I am going to buy a 2000-2004 6 speed C5, your comments on what year you think is best and what the problems I might encounter buying a used car would be or what problems you have had with yours. It can be Zo6 or regular car. Thanks you opinions are much appreciated.

 

It's your car and your money. Get what you are comfortable with. With the market like it is on C5's right now I would probably go with a 2002.
Convertible 6 speed if possible. Just my .02

 

Get an 04, they have worked all of the bugs out. I agree with LT1, get what you are comfortable with

 

I have an 03 coupe. I wanted the hard top and still be able to take off the lid on a nice day. I really have lately started to like the style of a FRC or Z06 a little more though. I am thinking about selling my coupe next year and buying a 97-99 convertable, then I would purchase the removable hard top for it. I go through these stages all the time though so who knows what I will do. I bracket drag race so I like the A4 for its consistancy so I need to stay with a coupe or convertable because the FRC and Z06 are all 6 speeds. Whatever you get if it is a C5 I think you will be happy.

 

My .02 - I'd try for FRC or Z06. I spent almost 2 months test driving, searching, etc.. and what a difference between the FRC and coupe! It's all about what you like though.

Good luck and

 

Buyer's checklist for evaluating a used C5

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

3. Is the oil clean? Dark or black colored oil indicates a change is necessary and may be indicative of past maintenance trends.
4. When was the last oil change? ______________ Overdue?
5. Check for a leaking oil pan gasket.
6. Check for a leaking front/rear main seal.
7. Check the master cylinder and slave cylinder for leakage.
8. Check all coolant lines for leakage.
9. 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.
10. Inspect the fuel lines going to the fuel rail for brittleness or cracking.
11. Inspect the plug wires for brittleness or cracking.
12. Inspect the brake fluid for color. Black colored brake fluid indicates a change is necessary.
13. Is the air filter clean?
14. 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:

 

I think Patches pretty much covered everything

 

Buy the newest and lowest mileage car that you can afford!