Common Problems on 98?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Orland Park Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
I've had a '98 for 6+ years. The only serious issue I've had is with the crappy leather wearing in the bolster sections of the seats (but, that happens to most the early year cars B/4 vinyl replaced the crappy leather). Other than that, normal stuff that happens w/ new cars. No serious problems like excessive oil consumption or the like. It's been a good car for me. 
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Boscawen NH
My 98 had a real clean record and was well taken care of. I bought it last January. The drivers seat has some wear on the side bolster. I also had the column lock problem happen to me and the original battery had just begun to leak. Both of these problems have been the source of much discussion and good advice on the forum. I think it is a great car and I'm real glad I bought it. 
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 18
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From: Waverly OH
Look under the rockers to see if someone jacked the car up and busted the fiberglass...I did not know about this until after I had bought my C5...I got lucky and they were never busted. Just a thought. Great car as far as I am concerned!
Dave
Dave
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My '98 has been a great car - I love it and I'm keeping it forever! No real problems other than those mentioned, just routine maintenance and it's been totally reliable! 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Sunnyvale CA
'97's and maybe '98's had a problem with noisy fuel pumps. It caused a whine behind the driver. It was fixed under warranty.
There were also some recalls. Steering column lock (which is being recalled again now) and a recall for the seatbelts which tended to jam. You might want to have a GM dealer run the VIN and see what recall items were issued and fixed.
Another problem is leaking batteries. You might check to see if there's any indication of leakage around the battery.
There were also some recalls. Steering column lock (which is being recalled again now) and a recall for the seatbelts which tended to jam. You might want to have a GM dealer run the VIN and see what recall items were issued and fixed.
Another problem is leaking batteries. You might check to see if there's any indication of leakage around the battery.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,572
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From: Bonita Springs, Florida
I had a '98 Convertible and it was a great car. Did have a few of the typical minor problems over the years such as column lock, faulty headlight switch, faulty headlight module and rocking seat. Otherwise it was one great running, reliable and solid rattle free car.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,275
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From: Lake Oswego, Near Portland Oregon
I too have a 98 and have a mild 'rocking' seat, easily repaired in a few hours with instructions posted here on the forum. The seat bolster leather is thin and wears thru, the seat bottom foam may be a bit crushed. Some issues may be addressed already such as the column lock problem well discussed on the forum. As with all Vettes, you want a REALLY GOOD battery for the car, most of us here select an Optima Red Top. As with ANY car of this vintage, I would have the transmission fluid changed, the differential fluid changed, and brake fluid flushed and renewed. Some folks also change power steering fluid every 6 or 7 years too. These are basically pretty good cars if you keep a great battery in them!
Jennifer
Jennifer
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
Originally Posted by FiberglassFan
I too have a 98 and have a mild 'rocking' seat, easily repaired in a few hours with instructions posted here on the forum. The seat bolster leather is thin and wears thru, the seat bottom foam may be a bit crushed. Some issues may be addressed already such as the column lock problem well discussed on the forum. As with all Vettes, you want a REALLY GOOD battery for the car, most of us here select an Optima Red Top. As with ANY car of this vintage, I would have the transmission fluid changed, the differential fluid changed, and brake fluid flushed and renewed. Some folks also change power steering fluid every 6 or 7 years too. These are basically pretty good cars if you keep a great battery in them!
Jennifer
Jennifer
Great response Jennifer 
I would also recommend that you check out the common problems section of the Sticky thread here from the top of C5 General.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927
Paul
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Austin TX
Guess I'm the only one with a few other problems. Those being a water pump that went out and the AC compressor. I have 80,000 miles on mine now so it just might be the high milage. But I still love it. Good luck, enjoy the ride.
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Here are some things to look for: column lock (although this probably would not show up when you look at it - check if the recall has been done), rear differential seal leaks, worn seats, rocking seats, parking brake not adjusted right.
