Looking to buy a 1997-1999 C5. (cant go over 1999 because import taxes in Norway are extremely high, but none on cars older than 20 years)
I'm looking for a fairway green car, and with the numbers produced i don't have the luxury of pick and choose.

I've been reading page after page on auto vs manual, but all focus on performance, none seem to mention reliabiliy.
Which transmission is the most durable/less known to have issues; auto or manual?

 

I have been on this board a long time and don't recall any major issues with either. The MN6 of that vintage will have the paper blockers, but I don't believe that would be an issue unless you use improper fluid. I think the bigger issues will be the driveshaft couplers (age related) and with a manual of course the clutch doesn't last forever. I would look for what you want to drive between the two.

 

never run across this debate, don't think there's much difference.

 

OK, thanks

 

They are both reliable, but more important is the condition of the transmission.....and car of course.

 

If you have a clutch with a disc.....sooner or later, you are going to have to change it. Unless you can do it yourself.....It aint cheap. This is a given. Unless you race the car on Drag Radials, the trans should last a long time. Longer than an automatic......its hard to say.

 

If I am not senile yet, I seem to remember that a Forum member recently posted that his manual car turned 300,000 miles and that he had first serviced the clutch at 160,000 miles.

 

Autos have the typical 4l60e reliability issues.
Manuals have the typical "my clutch pedal is sinking to the floor" issues.

 

Unless you have a physical impediment I wouldn't even consider an automatic. Not a 'save the manuals' thing, but more of the super good MPGs the M6 gets. coupled with the LS1 it can EASILY see 30+ MPGs on cruising speeds (fifth and sixth are effectively overdrives). It's super surprising how good a 20 year old car does as a cruiser. The automatic, even with an "MPG Tune", cannot turn those MPGs even driven like a granny.

Reliability wise, a key thing is that a lot of M6 owners never seem to change fluid or service their transmissions unless something actually happens. A good transmission service helps tremendously with the M6. As mentioned it being a pre-2001 car you're going to have some immediate issues compared to later M6 units, such as the paper blockers, but also again really everything comes down to age. Keep in mind too while the torque tube couplers are going to be a concern regardless of trans you will eventually have to deal with a clutch on an M6. Since the couplers start to often seen noticeable wear in the 50K-100K mile range (and more so with how old C5s are) if they can hold out closer to the six digit figure it may be a good time to also service the clutch at that point even if it's early, not only as preventative maintenance but also to save on any labor costs.

I also believe ultimately an M6 will be a better buy should you ever decide to sell. The manual transmission was a near $1,000 USD option on C5s that were targas and convertibles (you could only get a manual with an FRC or Z06) and conversely due to how relatively rare manuals are - manuals account for only 19% to 24% of total C5 production depending on the year - they tend to bring a bit of a premium against similar cars.

 

Didn't that C5 that ran to 700k mile have a auto and was never rebuilt

 

773,338 miles. Original motor. Head gasket replaced at 750,000 miles, Most likely auto. Could not find that info online.

 

I have a physical impediment that mandated a switch from my M6 '97 to my A4 '03AE.

The difference in gas mileage is VERY evident.
Used to get 21-22 mpg around town. Now get 19.
Long trips would get 30+.Now 26-27 seems to be the best I can get.

HOWEVER, being Vette-less from 2014 to earlier this year was excruciating.