Which year of the C5 is the BEST?
10-01-2004, 04:10 PM
#1
5th Gear
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Which year of the C5 is the BEST?
I have recently entered the buyer's market for a C5 and I would like to hear opinions on which year is considered the best all-around, and why. 
10-01-2004, 04:24 PM
#3
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Originally Posted by srchief100
JMHO - Those built for model year 1997 - 2004 
Shop and find one that was well maintained mechanically and otherwise.
Shop and find one that was well maintained mechanically and otherwise. 
Good advice.
10-01-2004, 04:25 PM
#4
Le Mans Master
97 may have quality issues being the first year. HUD and telescopic steering wheel began in 99. I think 2000 may have oil consumption problems. Thin spoke wheels from 2000-2004. If you find a car you like, you can run a vehicle service history and carfax to assist you as well.
10-01-2004, 05:04 PM
#5
Race Director
Don't know which year is best, but you couldn't pay me to own another 01. Both of them (coupe and Z06) burned oil and had other problems.
10-01-2004, 05:25 PM
#7
Race Director
I have a 98 - and have it about 11 months. It has been one of the most trouble free cars I've ever owned. Mine is a late 98 - so it has active handling, but no HUD. Is it the best year ever made? I have no way to say that......
The '04 experienced a recall on the steering rack (I think...), but does that make it bad? The 97 - 00 all should have been subjected to the column lock recall. Does that make them bad cars?
Bottom line - find a car you really like, there are 3 body styles and nearly endless options/color combinations. Have a service history and a Car-Fax run, decide if this is the car that makes your heart race and your smile widen... then pull the trigger and go for it!
If you do your research you will experience what MOST of us already have - PERMA GRIN!
The '04 experienced a recall on the steering rack (I think...), but does that make it bad? The 97 - 00 all should have been subjected to the column lock recall. Does that make them bad cars?
Bottom line - find a car you really like, there are 3 body styles and nearly endless options/color combinations. Have a service history and a Car-Fax run, decide if this is the car that makes your heart race and your smile widen... then pull the trigger and go for it!
If you do your research you will experience what MOST of us already have - PERMA GRIN!
10-01-2004, 05:27 PM
#8
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Probably '02-'04 are the best years...Many upgrades for '01 but some oil consumption problems with that year...Many options on the '02 became standard equipment on '03's...Only major upgrades after '02 was some sort of magnetic ride suspension system...
Z06 was new for '02...(I know I'll be corrected if I'm wrong...)
Z06 was new for '02...(I know I'll be corrected if I'm wrong...)
10-01-2004, 05:33 PM
#9
Race Director
Originally Posted by Red_Racer
Probably '02-'04 are the best years...Many upgrades for '01 but some oil consumption problems with that year...Many options on the '02 became standard equipment on '03's...Only major upgrades after '02 was some sort of magnetic ride suspension system...
Z06 was new for '02...(I know I'll be corrected if I'm wrong...)
Z06 was new for '02...(I know I'll be corrected if I'm wrong...)
10-01-2004, 07:28 PM
#11
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Originally Posted by blacksedan87
consider yourself corrected - the Z06 came out in 01 at 385HP, and 405HP in 02!
10-01-2004, 07:55 PM
#12
Melting Slicks
Originally Posted by 03Ragtop
2004 Z06- 11.97@118
Bone stock off the showroom floor.
Bone stock off the showroom floor.
Must be one heck of a driver, cause my '99 (that is NOT BONE STOCK) has beat many stock Z06's and C5's. I though Z06 would only run low 13's stock from factory.
10-01-2004, 08:20 PM
#13
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CI 4-5-6-7 Veteran
Originally Posted by HawkIVette
Bone stock? No sticky tires? No headers? No after market exhaust? Nothing changed from Showroon floor? That's impressive!
Must be one heck of a driver, cause my '99 (that is NOT BONE STOCK) has beat many stock Z06's and C5's. I though Z06 would only run low 13's stock from factory.
Must be one heck of a driver, cause my '99 (that is NOT BONE STOCK) has beat many stock Z06's and C5's. I though Z06 would only run low 13's stock from factory.
http://gmhightechperformance.com/features/0410htp_zo/
10-01-2004, 08:42 PM
#15
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St. Jude Contributor
Best Year seems to be 2003 no recall, no piston slap, no burning oil issues. I've had mine for a 1 1/2 and never had to bring it for anything yet. Knock on wood
10-01-2004, 08:51 PM
#16
Le Mans Master
I have a 97 and I have the usual issues. had my column lock up on me, erratic fuel gauge, bad oil guage sensor, and a bad harmonic balancer. Other than that shes been good to me. 
10-01-2004, 09:08 PM
#18
Originally Posted by Sponge Vette
Best Year seems to be 2003 no recall, no piston slap, no burning oil issues. I've had mine for a 1 1/2 and never had to bring it for anything yet. Knock on wood
Wholeheartedly. No oil consumption issues. No recall or bolt issues like with the '04s, LS6 intake and block, easy to modify, '03 the 50th anniversary of the Vette, was the best year ever for the C5.
Did I mention that I own an '03?
10-01-2004, 09:14 PM
#19
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Originally Posted by Sponge Vette
Best Year seems to be 2003 no recall, no piston slap, no burning oil issues. I've had mine for a 1 1/2 and never had to bring it for anything yet. Knock on wood
I have an 04 and I am a little concerned with being the guinnea pig for some C6 parts.
