39,000 Mile C5
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
39,000 Mile C5
Just purchased a pampered, 39,000 mile 2001 C5. Took it to a Chevy dealer for an oil change. They gave me a list of "Recommended Service" items.
What do I really need to have done???
Thanks for the input.
What do I really need to have done???
Thanks for the input.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,383
Likes: 13
From: Kinston North Carolina
They're just checking you out to see how many $$$$ they can transfer form your wallet to theirs! You got problems, you post them here. In the mean time, go to the top of the C5 Tech page and read, and read, and read some more. All the stickies. If you read them all, your car will last a long time because you'll spend so much time reading, you won't have time to drive it much.
You'll also learn a LOT. Enjoy
You'll also learn a LOT. Enjoy
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 388
Likes: 0
From: Effingham IL
If you just purchesed it I would change all fluids engine, trans, and rear end. Did you get a service record when you bought it? The dealership or as known here stealership loves to take your money. Beware of all the services they offer.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 585
Likes: 2
Congratulations on your purchase, and welcome to what is quite possibly the best forum on the Internet.
LO PHAT
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 7
From: Bristol raceway area
If your car is a manual transmission, do not forget about the clutch fluid. Also, it would be a good idea to change out some or all of the coolant since it is likely nine years old.
Congratulations on your purchase, and welcome to what is quite possibly the best forum on the Internet.
LO PHAT
Congratulations on your purchase, and welcome to what is quite possibly the best forum on the Internet.
LO PHAT
Do Check Or Change the Air Filter! When we got our '02 with 34,000 miles the owner had not taken care of this and the filter was completely clogged. Also flush out the ac condenser and radiator, very important.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 1
From: Somerset Kentucky
I like to do the basics like oil changes/air filter changes myself. But my new 04 coupe sits so low, I don't see any way I can get under there to do it myself. I'm scared to jack it up: don't have pucks anyhow so I'm waiting for the computer to pop up the next oil change and head for local Chevy dealership. Don't know anyone else locally I can trust with my vette.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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Dealers are all about revenue generation. Avoid them and do what you can on your own or find a competent local mechanic that KNOWS CORVETTES to help you.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 9
From: Charlotte, NC
You could probably buy them off this forum used for less than $40.
Does your parking brake work? Leaving the car in gear is worthwhile but at some point that E-brake is going to need to function.
Does your parking brake work? Leaving the car in gear is worthwhile but at some point that E-brake is going to need to function.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Step 2: Look at your owners manual to see what services are required at what mileage. By now, your antifreeze should have been replaced when the car was 5 years old. Know the requirements like this BEFORE you take the car in. Knowledge is power - obtain it!
Step 3: If the shop charges a hefty fee for changing an easily swapped part like the air filter, decline and do it, yourself. Don't be afraid to carefully go over each item that the shop presents to you. Dealerships will often suggest services that are NOT indicated in the owner's manual as required for the car's age and/or mileage.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 691
Likes: 19
From: Los Angeles
To help with changing your oil, as well as other servicing, i suggest buying some extended ramps or make your own. The regular cheapos at the auto parts store won't work for these cars and i personally hate jacking these cars up.
ps. honestly these cars arent that hard to work on with the right tools. How many vehicles can you change all the spark plugs in less than 30 minutes?
ps. honestly these cars arent that hard to work on with the right tools. How many vehicles can you change all the spark plugs in less than 30 minutes?
Last edited by whitesmokels1; Jul 30, 2010 at 03:47 PM. Reason: add
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
I say leave the fuel filter alone unless you get some indication it is having an issue (lean codes, bogging while accelerating). Change all of the fluids (trans, eng, brake, coolant, clutch).....well, you can leave the windshield wiper fluid alone but that's it.
Pampered should have some detailed records of care then. My car isn't pampered but only has 35K....and is an '01 as well.
Pampered should have some detailed records of care then. My car isn't pampered but only has 35K....and is an '01 as well.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 7
From: Bristol raceway area
I like to do the basics like oil changes/air filter changes myself. But my new 04 coupe sits so low, I don't see any way I can get under there to do it myself. I'm scared to jack it up: don't have pucks anyhow so I'm waiting for the computer to pop up the next oil change and head for local Chevy dealership. Don't know anyone else locally I can trust with my vette.
You don't have to jack up your car to do oil/filter changes. Buy a set of ramps or do what i did, build the ramps yourself if you have some 2 x 6's or 2 x 8's or 2 x10's. I had them built in less than 2 hours. Works great.
You can change your air filter in a couple of minutes, very simple. Check your owners manual. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I have contacted the previous owner, and he has been great! He has provided documentation and e-mails outlining previous maintenance. Alot to learn, but learning fast thanks to you all.
I fly jets for a living. The Vette is a close second in the fun factor.
I fly jets for a living. The Vette is a close second in the fun factor.