lock finally caught up with him and we installed a bypass and a new air bag (the customer broke the horn contact trying to loosen the steering wheel). That car was well maintained and cranked and ran like new. No smoke, no oil consumption.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,273
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From: Pittsford NY
Originally Posted by JLI
Hey guys. I am in the process of getting my first Vette and i was just wanting to get some opinions. How long in terms of mileage can the C5's go assuming it is taken care of and not beat on? I was wanting to get an idea because i am wanting to get one with about 45k or 50k miles and was just wanting to know how they stood up. I plan on keeping it as long as the car will allow. Thanks for your help.
would not hesitate to buy it.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Oklahoma City OK
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Originally Posted by JimAgain
Forever.
Everything is replaceable. Drive it like you stole it and if it breaks, it's mod upgrade time.
Everything is replaceable. Drive it like you stole it and if it breaks, it's mod upgrade time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Buford GA
St. Jude Donor '05
I currenly have a '99 FRC with 107,xxx on the clock.
My first vette was 98 coupe. I traded it in with 129,xxx on the clock.
I guess you can tell that my cars are daily drivers. I can tell you though, you wouldn't know it to look at them. I take great care of my rides 
Here's a pic of my 129,xxx mile coupe 1 month before I traded her
My first vette was 98 coupe. I traded it in with 129,xxx on the clock.
I guess you can tell that my cars are daily drivers. I can tell you though, you wouldn't know it to look at them. I take great care of my rides
Here's a pic of my 129,xxx mile coupe 1 month before I traded her
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 539
Likes: 1
From: Soddy Daisy (near Chattanooga) TN
Short or long
Your choice - depends on how you take care of it. But these engines can take a lot... I would not be concerned about buying one with 45 to 50k if it was taken care of and I would drive it and drive it and drive it - it'll keep going and going and going... By the time it needs a new motor you should have it paid for! 150k to 200k easy. Or you can blow it up in the first 1000 miles you have it...
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From: On the Mississippi Gulf Coast
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Quit drag'in your feet.....just get one... I just picked up my 99 FRC w/42k and now I wish I hadn't waited as long as I did.....this is my 11th Vette and the best one Ive EVER owned....!!!!
I just picked up my 99 FRC w/42k and now I wish I hadn't waited as long as I did.....this is my 11th Vette and the best one Ive EVER owned....!!!!
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 75
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From: San Diego Ca
I have a 98 and I just passed the 100k mark on my pass vegas. Started her the next day and she drives like nothing happen. Now I would get it now and make sure you keep it in good condition i.e. do all the maintenance when its needed. Are you buying from a private party or a dealership?