Hi All,

I'm new here (can you tell?). I'm researching C5 Vette because I plan on buying one within the next two years.

I'm wondering what you have noticed from the posts as being the most common problems with the LS1 6 Speed C5 Vette.

IE: Premature clutch failure, 02 Sensors, Service issues

I'll keep reading the posts and trying the search feature, but it really doesn't show the history for reocurring faults.

I will do my best to help out with your engine questions. I'm no stranger to engine tech in general ( or the LT1/LS1).

Talk to you later,
Tino

 

:seeya Welcome to the forum

The C5 IMO is a very reliable and trouble free car thats especially easy to work on (I.E. add mods), I personally haven't had any problems with mine but I know people with 2001 and older cars have oil consumption issues and some cars have "piston slap" thats where theres a tapping noise until the car warms up.

The only other problems that I can think of are Column lock which can be bypassed and the seat frame will wear and cause a rocking seat issue, I think there are 1 or 2 more regular problems but I just can't remember them right now so I'm pretty sure someone else will jump in and add them to the list. :cheers:

 

:iagree: with runamuck , Also Do Your homework and You will be happy with the results from this Fine All American Automobile ! . :flag

 

Most Common issues I've ran into are the Service Column Lock, rotors warp quickly and the passenger window stops working because I didnt use it enough. To my understanding the rear differential is known to leak but ive been lucky so far.

 

AC Evaporator Drain Hose blockage has been the most serious for me. Some trim pieces try to lift off as well. Nothing truly serious though. Its been a good troublefree car for the most part. :cheers:

 

:iagree: :cheers:

 

Welcome to the Forum (Zero_to_69). :hurray: :hurray: :thumbs: :seeya

 

i had the same a/c problem, but my local dealer fixed it in one day no charge, and its been great since. 00 cp. 20k

 

I'll add my .02 cents worth. The batteries in some models, '01- '03 I think, had a new type of battery, glass mat, from Delco. Mine was replaced under warranty as were MANY others. I've had no oil leaks or consumption with my '01 6-sp. The seats are still nice and tight and all my windows and door locks still work. :lol: No problem with the column lock....yet. :hurray: This is the 3rd Vette I've owned and it's the best of the bunch. The Forum is the best place to get answers to your questions. You won't find a better bunch of people anywhere. A big Welcome to our group! :chevy


[Modified by Shortimer, 10:48 PM 11/27/2003]

 

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! It's nice to see a forum with mature responses for a change. I would imagine that would be because
the average age of a Corvette owner is a little more than 18 ? :)

I honestly can't wait to join the elite group with a sexy Yellow C5!! :thumbs:

 

go for it man , they are giving 04's away right now. :yesnod:

 

:iagree: :thumbs: :cheers:

 

Welcome to the Forum. :seeya .

 

The biggest problem that I have noticed is keeping it at the speed limit. :lolg:

 

Zero_to_69,

There has been a bunch of problems with the C5 - you can check many of the common problems for which a TSB has been issued here: http://corvetteactioncenter.com/kb/category.php?catId=6

Good luck.

 

97- They replaced whining fuel pump. Problem in all 97's
99- CD changer replaced. Some CD's would not play.
01'- Best, tightest and trouble free car I've ever had. Should have kept it.
03'- No problems so far. Does have an annoying rattle if I hit a bump on a right turn. But I don't do the combo often.

You will never get tired of driving it.
:steering:

 

Welcome to the Forum. :cheers:
C5's are Extremely well built and reliable! :thumbs:
All 6 speed C5's are plagued with the dreaded column lock problem. Just install a column lock bypass and your worries are over. Got mine from jmX for $35, but many CF vendors sell them. Easy install, approx 30-40 minutes.
Some early '01's have an oil consumption problem but most likely the owner would have had it taken care of by GM. Make sure to investigate this if your looking at a nice '01.
Good luck :seeya :chevy

 

Under powered! :reddevil

 

Many of the historic "common issues" have been corrected with the 03/04 cars...acutally there has been a progressive improvement program since the car first came out in 97. Rocking seats, column lock, oil consumption (01 Z06), upholstery problems (fixed on '00 cars), seatbelt retractor failure, parking brake woes, sagging rear bumper, and a few other irritating problems are just about gone. Fuel sender (erratic gage readings) still is cropping up, but Chebby is aware of that problem and has fixed it on later 03s and 04 cars (theoretically). So, since you can get a very good deal on the 04s right now, and there are really no issues to be concerned about, neither safety or "getting stranded" related, you might want to write a check NOW.

As for warping brake rotors, many of us here think that is an operator-induced problem caused by parking the car with hot brakes. And I don't mean "racing hot", I mean a long stop from freeway speeds and quickly pulling into Dennys for a Grand Slam breakfast. Those hot brakes cool unevenly and you *might* get some warpage. I never have with 2 C5s (and I often hammer the brakes, but always cruise around to cool 'em off). It's easy to forget that these brakes can get damn hot under "normal" driving conditions.

So......don't wait around another minute wanting a C5, go get it. Of course, you COULD wait for the C6 to come out, but then you'll be right back at the bottom of the "common issues improvement program" that will be sure to follow until about 2009 or so!! :banghead:

 

Awesome, these are the points I have been wanting to find out!

Believe me, if I could drop the money for a C5 at this time I would...but my bro is getting married in July and I might be looking at moving - so, this next year is out of the question! :nonod:

I plan on buying in the off season of 2004/Early 2005. Might get a better deal
that way since sports cars tend so sale higher in the warmer months.

Until then, I'll keep teasing myself and drooling.