95vettnick

Is there any thing I should look out for? 1997 First year for a C5 good or bad.

lucky131969

1) Eventually collectable as first year of C5 - Good
2) No vert available - Bad
3) Perimeter bolt heads - Bad
4) Rear mounted EBCM - Bad
5) No HUD/twilight sentinel option - Bad
6) Return fuel system - Good
7) Can pick them up dirt cheap- Good

dougbfresh

Stay away from the 1st and last year of any Vette run-always a dangerous gamble. 01'-03' are good bets.

cdkcorvette7

I wouldn't buy the first year of ANY car. Read through this an it'll help you figure out what to look for: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ngths-etc.html

Lots of nice vettes out there...

VetteNoob

Get the nicest you can afford.

That said, what are your plans? Just going to drive it or are you obsessive/compulsive like a lot of us and you know you wont be able to control your urge to mod it to make nicer or faster?

I'd personally look for an '01-'03 as previously suggested but that's because there's some mechanical/technical advantages to those years for go fast mods.

rebelheart

The last year of a model run is always the best.All the bugs have been worked out! (well mostly) Any C5 is a huge upgrade over a C4 though,I have owned both.

lucky131969

Yep, especially the fuel tanks on the 2004......

rebelheart

Only a very limited number of 04's are effected and GM had to step up and repair those for free,so that is a non issue.

lucky131969

Fair enough rebelheart.

To the OP, when considering an 04, be wary of serial numbers 45110258 through 45125500, and verify if there has been any fuel system work if considering.

Redeasysport

Only if the ownwer had symptoms and it is for a limited time unlike a true recall. I would check the VIN break points before buying one.

cdkcorvette7

Also worth noting that the replacement cost of the F55 suspension on equipped 04's is insane... and the do fail. You can buy coilovers for less...

rebelheart

That suspension was available in almost all years of production of C5's,not just 2004's,and it was an option,not standard equipment.Not to many sold with em by 2004 because the word was out on them.

cdkcorvette7

Nope, just late 03 and 04 models...

Solofast

Just get an 04 Z06... Best package, fastest, most reliable, no screwy shocks.. Done

tblu92

I wouldn't be afraid to buy a 97--they are almost identical to the 98's---You'll love any of the new LS based GM engines---In my opinion the LT or old C4 engines (L98) were the WORST engines GM ever made---They are extremely hard to tune--the tuned port injection was GM's 1st attemp at individual cylinder injection and was very archaich--the cold and warm start adjusments are so limited that with mods especially they never run correctly-
IMHO---