need help deciding on what year model c5 has fewer problems
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,011
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From: white hall ar
need help deciding on what year model c5 has fewer problems
hey guys got the ok from the wife to buy a good used c5,the new ones are just to dang much .i need your input in which model has the least problems.oh yea it must be a convertible ,and what options are a must .thanks for your input ,i dont want to make a bad pick and live in our dog house..... :chevy :seeya
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Re: need help deciding on what year model c5 has fewer problems (vet85)
I recommend a 2001 or newer. They have an extra 25 lbs-ft of torque and a slew of improvements over previous years. See:
http://www.corvettemuseum.com/specs/2001/index.htm.
Chances are that any 01 you find has already passed any teething problems, but ask the previous owner (if possible) whether excessive oil consumption, fuel sender unit, or column lock issues have ever come up. My 01 has 10,000 miles on it and hasn't had any problems.
Also, I highly recommend the 1SC option that included sport seats, HUD, auto climate control, etc, etc - well worth the cost, IMO.
Good luck!
http://www.corvettemuseum.com/specs/2001/index.htm.
Chances are that any 01 you find has already passed any teething problems, but ask the previous owner (if possible) whether excessive oil consumption, fuel sender unit, or column lock issues have ever come up. My 01 has 10,000 miles on it and hasn't had any problems.
Also, I highly recommend the 1SC option that included sport seats, HUD, auto climate control, etc, etc - well worth the cost, IMO.
Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 6,456
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From: D/FW Area TX
Re: need help deciding on what year model c5 has fewer problems (vet85)
I recommend the newest and lowest mileage C5 you can afford. That one will most likely have the fewest problems, statistically speaking.
:cheers:
:cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,817
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From: Pacific Beach CA
Re: need help deciding on what year model c5 has fewer problems (Tiger Shark)
I recommend the newest and lowest mileage C5 you can afford. That one will most likely have the fewest problems, statistically speaking.
:cheers:
:cheers:
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: North Richland Hills TX
Re: need help deciding on what year model c5 has fewer problems (vet85)
Show your wife the price of an 01 or newer with mileage, possible abuse, and possible oil burning problems. Then see what kind of a deal you can get on a new one with 3yr/36000 and 0% financing, you might be surprised at the outcome it worked for me and a friend. 2003 Quicksilver Coupe was the result. Good luck :hurray:
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,414
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From: financial-freedom-for-all.com
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Re: need help deciding on what year model c5 has fewer problems (vet85)
Look for low miles. I recently found a 99' with only 14k miles. It looks and feels brand new. :D
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 13,292
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From: Hockessin Delaware
Re: need help deciding on what year model c5 has fewer problems (Tiger Shark)
I recommend the newest and lowest mileage C5 you can afford. That one will most likely have the fewest problems, statistically speaking.
:cheers:
:cheers:
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: toms river, New Jersey,USA
Re: need help deciding on what year model c5 has fewer problems (C5Steve)
Consumer's Reports car issur. recommends Not Buying 2001 all other years not mentioned.
I don't put much faith in what Consumer Reports has to say about Corvettes. They should stick to what they know best vacume cleaners and clothes dryers. I owned the 2001 model as did a number of friends and there were no problems at all. I currently own a 2002 and again no problems.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Saint Augustine, FL
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Re: need help deciding on what year model c5 has fewer problems (geck)
Consumer's Reports car issur. recommends Not Buying 2001 all other years not mentioned.
I don't put much faith in what Consumer Reports has to say about Corvettes. They should stick to what they know best vacume cleaners and clothes dryers. I owned the 2001 model as did a number of friends and there were no problems at all. I currently own a 2002 and again no problems.
I don't put much faith in what Consumer Reports has to say about Corvettes. They should stick to what they know best vacume cleaners and clothes dryers. I owned the 2001 model as did a number of friends and there were no problems at all. I currently own a 2002 and again no problems.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 14,480
Likes: 132
From: PA
Re: need help deciding on what year model c5 has fewer problems (JR_VETTE)
My '97 never gave me one problem. My '02 just got back from the dealer getting the entire 3rd gear rebuilt. In my opinion, it's crap shoot.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 7,393
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From: Los Angeles CA
Re: need help deciding on what year model c5 has fewer problems (Dave68)
I recommend a 2001 or newer. They have an extra 25 lbs-ft of torque and a slew of improvements over previous years.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 834
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From: Grayson Ga.
Re: need help deciding on what year model c5 has fewer problems (vet85)
My 99 coupe has been very reliable.
Had a passenger side seat belt problem, dealer fixed with no problem.
At the same time they did something to the steering col.
Never have had a col. lock or oil consump. problems.
Had a passenger side seat belt problem, dealer fixed with no problem.
At the same time they did something to the steering col.
Never have had a col. lock or oil consump. problems.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 165
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From: Palm Harbor FL
Re: need help deciding on what year model c5 has fewer problems (Wt99C5)
There is also the issue with the Active Handling which was much improved and became standard equipment with the 2001 model year. At least I think it was 2001. I have a 2002 with 12000 miles on it and have had the exhaust replaced in one side and will need to go back and have the reverse lock-out solenoid replaced as well.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 100
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From: San Jose CA
Re: need help deciding on what year model c5 has fewer problems (vet85)
Consumers likes the 1999 more than the 2000. That's the one I bought. You can get HUD on that year but not the 98. I wouldn't worry much about mileage, so long as the oil has been changed and the engine has not been abused. These engines can go for a long time if you take care of them. I got a high mileage 99 so I had more $$ for mods.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 157
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From: IL
Re: need help deciding on what year model c5 has fewer problems (vet85)
Around me they're doing 0% for 60 months until Wednesday. I'm going to look some more tomorrow to see what kind of deals they could offer me, as it's certainly a good time to buy, even though they'll probably bring 0 for 60 back again anyways...but how can I resist??? This would force me to sell the money pit that is my 2000 Mustang GT, though, and that car would be sorely missed. Plus, the Mustang will make more power when the motor's done, but, the rest of it is too much of a financial risk for me anymore, and a z06 is just about right for performance and my needs.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Spartanburg s.c.
Re: need help deciding on what year model c5 has fewer problems (vet85)
Bought 2000 7-8 months ago and knock on wood....no problems....had 4100 miles on it then.....14,000 now..... :steering: :auto:
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
Re: need help deciding on what year model c5 has fewer problems (vet85)
Get the newest lowest mileage you can afford. They all have their quirks. I don't worry about any particular year, I'm more concerned about how it's been cared for. Good Luck!
:steering: :steering:
:steering: :steering: