ChiliPepperGarage

So I've been searching C4's because I have a $10K budget and found a super clean '95 with only 69K miles on it. Green with tan interior and I really like that combination. Needs nothing but has some wear on driver seat from getting in and out and the usual rubber weatherstripping issues and will need rear tires soon. Asking $9800 but will deal so this was at the top of my list.

Then I find a '97 C5 at a dealer, silver on black. Dealer says car is in great condition and needs nothing. Same asking price as the C4 but has 122K miles. It will have a warranty though but a small one.

I had a '93 C4 and it was a fun car. Sold it because it was an auto and I wanted a stick. I then got a '98 M6 with upgraded brakes, Hurst shifter, Flow Master exhaust, torch red, chrome wheels. It was a great car much improved over the C4. Like an idiot, I sold it due to lack of storage room for way too cheap.

Anyway, I know how much better a C5 is over a C4 but at 122K miles should I be concerned? I've seen high mileage C5's that have no issues so I'm not too worried but looking for confirmation.

Dealer will charge tax & license and BS document fees but I'd negotiate an out the door price under my budget or I'll walk.

122K miles is nothing to be concerned about if car is clean and carfax checks out, right?

zdeckich

I have had friend with a 99 FRC with 180k miles. of course he changed plugs, batteries, alternator, and tires lol but he drove it 100 miles a day.

jrose7004

Kind of depends on how the car was cared for.

torchredmadness

Go for it.

bkalkwarf

There's a thread on here regarding high-mileage C5s. Sorry, but I'm too far into my martini to find the link right now.

Seek out the thread though, because owners posted any major problems they have experienced. If memory serves correct, the only recurring problem was the need to rebuild automatic transmissions.

I have a 98 and love it. Good luck with whichever car you choose. I'm sure you'll have a blast with it.

Vetteman Jack

Exactly. The car could have no problems for many more miles or could be something happening all the time. Generally if a C5 has been well maintained and not abused, it tends to be very reliable for a lot of miles.

I personally wouldn't depend solely on a Carfax report. I would want to have either car checked out by a trusted mechanic that knows about C4 and C5 Corvettes. Then you would have a better idea of which one would be right for you.

guido7834

First off, believe nothing a dealer tells you about the car needing "nothing" Get it checked out first. Having owned both a c4 and c5, I would go with the c5 if it checks out OK.

Drummingdad

Mine just turned over 120K. Just have the little irritants. Headlamp motor gears. Cheap. EBCM. Cheap. Now the oil pressure sending unit is doing its thing. PIA. With all that aside. Its a very solid car. I dont hesitate to get in and drive for 3+ hours home. Its probably better for its 13 years of age being a Vette and how owners take care of them, verses a daily Family Taxi Ford Chevy or Buick with the same age and miles
Just sayin

bjones7131

122,000 is a lot of revolutions for any vehicle. My feeling is try and find something with less miles. Having said that I have a 1993 s10 chevy truck that has 202,000 that is still a very good truck but it doesn't have all the electronics and computer components either and those vett parts aren't cheap. Good luck

striper

My Z06 is an '03 that I bought new. It's had many mods done to it and it now has 126,000 miles. I could truly say I could sell it now with no issues. There really is nothing that needs attention and I drive it almost every day, weather permitting. I've made several long distance trips and all I ever needed was gas.

Phanni

FWIW, a C-5 with 275,000 sold at the auction (Corvette Expo) for $9000last weekend.
It too was silver, and seemed like a decent car, that needed new leather and not much else. The only worry I'd have is with the EBCM, and if it isn't throwing codes, you're good to go a few more miles.