Help with new C5
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,406
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From: York PA
Help with new C5
Hi guys. I'm looking to buy a C5 (stepping up from a C4). I found a few nice 97's with low mileage in great condition. I've always been leary about buying a first year model in any car. What were the cons of owning a 97 Corvette? I'm also looking at a very nice 2000 Corvette with low mileage for about $1500 more than the 97. What are the known issues with either of these years?
Thanks for your input :cheers:
Thanks for your input :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 21,334
Likes: 979
From: Various places in Southern California.
Re: Help with new C5 (fast90)
There were some minor first-year problems with the '97s, but really they're no worse (nor better) than later cars. Chances are, any problems have probably been fixed. The only problems I know of that are specific to '97s and maybe '98s is the noisy fuel pump and the older hatch weatherstrip that allows rainwater to drip into the interior when it's opened.
The big complaint of a lot of forum members is that GM HASN'T fixed any of the problems, so later years have the same problems as the first cars. Actually, GM added some problems, notably the oil usage problem of 2001.
That said, for an extra $1500 I would go with the 2000. Three model years is worth it, in my opinion.
The big complaint of a lot of forum members is that GM HASN'T fixed any of the problems, so later years have the same problems as the first cars. Actually, GM added some problems, notably the oil usage problem of 2001.
That said, for an extra $1500 I would go with the 2000. Three model years is worth it, in my opinion.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,273
Likes: 1
From: Pittsford NY
Re: Help with new C5 (fast90)
Perhaps others would not agree but I am not aware of
major problems with the 97's. There are some things
like fuel pump whine that were corrected later. Certainly
there are more features in the newer ones. In my opinion
if the 2 cars are in similer good condition I would go for the
2000 for the small difference in money. Actually that makes
me wonder if the price on the 97's are a bit high.
major problems with the 97's. There are some things
like fuel pump whine that were corrected later. Certainly
there are more features in the newer ones. In my opinion
if the 2 cars are in similer good condition I would go for the
2000 for the small difference in money. Actually that makes
me wonder if the price on the 97's are a bit high.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 0
From: S.W. Ohio
Re: Help with new C5 (jerrymcb)
For the money go with the 2000, no question. But make sure the 2000 has not been wrecked since the price difference is not that much.
Some issues that you may see are noisy fuel pump, rocking seat, bolster wear on the seats (from entry and exiting the vehicle) and one I just experienced, replacing tire pressure sensors that are dead.
Some forum members may be able confirm this, but I have heard that the 97 LS1 block is lacking materail to support multiple rebuilds. (Hopefully someone will verify this)
Good luck... :flag
[Modified by ROJO99, 2:55 PM 12/17/2003]
Some issues that you may see are noisy fuel pump, rocking seat, bolster wear on the seats (from entry and exiting the vehicle) and one I just experienced, replacing tire pressure sensors that are dead.
Some forum members may be able confirm this, but I have heard that the 97 LS1 block is lacking materail to support multiple rebuilds. (Hopefully someone will verify this)
Good luck... :flag
[Modified by ROJO99, 2:55 PM 12/17/2003]
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,406
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From: York PA
Re: Help with new C5 (ROJO99)
The 2000 has not been wrecked. It's a Navy Metallic Blue 6speed with Black leather interior. Has traction control, Bose AM/FM/CD/Tape system, Targa top, Power locks and windows, etc. It has 37k miles on it. I'm going to see it this Saturday. So far, he's saying he take $25k for it. Don't know if he'll go any lower though
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,298
Likes: 0
From: Tyler TX
Re: Help with new C5 (Duck916)
There were some minor first-year problems with the '97s, but really they're no worse (nor better) than later cars. Chances are, any problems have probably been fixed. The only problems I know of that are specific to '97s and maybe '98s is the noisy fuel pump and the older hatch weatherstrip that allows rainwater to drip into the interior when it's opened.
The big complaint of a lot of forum members is that GM HASN'T fixed any of the problems, so later years have the same problems as the first cars. Actually, GM added some problems, notably the oil usage problem of 2001.
That said, for an extra $1500 I would go with the 2000. Three model years is worth it, in my opinion.
The big complaint of a lot of forum members is that GM HASN'T fixed any of the problems, so later years have the same problems as the first cars. Actually, GM added some problems, notably the oil usage problem of 2001.
That said, for an extra $1500 I would go with the 2000. Three model years is worth it, in my opinion.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 781
Likes: 4
From: Reno Nevada
Re: Help with new C5 (fast90)
Seems when a Coevette is for sale, it's listed as "Loaded" or pw - ps - bp - etc. Remember, ALL Corvettes are loaded, including Traction Control. BUT, there are some choices/options, like heads-up display, sport seats, climate control. But that's about it.
As for a 2000 vs 1997 for $1500 more???? if the 2000 is an ok car, that's a no brainer (to me), the 2000.
As for a 2000 vs 1997 for $1500 more???? if the 2000 is an ok car, that's a no brainer (to me), the 2000.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,891
Likes: 1,829
From: Hot Springs AR
Re: Help with new C5 (fast90)
Go for the 2000, especially with the MN6. Also, if it has traction control, it might also have Active Handling, a very nice option. Also might have the HUD, which isn't available in '97.
Sound to me like the '97 might be priced a bit high. Low mileage vs hi mileage in itself doesn't mean a thing, and 37K on a '00 isn't high. Mine's coming up on 112K miles with few problems.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Sound to me like the '97 might be priced a bit high. Low mileage vs hi mileage in itself doesn't mean a thing, and 37K on a '00 isn't high. Mine's coming up on 112K miles with few problems.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: York PA
Re: Help with new C5 (VetteDrmr)
What is the MN6? Is this the option code for 6-speed tranny? :crazy:
Also, it does have traction control. Is that a passive option or is there a switch to turn it on and off? I know that the Active Handling is a button on the center console, right?
I'm just wondering what to expect from driving a C4 and then driving a C5. I think the interior of the C4 looks more "sporty", while the C5 looks like a regular car interior. Was there a noticeable difference in power from the LT1 to the LS1? I know the LT1's had 300hp and the LS1 has 345hp. Much of a SOTP feeling?
Also, it does have traction control. Is that a passive option or is there a switch to turn it on and off? I know that the Active Handling is a button on the center console, right?
I'm just wondering what to expect from driving a C4 and then driving a C5. I think the interior of the C4 looks more "sporty", while the C5 looks like a regular car interior. Was there a noticeable difference in power from the LT1 to the LS1? I know the LT1's had 300hp and the LS1 has 345hp. Much of a SOTP feeling?
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Re: Help with new C5 (fast90)
Assuming that the cars are both mechanically sound and in good shape, for the $1500 I would go with the 2000. It could offer you options like the HUD, active handling, etc. that are not available on the '97. Besides, there were some other minor production changes between the years that would make the '00 a more attractive purchase.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,891
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From: Hot Springs AR
Re: Help with new C5 (fast90)
MN6 is the code for the 6-speed transmission. TC, I believe, is standard on '00s. AH is an option. In both cases there's a defeat button on the center console.
Quick summary of differences: C5 is easier to get in/out of that the C4, no side pillars. LT-1 has more bottom end torque than the LS-1, but LS-1 just pulls to the redline, while my LT-1 ('94 Z-28) starts laboring above 5K or so.
One big difference between C4s and C5s is the chassis stiffness. I noticed a big difference in squeaks, rattles, etc. when I A-B'd a C4 and C5; C5 was much quieter.
Assuming your C4 has non-runflat tires and the C5 does, the RFs are extremely stiff and tend to have poor traction in comparison. So, when you test drive the C5 make sure and check that out.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Quick summary of differences: C5 is easier to get in/out of that the C4, no side pillars. LT-1 has more bottom end torque than the LS-1, but LS-1 just pulls to the redline, while my LT-1 ('94 Z-28) starts laboring above 5K or so.
One big difference between C4s and C5s is the chassis stiffness. I noticed a big difference in squeaks, rattles, etc. when I A-B'd a C4 and C5; C5 was much quieter.
Assuming your C4 has non-runflat tires and the C5 does, the RFs are extremely stiff and tend to have poor traction in comparison. So, when you test drive the C5 make sure and check that out.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 5
From: Canton MI
Re: Help with new C5 (fast90)
What is the MN6? Is this the option code for 6-speed tranny? :crazy:
Also, it does have traction control. Is that a passive option or is there a switch to turn it on and off? I know that the Active Handling is a button on the center console, right?
I'm just wondering what to expect from driving a C4 and then driving a C5. I think the interior of the C4 looks more "sporty", while the C5 looks like a regular car interior. Was there a noticeable difference in power from the LT1 to the LS1? I know the LT1's had 300hp and the LS1 has 345hp. Much of a SOTP feeling?
Also, it does have traction control. Is that a passive option or is there a switch to turn it on and off? I know that the Active Handling is a button on the center console, right?
I'm just wondering what to expect from driving a C4 and then driving a C5. I think the interior of the C4 looks more "sporty", while the C5 looks like a regular car interior. Was there a noticeable difference in power from the LT1 to the LS1? I know the LT1's had 300hp and the LS1 has 345hp. Much of a SOTP feeling?
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 109
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From: West Bend WI
Re: Help with new C5 (wallstAL)
I had a 96 vert sold it and bought a 99 vert . With the 96 I felt more part of the car like I could throw it around more. The 96 had more a hot rod feel, more power with the 99 (2 -4 mph in the 1/4 ) auto with 3:15. All in all I like the 99 better especially with the HUD . I will be gettin a C6 in about a year. Go for the 2000 , you will like it a lot. :)
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,406
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From: York PA
Re: Help with new C5 (Rob'sC5)
Not to rain on this guys parade but when did the column lock issue appear. Was it the 00' model year :seeya
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 227
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From: Naples FL
Re: Help with new C5 (fast90)
GM has a bulliten on this issue, some models I think 99-00 the steering lock would activate on, and disable the car, GM has a fix, and several forum vendors have DIY kits at fairly low cost to just disable the lock. :flag
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: Help with new C5 (Spicer115)
Fast90
Go to a GM dealer and ask for a C5 test drive! Hands down the C5 is a significant improvement over the C4! I had an 85 and was going to up-grade to a 96. After I drove the 96 I found it to be no better than my 85 for driveability and feel. I tested a 98 C5 and have never looked back! Now I have the 98 and a 2002 ZO6. The 07 ZO6 is NEXT on the list! Yeeeeeeeeeeeee Haaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!
BC
Go to a GM dealer and ask for a C5 test drive! Hands down the C5 is a significant improvement over the C4! I had an 85 and was going to up-grade to a 96. After I drove the 96 I found it to be no better than my 85 for driveability and feel. I tested a 98 C5 and have never looked back! Now I have the 98 and a 2002 ZO6. The 07 ZO6 is NEXT on the list! Yeeeeeeeeeeeee Haaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!
BC
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,466
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From: GARDENA Ca, State Of Konfusion
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: Help with new C5 (Spicer115)
GM has a bulliten on this issue, some models I think 99-00 the steering lock would activate on, and disable the car, GM has a fix, and several forum vendors have DIY kits at fairly low cost to just disable the lock. :flag
[Modified by wallstAL, 8:14 PM 12/17/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,891
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From: Hot Springs AR
Re: Help with new C5 (fast90)
Column locking (or, more accurately, not unlocking) is a potential problem on all C5s with manual transmissions. It has happened to a number of people, but it has also NOT happened to the large majority of C5 users. That said, I installed a column lock bypass about a year ago, mainly for piece of mind. The bypasses aren't very expensive (mine was a gift), check around for prices.
Go drive it and let us know what you think!
Have a good one,
Mike
Go drive it and let us know what you think!
Have a good one,
Mike