My good friend and neighbor has got the itch to return to the world of Corvette for his daily driver. He wants a C5, coupe, auto or notchback auto. Doesn't need a vert or a stick. I can rebuild a C3 in my sleep but really don't know squat about C5's. What should we be looking for and what should we be staying clear of ?? Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom you can provide.

|UPDATED|6/23/2015 4:00:51 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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John Sigmund

I have a 1999 coupe and love it along with my 78. Totally different experiences driving the 2 cars. To me the C-5 is a rocket ship and handles exemplary. 2 weeks ago I drove on the NCM Motor Sports Track and had one heck of a time doing so in my 99.

Really my only advise is don't necessarily buy the first one that comes along as, there are a lot of low millage well taken care of C-5s and a lot that weren't taken care of, as you well know. Look for service records if available.

If he is not in a hurry and does not limit himself to only cars in his area I feel confident that he can find someone's C-5 that has been well cared for and could be a single owner car. That is what I would look for.

Age is still the biggest problem with all the systems. A garage kept car will always be best.

As with any car that is older be sure that the weather stripping is sound, as it is getting harder to get and more expensive. The repop stuff is cheaper but never fits exact and not as soft. One area of wear is on the removable top towards the rear, where it meets the upper body. I have replaced mine on the driver side with repop because I could no longer find NOS and was not entirely happy with the results.

Listen for creaks and moans as this is a common problem with the C-5 as they get older. If it does do this when the suspension moves it can be a relatively easy fix, as is likely caused by the rubber retainers that support the torsion bars front and rear as the bars move. Be sure to check the torsion bar links, I just had mine replaced at 52,000 miles, as the nylon seals failed to protect the bearings. This was 100% age related. You can look under rear t5o check, but will need a lift to check the front.

Be sure to check all the electrical systems for function, as any repairs here can be costly and look in the computer display for any error codes located in the speedo/tach array.

Lastly, don't buy a C-5 owned or driven by anyone under 35 , as it has likely had a hard life! As you know run-flats are expensive to replace if threadbare.

I am sure most of this you know, but I hope it helps your friend in some way,
John
  

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John D. Grant "Corvette; Cure for the common mid-life crisis!"

 Better yet, tell him to forget aboot a C5, and go for a C6.....
As with any new purchase, get the NEWEST model you can afford, and that you enjoy. Not that there aren't some really nice C5 cars out there..there are, and pretty good bargains, too. As John said, check them over really well...especially the electronics...ANY warning lights on the dash are red flags screaming "RUN FOREST....RUUUUN!". Chances are the car will need new tires soon, so figure that into the deal. Earlier C5 models have an issue with alignment that wears the tires pretty quick.
John also hit on a problem with the targa top....check it over VERY WELL. They are de-laminating around the edges, and that's a costly repair. The targas have also been known to take flight while driving down the road.
 It's really just basic, common sense in looking at these things....check them carefully, ask lots of questions about history, service, accident damage, water damage, etc. Ask them for a carfox report....sometimes just that one request will tell you if the seller is honest or not. Listen for squeaks/rattles/bumps/bangs. Some noise is acceptable, but if you can FEEL it and HEAR it, it's a problem
Drive the car, of course, but also ride in the passenger side while someone else drives. Make sure it's the "one" before committing... NEVER buy the first one you look at....look at as many as possible. Don't be in a hurry, either. The right car may not be available today, but it might show up next week.

I personally do not like any of the C5 era cars....they just don't "fit" me, physically or emotionally. I've never really figured out WHAT it is about them that just ain't right, but....I just don't like them. That's only my opinion. I've worked on & driven plenty of them, and they all run like scalded apes, and corner really well....but there's just something missing, for me. The C6 cars I do like....a LOT!

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Joel's right buy the newest car you can afford, however I prefer the C-5 over the C-6. So there!

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John D. Grant "Corvette; Cure for the common mid-life crisis!"

Thanks guys, very much appreciated. I think we're going to start looking pretty seriously this weekend, my friend is pretty pumped !! He's never driven anything newer than a C3 many years ago so I'm really going to enjoy the look on his face when he drives his first C5 !! I'll keep y'all posted.

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John Sigmund

I now have a very happy neighbor who picked up his new C5 last night. Thanks for all of you input, it really helped. Oddly enough he ended up buying the first car he looked at !! Looked at and drove five more after the first one, then went back and bought it. Very nice car, 1999 BL/BL 6 speed coupe, 29k miles that had been babied by it's second owner for 12 years. Upgraded exhaust, Z06 wheels and a whole bunch of factory options. Originally didn't want a stick, but fell in love the first time he drove it. First Corvette he has owned since the late 70's. Not bad for a 64 old pastor of our local church !!

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John Sigmund

You can never go wrong with a stick shift! IMHO

I am glad your friend found the car of his dreams and that Joel and I helped him in some small way.

John

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John D. Grant "Corvette; Cure for the common mid-life crisis!"