GeometryRules

I'm in the market for a C5 come spring. I'm thinking a 2001-2004 Z06. Any specific year I should be looking at? Or should I look at any of the base models? Is there anything bad I should look out for? This will be my first Corvette.

Thanks in advance.

grantv

01 had less power so can be bought for a bit less (aside from being older). 02-03 often had faulty valve springs, something to check if done or be prepared to do. 04 potentially has fuel xover issues. Do some research here, read the stickies in the Z section.
Probably realize I'd recommend a Z if you like the look and aren't a removable top guy (like me).

coia96vette

Read the stickies above and they will help you decide. I have an '04 coupe with the Z51 package and love it. Had to get an auto so the wife (now ex wife) could drive it also. Very comfortable on long trips and great gas mileage also. Good luck with your search. That is half the fun.

Corvette#2

A Z06 is the best performance buy. The 02-04 have approximately an extra 50hp/tq over the base. The 01 Z06 has less power and didn't come with the heads up display. If you want a targa roof, look for a well optioned coupe, ideally a six speed with Z51 suspension and dual sports seats (an option not available on the Z06). The adjustable F45/F55 suspension is good when it works, but costs big bucks to fix when it eventually goes bad. I think the F55 shocks are $750 a piece.

Personally, I'd avoid any cars with a cam. But exhaust and headers are nice bolts on that basically don't have any downsides besides cost.

ArmchairArchitect

If a Z06, go for an 02 or 03. You can replace the valvesprings inexpensively (got mine done for $350 by a shop, including parts). The problem with 2004s is that they have the poorly designed fuel tank system which often fail, and it's thousands to fix.

2001 Zs had lower power and some have oil consumption issues.

Mike98SilVert

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/c5/index.html

Vetteman Jack

The Z06 will give you enhanced performance over the coupe/vert right from the factory and is a bargain for its capabilities. If I were going to get a Z06, it would be a 2002-2004 for the improvements and extra HP.

However, there's nothing wrong with considering either a coupe or vert. I personally would go with an 01-04 in those models, again because there were a lot of upgrades made starting in '01 and for some parts the availability/ability to repair is better.

As mentioned, check out the stickies in both the C5 General and C5 Tech sections as well as any that may be in the C5 Z06 section. Lots of good information in those areas in which to base a purchase decision on.

Yello95

I would recommend getting an '04 because it was the last year the C5 was made and less bugs than the previous C5 years...I have had my '04 since April 2004

Rob 02

'02

Velocity_Vette

"Buy the newest car with what you want that you can afford."

Also read the stickies here and in tech. Read them inside out, forward and backwards.

02BlownZ06

02 or 03 Z06 is most bang for buck. Be patient as there are a lot of cars out there with many having super low miles. You routinely see them come up for sale with 10,000 miles or less and I would hold out until the right low miler at the right price comes along because they do. I bought my '02 with 19K on the clock in mint condition but in hindsight, would've waited a little longer and found an even better one with less miles. Still ecstatic with the car though. Good luck.

groovyjay

2001 swz.

lane_viper

Mine's an 03. I wanted the 50th anniversary badges.

I replaced the springs on mine once I got it home, Cost around $60 if you do it yourself.

dbgoodwin

There is no real right answer to that question. On one hand, the common logic tells you that the 04 is the best option because it's going to be the newest C5. However, anyone who has had to pay for an 04 fuel crossover leaking issue out of warranty will probably not be thrilled. The 04 does have the best shocks out of the bunch, and you can get a Z16 in 04 which is a very cool option.

If you buy an 01 you run the risk of having a car that burns a little oil due to the rings. You also get a little less power, though it isn't by any means substantial enough to feel. My 2001 burns less than a quart in between changes, which is probably less than average for any ls1/ls6. I don't know if the rings were changed before I got it. It was also just as fast as any 2002+ car I've been in. Its also speedway white, which is just better in every way.

The safest bet is probably an 02 or early 03 before the fuel system change, because the main issue with those will be valve springs, which is cheap and easy. Aside from that, all other common issues will impact any 2001+ corvette the same.

socal_Dad

This is what I did too. Plus, it's a great way to spend time getting to know your new car!

grampi50

I know the reasons some very specific year models are being recommended, but this also SEVERELY limits your choices...imagine how long it would take to find the perfect '02 or '03 model, compared to searching all of the C5s...this poor guy could be looking for a year or more...

Rob 02

Well put. The only other advantages I can see to the '04 are an upgrade to the PCV system and The faster processor of the PCM.

I doubt you would ever notice the difference in the PCM.

dbgoodwin

I thought I put the PCV system in the post but obviously I missed that haha. Didn't even know about the PCM to be honest though.

With the 01z you also don't get the HUD, which is a non-issue for me and many people, but some people really like it.

Honestly though, if you're in the market for a z06 corvette you probably have at least a little extra income, none of the issues from any year z06 should be bank-breakingly severe.

Drive it hard, check the oil, check for codes.

Tsumi

The PCV system can be changed out for about $80 and 3 hours of time if you're mechanically inclined. HUD can always be retrofitted. A full F55 shock replacement is about $1600 on RockAuto. No sense in replacing anything F45, may as well upgrade to F55 if you want to keep selective ride. I like having the ability to adjust the suspension on the fly in a daily driver. Just bought a set of F55 shocks with 5000 miles on them and the F55 computer for a little under $350, will be upgrading my F45 system this winter.

Rob 02

I'm not a fan of the '97-'99 electrical system. It's not necessarily a bad system, just not as good as later models and harder to get parts for in some cases.