Bought C5 on Ebay and picking it up on Wednesday. Need some help!

[Cobrargc]

Guys,

I’m new to the site and I like what I see. I have a few questions I need help with ASAP.

I’m flying to Texas on Wednesday to drive back a C5 that I bought on Ebay. This will be my 1st Corvette and I know you guys will have all my answers. I’m committed to the purchase with my $500 deposit, but they remainder of the money stays in my pocket until I’m certain the car isn’t a basket case. It’s a 2000 convertible with a 6 speed manual and 48K miles. Not only do I want this to be as nice as it appeared in the photos, it also has to get me back home.

1. How can I quickly find any engine codes that might be present and brought to the sellers attention?

2. I’ve read about the early C5 battery issue, but am not going to be able to pull the battery to inspect for prior leakage onto PCM. Is there any room on these cars to see under the battery compartment?

3. Are there any other C5 specific issues I can look at quickly?

The Ebay AutoCheck was good. I did a Carfax and it was good. I hired an independant inspector that gave it an overall 90 out of 100. I've NEVER bought anything sight unseen and almost think I'm crazy to even have considered it.

Thanks in advance

 

[dougelam]

Is this the black car listed on cars.com?
I almost bought it until I found a 2002 triple black convertible with auto 10 miles from home.
I would be worried about tires and coolant leaks my self. If it starts and drives around the block without any codes popping up and no obvious problems that should be enough to get you back otherwise.

 

[XLR8]

First, welcome to the Corvette Action Center!
If the C5 is located at a dealership, check them out on the Texas Better Business Bureau online. Look for complaints and anything pending.
Also, good luck. Without more information and a link, anything we tell you is guesswork at best.

Check the first post in this thread if you haven't already:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c5-general-discussion/100848-new-world-c5-corvette.html

There's a link in that thread for checking C5 codes, though if the seller knows Vettes too, they've likely been cleared... AFTER the scenario that caused them was addressed hopefully.

Let us know how it turns out.
Jane Ann

 

[catbert]

I'd relax. Sounds like you have done some good due diligence. Some Vettes have had the issues you have mentioned, but they aren't a problem for a majority of C5s. Take it for a good ride, and try it on the freeway. If it runs well, fill it up, and drive home. I assume the guy who checked it out inspected hoses and belts, which are the items most likely to leave you stranded. I've bought a number of cars out of town, and haven't been stranded yet.

Don't worry - be happy. Welcome to the club.

 

[killain]

New Car ?

Well welcome. "If It were Me" I would go over the car with a fine tooth comb. Get the service records if the seller has them, Get as much in receipts and work orders. Anything the owner has you want, like the real Owners Manual and all the documentation you can lay your hands on before you leave the sellers place. Take the title to a Texas dept. of Motor vehicles and this is were your going to do the transfer ownership anyway and while your there, have a title search done, just to make sure there is no lien or loans attached to you becoming the rightful owner. Pay for the car if everything checks out and my next stop would be a dependable Chevy dealership and have them do a oil & filter change and ask the service manager to look over the undersides of the Corvette, not to find fault, but you have a right to see if anything that didn't make it on the carfax. I'm not saying the seller would not be straight with you, but once he's paid and you close the door, it's all yours. Better damn well know as much as possible. You can't be too careful, really, I check everything cause there's a ton of "Flood Cars" out there. Check everything coolant, trans fluid and the differential fluid. Once done fill it with fuel and look down the road to your home. Good luck & God bless !

 

[vetteboy86]

Welcome to the Forum!

Sounds like you've done some homework, and the suggestions added here are spot on. You'll be able to tell a lot when speaking to the seller. How long has the car been owned, how many owners has the car had, and where are the receipts for work done to the car? I don't think a 20-30 minute test drive is out of the question.

Good Luck!!

 

[Dad]

In case you still need your first question answered...............

Turn key to ON position.
Press and Hold Options Button.
Within 10 Seconds press the Fuel Button 4 times.
The DIC will step through any codes and then go into manual mode.
TheDIC buttons can then be used to page through the codes.
Press E/M button to exit

 

[Cobrargc]

Thanks guys! I'll let you know how the roadtrip ends.

 

[5303ce]

I bought my last 6 cars on eBay..

I have it dealer inspected with a report and never had a problem!

Heres the last one I bought...

, and turned it onto this!

I also bought these on eBay..



Every one was great, no problems.

Just have it thoroughly checked at a dealer!

Good Luck!