PGann

Or is it just "me"? Or have all the "others" like me already moved on? Serious questions, looking for serious answers.

I bought a '98 A4 Coup with 37,000 mi. a little over 2.5 years ago. Have put another 15,000 mi. on it. Always wanted a Vette, decided to get a "newer" model that I could "drive anywhere" rather than an older car that I'd be working on all the time and never have confidence to travel anywhere in.

The only issues I've had are 1) "reduced engine power" on two separate occasions when I've been far from home. In both cases, clearing the codes got me home without anymore trouble. After the 2nd time I went thru all the grounds from the "A" pillars forward as well as putting corrosion inhibitor on all electrical connectors in the engine bay - thanks Bill Curlee. Problem never happened again since. 2) "pull key and wait" several times. Everytime this has happened, it's been when I've killed the car, pulled the key out and put it right back in too quick to restart. 3) "a really, really slow leak" in a rear tire that I finally found a tiny finishing nail in and got repaired. 4) Most recently, "low fuel" gas gage idiocy that I'm still waiting to see if gobs of Techron will cure without untold $ or headaches. Other than that, I installed a CLB per all the warnings here right after I bought the car without ever having any problems at all with the column lock.

I had about decided most of the problems I initially read about here were mainly with cars that had been heavily modified. I still think that causes some of the problems, but it is clear that there are still plenty of potential problems with these cars that have nothing to do with mods, some I've already mentioned. Others: oil pressure sender, expensive tire pressure sensors that can crap out at anytime, a multitude of electrical and computer(s) mishaps, burps and farts that can make you dead in the water, stranded far from home and facing expensive towing/trailering.

This only scratches the surface. I know I'm forgetting to mention others that have been documented here. Bottom line, even though my ownership experience has been fairly uneventful so far, everytime I read the stuff on this Forum I get sick at my stomach. I've always worked on my own cars, and I have no doubt that the wealth of information "here" might be able in the future to guide me to "truth and light" in doing my own repairs; but my question is "at what cost" because everything about these cars is so expensive even when you do the work yourself. God forbid anything major would happen that you have to take it somewhere (no, not the dealer, please...) to get it "fixed". My worst fear is a steadily depreciating (expensive) car that I have to keep dumping more and more money + time and effort into just to keep it functioning, and the hole just gets deeper and deeper. I cannot find any fun in that. I have not mentioned mine is getting close to needing tires too ($1000-$1500 down the tube, keeps it running but adds no value to it at all).

I think the thrill is gone for me, I wish that was not true, but it is. I've lost confidence in being able to get in this car and go out of town without worrying if it will get me back home. I just don't have confidence in the C5 anymore based on the things I routinely read here. My other vehicles are a 2000 GMC pickup and an '04 Trailblazer that I never, ever even think twice about and have had no problems with. Why is owing Chevy's flagship performance dream vehicle such a potential PITA?

Is it just me?

FLATOUT

The styling of the C6 just does nothing for me at all. I keep trying and trying to find angles I like but nothing.

I still love the C5 for what a great performance bargain it currently is. It's a great starting platform for mod crazy guys like me.

Andy

Ryan L

Your car was almost like an exotic when it came out in 1997 and now it's more of a 'normal car.' We'd all love a shiny new C6, but I bet that will be just as boring and bothersome in 2018. It's all relative I guess.

Silverbullet00

Don't want to jinx myself, but I have had NO problems so far and I have put 20K on my 2000! Sorry you are feeling the way you do!

fr0stb1t3

I was, then I spent an entire day just working on it. Focused on just the car and nothing else. Knocked out my problems in no time flat and renewed my love for the car.

Yes, I envy the C6's a bit, I personally really like their styling. But for the $$$ it doesn't get much better than this.

leadfoot_mf

stop reading all those posts then seriously. try watching some of the shows on the discovery health channel then you can worry about yourself instead of the car.

mine is about to turn 100k i would still jump in it and head out across the country with out hesitation.

It is also far from stock.

To each his own. Good luck on your next ride.

Whiteonrice

I think you should move on. Good thing you don't read forums for your other vehicles, you'd be sick all the time. It's a car, a machine that's going to have problems. Some have more than others. If I thought about what might go wrong every time I did something I wouldn't leave the house. BTW I drive a supercharged 2002 coupe.

Rick

dobewillie

I just love my c5 its just the best no matter what the general comes out with just my feeling

WildTurkey

C5

leadfoot_mf

I bought mine with 82k on it in 4/2005 now it has 99885 on it most of those miles have been in the mountains beating on it.

the only thing i have had to do to it was replace the valve springs (wear) and o2 sensor header burned the plug.

now the power steering pump is going out well its been going out for a while.

The biggest problem i have on working on the car is being able to reach what ever it is that needs fixin. lol

list of things that dont work is getting bigger than the things that do.

1.heads up display slipped out of view.
2.tire pressure senors sucked/leaked pia replaced with
regular valve stems.
3.key fobs ooc
4.turn signal switch intermittent have to push hazards
5.low washer fluid sensor.
6.cd player skips
7.recline lever on drivers seat broke off.
8.window trim leaks both sides.
9. needs computer retune
10.steering column lock warning on dic lol installed the bypass but never cleared the warning.
11. drivers seat rocks ever so slightly.

i think that is it i am sure there is a bunch more
but i dont care. no of those things matter when i turn the key and hear it come to life.

standard starting procedure in my car is to hit the reset button on the dic 3 times. tire sensors, washer fluid, steering column lol

Alaskanpilot

PGann,

I'm going to repost something I typed up in response to another thread about four months ago, posted by someone who feels disillusioned about the reliability of Corvettes. I think much of it might apply to your feelings. I hope it helps!

(original thread here!)

AU Eagle

I think life is too short to fixate on "loosing confidence in a car."

99mallett

It's a 10 year old car. It sounds like most of the stuff is the typical early C5 issues. I think that we tend to forget the age of these cars instead of the mileage. It seems that a lot of these problems turn up when the car reaches a certain age regardless of high or low mileage. I have observed that cars that get driven regularly (10K+ per year) don't seem to have many other issues than ones driven less (except items like tires, belts, etc.).
I love my '99. I have repeatedly considered going to a C6, but then I drive the C5, and the desire leaves. I can afford to "trade up", but just do not want to at this point.
Drive your car & enjoy it. Don't focus on the negatives unless they overpower the positives. If they do, get rid of it...it's just a car, right?

C5R USA

Nope,the thought never crossed my mind.I love Corvettes too much
to ever think that.I think you've got a lemon,and if it's your first 'Vette
it's understandable the way you think.

Get out of it,find one that has been trouble free,and enjoy the hobby.Unfortunately,Corvettes are just like any other car mass
produced,there's gonna be a few that don't perform well.

Good luck

Jacks02

Interesting observation. Have you spent as much time with the GMC pickup and Trailblazer forums as you have with this one? If you did, you'd be riding a Schwinn. I read and contribute to CF to exchange information with others of similar interests. Should a problem ever come up, I have confidence in being able to recognize what it is and probable solution. All of your current vehicles can have mechanical problems -- they are conveyances, not an appliances. Sports cars are a special subset of conveyances that offer performance, handling, and style. Should you wish a conveyance of the appliance vein, you already have two -- but, DON'T read about them in their respective forums -- or it's back to the Schwinn!

DeeGee

If its not too late for you I'd say don't worry.

This is a board where a lot of people come to find fixes rather than say what's right with the car. The upside is just about every problem is documented here somewhere.

Looking at your experiences, there's nothing there that's a major surprise. The problems you've had are posted here every day. Every car design has problem areas and this one is no exception. You could put a positive spin on it and say by being here you fixed those problems without needing to go to a dealer. With a car that didn't attract such a following you'd have been paying for those fixes.

In my case I had a few of the routing problems fixed under warranty. I've had sticky door relays, bad AC Delco battery, leaky diff and a bad EBCM. Apart from the diff, I could have done any of those myself with discounted parts from a Forum vendor. Many of the other problems I've been able to fix myself. But I have to say, recently, my Vert has been very reliable.

I've always been one for holding onto a car for as long as I enjoy driving it. In the case of this one, I never lose the buzz. Its just the best car I've ever owned.

I hope its not too late but why not forget what might happen an just enjoy the car until it lets you down. That may be a very long time.

clayton1

Seriously, No I am not.
Almost 2 yrs for me and its just as fun as it was the first day.

CamachoSF

Im not losing confidence as much as im getting scared. The newer sports cars coming out are starting to run low 13s right off the assembly line...the camaro, the challanger. I take a lot of pride in my car, knowing that its bone stock, will beat most* cars you see driving around. I mean look at the Mustang GT of all cars, rated at 13.8. Thats getting dangerously close to my 13.2 second car. THE MUSTANG GT! Our vettes used to eat those things for breakfast! Now dont get me wrong, none of these cars will ever have what the corvette has, the styling, the passion and the incredible history. We've had a 1 year gap but these others have had a lot longer. And technically there is 1 83' vette. Sorry to take this off into left field but your title brought up some thoughts.

ljthe2nd

If the thrill is gone, get rid of it. Someone will be happy to take it off your hands. If you've going to constantly worry about it braking down (weather warranted or not) you won't be able to enjoy it. Find something you will enjoy.

Jistari

I might worry about "if its gonna rain" but . . .no, Im not worried about this car leaving me stranded.
We are thinking about driving down to see our friends in New Orleans (from NY), only thing about the trip that pops into the back of my mind is....late afternoon.....rapid thunderstorms......a foot of standing water on the roadway I commuted a lot in many different cars and you generaly can slowly make it through if you have to, in the vette that . . .would have me puckered.
Aside from the water excursions, I love driving this car on long trips (so far we've managed to keep it down to two or three states at a time ).