How could I buy a 2002-2003 coupe for less than $13,000?
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jun 2026
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
How could I buy a 2002-2003 coupe for less than $13,000?
I'm not very worried about cosmetics but I'd want a clean title.
All I'm really looking for is something pretty reliable.
If you have a good place online that you usually look that you could recommend me, or if you know of one for sale that I could get for less than $13k cash I'd be very interested!
If you could give me some advice for haggling that would be amazing too.
Thanks!
I appreciate any info!
All I'm really looking for is something pretty reliable.
If you have a good place online that you usually look that you could recommend me, or if you know of one for sale that I could get for less than $13k cash I'd be very interested!
If you could give me some advice for haggling that would be amazing too.
Thanks!
I appreciate any info!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 232
Likes: 28
From: Central Texas
Look for 100k-120k miles, well maintained, older drivers as pervious owners. I’ve seen these on the road with over 280k miles on the clock. Of course, the question, how much did they spend along the way to get to that kind of mileage? The engine and drivetrain are legendary for lasting. But electrical gremlins, headlight issues, etc., do pop up (forgive the pun), so be prepared. Best wishes
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 232
Likes: 28
From: Central Texas
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 1,128
I'm not very worried about cosmetics but I'd want a clean title.
All I'm really looking for is something pretty reliable.
If you have a good place online that you usually look that you could recommend me, or if you know of one for sale that I could get for less than $13k cash I'd be very interested!
If you could give me some advice for haggling that would be amazing too.
Thanks!
I appreciate any info!
All I'm really looking for is something pretty reliable.
If you have a good place online that you usually look that you could recommend me, or if you know of one for sale that I could get for less than $13k cash I'd be very interested!
If you could give me some advice for haggling that would be amazing too.
Thanks!
I appreciate any info!
It was in very good shape, but I've done a lot to it since then.
Found it on facebook marketplace, bargains are out there, just have to be patient and keep watching.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jun 2026
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
What would be the highest I could expect to go without really compromising the reliability?
And how bad is driving one without traction control or abs?
That looks clean!
How's it held up so far for major issues?
And how bad is driving one without traction control or abs?
That looks clean!
How's it held up so far for major issues?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 1,128
I have not had any issues that have kept it from being driven.
I have only put just a shade under 3000 miles on it so far.
And, what car are you talking about that doesn't have ABS and traction control???
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 524
Low to mid 100k mi autos in less desirable colors def are your cheapest C5s
there are a lot of well maintained and affordable cars out there, just gotta be willing to dig. Lots of C5s for sale out there
not sure how to explain this exactly- but sometimes verts are cheaper, and simultaneously more expensive. 2 nearly identical convertibles can be compared to a similarly equipped coupe and 1 vert might be 2k lower and the other 4k higher. I guess that driven by seller opinion? I've seen it often enough to not think it was an anomaly
If you're willing to get a vert, that could
save you money too. Mechanically identical to a coupe, lower top speed- but the same otherwise
there are a lot of well maintained and affordable cars out there, just gotta be willing to dig. Lots of C5s for sale out there
not sure how to explain this exactly- but sometimes verts are cheaper, and simultaneously more expensive. 2 nearly identical convertibles can be compared to a similarly equipped coupe and 1 vert might be 2k lower and the other 4k higher. I guess that driven by seller opinion? I've seen it often enough to not think it was an anomaly
If you're willing to get a vert, that could
save you money too. Mechanically identical to a coupe, lower top speed- but the same otherwise
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Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jun 2026
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Ok.
Thanks!
Nice!
Ok, that's pretty good!
A local friend sent me a 99 manual near me and I was thinking about it for cheaper shipping but I've heard about pre 01 ebcm's going out permanently and losing abs, active handling, and traction control.
Do you think it'd be worth it?
I have definitely noticed that around my price range.
I'm more looking for a coupe though for the look.
Ok, I appreciate that!
That is true.
How far down would you start for a 03 with a slightly damaged interior?
Thanks!
Nice!
Ok, that's pretty good!
A local friend sent me a 99 manual near me and I was thinking about it for cheaper shipping but I've heard about pre 01 ebcm's going out permanently and losing abs, active handling, and traction control.
Do you think it'd be worth it?
I have definitely noticed that around my price range.
I'm more looking for a coupe though for the look.
Ok, I appreciate that!
That is true.
How far down would you start for a 03 with a slightly damaged interior?
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 28
Likes: 30
Everyone's advice here is spot on. Use the research tools, define all the must haves, set your price limits and be patient. One will appear.
The one piece I would add is.... Then Act.
If you've set the right general price criteria and it meets everything that you deem important don't wait for the next one... especially over a $500 to $1,000 in price. You will always then be comparing the next one to the 'other one' . The exact 'other one' you didn't buy that has miraculous set the standard for what you want.
The one piece I would add is.... Then Act.
If you've set the right general price criteria and it meets everything that you deem important don't wait for the next one... especially over a $500 to $1,000 in price. You will always then be comparing the next one to the 'other one' . The exact 'other one' you didn't buy that has miraculous set the standard for what you want.