copter

I hang out in the C3 area for obvious reasons.My wife saw a C5 on a "upper end" used car lot.(if there is such a thing)anyway shes interested in a C5.I went by and took a quick look on the way to work.It's a 1998 red six speed, 60,000 miles. Looks to be in real good shape.Interior looks perfect(black) body seems great.They want $23,000 for it.Is this a good price and what should I look for when I go back and go over it better and test drive it.Thanks.I drive an 82CE so I'm not very knowladgeable on the C5.

VA CORVETTE 757

Say 21,500 and you will buy it. Check the alignment, Carfax it, make sure when you drive it that the shifter does not drop out of gear. Change the wagon wheels off of it when you buy it!!

screw991le

To much for 60k on the clock and a 98, IMO

Humanoid 2.0

If you shop around you can get a newer one with less miles for that same price.

CUlookin

MacA1979

For the quality of these Corvettes, it is worth every penny of $23,000!! However, the market is in the dumps right now and you can steal these cars for much less than they are worth! I would say that around $20k is the going rate for what you have described!!

copter

Thanks,I figured I'd offer $20,000 if I like it.Whats up with it comming out of gear.Bad sycro's?

KamPow3r

Umm you can prolly get a `99 with much lower miles for 23k. I would go to kbb.com and print out what the private party value is and show him that price and go from there. You should be able to get about 19,500-20,000. Right now that seems a little to high for a 1998. I try getting it for 18,500 with the miles. IMO

-Kam

FiberglassFan

For that miles in a 98, 18,700 to 19, 200...Unless there is something of high value, like NEW tires at about $1,200 a set, or new rotors and pads.... not turned rotors, NEW rotors. I bought a 98 about 3 months ago and did a HUGE amount of value research, tracked wholesale auctions for several months and talked at length with a friend who is a General Manager of a huge dealership on reasonable margins. We paid 20 even, with 2 new rear tires $780.00, 4 new rotors and new pads, at $ several hundred, and new plugs & wires. I figured a realistic value for a 'good condition' car and factored in the value of stuff we would have to spend $$ on in a short time frame anyway and went to the table They were asking 24 grand, got them to 20 with all the new stuff. Get a Carfax report and ask about service records..look for clutch replacement in the recent past...You might be needing a clutch sometime soon if not, a bargaining chip in your favor.

Good luck

Vetteman Jack

I agree the price is too high. Around $19K sounds about right. Have the car checked for such things as leaking differentials, has the column lock recall been done, alignment, brakes, rocking seats, and all the other usual stuff you look for in a used car. Good luck with finding a car.

For the $23K, you could probably find a nice '99 that has a few more options like the HUD and perhaps active handling.

lavla

Don't feel that this is the "last car in the world" and that you have to have "this one". Give them a number (something less than you feel comfortable saying) and don't make excuses for the offer. Good luck!!

Patches

Good offer. Popping out of gear could be synchros or bad slave. I'd pass on this one. If you do forge on with your C5 search, here's a used C5 buyer's guide to help you along.

Best of luck in your search.

Used C5 Buyer's Checklist

Check for the rocking seat, leaky rear end, headlight motors, and if it is a 6-speed get the column lock bypass kit if it is not installed already. After that, this should get you started

Documentation available? Window Sticker Build Sheet
Are maintenance records available?
Who maintained the car and where
Are maintenance or upgrade receipts available?
How many previous owners have there been?
Can the former owners be contacted?

Is it currently registered?
Does it have a current inspection sticker?
Will it pass state inspection?
Are there any modifications?
If equipped with standard transmission, has the clutch ever been replaced? If so, what mileage?
Has the car ever been in an accident or had bodywork done?
Has the car been kept garaged?
What have been the average driving conditions? (Sun only, rain, snow?)
Does the car need anything now?

Body Condition
1. Does the car sit level?
2. Check body panels for uniformity.
3. Check for body damage. Look at: Wheel wells, floor pan, rear hatch front and rear valance, fenders, quarter panels, uniform body molding. Check for paint over-spray in: headlights, gas door, door jams, fender skirts, engine compartment?. Is there evidence of body damage?
4. Is the paint oxidized
5. Has the car ever been repainted?
6. If so, why, by whom, and how long ago?
7. Does sides of the car appear aligned?
8. Are there any waves or stress cracks in the fiberglass?
9. Are there any dings or stone chips in the paint?
10. Are there any cracks or chips in the windshield or side and rear glass?
11. Do the doors open and close normally?
12. Do the doors and trunk lock and unlock correctly with the key?
13. Do the doors and trunk (if applicable) lock/unlock correctly with remote key FOB
14. Does the rear hatch glass open properly? From inside?
15. Do the struts hold the rear hatch?
16. Does the hood release work?
17. Does the color match the trim tag color code?
18. Are there missing badges, or moldings?

Chassis & Suspension
1. Are the tires in good condition?
2. Is tire wear uniform.
3. Are the wheels stock?
4. Are the wheels in good condition?
5. Are the brake rotors in good condition? (check for cracks or scarring)
6. Are there any wet spots under the car?
7. Are the rubber axle boots in good condition?
8. Inspect the tie rod ends and ball joints.
9. Inspect the shocks. Dry Wet If the shocks appear to be wet, they may be leaking and in need of repair.
10. Is the exhaust in good condition?

Interior Condition
1. Are all door, hatch, and top seals in good condition?
2. (If applicable) Is the ratchet wrench for the targa top there?
3. Are the seats clean? Torn or cracked? Worn?
4. xxxxx
5. Is the carpet clean? Worn?
6. Can you adjust the mirrors?
7. Does the interior light work? Does it work with the doors?
8. Is the dash in good condition?
9. Is the center console in good condition?
10. Does the glove compartment door work properly?
11. Do the windshield wipers function properly?
12. Does the overall interior condition match the mileage?
13. If equipped, does the tilt wheel work properly?
14. If equipped does the alarm work?

Engine Evaluation
1. Is the oil clean? Dark or black colored oil indicates a change is necessary and may be indicative of past maintenance trends.
2. When was the last oil change? ______________ Overdue?
3. Check for a leaking oil pan gasket.
4. Check for a leaking front/rear main seal.
5. Check the master cylinder and slave cylinder for leakage.
6. Check all coolant lines for leakage.
7. Check the coolant in the reservoir. A brown frothy mixture in the reservoir usually indicates oil and water mixing in the oil filter/cooler housing.
8. Inspect the fuel lines going to the fuel rail for brittleness or cracking.
9. Inspect the plug wires for brittleness or cracking.
10. Inspect the brake fluid for color. Black colored brake fluid indicates a change is necessary.
11. Is the air filter clean?
12. Is the engine bay clean and neat? All hoses / wiring in correct place?

Engine Operation
1. Does the car start properly?
2. The car should have a steady idle.
3. (If equipped) Check the ECM (computer)? Engine Codes recorded?
4. Is the oil pressure normal?
5. Engine coolant temperature: Normal? 6. Is there valve chatter or excessive engine noise? Yes No
7. Is there excessive engine vibration at idle or revving? (can indicate bad motor mount).
8. With the engine running, listen for leaks at the exhaust manifolds and exhaust.
9. Does the heat work?
10. Does the AC work? Is the compressor quiet?
11. Does the AC / heater blow at each speed?
12. Does the radio work properly (tape and CD if applicable)?
13. If equipped, does the power antenna work?
14. If equipped, do the power windows and door locks work?
15. Does the defroster work properly?
16. Do all ***** / controls function correctly?
17. Do all of the gauges / dashboard lights work properly?

Test Drive Evaluation
1. Does the parking brake work properly?
2. How does the brake pedal feel?
The following 3 questions assume manual transmission:
3. How does the clutch pedal feel? Firm Soft
4. Does the clutch operate in a smooth quiet manner?
5. Does the shifter seem tight?
6. Are there any squeaks / noises (specially over rough roads)?
7. Is the steering smooth and responsive?
8. When going straight is the wheel straight? Does the car drift to one side?
9. Brake with your hands off the wheel does the car stop straight?
10. At highway speeds does the car pull, or shake / shimmy?
11. Does the cruise control work properly?
12. Is there exceptional wind noise?
13. If equipped, does the ABS system function properly?
14. If equipped, does the Traction control system function properly?
15. If equipped, does the Selective Ride Control function properly?

Miscellaneous
1. Is the battery in good condition?
2. Do all lights / signals work correctly? Headlights (high and low beams)?, Brake lights? Parking/Side Marker Lights? Turn Signals?

Ron Dittmer

If this car is for your wife, she might like an automatic better. The automatic on the C5 is very well engineered. The programed shift points and over-all behavior has had great reviews. I personally think the automatic is extremely impressive.

When shopping, consider a 2001 or newer. The 01 has more torque and hp. The press releases and reviews on the 2001 state the automatic with the performance axle ratio is faster than previous years with the manual.

But a very good deal on an 01 coupe is $25,000 with say 30,000 miles, and all the other options. That might be more than you want to spend.

If your are looking to buy cheaper, the 97-00 are still fantastic cars. The improvements are not night and day differences.

Ron

screw991le

Funny thats why I got an Auto. The wife. I rather have a 6 speed. But the wife drives the vette probally twice a year. Oh well.

copter

Well my Wife wants the manual trans.She is a car girl thank God.I did go buy and test drove it.Had a few rattles and what seemed like more cowl shake that my 82CE.The car is a coupe.I think I'll pass on this one and get a newer one with less miles.Your right, it's not the only vette in town.I'd rather spend more to get more.Money isn't a problem as long as we stay in the 20's.

AdamC5

You could definitely find one with lower miles and newer year for 23k

Stock Man

Patches Used C5 buyers guide is great. It's in the archive now. If I ever want another one it'll be printed out. Thanks Patches.

GrayC5

Good luck finding the right new ride!