There is a C5 in the Corvette museum with 700,000 miles on it. Original motor. No issues. It's all in how you maintain ANY vehicle. Don't be scared of buying a c5 or c 6. They are great fun cars.
I am no mechanic yet I installed my own supercharger kit, secondary fuel system, and upgraded the radiator by myself. The C5 is so easy to work on in my opinion. I have run 8 lbs of boost with 472 RWHP on a stock 4l60E for 52,000 miles with no problems
Once again, great advice. I knew about the tire age issue, but with the 2001 C5 that I bought a few months back, I didn't think to actually check what the seller had said, because the tires looked so recent. I just now went downstairs and checked the dates. The fronts are 2019 which gels with what he said. But the rears, which he didn't mention the age of - just said still lots of tread - are 2006!!! Guess where I'm taking the car as soon as I get the chance to take it out next! Thanks again!
Man after watching this video. I feel like id never be able to own a corvette. But ill keep my faith in God. Thanks to you i know now it has to be a 01-02 corvette if it is one.
As an owner of a C6 GS convertible, I try to listen to anyone that has educated information.. you always pick up a tidbit from them. Nice post! Thank you!
Thank you for your intelligent response. The Corvette market is not a typical car market, and prices can fluctuate wildly in different parts of the country. I am happy that you enjoy our channel! Lyle
I recently purchased a '99 C5 convertible with books, records and Carfax with only 7500 miles. It had all fluids replaced and new tires a year and a half ago. All of the work was done at the dealership except the battery that appears to be new. I spent my career (I'm retired) in used cars. I'm sure, for it's age, this is the closest to new over 20 year old car I've ever seen. If you consider the book, I know I paid too much.
I'm 27 and have owned 2 C5 Vettes and plan on owning several more! Great video, keep it up. It's always great to see another Corvette enthusiast who knows what he's talking about...
@@ketchup9187 I agree with Josh. really once you get over the 75k range the problems definetly start coming up. a C5 just went here for 13k and had 70k+ miles.. which is absolutely ridiculous. Im right near Kentucky too some of the lowest priced Vettes in the country here but it is the owners and dealerships overvaluing used vettes
Have to mention the first 3 issues before the radiator are present on all models prior to 2001 and some early 2001 models. Anything past that those issued aren't present, but still good informative video thank you for making this!
Ok this is not the video but on one you shared a Bluetooth plug in device. Well, GREAT ADVICE! I ordered one for my C5 and love it. Best $16.99 I’ve ever spent. Thanks for the tip.
Very informative. Anyone considering the purchase of a C5 or C6 should heed your advice. These generations are now getting old and just like any older car, tread carefully. My advice is to have a mechanic inspect any potential C5 or C6 purchase for peace of mind. One must look underneath to see many issues.
I couldn't agree more. We BEG our customers to let us look at any Corvette they are considering so we can help them avoid the many, expensive problems that these cars can have with age.
I have recently been looking at lots of videos about C4,C5 and C6 Corvettes with the intension of buying one . After a number pf these videos describing all the potential problems and the costs to fix them combined with the fact that these cars are now getting seriously old, I have decided that I really can't afford one. Thanks for the information.
Fantastic information. Just liked and subscribed. My goal is to eventually purchase a C6 in the next year or two. This decision is based upon financial cost vs fun factor. My goal is to gather as much knowledge before leaping in. This video is a prime example of the need for this knowledge to lessen the hit on the wallet as well as over all enjoyment factor. Thank you. I look forward to watching and sharing more of this type of content.
Great video and thanks! Magnetic ride control shocks can also be expensive your video on this is helpful too. At the end of the day if you find a loved garaged C5 or C6, chances are you going to love the car. A comparable Mercedes or other foo foo foreign job, keep in mind they cost a lot more to maintain,and no cool factor! USA USE USA!!
Thanks for doing these videos. I am a mechanic but I know nothing about Corvettes and I really would like to have one. Now, at least I have some information to help me decide what to buy.
2005 c6 with 85k miles owner and never had one issue with this car. Of course people who beat up they're cars and dont stay on top of them are gonna have all kinds of issues. From oil change to even washing the vehicle. So yea, I believe every car manufacturer have they're ups and downs in all vehicles. Good video
Great video with much needed information. I have subscribed and will go through many of your videos. I just began doing my research into buying a good used Vette that will be my "Let's see the country" vehicle. Not a daily driver but for several days at a time with many miles. I hope to learn more from your videos. Thanks for the good info.
I wish these prices were still accurate. I have a 2000 C5 Corvette but I've been wanting to upgrade to a LS3 C6. Back then I could have gotten one for low 20's but now it's hard to find one near me for under 30K.
Thank you sir for the post 😎... I found it very informative and helpful in my decision making on a purchase of a C 5 Corvette convertible , thanks again👍
Jonathan I sold mine quickly after some of these issues began to arise, It was an ‘04 with 27k original miles on her. Low miles didn’t matter as it was ultimately typical GM garbage. Goodbye and good riddance.....I’ll take aGerman engineered six cylinder and day, instead.
Where does this guy get a C6 for $14,000. This is Feb. 2021 and all I see are C6's going for $20,000 to $25,000. This Idiot doesn't know shit about values of a C6.
Corvettes are no different from a Mustang, Hell Cat, or a Malibu. Condition and previous owners play a role in the real value. Don't let the vid scare you. I got an 02 Z06 with 65K and it runs as good as the day it left the factory.
Pulleys, belts, balancer, headlight assembly gears (replace with the bronze gears, since GM used plastic), I drive my C5 every day and had to replace the trans at about 140k miles, pcm and tac module is being done now. Get good tires, maybe upgrade suspension, get a cold air intake. Tune the car if possible. Check the weather stripping and the gasket seals where oil can leak. Check rear diff for leaks also.
I always get butterflies in my stomach when I click this channel! Like what's going to fail first on my new to me C5 . I own a 2000 convertible I'm mint condition with 40,000 original miles and I keep clicking on this Corvette doom channel...I understand your trying to help but it's seriously painfully wondering what's going to wreck my day!
Steven, it isn't doom or an attempt to scare people...it is an attempt to educate people to recognize various failures early so that they don't become larger issues down the road. ALL mechanical things break at some point, the goal is to catch them before they fail catastrophically. Lyle
@@stevenjacobs6934 It can be scary, but being aware is a great advantage. Also, this is why I could never own an airplane--the list of possible problems is ridiculous! :) Lyle
This issue is so true, regarding all used vehicles! When I bought my 09 Yamaha FZ6 bike (at a dealership) it was 3,500(easily the best deal in the country) ... Right away I needed new tires, spark plugs, oil change(did myself), and who knows what else will come up. After a few 1000 it had major trouble running even though looks like new. Gonna be more like 4,500 in actual cost. The bike runs fine now BTW.
Awesome video....i just bought a 1999 C5 Coupe.....i was looking for over 8 months to find the right one....i have 3 issues...1 is I'm about to change out the entire gauge cluster due to a short in mine ..2 is the dim light on the dual climate control...3 is a grinding sound in the passenger side headlight....but I do have stuff ordered for all the fixes......BTW...Got the car for 7k with 80k miles.....ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS CAR.....1 OWNER.... But now you make me want to sell it...LMAO
after watching your video i feel pretty lucky knowing i had a tech working on my car on his or her good day. Im the 2nd owner to a 2003 Z06 Corvette with now 175k miles and still runs strong. only mods are american racing headers. haltech air intake and recent tune up
I also have a 2003 Z06! Great Car! We have several customers with over 300000 miles on their C5's, and as long as you change fluids regularly, yours will last for a very, very long time. Thanks for watching! Lyle
Hi Lyle, I was watching your video on buying a C5 and considering the cost of repairs. I bought a 2000 C5 about a year ago and it has been a great car. It has 49,000 miles and I'm the 3rd owner. I'm 70 yrs. old and the person I purchased it from is about the same. The reason I mention that is to say the car has been taken very good care of and driven conservatively . There has been some issues that you mention that have been taken care of. Recently when I start the car and is driven about a mile the service active handling light comes on. When I turn it off and restart it the light is off again but comes back on again in a mile or so. I have codes 28-TCS 1243 and 1295 and BO-RFA 1064. The car feels fine to me, like I said I drive like an old man Lol. I wish there was a repair center here in Delaware like yours. I could take it to Chevy but I know it's going to be big $ no matter what they find, but I may have no choice. My question is would you have any knowledge about a trust worthy Corvette repair shop in Delaware? or could you give me any advice how to investigate this issue? Sorry so long winded. Anyway I enjoy your channel very much. Thanks for your time, Jim
Own 2 C5’s. Enjoy your Corvette. If the ECBM or Active Handling fail, then you are driving without these safety nannies. Just like my 1966 and other Corvettes I owned. Drive wisely and all is fine. Drive hard, go to a track. All old cars require attention. When I bought my two C5’s, I immediately replaced the run flat tires with non-run flats. Unbelievably smooth riding. Best of luck with your C5. Forgot to mention, the electronics are dependent on excellent batteries. Replaced those too as with the tires.
Guess I got lucky buying a 2000 C5 convertible with 43,000 miles for 18,000 from a co-worker who had five Corvettes that he babied. I replaced the clutch and solved the problem with the steering column security issue. Now have 53,000 miles on the car. Runs and looks great. It doesn’t get driven much, but it has been relatively cheap to maintain.
this is priceless! Thanks for all the tips... my plan is get into a C6 GS or base model a few years from now... The used GS’s near the $30k mark now depending on condition & mieage.... Maybe 3-4 years from now they will drop... NEw Subscriber
I would also add when looking for problems is check the gas tank for leaks. If you smell gas it is more than likely due to manufacture defect in the driver side tank. Expensive fix for sure.
A lot of times it is just the fuel line fitting. If you smell gas and have no visible leak, take the drivers side rear wheel off, sticke your head under the wheel well and look up. Most times that is the problem and is a cheap fix.
Hi Lyle, I talked to you about my 1998 C5 after the Transmission shop thought my Torque Tube needed to be replaced or the Harmonic Balancer. The shop owner kept my car another week to check it out his self & found my exhaust was touching in 4 places, so the vibration was traveling through the metal. Was glad to find out it wasn't the torque tube but I know it will need to be replaced soon I'm sure from what you have said. Also glad it wasn't the Harmonic balancer which I have replaced about 2 years ago at the Dealership which cost big for labor to get to it. But they fixed the exhaust issue & so far sounds fine. Thanks for all the info.
I've been doing a lot of research on C5 and it seems they are plagued with bugs. I just researched a new radiator you can get a full aluminum radiator for less than 300 bucks. Wheel bearings are very cheap to. Found one for 80 bucks a piece. Abcm modules can be rebuilt for less than 200.
I bought a 98 automatic/ convertible for 18k (Canadian). It had 55k (miles) and runs like a Rolex. The only problem I have is the oil gauge is always on low. To repair it I have to almost rip the engine apart because the issue is below the manifold. For me I only drive it from mid April until the end of October. I change the oil as soon as I take it out and don’t worry about it until the following year. For me it was worth every penny.
Dom: All you have to do is remove the intake manifold to access the oil pressure sender at the rear of the block--it is a very simple job and takes about 2 hours to complete. If you have mechanical skill, don't let this job worry you...it is not technically difficult. DO make sure to replace the intake manifold gaskets while you are in there to prevent vacuum leaks!
I had no idea how affordable these cars were till I looked it up last week. I have an old mustang gt that’s treated me well so I’m hoping i can have the same luck with an older corvette.
Caveat. Other issues I had with my C5 convertible. Almost all driver seats will have rips. The HVAC electronic display will go out. the unit can be replaced or the resistors resoldered when its removed. The driver side valve cover should be replace with the newer valve covers with the built in PCV. Oil always seem to get into the intake. Converting from the LS1 PCV system and using the LS6 valley cover can tremendously reduce this problem. Some C5 corvettes have had the heads up display go out. If the left or right turn signal stop flashing properly its because the hazard switch is the main relay for the left or right turn signals as well. Every blue moon the car will display reduce engine power. Sensor on the throttle body. Had to replace the model that causes the car to stall if it went over 5 miles an hour. It will say Pull key, wait 10 seconds. This was a recall. the module under the passenger side right pop up headlight will go out. The lights will not pop up correctly. Some pop up headlight modules can fail because of the plastic gear inside breaks. Driver side seat can break where the seat will not go up or down with the switch or possibly forward or backwards. Lots of minor issues. I owned mine for 13 years and spite all of those issues to include having to rebuild the engine. I still love the car overall.
Thanks Derrick! If you want my advice, favor the C5 over the C6...extremely similar driving experience, but far less electronic gadgetry to give you problems in the long run. Also, less money up front. Good luck! Lyle
I am in Southern CA also, and have been monitoring prices for C5s on craigslist, and they sure seem very over priced. Many are very high mileage with their share of problems and people are asking a whole lot for them.
@@beezull Well, I'm shocked to not see handfuls of solid examples under $10k thats for sure. They are old cars and look old, the interior is ancient. For instance you can buy Porsche Boxsters from the same era for MUCH cheaper, and that simply doesn't make any sense. You can find dozens for under $10k from the same year and condition ranges as these C5 vettes so it's strange.
@@drewmorg. Big fan of Boxsters but that bearing issue they have is super expensive. What I value with Corvette's is they are super easy to fix and work on. Not to mention the engine! MPG's are through the roof when I go touring around. Porsche has comparable MPG's but they are also over 100 less hp. Car's are suppose to be fun! I still do want a Boxster but I need another garage!
I wish I would have found your channel before buying my 2001. It has 91,700 miles on it and while it's a beauty, it does have some issues (as we have spoken about). My advantage is I can do my own work but if parts are getting hard to find that will be a problem. Plus I paid much more than your figures. Yikes.
You aren't. I didn't make this video to warn people away from C5's, I made it to educate folks about how to avoid a problematic one. For 20 year old GM products, they are excellent vehicles that will go 300k miles if they are taken care of. Let me know if you have specific issues that you need help with. Lyle
I bought a used 2005 vette 2 months ago low mi 37000 1 owner it is in great shape having a great time so far top speed 110 lack of space to let it out also changed top back to regular see though was making a tapping noise from being loose , still like it handles great on turns . Only problem is with Chevy plastic interior & quit non sport muffler
Hi Jim! The exhaust issue is very easy to fix, so it's just a matter of cost and sound preference. The plastic interior....yeah, not much to be done about that. But I have always just accepted the interior quality as the necessary trade-off for world-class handling and speed for economy car pricing. Lyle
What!??? A 7-9K for a C5 and 14K for a C6! Up here in Canada$(CAD) a C5 is about 18K to 24K and a C6 is 24 to 32K. I'm going to go shop south of the border when I have enough cash. Even with an airplane ticket, exchange rate, duty fees, safety inspection and 4-5 days to drive it back it's going to be thousands and thousands in saving and as a bonus a road trip in a sorts car.
I was thinking the same thing. Im in Toronto area. I wonder what the hoops are to jump through to make this happen...and all the small details like certain saftey issues to get through and how taxes work...as well hiw to bring it back up (probably a trailer is needed or can it be driven off the lot?). If you find out more info about that kind of stuff please let me know if you're so unclined. Hell that would be a really cool road trip.
You were talking about a module that’s super hard to get and isn’t even made anymore. When you first started talking about it, you said for the ‘97 - mid 2000s models. I’m a bit confused......doesn’t that basically cover the entire C5? Great video though. I’m just torn between a C5, which you can find cheaper now, or a C6, which I used to own. I really loved that C6. Mashed the Thumbs Up and Subscribed.
Video was clear and concise. You should make a video on how to make RU-vid videos and they should force everyone who has a RU-vid account to follow those rules ha. Anyway, considering a C6 Z06 myself if I can find a decent one. I was told 06/07 does not have the issue with the heads? I may end up just doing a head/cam setup to eliminate the issue regardless. 600whp sounds fun.
Thank you for your kind comments. We take pride in making our videos the way that we do. :) The C6 Z06 is a very potent car to begin with, so adding performance makes them a monster. I am not aware of the particulars year-to-year on the LS7, so I can't comment on which years are better than others. I hope you find the right car for you--that's what is important! Lyle
Antony, any special car that is 10 years old or older is going to be expensive to maintain. The flip side of that coin is that you get what was a $50K car when it was new for $12K with plenty of life left in it. :) Thanks for watching! Lyle
@@csvette maybe I should stick with my short wheel base Z71 pickup truck. I know this is apples and oranges but There is absolutely nothing that you can think of on that truck that I can't replace for $1000 bucks. Including motor/transmissions/cab/bed/ and anything that bolts to them 😀
Your numbers are off...the only C5s and C6s going for that little are automatic, high miles, and/or non-clear title or accidents. Hagerty tracks prices overall for each model, go look at their stats.
The prices I mentioned in the video are accurate for our market here in FL. We do tend to have higher miles as we drive our cars year-round. I am aware that there are differences between markets and it is entirely possible that my numbers are low for your market or the national average.
Sad,... thats the rock bottom prices here in Az...and of course I pald double that, when buying my used c5's...6 yrs. ago...and it gets even worse on a trade in...so I kept them.
Had this issue on my c5.. after mechanics throwing parts at it, turned out to b3 a short in the passenger door. The accordion looking thing has wires that runs in it. The wire arc at the connections and cause all kinds of weird electrical problems.. and the ecbm was out and I just drove it only think I noticed was the code on dash , it didn’t affect the car at all
You are exactly right, Ben! I should do a video just on this issue alone. With age, the sheath on the wires in the harness shrink and pull back from the plug by about 1/16th of an inch...add to that the condensation that forms in those rubber junction tubes and POOF instant electrical issues. We see it all the time--to the point that we routinely coat the wires going into the plugs with liquid tape any time we have reason to be in there. Great point! Thanks! Lyle
Makes me not to want a C5 now. hard to believe the aftermarket isn't thriving with all these unobtainium parts for a car that sold almost a quarter million over 8 years with very little change.
The C5 is an very hearty and reliable car as long as it is properly maintained. We have customers here in in FL with well over 300k on the clock, and they still drive them every day. My caution regarding C5's and C6's is choosing one that has been well-maintained so that you don't end up with a few thousand dollars worth of "deferred maintenance". :)
Mechanics like him are used to scaring the average joe just a bit too much about lots of crap that happens to any car. But consider the value and performance a c5 or 6 has over any other car on the road for what they sell for and there is Zero comparison. I have 3 of which only one is under 80k and they all run great but do have some petty electrical issues with worn solenoids ,switches etc. All cheap to replace. And yes I was a corvette mechanic for 12 years.
@@richknudsen5781 Most potential C5/C6 buyers in my market are not capable of doing the simple and cheap repairs themselves, so even small and simple repairs require a professional to complete. I'm not trying to scare anyone away from buying a C5/C6...that would be kinda dumb considering working on those cars and selling parts for those cars is how I feed my family. I just want to be as forthcoming as possible to potential owners about possible problems so that they might avoid them from the outset.
@@richknudsen5781 he's not trying to fear into our heads but rather valuable information as to what to look out for and or how to adjust your price paid as a result..that simple as I value his input
You can, but with the age of the cars now there is a benefit to replacing the intake manifold gaskets as part of the job. Glad you were able to complete the repair with no trouble doing it your way! :) Lyle
Recently got a garage queen minty torch red 99 vert with 47k on it, paid 13k which was certainly fair, the car was mint, almost none of the issues mentioned luckily but after driving it about 2k miles, balancer is letting go luckily not scraping anything, shocks are a bit underwhelming so going to bilsteins, springs in good shape, mounts ok but will be replaced incl trans, rack has a weep, other than that ive replaced tires, sway bar links and bushings, belts, hoses, park brake adjust, every fluid including clutch fully replaced. replace battery and inspect under box for old acid damage no found, had to re solder the hvac display, got rid of skip shift, disabled steering lock, spent an hour blowing out the radiator twice in 6 months the amount of crap it picks up is appalling but not leaking yet, and charged the a/c, nothing to make me feel I paid too much. car runs along very very well, has been well looked after and will continue to be. no plans to add power becuase im too lazy to add all the supporting mods, im happy with it. the point of it is even when the car looks phenomenal, theres gonna be plenty of things that need doing which i was well prepared to do and if youre not then youre looking at the wrong cars.
I just bought a 2013 single owner, dealership serviced, 1LT manual with 14k miles for $29k. Thinking I got a good deal because I contacted the internet sales manager and she told me the car was $29k, but the salesman and his manager had the car priced at $32K. After some arguing, they agreed to honor the price I was quoted. Hopefully I don't end up with a bad fuel tank or sender issues.
How’s the car doing a year later? About to buy a 2013 GS 3LT for $35,000 with 15k…a local elderly woman is selling the vette after her husband passed away last year.
@@LayneSteighlee Doing great, no problems in the past 10k miles I've put on her. I'd jump on that! $35k for a '13 GS 3lt with 15k miles is a steal, prices are thru the roof right now and I've seen many C6 owners selling because of it. I checked Carvana the other day and they offered me $26k.
Lyle, do upgrades do anything to the value of a C5? For example Borla exhaust, aftermarket headlights, new seat covers, and aftermarket radio/media. I'm also thinking for the front cornering lights that I've seen you talk about. I have kept all the original parts.
I’ve got a C3 that I daily drive but it’s been gone thru everything pretty much is new. Modern 350 fuel injected motor and a 5 spd manual. If you try to depend on an original with a ton of miles on it they aren’t very reliable.
Hey Phillip! That is common problem with the C6 cars...there is an easy and inexpensive fix for that problem as long as you don't mind losing the park-lock feature. There is a small plastic pawl that pivots into place behind the shifter to keep it in park. All one has to do is secure it away from the shifter with a zip tie and the problem is solved in about 20 minutes and zero dollars. :)
Hello, I really enjoy your videos very informative. I may have a question you may have never been asked, I really like the body style of the 03 and 04 Z06’s but they are all manual. Being an older guy, I just don’t want to shift gears so I was considering switching it to an automatic. Can it but done without some major cost and butchering? Any help in this would be greatly appreciated. Joaquin.
Hi Joaquin! It can certainly be done, but it will be expensive. The computer changes that would be required to allow the transmission to shift properly while still running the LS6 as it was designed are beyond my technical knowledge. There would not need to be any structural body or floorpan changes, so that is good news. If it is the body style you like so much, you may find it less expensive to put a Z06 roof and ducts on a C5 Convertible. You won't have the extra horses, but you can buy that in a nice automatic and color of your choice, then simply add the Z06 Roof (painted to match) to the car. Let me know what other questions you may have. Lyle
When I purchase my Corvette they had to run flat tires on it I replacing with original tires because I was too dangerous to drive the tires probably about 20 years old
C6 buyers beware of fuel module/pump - make sure you don’t smell fuel from the cabin & driver side. Make sure you fill the tank to full and no smell. Costly issue after the fact. $2700 from Chevy.
For less than $20 bucks you can buy a Tire Durometer on ebay or amazon that will tell you if the tires on your car or potential car have work hardened to the point of being crap for handling. So do not let that be a tuff one to get over. $20 bucks,,Nuff Said.
I’d rather rely on the wisdom of my own eyes and the date stamped on the tire to tell it’s age than a cheap Chinese throwaway circuit board in a plastic case. Technology is really making people lazy these days.
