Searching for a C5

[veteluvr74]

I am currently in the seaching for a pre-owned C5. Is there anything I should keep my eye out for before purchasing one? Is there any chronic problems with the 6spd or HUD? I am just trying to gather as much info as possible about any quirks or anything like that before I buy. I am looking to get either a Black or Red 99 or '00 convert with HUD, 6spd. Any bit of info will truely help!! Thanks!!

 

[mick_s3]

Check the battery. Check underneath the battery, apparently there was a big problem with a few of the years and the AC Delco batteries that came stock. The batteries would leak and do severe damage in some cases to the car underneath where the battery sits.

Check the DIC for codes. Take it somewhere and have it hooked up to the computer, and have a mechanic put up on the lift and inspect the undercarrage.

All things I did not do and should have.

Drive it, long enough to get it up to operating temperature for a good 1/2 hour. Pay attention to the brakes, and the steering. Drive it in traffic, so you are stopping and going. They all run good WFO


Mick

 

[Tripleblack51]

They are great cars. I had a '99 roadster for almost two years and aside from the column lock, I had no problems with the car.
I've had my '01 for over two years now and love it.

You've picked a great time to look. There are lots of used C5s out there. Take your time and look at as many of them as you can. The hunt will be fun. Try to buy from an original owner vs a dealer.
You can always tell if the car has been well-cared for by meeting the owner and seeing where/how the car was kept (garaged..etc..)

Run a carfax. It'll show you if there was anything significant damge to the car such as an accident or water damage.


Look at diffrent corvetteforums.
You'll see some beautiful cars for sale.

We're here to help. Keep the questions coming!

Good luck.

Pedro

P.S. When you do get your vette remember to wave!

 

[danl72]

Exsactly like what the other are saying. Make sure you check into the car before you buy it. Look at the owner and his/her garage, home. If they are neat and well taken care of, than most likely so is their cars. Take it to a mechanic you know and trust, or if you do not have a mechanic you can take the car to your local dealer and they will look it over for you for a fee. At least they will be non-partical, and you will get the truth about the car. Just look everything over. If you question anything about the car, than walk away because you might be right. There are plenty of Vettes out there, so take your time to find the right one. Good luck.

 

[z28quetzal]

About C5's...

I'm new here, hope you guys don't mind me asking some questions.

First of all I look forward in the near future to be able to be a bonafide 'member of the club'. I am also looking for a C5, actually I have been looking for quite some time. To make things worse, close to my house a fellow owns a Competition Yellow C5 that is, well, awesome...

I would like to ask, the first C5 was built as a '97 model. Are these less desireable? What about '98s? I realize that I need to look for the best car I can afford, and would like to get a newer one if possible, but are there any C5's to stay away from?

Any info would be appreciated...

joe

 

[Bob25thTA]

Try the New Car department. There are a lot of good deals. 3yr,36000 mi. warranty and no one elses problems!

 

[kingman]

Good Choice!!!!!!!!!!!!

You happened to have picked the best model that the vette was ever offered.

l would skip over the 97 and 98 and go to the 00 and 01. Yes l left out the 99, because l know very little about that year for some reason.

There are so many C5's out there, you should have a picnic as long as you come with cash or a loan approval.

The price's should drop further the closer we come to the intro of the C6. As good as the C5 is which is light years ahead of the C4, the C6 will surpass the C5.

Be patient, l just picked up a 96 C4 coupe to tide me over until the C6's 2nd year, because the first year will be impossible to get and the dealers will be jacking the price's up.

l might even pick up a late model C5 if the price's drop further then l expect.


At the wholesale auctions the C5's are going for low 20's to around 30 for a 02. There are very few C4's there because of the low demand and the dealers do not want to deal with the warrantee's.

The 97's are passed over as the 98's.

Good Luck

p.s. no matter what you buy or from where, even a dealer, have it checked out, and stay under 6000 miles per year. This will insure a well kept car.

 

[z28quetzal]

Thanks!

Thanks for the info. The search is on! I am now looking, and will take my time. No point in getting the first thing I find.

Seriously, I look forward BIGTIME to the day I can post here for the first time as a legit Corvette owner.

I went to the Vette museum about 2 years ago. After being, there I made a promise to myself that the next time I was there I would park in one of the "Corvette Only" parking spots. That will be a glorious day indeed.

Thanks,
Joe

My thoughts and prayers go out to our men and women in uniform. True heroes.

 

[Redshift-PFYC]

I might have one for sale very soon depending on what happens. I don't need 2 Corvettes and I want to keep the Z06 for my driving schools. My '00 MY coupe might be for sale (with or without modifications). Let me know if you are interested.

Endless pictures and details at http://www.yellowc5.com

 

[VAmagred01]

To all in search.....

Don't know how soon you are looking to buy but mine will be for sale in the next few months. I have pics but I haven't tried to upload them.....I guess I'm afraid I might crash something. I'll have them up here soon.

Good luck on your search!

 

[MorganC5Vette]

Re: Good Choice!!!!!!!!!!!!

p.s. no matter what you buy or from where, even a dealer, have it checked out, and stay under 6000 miles per year. This will insure a well kept car. [/B][/QUOTE]

Kingman,

6,000 miles per year......that is not a bad rule of thumb.:bang


Morgan

 

[Redshift-PFYC]

Re: Re: Good Choice!!!!!!!!!!!!

p.s. no matter what you buy or from where, even a dealer, have it checked out, and stay under 6000 miles per year. This will insure a well kept car.

Kingman,

6,000 miles per year......that is not a bad rule of thumb.:bang


Morgan [/B][/QUOTE]

6K/year? That just means the old owner didn't even drive the car! LOL.