98 c5
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 210
Likes: 12
From: Phoenix AZ
98 c5
Just looked at a 98 C5 with 78K miles on it, and I have a couple questions. First the oil pressure guage read 80+psi. The guy said that's normal, sounds like the sensor is broken from other posts I've read. Second, I have never driven a vette before so I don't know how it is suppose to feel when you get on. The ride was smooth, shifted smoothly, i'm guessing accelerated fast when I got on it. My last car was a LT1 T/A with an intake, shift kit, long tube headers, so that's what i'm trying to compare it to.
Also, anything I should know about the different factory options it came with? It is an A4. Thanks
Also, anything I should know about the different factory options it came with? It is an A4. Thanks
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,245
Likes: 1,092
From: Dyer, IN
Just looked at a 98 C5 with 78K miles on it, and I have a couple questions. First the oil pressure guage read 80+psi. The guy said that's normal, sounds like the sensor is broken from other posts I've read. Second, I have never driven a vette before so I don't know how it is suppose to feel when you get on. The ride was smooth, shifted smoothly, i'm guessing accelerated fast when I got on it. My last car was a LT1 T/A with an intake, shift kit, long tube headers, so that's what i'm trying to compare it to.
Also, anything I should know about the different factory options it came with? It is an A4. Thanks
Also, anything I should know about the different factory options it came with? It is an A4. Thanks
Move on.....plenty of good buys out there on well maintained C5's.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 210
Likes: 12
From: Phoenix AZ
He's not a car guy, that's for sure. He bought it 3 years ago because he always wanted one, and has put 20K on it (second owner). Said the shop told him that's normal because he asked about it. I don't think he is trying to avoid it. Just more info for ya, thanks for the heads up though.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
First,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Update your personal Info....
Someone that lives close, may be able to help you. 
Second.......... If the owner states that 80 psi is normal, RUN,,,,Run as fast and far as possible!
.
There are TONs of quality cars out thee, especially in this economey.
KEEP LOOKING!!
Bill
Someone that lives close, may be able to help you. Second.......... If the owner states that 80 psi is normal, RUN,,,,Run as fast and far as possible!
. There are TONs of quality cars out thee, especially in this economey.
KEEP LOOKING!!
Bill
Moderator Emeritus
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 54,756
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From: Always living in a state of Confusion.
Gone, but not Forgotten
Cruise-In 5, 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09
80 PSI oil pressure is NOT normal. One common problem of the earlier C5's is the oil sending unit going bad. It's about a $30.00 part, but the dealer will screw you with labor. It's a real bitch to get to.
Last edited by IrishMac; Sep 13, 2008 at 11:54 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 210
Likes: 12
From: Phoenix AZ
$14,100 for the car, in phoenix. I could afford more than that, but I think it's the cheapest c5 I've seen around, and one of the few black ones for sale. But getting an uneasy feeling about it now.
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 333
Likes: 3
From: Sacramento California
I disagree with those who are telling you to run the other away, as you said the guy is not a car nut. Not everybody who owns a car pays much attention to their gauges in the dash, such as the oil press., volt, water temp etc. Hell most cars don't even have the aforementioned gauges, not everybody that owns a vette is a gear head and tech nerd.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
Read up on checking the diagnostic codes. I love the A4 but be sure the rear is 315. There are three panels in the rear there is a sticker on one of them look for gu92 I think is the code for the rear the other rear is 273 and great for top end around town she is slow. The C5 is a great car and will go a long time but they do need some attention like the oil pressure sender. It wont hurt anything to drive it awhile with the gauge pegged. Tires are expensive ask about two tops a glass one and a solid one. 14k is a good price but there are better deals. If you love it check it out if it checks out buy it. many smies per mile. Best of luck
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 374
Likes: 0
From: Corona CA - "An Armed Society is a Polite Scociety"
I have a 98 and have run across every problem that it offers.
The 98 is a great car and all the problems can be fixed. Don't let the seller turn you off by what he doesn't know.
14K is a very good price and if the underside, body and inside looks good, grab it.
IM me if you have any concerns.
The 98 is a great car and all the problems can be fixed. Don't let the seller turn you off by what he doesn't know.
14K is a very good price and if the underside, body and inside looks good, grab it.
IM me if you have any concerns.
Last edited by c5Cruiser; Sep 16, 2008 at 08:59 PM. Reason: spelling
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,592
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
I have a 98 and have run across every problem that it offers.
The 98 is a great car and all the problems can be fixed. Don't let the seller turn you off buy what he doesn't know.
14K is a very good price and if the underside, body and inside looks good, grab it.
IM me if you have any concerns.
The 98 is a great car and all the problems can be fixed. Don't let the seller turn you off buy what he doesn't know.
14K is a very good price and if the underside, body and inside looks good, grab it.
IM me if you have any concerns.
The only concern I would have is if the shop that told him that the oil pressure was normal, is the one he used for routine maintenance. Have another shop that you trust check it out. May cost you $40-$60 bucks but it's worth it. I bought a '98 with 85k miles a couple of years ago and did the same before I bought it. Been a great car. Only had to have the A/C comp. replaced (thanks, Anthony01) recently. Otherwise no real problems. Damn, I just jinxed myself.
If no major problems and body and interior in good+ condition, price is fair.
p.s. Make sure tires have good tread. They are expensive.
Last edited by PierEagle; Sep 16, 2008 at 02:38 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 100
Likes: 5
One of the coolest things about a C5 is the abilty to access the car's computer through the Odometer Display.
The procedure is VERY simple and fast to do.
The codes are created when there is a problem. While you will not know what the codes mean, you can tell if there are a lot of them, or none of them. Also the codes tell you if they are (C) for current, or (H) for history.
This is an easy way for you to tell if the car has a lot of problems.
If you write the codes down, you can check this board to see what they mean.
Here is a link to access the codes. http://www.c5help.com/c5_dtc_codes.htm
The procedure is VERY simple and fast to do.
The codes are created when there is a problem. While you will not know what the codes mean, you can tell if there are a lot of them, or none of them. Also the codes tell you if they are (C) for current, or (H) for history.
This is an easy way for you to tell if the car has a lot of problems.
If you write the codes down, you can check this board to see what they mean.
Here is a link to access the codes. http://www.c5help.com/c5_dtc_codes.htm
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 374
Likes: 0
From: Corona CA - "An Armed Society is a Polite Scociety"
One of the coolest things about a C5 is the abilty to access the car's computer through the Odometer Display.
The procedure is VERY simple and fast to do.
The codes are created when there is a problem. While you will not know what the codes mean, you can tell if there are a lot of them, or none of them. Also the codes tell you if they are (C) for current, or (H) for history.
This is an easy way for you to tell if the car has a lot of problems.
If you write the codes down, you can check this board to see what they mean.
Here is a link to access the codes. http://www.c5help.com/c5_dtc_codes.htm
The procedure is VERY simple and fast to do.
The codes are created when there is a problem. While you will not know what the codes mean, you can tell if there are a lot of them, or none of them. Also the codes tell you if they are (C) for current, or (H) for history.
This is an easy way for you to tell if the car has a lot of problems.
If you write the codes down, you can check this board to see what they mean.
Here is a link to access the codes. http://www.c5help.com/c5_dtc_codes.htm
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The GENERAL took away the DTC reading ability from us if you own a C6.
You need a scanner or tuning software to read C6 DTCs . Man do I miss that ability on my C6!
If you own a C5,,,you should appreciate that feature,
BC
You need a scanner or tuning software to read C6 DTCs . Man do I miss that ability on my C6!If you own a C5,,,you should appreciate that feature,
BC
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
Just have a look at the overall condition. Are there any maintenance records? What condition do all the fluids apear to be in? Fluid conditions can be an indication of proper maintenance. Most won't change them to make a sale, especially on the low end.
Do all the electronics work as expected? You are in Phoenix so I guess you checked the AC system?
Do all the electronics work as expected? You are in Phoenix so I guess you checked the AC system?
