Looking to upgrade to C5

[yitbos]

My wife and I have an 84 Corvette that has been great. We have had our share of challenges with it, as you would have with any 20 year old vehicle. But now we are both wanting to upgrade to something newer.

We decided last night to put the C4 up for sale. It only has 51k miles on it and it has been very-well taken care of. Being the second owner, I've got all the service paperwork and done many of the small maintainence things myself.

In our search for a C5, I wanted to ask a couple of questions. 1. What are the most common failures in the early C5 line? We were hoping for a 2003 convertable but it looks like the cost may push us back into the 2000-2001 range. Is there anything I should specifically be watching for? 2. What is an estimated purchase price that I should have in mind? I've looked on the internet and the prices are all over the place. I don't know if Kelly Blue Book is an accurate gage of pricing or not for a Corvette. It's definately not for my 84. 3. Any other suggestions on things we should consider or avoid?

The Corvette Action Center has been a great help for us in the past. I'm sure some of you have great ideas and opinions to share. Finally, if you are in the Indianapolis area and know someone interested in an 84 or who has a C5 for sale, let us know please.

Thanks everyone!
John

 

[Patrick]

John,
The best source for issues with early C5's (other than anecdotes from current owners) would be to check the Knowledgebase for TSB's, recalls, etc. I believe they are organized by model year.

As far as the value for the car, you are right: it will likely vary widely. Some of the variables: Convertible vs. Coupe vs. Z06 (Fixed Roof Coupe or FRC), mileage and general condition, upgrades and modifications done to it, has it been garage kept and how was it used, and location (warm weather cities are likely to have a higher market demand for sports cars than cold weather locations.)

One of the CAC's sponsers is VetteFinders- check out their web site. It will at least help to establish a range for asking prices.

Good luck with your search, and with selling your '84.


-Patrick

 

[mqqn]

Hi yitbos -

Like Patrick said, prices will vary widely. By 2000, the C5 was a very well sorted car. I have a 99 and have been very pleased with it.

You should be able to find a nice, low mileage 2001 vert for under $30k IMO.

Here was a couple I found in two minutes looking at traderonline.com -

http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/7/8/79760978.htm

http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/0/2/79373302.htm

http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/5/7/77903057.htm

http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/8/1/79484281.htm

NOTE - You might want to check with CAC vendors to help you work a deal....

good luck and best regards -

mqqn

 

[bluecoupe]

All C5s are great machines but there were some very good changes made in 2001:

http://www.corvettemuseum.com/specs/2001/performance.htm

http://www.corvettemuseum.com/specs/2001/agility.htm

http://www.corvettemuseum.com/specs/2001/refinement.htm

 

[yitbos]

Thank you all for the information and the links. I've got the for sale signs in my car and will place an add next week. I thought I'd give it a week to see what I get while driving around.

Hopefully our transition to a C5 will happen sooner than later. But you never know how long it will take to sell what you have and find what you really want.

I really appreciate the information.
John

 

[Edmond]

Dwayne gave me a tip for looking at prices: go to eBay, do a search and book mark the auctions for cars that you're interested in. When the auctions end, it'll give you a range of what to expect to pay.

The refinement from C4 to C5 is incredible. The C5 is almost too comfortable!:L

 

[MoeJr]

The only real nasty problem I can recall for a C5 is the steering column locking while driving.

 

[Gorgon]

The only real nasty problem I can recall for a C5 is the steering column locking while driving.

The C5 column lock problem did not happen when the car was in motion. It was an issue with steering pressure on the lock pin that prevented the electromechanical pin to be pulled free releasing the column.

- Leon

 

[beezvette]

I recently upgraded from a 94 to a 2001. The C5 is a greatly improved automobile. I paid $31K for a perfect 01 with 2560 miles on it and thought that was a pretty good deal. I looked at a few dealers and got what I thought was the run-around. I ended up deciding I needed to look the owner in the eye and see how the vehicle was cared for. Worked out well for me, good luck.

 

[rwpeders]

I upgraded from a 96 to a 2000 convertible with 26,000 miles. It was like new inside and out and has magnesium rims and an ucommon color (Dark Bowling Green Metalic). I paid $31K from a chevy dealer and with an extended warranty it went to $33k. I have read of people who got better deals, so they are out there if you look with patience.

You will really like the C5.

 

[DRTH VTR]

Look back in the C5 General Discussion. I found this thread back a few months. There are lots more with similar content.

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57849http://www.idahostatesman.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2005506190309

 

[o2bnkc]

When you do upgrade the smile gets even bigger.

 

[DRTH VTR]

The September 2005 issue of Corvette Magazine has a nice article talking about the differences by year. It also has a price guide.

 

[XLR8]

I upgraded from a '94 to a '98 last summer.

Paid under $29k for my automatic convertible with 25k miles on it. Purchased it from Corvette Palace in Austin TX. They specialize in low mileage well kept Vettes. They're good people and I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again. I don't think they're a sponsor here but they do have a link to this site on their website - in fact, that's how I ended up here.

If you're interested in more details of my experience with them send me a PM and I'll reply ASAP.

I've been very happy with my '98. The only issues which come to mind are the Column Lock recall and an issue with battery leakage which caused some owners fits and others a minor inconvenience.

Good luck! I think you'll really like the C5. I just made the pilgrammage to Bowling Green for Cruisefest and I LOVE mine!

JAG

 

[keeper15]

1998 coupe purchased 20k!

I looked around and found a nice coupe with most options for 20k , he transfered his extended warranty along with it!

I went from 78' to 87' and they all have their fun potential..this C5 is the most comfortable of the bunch....although it does take some effort to pull into my driveway and get out of it!

 

[65-to-00]

i hate shopping ..

Unless it's for a car.

Have fun and try lots of samples.

 

[Bounty Hunter]

Model differences...

The knowledge base is a great place to start, the resources there and listening to folks here on the forum helped me decide on my C5 just a few months ago. I chose to look for a 2001 or newer, there were quite a few improvements starting with the 2001 model year. Good luck with your search!

Steve

 

[gen 5-6rr]

upgrade C5 TO C5RR

get at me

 

[mrC5]

John,

As a possible reference point, I paid $27K for my '01 6-spd coupe with 29K miles. I bought from a private seller and I'd like to think I got a fair deal. And remarkably, it was through AutoTrader, sight unseen. After a few phone conversations and some pictures, I had a pretty good feeling that the owner was straight-up with me.

Downside: only problem I've had with it is the famous "Reduced Engine Power/Service Active Handling/Service Traction Control" situation. After two trips to the dealer's shop, and nothing done on either visit, I decided to start looking into it on my own. Numerous postings have addressed this problem, along with several items to check. During my exploration, I found a badly nicked, pinched, corroded ground wire, and the TAC module mounting was improper and loose. After correcting those two items, the problem seems to be fixed, although I can't say that with 100% certainty. All I know is that prior to correcting those items, the problem would occur almost every time the car was driven and was getting to be quite predictable. It's been driven steadily for over three weeks now, and the problem has yet to return. So with fingers crossed, maybe I'm a "self-certified" C5 technician now. (Just kidding, C4C5specialist..........I have the utmost of respect for your knowlege and experience.)