Advice on purchasing a C-5

[popsvette]

I just sold my '96 CE LT4 and am considering an '00 - 03 vert automatic with lost of options (this really what my wife wants and I want to continue my 38 years of marriage). I've never owned a C-5 so I need some general advice for this year range. Are they any known quirks, models to stay away from, etc???
Thanks

 

[Patrick]

PopsVette,
I hope I'm not too premature in extending a welcome to the C5 family!

The big issue C5 owners have been left scratching their heads over the Electronic Column Lock issue- a recall was issued for this, so with any C5 you're looking at, you'll want a dealer to run the VIN to see if the recall work was done. (With the VIN, they can also let you know about the maintenance history on the car.)

The only issue I know about has to do with an oil consumption issue which affected '99-'01 Corvettes. Here's a link to a thread on this issue, along with some observations by C4C5Specialist.

Good luck with your search!


-Patrick

 

[John E]

PopsVette pretty much sums it up. The only exception, IMHO, is the oil, my 99 Hardtop burned no oil, the 01Z did. I am sure the 01Z was the only oil-burner. Great cars all of them.

Welcome.

 

[gmjunkie]

Don't forget the Rocking Chair seats,I had new tracks installed under warranty. They were back again in a month!!:crazy

junk!!

 

[IH2LOSE]

Quirks?

Too easey to get up in the triple digits, Always use cruise control on the highway.

 

[popsvette]

thanks for the info.

 

[designeraccd]

I'll second the comment about using the cruise! While on a 55 mph IN state highway yesterday I kept going up to 70-75+ without realizing it....duuhh! My C4s always made me aware, shall we say of my speed. My "new" (as of yesterday) '02 C5 is so much smoother, quieter and yet more powerful with much improved handling despite my car's base suspension.

Find a nice one and enjoy! DFO

 

[TopDownCruzin03]

One of the great things about my '03 C5 is the gas mileage. I consistantly get 30-33 mpg on the freeway. Umm, that is until the long straight skinny pedal gets to the floor.

 

[popsvette]

Thanks for the help

Thanks for all the advice and the welcome to the C5 family. I purchased a loaded to the top, 02 Millennium Yellow drop top with, get this, 2,900 miles. The original owner installed Coasa exhaust the same day he took delivery. I'll be back asking lots of questions so get ready.
Thanks again

 

[TopDownCruzin03]

Congrats! I think you'll enjoy your C5. It's definitely a head turner.

:Twist

Have fun.

 

[6 Shooter]

Congrats on ur Millennium Yellow Roadster, the only way to fly!

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter​

 

[Red Vette]

PopsVette,
I hope I'm not too premature in extending a welcome to the C5 family!

The big issue C5 owners have been left scratching their heads over the Electronic Column Lock issue- a recall was issued for this, so with any C5 you're looking at, you'll want a dealer to run the VIN to see if the recall work was done. (With the VIN, they can also let you know about the maintenance history on the car.)

The only issue I know about has to do with an oil consumption issue which affected '99-'01 Corvettes. Here's a link to a thread on this issue, along with some observations by C4C5Specialist.

Good luck with your search!


-Patrick

There were actually two recalls on the steering column. In December 05 I had my 02 repaired by the dealer when I had it in for service. In August 06, the steering column locked up while sitting in my garage. Had to have it towed to the dealer (driver of tow truck was a real pro and was able to get the vette onto the tilt truck bed without any problem). Fortunately for me, the dealer checked with GM and found that a second recall, or a supplement to the original recall, had been issued and my problem was repaired at no cost (GM also picked up the $200 tow charge). Really like the two dealers I take my vettes to because they know me and only let their "vette techs" work on my cars. Incidently, one dealer had a fuel replacement ad running on their indoor info sign, and it was $53. After changing the fuel filter on my 94 roadster, the sign was changed to include "except corvette". It is my understanding that the C4 convertibles have two cross members that must be "moved" to change the filter. I would have preferred the sign to say "except C4 corvette convertibles".