C5 Convertible- Pros and Cons..2000

[rollsman4]

I want to buy a 2000 Convertible . There is one for sale for $29000, 13k miles mint condition. How is the conver. in the rain, windy day? Is is noisy like the older convertible with the top up? Please let me know the pros and cons vs. the coupe, thank you rollsman

 

[GS Diva]

I don't know specifically about a 2000, but we have a 2002 convertible and love it! No, it is not noisy like the older ones, and we've no leaking at all...and I do want you to know we've been caught in some torrential rainstorms! By the way, the 2002 handled beautifully in the almost monsoon-like situation!

We're real convertible diehards...there's nothing like them! Go for it!!

Elaine

 

[ron]

2000 Convertible

Rollsman, I have a 2000 model convertible, and can honestly state that the car, although not without some "gremlins", is a great car. The only way the car will leak is if you should direct a high pressure hose directly on the areas where the top joins the window seal.And even then, the leakage is minor. As far as wind noise, there is some noise at high speed, and of course, it is noiser with the top down;however, when compared to my C4, both of these issues are much improved over my 1993 Vert. The overall integrity of the C5 is very good, and as with any product that has the benefit of newer technology, the C6 should be even better in this regard. I don't think you should have concerns about the 2000. I wish you well with your intended purchase.

Ron

 

[EHS]

If you like convertibles -- the C5 is one of the best, and I've had them all the way back to 1969.

I've also compared (and driven) other high end convertibles (Porsche 911), and again, the C5 is one of the best.

Even the manual top feature is fine -- easy to use and faster than many power tops -- while friends in their BMW wait for their top to cycle -- I'm driving away.

As posted above -- no leaks except in car washes. Top up or down, noise is there, but it's not leaky wind noise (until you get to about 130 mph), just less isolated road noise than a hard top.

Heater works right down to about 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

Finally, the top holds up well. Mine has 55,000 miles on it and is still in perfect shape.

The only minor item is the top needs to be adjusted periodically -- takes about a minute, to prevent the window rubbing against the top when opening and closing -- it's a wear point. Also, you may notice some wind noise from the defroster element -- also easily corrected by tightening the top adjustment.

Good luck with your purchase.

 

[6 Shooter]

The C5's soft tops air noise increases @ 75 mph and up . . .

Having driven a C6 convertible for about 2,000 miles, GM has made great reduction/improvement in the top's increased air noise @ higher speeds.

With that said . . . the 2000 C5 convertible we currently own is 1 Sweet Roadster!

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter

 

[Tripleblack51]

I want to buy a 2000 Convertible . There is one for sale for $29000, 13k miles mint condition. How is the conver. in the rain, windy day? Is is noisy like the older convertible with the top up? Please let me know the pros and cons vs. the coupe, thank you rollsman

Good question,

here's some food for thought.

I don't drive with the top up very often, but my experience is that as far as roadsters go, the C5 is one of the best for noise levels with the top up.

In 2001, GM went to a five layer top on the C5. Previous years (98 through 2000) had a single layer.

I had a new '99 Sebring Silver Roadster that I traded in 2000 for my tripleblack. I noticed the big difference in the feel (weight of the top right away. The insulation is that much better.
I am sure that this would have a positive impact on the sound deadening.
Remember, this is a sports car you're talking about.
Remember also that when the top is up, any road noise (like from the run flat tires) will be amplified because now the sound resonates having nowhere to go.

The C5 roadster is among the quietest roadsters you can get but honestly, when the top is down and you're cruising with the wind in your hair, who cares about the top?

My advice? Go drive one (or several) and see for your self.

Best of luck to you...the hunt can be lots of fun.
There are some beautiful, clean C5s out there.

Best regards,
Pedro

 

[neilhart]

We purchased our Y2K vert new and it now has 67300 miles and running strong. The car has been 'nearly' trouble free and is driven on alternate nice days.

 

[JBsC5]

For years I've prefered coupes and then the FRC and one day a corvette enthusiast let me drive his corvette convertible..

What a great experience it is to drive a convertible again...

I also had the pleasure of driving GM's ride of a Lifetime..which was sort of like an autocross day..

I'm proud to say driving a Corvette convertible is truly an experience in and of itself.

IMO you really have a much closer feeling to the road with the top down in a C5 .....than even in a coupe with the top off...or a Z06...

It was a great experience and I highly recommend for 29 grand or whatever you jump on that 13,000 mile car..

A well cared for C5 Convertible is one of the best buys out there..

Go for it..

Truly a great daily driver and the convertible top on the C5 is world class...(just like the rest of the car its very well engineered!)

You can't loose!

Have fun and make sure you let us know what you think of it once your names on the registration..

JB

 

[03 RoadKing]

I agree with all the other posts as far as wind noise and road noise. I am however planning to install a partition to reduce some of the road noise that comes from the trunk area. I traded a 99 Mercedes SL500 for my 02 and IMO the Vette is more quiet.

 

[jrose7004]

I like Verts but I just think that a Coupe is the best of both worlds!

 

[Larry's Yellow Rdstr]

I now have a coupe but in 2001 I bought my first Corvette convertible. I had absolutely no problems or concerns with the conv. and it was a blast to drive. My 01 had Michelin tires that were much quieter than the run flats I now have. Even with the top down IMO the conv. was as quiet as my 04 coupe with the windows open.

 

[Terry Holtz]

My 98 convertible leaks on the passenger side. Not terribly bad, I keep a towel handy and all is good.

 

[MYvert]

Two Drips in My 2000

I get two drips down the driver's side window when I wash my 2000 vert. (I'm sure it's the angle I hold the hose.) Other than that, nothing beats the top-down experience.

I'd drive it and see what you think. With low miles it sounds like a nearly new car.

Let us know how it works out.

 

[schmaltzr]

I like to have the top off on a rare occasion especially when my wife is along. Here in the Northwest, the weather only permits the top off for about 4 months out of the year. I like the quieter more secure feel of the coupe, plus you can't take a convertable to the track without a rollbar installed. I leave my glass top on all year round. - Ron

 

[cruzer99]

Driving a Corvette is all pro's and no con's in the first place. Make it a convertible and the pro's double. My .02...

 

[ROADAPPLE]

You will find an increase in wind noise with the top down. Also with the top down the slower you go in a rainstom the more you'll get wet.

 

[Tomrw]

I have a 2000 convertible and just love the car, about 41K and very few issues.
Top Down is always the best, just not this time of year.

 

[jvdaniel]

Corvette convertible is the only way to go. The only problem I had was the top rubbing on the body. The dealer replaced the gasket under warranty.

 

[Smokensparks]

Love It

My 2000 vert has been great. I've driven in heavy rain for an hour without a leak anywhere. The wind noise is fairly high with the top up, but not scream at the passanger high. If the sun is up the top is down, unless it's 20 degrees out. But then what are heaters and coats for?

 

[99 vette babycar]

stop BSing and buy it.