Should I buy a C5 ???
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Okeechobee Florida
Should I buy a C5 ???
i have owned a 68 vert and presently own a 79 C3...
ive been thinking of buying a C5 for use as a daily driver...
i have been hearing about such problems as the steering colum lock, the rocking, moving seats, the screwed up seat belt retractors, computer glitches, diffs leaking etc...
i did a search on the NHTSA site for complaints and recalls and found hundreds of complaints about various things, some of which are very discouraging to say the least...
i am now thinking twice about entering the modern era Vette world...
at least with my old Vette...i can fix things myself...
most of the things that i have read are concerning items that are not user repairable...computer issues etc...some of which, the dealers dont even know how to repair...
i am curious what your feelings are, your experiences and your opinions on wether i should venture into C5 land or not...
thanx for your help and input...
ive been thinking of buying a C5 for use as a daily driver...
i have been hearing about such problems as the steering colum lock, the rocking, moving seats, the screwed up seat belt retractors, computer glitches, diffs leaking etc...
i did a search on the NHTSA site for complaints and recalls and found hundreds of complaints about various things, some of which are very discouraging to say the least...
i am now thinking twice about entering the modern era Vette world...
at least with my old Vette...i can fix things myself...
most of the things that i have read are concerning items that are not user repairable...computer issues etc...some of which, the dealers dont even know how to repair...
i am curious what your feelings are, your experiences and your opinions on wether i should venture into C5 land or not...
thanx for your help and input...
Last edited by OkeeGuy; Jan 1, 2005 at 06:23 AM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Chelsea MI
Yes ! you should buy a C5. I just recently made the jump from the C3 world to C5 ( I also owned a C4 for several years), it's hard to find words to decribe the difference. First off, let me say that I love C3's and always will, they are wonderful machines, however the C5 is light years ahead of the C3 in almost every catagory ! Driveability, comfort, handeling, overall performance, it's a pleasure to drive the C5, GM got it right with this car ! About reliability, I haven't owned mine long enough to speak on this, but, I've owned Corvettes for many years and they all have seemed to require a little more maintenance than the average car, I don't think the C5 has any more issues than any other Corvette. The best thing to do is drive one, you will be hooked for sure...
Mike
Mike
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 12,071
Likes: 0
From: Hoover Alabama
The C5 is a great car!! But it's not for everybody. All product in today modern age have problems. Vette owners are probably the most demanding of our car's and expect more. That is our character.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,333
Likes: 1
From: VA
St. Jude Donor '03-'11
I have no regrets with mine, although I don't have the benefit of owning other vettes 
The problems you mention are pretty well known. the column lock problem can be bypassed easily, and most electronic problems are attributed to leaky / weak batteries. The rocking seat also has a simple DIY fix on this forum.
Leaky diffs are definitely a problem, and oil consumption was a problem with certain years.
But on the plus side, this is a fantastic car.
Good luck with your decision.
The problems you mention are pretty well known. the column lock problem can be bypassed easily, and most electronic problems are attributed to leaky / weak batteries. The rocking seat also has a simple DIY fix on this forum.
Leaky diffs are definitely a problem, and oil consumption was a problem with certain years.
But on the plus side, this is a fantastic car.
Good luck with your decision.
Originally Posted by SIGNGUY
i have owned a 68 vert and presently own a 79 C3...
ive been thinking of buying a C5 for use as a daily driver...
i have been hearing about such problems as the steering colum lock, the rocking, moving seats, the screwed up seat belt retractors, computer glitches, diffs leaking etc...
i did a search on the NHTSA site for complaints and recalls and found hundreds of complaints about various things, some of which are very discouraging to say the least...
i am now thinking twice about entering the modern era Vette world...
at least with my old Vette...i can fix things myself...
most of the things that i have read are concerning items that are not user repairable...computer issues etc...some of which, the dealers dont even know how to repair...
i am curious what your feelings are, your experiences and your opinions on wether i should venture into C5 land or not...
thanx for your help and input...
ive been thinking of buying a C5 for use as a daily driver...
i have been hearing about such problems as the steering colum lock, the rocking, moving seats, the screwed up seat belt retractors, computer glitches, diffs leaking etc...
i did a search on the NHTSA site for complaints and recalls and found hundreds of complaints about various things, some of which are very discouraging to say the least...
i am now thinking twice about entering the modern era Vette world...
at least with my old Vette...i can fix things myself...
most of the things that i have read are concerning items that are not user repairable...computer issues etc...some of which, the dealers dont even know how to repair...
i am curious what your feelings are, your experiences and your opinions on wether i should venture into C5 land or not...
thanx for your help and input...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,374
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Florida
All I can say is that I've had most of the problems mentioned and more. Column locked, recalls, both headlight actuators, a side window actuator, leaking rear axle, idiotic gas gauge just to name a few.
And I still smile like a kid everytime I get in and drive the car.
And I still smile like a kid everytime I get in and drive the car.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,816
Likes: 132
From: Plano TX
I would purchase one from a dealer who offers an extended warranty through.GM. I'm glad I did. My transmission needed 3rd gear clutchpack, also had power seat issue and the rocking seat problem $2000 of work done on a 38000 mile car. I love my car and am glad I bought the extended warranty, which has already paid for itself. Also take someone with you who knows the C5 and its quirks(piston slap,PCm codes,,) when you go to buy your C5. Just my .02 cents 
Last edited by David426; Jan 1, 2005 at 07:26 AM.
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You're right, the C5 does have its share of problems with certain things going wrong. I have had the oil consumption, leaky differential a bad transmission to differential gasket leak problems. But, I still consider the car so far advanced over the earlier years that I would not go back. I've owned two '79's and four C4s prior to owning two C5s and the ergonomics, comfort, performance, handling, fuel efficiency, etc is so much better in the C5.
I will admit that the C5 may not be for everyone, but if you decide to give it very serious consideration, find a low mileage example and get a warranty with it. That way you would be covered for those unexpected repairs that may pop up.
I will admit that the C5 may not be for everyone, but if you decide to give it very serious consideration, find a low mileage example and get a warranty with it. That way you would be covered for those unexpected repairs that may pop up.
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Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Houston,Texas USA
I had a 99 coupe, I did have a power window motor go out, and it needed rear tires, at 19,000 miles.
I now have an 04 coupe with 5,500 miles on it, the only problems have been two recalls.
My son in laws 98 conv, had the light switch, headlight motor and headlight relay go bad. Last year he had to replace the origional battery also,
A friend of mine had a 98 coupe, he sold it with 66,000 miles on it. That car never had any problems at all.
I now have an 04 coupe with 5,500 miles on it, the only problems have been two recalls.
My son in laws 98 conv, had the light switch, headlight motor and headlight relay go bad. Last year he had to replace the origional battery also,
A friend of mine had a 98 coupe, he sold it with 66,000 miles on it. That car never had any problems at all.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Okeechobee Florida
ok...1st let it be known that i have no intention of EVER selling my 79...i have over $35,000 into it and absolutly love the car...
2nd...i have driven a C5 (brother has had 2 of them) and i know and agree that they are VERY impressive cars...
however...no matter how impressive or cool looking they might be, i do not want to buy a bunch of problems that are not easily fixed...
thanx for the input everybody...i will continue to read posts here and also research the C5 to see if one is right for me...
2nd...i have driven a C5 (brother has had 2 of them) and i know and agree that they are VERY impressive cars...
however...no matter how impressive or cool looking they might be, i do not want to buy a bunch of problems that are not easily fixed...
thanx for the input everybody...i will continue to read posts here and also research the C5 to see if one is right for me...
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 577
Likes: 6
From: The Woodlands Texas
My C5 is my 3rd Vette. I have owned a '79 & a '96. I loved those cars, too. However, they all had their share of minor issues. I did not sell these cars because of service issues, I sold them so I could buy the next Vette that caught my eye. 
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Life moves pretty fast... if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!
CI 6-8-9 Veteran
I had a '69 BB for more than 25 years. Loved that car. I was considering going to a mid year, possibly a '67 vert... that is until I drove a C5. Since I got it, there has been no desire for any of the 'old guard' Vettes. Don't get me wrong, the old ones are great and have all of the history and character, but for pure driving excitement, power, comfort, (even economy), but most of all FUN!!!!! ... dollar for dollar you can'r beat a C5. And another thing, it's not a mortal sin to modify one and make it your own personal Vette! DO IT!!! Zuti
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These guys have all enumerated the problem areas, and there are a few. Let me just say that I've owned my car (98 Convertible) for 13 months, and it has been one of the most trouble free cars I've ever owned.
I have no idea what year car you're considering, but especially on the older cars like mine - alot of the recalls,campaigns and problem areas have been addressed. I AM NOT saying these cars are perfect, but I have never owned a car that made me smile like a mule eating burrs, like this one does!
Bottom line - I doubt if you'll regret it if you buy one!
I have no idea what year car you're considering, but especially on the older cars like mine - alot of the recalls,campaigns and problem areas have been addressed. I AM NOT saying these cars are perfect, but I have never owned a car that made me smile like a mule eating burrs, like this one does!
Bottom line - I doubt if you'll regret it if you buy one!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Virginia
Originally Posted by Bad 2004
The C5 is a great car!! But it's not for everybody. All product in today modern age have problems. Vette owners are probably the most demanding of our car's and expect more. That is our character.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 528
Likes: 0
From: Yuma AZ
If you're looking for a daily driver, the C5 is going to be a better way to go than a 20 year old anything. With the kind of money you said you now have in your C3, I'm assuming you probably don't use it as a DD.
It can be hit or miss with the car, seems some have had many more problems than others. With the exception of the occassional fuel gauge, I have not experienced many of the problems that so many others have described.
I use mine as a DD and I consider it reliable, safe, and fun to drive.
Good luck with your decision.
Mac
It can be hit or miss with the car, seems some have had many more problems than others. With the exception of the occassional fuel gauge, I have not experienced many of the problems that so many others have described.
I use mine as a DD and I consider it reliable, safe, and fun to drive.
Good luck with your decision.
Mac
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 34,062
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From: Evans, GA
I had 2 C4 coupes and enjoyed each of them, an 88 and a 96. Now I am enjioying my new C5 coupe (2004); a pleasure to drive and a good ride also,
Try one, you may like it; if not, no harm; no foul.
Try one, you may like it; if not, no harm; no foul.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
My 98 C5 is a daily driver with 83,000 miles. Only problems, rocking seat (I'm tall enough to wedge against back) and erratic gas gauge (techtron (sp?) and Mobil gas cure). Replaced back tires at 43,000 and fronts at 50,000 miles (I drive easy using traction control all the time). Front brake pads replaced at 43,000 miles. 2 turn signal bulbs replaced and one 50 watt fog light bulb. I do required periodic maintenance at scheduled times. No rattles.
Buy it, you'll love it, I do !
Buy it, you'll love it, I do !