Pre-purchase Checklist for 1997-2004 C5 (Photos)
You've set your eyes on a C5 Corvette but aren't sure about possible trouble areas before taking the plunge. Fear not and check out this short guide on some of the things you should look out for while on the hunt.
1. Steering Wheel Lock
First things first, if you are interested in a C5 in the mentioned year range then you'll want to make sure the steering works properly. A recall was issued by GM on the steering-wheel lockout system and you'll want to check the records for to see if the vehicle has been remedied of the issue. If the "steering column lock" warning is lit on the dash, removing the key, pulling fuses 25 and 29 for 15 minutes, and then starting the car should fix it, for now. Details on this issue are here.
2. Regular or more rare?
Do you want a normal C5 that you can style on your own or would you like something with a little more flavor like a special edition? That is a question for you and your bank account to mull over as you search through listings for C5s. There are certain colors, options, and editions were offered from 97- to 04. These special editions include the 2003 Anniversary Edition, the 2004 Collector Z06, and the 1998 Indy Pace Car. Special paint aside, if you're looking for extra oomph to go along with the rarer car make sure to check out the performance options offered.
3. Check out the Body Thoroughly
When looking over the body just don't stop at dents and dings, look for paint lines to see if any panels have been replaced. Check under the hood for worn and replaced screws which also point to panels having been replaced. Look for suspicious overspray or paint ridges that will indicate some shoddy paint work to cover up mishaps.
4. Stopping Power
Just as you check for proper power levels on your prospective C5's engine, make sure you do just as much due diligence checking over the brakes and rotors. These brakes have the tendency to warp so you'll want to look over them carefully before forking over any money. If they are warped, it doesn't mean you're out of luck, it just means they need to be turned or replaced before you drive hard. Also, if they are cracked, then you'll want to take another look at the car overall and how it has lived, since cracking comes only from brakes being overheated with very hard driving.
5. Check Under the Nose
Check underneath the nose of the Vette to make sure the car hasn't been the victim of repeated beatings. What we mean by this is that the spoiler and air dam haven't endured a beating from running over curbs, cement parking barriers, and taking speed dips too fast. These body panels help to keep the car cool by directing air at the radiator. If they are missing or beat then it's another indicator of how the car was cared for or lack thereof by the owner.
For more help with maintenance or repair of your Corvette, check the how to sections of CorvetteForum.com