Which C 5 year is best?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 670
Likes: 1
From: charlotte nc
Which C 5 year is best?
I'm considering selling my c4 and moving to a C5. Owning an 86 C4 and reading the forum has taught me to ask the experts before taking the leap. OK, I know about the column lock issue with Pre 2001 A4s (and all M6s) and the drivers side differential leak with most years. Other than price and miles/condition, what other things should I be aware of to look out for? Is one year best? Should I avoid the early C5s up to 2001? Thanks for your input.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 0
From: St Marys GA
Short answer: 2004
Long answer: see sticky under C5 general "weights/measures" for specifics. Many improvements were made in 2001, but there are reports of excessive oil use on some 2001s w MN6 that are revved regularly. An 03 or 04 would generally be eligible for the GMPP warranty as an option. You should consider this as well as Warranty Direct. If you plan to use dealer for work, GMPP is probably best and you can get a good deal from Ken Fichtner. If you have a good local shop, Warranty Direct is probably a better deal. My recent '02 vert purchase squeaked in the GMPP window.
Other than Z06 changes, C5 changes were minimal after 01. Buy the best car you can afford, and remember to check with your insurance agent before you buy so that you budget that as well. Also run VIN with your local dealer to make sure maint history syncs up with Carfax and odometer.
Good luck, you'll like the C5.
DBD
Long answer: see sticky under C5 general "weights/measures" for specifics. Many improvements were made in 2001, but there are reports of excessive oil use on some 2001s w MN6 that are revved regularly. An 03 or 04 would generally be eligible for the GMPP warranty as an option. You should consider this as well as Warranty Direct. If you plan to use dealer for work, GMPP is probably best and you can get a good deal from Ken Fichtner. If you have a good local shop, Warranty Direct is probably a better deal. My recent '02 vert purchase squeaked in the GMPP window.
Other than Z06 changes, C5 changes were minimal after 01. Buy the best car you can afford, and remember to check with your insurance agent before you buy so that you budget that as well. Also run VIN with your local dealer to make sure maint history syncs up with Carfax and odometer.
Good luck, you'll like the C5.
DBD
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 881
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
St. Jude Donor '05, '14, '15
well.. i'll throw in little info I know...
2000+ new 5 - spoke wheels
2001+ ls6 intake manifolds
2001's watch for oil leaking
2003 50th
2000's has a different cam spec
'99 FRC non-z06
tell you what, hehe go here they have all the info between different models:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/index.html
2000+ new 5 - spoke wheels
2001+ ls6 intake manifolds
2001's watch for oil leaking
2003 50th
2000's has a different cam spec
'99 FRC non-z06
tell you what, hehe go here they have all the info between different models:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/index.html
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 526
Likes: 0
From: Tampa fl
They are all good! Just take your time and find the best one you can afford. Most important IMO would be to get the right color and options to suit your taste, HUD is nice if it fits your budget, and the cd changer is a good option to look for, and don't forget to check the tires! alot of cars out there do not have run-flats and you need to be aware of that before you find out the hard way. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,561
Likes: 448
From: Atlanta metro Ga.
Have to disagree about the 2004 MY comments.. This model year was the "guinea pig" for the C6, if you will.. Had many different parts from previous MY's, some less reliable than the older designs (fuel tanks / system comes to mind).
I say 2002, possibly 2003 as the "best" example of C5 development and engineering.
I say 2002, possibly 2003 as the "best" example of C5 development and engineering.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,156
Likes: 154
From: The Arid Sunny Desert
In Model Year 1999 the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) voted the C5 convertible "The Car of the Century". Sure the newer models weren't out yet but that sure is hefty praise from a well respected automotive organization. 
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Unfortunity I have to sell my 2000 vette because I need to buy a house and I am getting married, so I cant afford her any more. Its a Bowling green A4 with 24,000 miles with a 30,000 3 year worranty that was purchesed 4 months ago. If your intrested let me know 
Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
2003 works for me!
Seriously, I would consider the newest model you can afford, there is some truth to 2002/3 being better than 2004 as some changes to the fuel system and such where made in 2004.
Chris
Seriously, I would consider the newest model you can afford, there is some truth to 2002/3 being better than 2004 as some changes to the fuel system and such where made in 2004.
Chris
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 48,767
Likes: 50
St. Jude Donor '03, '17
Senior Member
Cruise-In V Veteran
Having owned a 97,99,2002, and 2004...a good deal on a low mile 2002, will be better than buying a 2004. They are pretty much the same car. I would look for an 02
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,510
Likes: 240
From: Coconut Creek FL
A lot depends on how much you want to pay as well....I bought my 97 (first year C5) for $18 grand with 49K on her! I think I got a steal! It has none of the leaking rear issues, no oil burning issues and is a great all around car...of course they didn't offer the 97 in the convert model...but oh well...I love her just the same!
In fact, I love her more because I don't have any payments on her as I was able to buy it out right! and that my friend is a great feeling added to her ride!
In fact, I love her more because I don't have any payments on her as I was able to buy it out right! and that my friend is a great feeling added to her ride!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,329
Likes: 16
From: Saint Augustine, FL
Mid-TN Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Originally Posted by lawless99
They are all good! Just take your time and find the best one you can afford. Most important IMO would be to get the right color and options to suit your taste, HUD is nice if it fits your budget, and the cd changer is a good option to look for, and don't forget to check the tires! alot of cars out there do not have run-flats and you need to be aware of that before you find out the hard way.
There aren't any MAJOR problems that are year specific. Most the common problems fall across all years of the C5 (Column lock, leaky rearend, rocking seat, etc). Just find a nice clean low mileage car and you'll be fine.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Dallas area Texas
Originally Posted by Dan_the_C5_Man
Have to disagree about the 2004 MY comments.. This model year was the "guinea pig" for the C6, if you will.. Had many different parts from previous MY's, some less reliable than the older designs (fuel tanks / system comes to mind).
I say 2002, possibly 2003 as the "best" example of C5 development and engineering.
I say 2002, possibly 2003 as the "best" example of C5 development and engineering.
Yeah...I gotta go along with this poster. I think the 2002's and 2003's were probaly the peak for the engineering applications.I have a 2001, which did develope a ring problem under higher(read:aftermarket)compression after my H/C install.
Installed a 2002 LS6 in it though, and it's been a real nice experience.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 0
From: renton washington
i bought a '98 with 28,000 on it six months ago and love it! i looked for a long time before i found the right one.lucky for me i found this forum before i found the car, learn alot here, great people.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Which C 5 year is best?
If you want Active Handling (which has saved my azz more than once); keep in mind that AH was not available in 1997.
Then from 1998 thru 2000 is was optional.
Starting 2001 AH became standard, and also the software was re-written to make AH and TC less intrusive.
You can't go wrong with any year C5 IMO. It all may depend on what options you prefer - and whether the C5's you're looking at has them or not.
