Looking at a 2002 coupe

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Jul 11, 2009 | 09:40 PM

guido7834

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 2,453

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From: SC

Looking at a 2002 coupe

I currently own a 1987 coupe and am looking at a 2002. Asking price is 19,500, 56,000 miles. It needs tires and the targa top is a little worn. Paint and interior is in great shape. Not being familiar with c5's, what are some of the obvious and not so obvious things I should be looking for? Is the asking price within a reasonable range?

Jul 11, 2009 | 09:54 PM

Gray Ghost GS

"AlohaC5" Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 3,562

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From: Madison, AL

You can probably get it for $18,750 if you take some time to negotiate. I use to have a 1986 Coupe before buying a 2004 C5 Coupe - you're going to really enjoy the C5! The mileage on the 2002 sounds good. Personally, I prefer C5s that are between 2002 and 2004 - I think you found a good year. Hope all goes well. Check the Carfax report and Edmunds.com and kbb.com (Kelly Blue Book).

Jul 11, 2009 | 09:55 PM

RA91925

Drifting

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 1,494

Likes: 32

Quote:

Originally Posted by guido7834

Tires, assuming stock wheels, will be somewhere between $750 and $1800, depending on what you get, where you buy them and have them installed. I ended up getting a set of Kumho all season tires from one of the Forum sponsors and had them mounted locally. I don't drive the car hard nor in the rain, and I have been very happy with the tires. If you want run flats, it is going to cost you a lot more. The tire condition could possibly be used to help on the price some.

Prices vary a lot. Some people find excellent deals. I'm happy to get a decent deal.

Jul 11, 2009 | 09:58 PM

Gray Ghost GS

"AlohaC5" Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 3,562

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From: Madison, AL

Good info. I recommend avoiding the runflat tires (and keep a C5/Z06 tire repair kit) in the trunk. Your car will handle much better without runflat tires and you can find more options are much better prices. Kumho's and Falken tires are great options. You can oftne find good deals on the forum for a replacement glass roof panel.

Jul 12, 2009 | 12:07 AM

motogib1

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 3,191

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From: New Smyrna Beach Florida

I own a 2002 Coupe and I love the car. Electrical problems seem to be the Achilles heel. I had to get my Electronic brake control module rebuilt and recently had my ignition switch replaced. I have just over 32,000 miles. C5 problems are well documented, rocking seat is one that comes to mind. Another problem can be the column lock issues that do not affect 2002 A4s. Most can be easily taken care of with patience and help from the forum. I would check the codes before i bought it. Get in the car, start it to activate anything that has been cleared. Shut it down and and turn the switch on without starting. Press and hold options button and hit the fuel button 4 times in about 10 sec while holding options button. Codes will start scrolling on the info center. Check under the sides of car to see if frame rails are heavily scraped, an indication of the care the car was given. As far as tires, excellent non-runflat tires can be had for under $1000 and they will outperform the expensive runflats. Sounds like a nice car, not sure what it is worth in the current economy. Good luck!!

Jul 12, 2009 | 12:14 AM

Eric D

Tech Contributor

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 2,843

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From: Howell Michigan

St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11

Quote:

Originally Posted by guido7834

Before Buying:

Check all the DIC codes.
Check to make sure the battery hasn't at one time or another pucked its fluid onto the wiring just below the battery.
Check under the vehicle for leaks. Diff & Trans...engine too

As others have already mentioned, you will LOVE it !!

Aug 9, 2009 | 09:18 PM

guido7834

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 2,453

Likes: 346

From: SC

Well, I finally made the deal! Picked it up Friday, what a nice ride, so much more refined than my 87. Now all I need is to settle on tires. any suggestions for a weekend cruiser? Want to stay away from run flats as I am on a budget now. Want something reasonably priced.
Thanks.

Aug 9, 2009 | 09:41 PM

rockinvette

Advanced

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 52

Likes: 0

From: Scottsdale AZ

Congrats on your purchase. I've had my C5 Coupe for 6 years and never get tired of driving all day. I got rid of the EMT's about 3 years ago. I've had Kumho's Ecsta and recently went with Vredestein ULTRAC SESSANTA. Good luck.