Pappy11

Well bummer....and it's no Big Deal...I have a Small Spot on the top edge of the trunk close to my Rag top where there is a Spot about the size of a couple of Dimes where the clear coat has chipped off...you can't hardly even see it unless you know it's there...I took it by a body shop where I have had work done in the past...they said no big deal and he could sand and respray the clear coat for around 200 bucks..he was looking at the car and said you know your front bumper has been repainted at one point...I said really...how can you tell...he showed me the little signs ..so I thought hum...I never got a Car Fax report from the dealership..called them and they said come by and pick it up...so I did ...nothing on the report...so I called the head guy...Operations Manager Second only to the Owner...it was His Mom who owned the Car and Traded it in for a New 2015...I asked him straight up...if it had been repainted. (front bumper)..he said Yes...when she bought it in 2002 new they lived in CA. and one day in traffic she bumped the car in front of her...nothing major by no means...but she had the bumper replaced ...at one Point He said I am so Sorry..they should have told you this for I informed them about it..and If I was not Happy with the Car he would Canc. the deal and Give me My Harley Back.. no questions asked..Because they did not want unhappy customers...I said no I am Happy with the Car...I just wanted to Get the scoop First hand...he said the car was always garaged and was never driven in the Rain..until it was traded in...and not a single problem with the car ever.. a couple of Factory recalls..and that's it...And to Add to it I am not the Second owner...One of His Salesmen bout the car and drove it for 3 months ..then sold it back to the dealership...he put 3000 miles on it ..The Salesman was not aware of This because it was in another city at the time...they have dealerships over 3 states.....So I am the 3rd Owner of a 2002 C5 with a Replaced and Painted Front Bumper...with 48000 miles on it now...LOL...

Pappy11

Sorry for the Long Rant....

84REDCROSSFIRE

its just a car, drive it, enjoy it

Pounder

When I bought my 99 from a very good dealer (50,000 miles one owner) there was no mention of an accident. I thought the front bumper didn't fit very good so I took it to my paint guy and he said the bumper was replaced and he could fix the fit in an hour (which he did) he said it's very common for vettes to have front bumper damage !!! (so low and really no protection) For whatever all that's worth,and I have a very nice car !!!

SaxyVette

I recently replaced my driver window switch only to discover looking inside my '99 factory black car that I have a burgandy red driver door..oh well it's just a car..I still love it.

Vetteman Jack

Doesn't sound like there is anything to be worried about and now you know the full story. Enjoy your C5.

rrwirsi

When I buy a used car whether it is from a dealer or private individual, it is my responsibility to ask the questions that are important to me. No matter how many questions I asked and the answers given are (or seem) truthful, when I get the used car home and do my bumper to bumper inspection, I always find stuff that I did not see or inquire about before buying. I did find some issues in the 04 vert I bought in 2014 when I got it home. But I also found a good surprise under the trunk floor lid. A 12 disc changer that the salesperson did not put on car's description or use when we were negotiating price.

Velocity_Vette

As mentioned a ways above front fascia replacement on a C5 is relatively common. Their low height and relative protrusion from the rest of the body provide ample opportunity for damage that warrants a replacement. It's likely one of the reasons many GM parts and Corvette parts suppliers still are able to get plenty of stock of C5 front (and rear) fascias despite their age (some things, like the C5 SMC shell doors, are no longer made). I've seen a lot of driven C5s with fascia cracks where it's split for the lower radiator support or obvious scuff marks from excessive cut angle or bottoming out.

I would not be overly concerned about a replacement fascia assembly, and honestly considering the C5's age & how easily the front of a C5 is to mangle from say bottoming out or such would welcome it (as long as the paint work is done properly). Removal also allows the owner to access the line build sheet on the front impact absorber - if they have not already done so - or say perform a good thorough cleaning of everything you cannot normally reach on the front end.

Pappy11

Yea It's Not the End of the World...Just would Have Been Nice to Know Up front...I am Enjoying the Car...That's For Sure...

BestToyYet

I wouldn't worry. Continue to enjoy it and drive it like you stole it!!!!

Tusc

I bought my first C5 new, babied it, kept it in perfect mint condition every day that I owned it. Better than factory new, in fact, but the damn thing had nightmarish maintenance problems (lemon).

Current C5 is mechanically mint, but the paint is rough by my standards. Still clean, but I know each and every flaw, chip, or swirl. This is actually pretty LIBERATING for me. I love the car, but I don't feel like I need to keep it in a vacuum seal. Now I have a mean 'Vette that I can drive aggressively (still not abusively!) and not feel bad about it.

So enjoy the 'Vette!

momo20

pretty minor issues if you ask me and at least you got a up front and honest story on how it happened..more then most get when buying from a dealership...

huesmann

People still listen to CDs?

rrwirsi

Yep, and 78's, 45's, 33 1/3's, 8 tracks, and 4 tracks. Nostalgia is great. But you need to be old enough to appreciate it.

R1 Rider

Anytime you can trade a Hardlyrunningson for a Corvette, you've came out way ahead

biggrizzly

I bought my 2003 knowing it had a CARFAX entry for a rear bumper collision. It was noted that it was minor rework and repaint.
Having worked in my uncles's body shop years ago I feel like I should have been able to tell when l initially inspected the car but didn't know until I read the CARFAX (which was before I bought the car), but whoever did the work, did a great job. You would have to really look hard to tell that there had been work done.

El original

Wow that is one dramatic thread...makes a guy want to end it all!! LOL

jjaaam

I found flaws myself within the first few months of ownership. Some paint chips...spider cracks on the rear bumper cover...stuff like that. None of it is major, and when I pointed it out to my family they gave me "that look"...you know...like I was being OCD on steroids.

So if no one else notices it, then I'm not gonna worry about it.

Pappy11

True............

Doughan

I promise you it will still drive just as well as before. One thing I like about my old Vettes is not worrying over every little nick and chip. They're not perfect and that's fine with me!