Advice wanted – Looking to buy a C5

[Bowler]

Guy’s

I’m sure that with over 25,000 posts on this Forum alone, then someone has already asked this question, so please bear with me, as a newbie

Later this year I’m looking to buy a used C5 (preferably a convertible).

My budget (~£20k) means that I’ll be looking at models that are older than 2001. This will be a mid-life crisis/toy car for weekends only, so I’ll be doing no more than 3k to 4k miles pa.

My dilemma is that I’ve never owned a Corvette (or for that matter an American), so I know little about the do’s and don’ts when looking for a decent one.

I’ve looked at importing from the States, but (to me) the only benefits are a bigger choice of models/colours and generally lower mileages for their age, with little (total)cost difference, when everything is included.

In short, is there anywhere I can go to get some sound/help or advice when in comes to making sure that I don’t end up with a lemon?

If this has been posted or extemsively discussed before, can I have link to the Topic

Thanks in advance

[ringram]

Try to avoid the 97/98 models as the PCM was different from everything else and has some quite severe limitations if you are looking to modify/tune etc going forward. Keep to the 99+ models IMO. There was a 98 for £10,000 on the pistonheads classified not so long ago, which was dispite this tempting.

[LuS1fer]

They're pretty reliable. Motors are pretty bulletproof, Some had leaking diff problems. The main area on older Vettes is the battery which needs regular replacements or a good Optima battery. early ones could leak and the computer is underneath it so really you need to be checking underneath the battery area for any corrosion or wiring problems. Check brake discs for juddering/warping. Not really much else apart from ensuring there are no repairs to the sills or floor where any idiot has tried jacking the car up on the body. Essentially make sure the oil and filter has been changed regularly and if it's been used as a toy that everything works like the handbrake (which operates using tiny drum shoes inside the rear brake disc).

Check tyre wear is even and wheels for kerbing.

[owenemyr]

There is no advantage purchasing a 2001/earlier C5 convertible from the states (other than availability), but if you can stretch to a 2004 model, you should be able to import for a total price of £25k+/-, and save a little money

[Bowler]

Thanks for the advice Guys

It looks like, apart from considering the obvious things (such as oilers and high mileage) then a 2000+ model is the one to aim at

One final question - specialist dealer (like Dart or Claremont) or private sale?

Thanks again

Bowler

[Vet Guru]

Try Chris graham Corvettes

[Colvette]

Bowler said:

Guy’s

I’m sure that with over 25,000 posts on this Forum alone, then someone has already asked this question, so please bear with me, as a newbie

Later this year I’m looking to buy a used C5 (preferably a convertible).

My budget (~£20k) means that I’ll be looking at models that are older than 2001. This will be a mid-life crisis/toy car for weekends only, so I’ll be doing no more than 3k to 4k miles pa.

My dilemma is that I’ve never owned a Corvette (or for that matter an American), so I know little about the do’s and don’ts when looking for a decent one.

I’ve looked at importing from the States, but (to me) the only benefits are a bigger choice of models/colours and generally lower mileages for their age, with little (total)cost difference, when everything is included.

In short, is there anywhere I can go to get some sound/help or advice when in comes to making sure that I don’t end up with a lemon?

If this has been posted or extemsively discussed before, can I have link to the Topic

Thanks in advance

You'll get a MUCH newer Vette than 2001 for £20K. You could be looking 2003-ish...

[sayerbloke]

Colvette said:

You'll get a MUCH newer Vette than 2001 for £20K. You could be looking 2003-ish...

There aren't many C5s on Autotrader at the moment, but for something like a 2003 model, it seems they're asking for more like £25K.

So that raises a new question; how receptive do you think most dealers would be to haggling over the price?

Apart from Autotrader, Chris Graham and the PH classifieds, are there any other good sites to keep an eye on for C5s up for sale?

[Colvette]

Well, I'm onto my 3rd C5 now (4th Corvette), and I paid **significantly** less than 20K for my 2001 40K 'vette.

[ParkLane]

I should have a 24000 mile 2000 C5 coming in at the end of the month, significatly below £20000. (potentially with a little room to haggle, depending on what I need to spend on it to get it spot on for the next owner)

email me.

James

Edited by ParkLane on Thursday 15th March 13:56

[anonymous-user]

As always, buy on condition. You should find decent C5s ('99 or later) from about £16k private or a bit more in the trade. Older/cheaper ones probably not ideal for a first-timer. Convertible might be around £1,500 more than a coupe.

[vetteheadracer]

I will be putting my 2003 Z06 (the blue one) up for sale when I return from the US. Looking for £26,995 or your best offers. The car has a new Red Top Optima battery and apart from a shorty antenna and a padded Z06 centre console cover it is completely stock. Brand new rear tyres and 40,000 miles.

P.S. The plate is included in the price.

[UK_WS6]

Colvette said:

Bowler said:

Guy’s

I’m sure that with over 25,000 posts on this Forum alone, then someone has already asked this question, so please bear with me, as a newbie

Later this year I’m looking to buy a used C5 (preferably a convertible).

My budget (~£20k) means that I’ll be looking at models that are older than 2001. This will be a mid-life crisis/toy car for weekends only, so I’ll be doing no more than 3k to 4k miles pa.

My dilemma is that I’ve never owned a Corvette (or for that matter an American), so I know little about the do’s and don’ts when looking for a decent one.

I’ve looked at importing from the States, but (to me) the only benefits are a bigger choice of models/colours and generally lower mileages for their age, with little (total)cost difference, when everything is included.

In short, is there anywhere I can go to get some sound/help or advice when in comes to making sure that I don’t end up with a lemon?

If this has been posted or extemsively discussed before, can I have link to the Topic

Thanks in advance

You'll get a MUCH newer Vette than 2001 for £20K. You could be looking 2003-ish...

If you find a 2003 convertible for 20k then there is some thing seriously wrong with it.

the right area is 24k and up