dwestsr

I have a C4 that sadly I must sell. Reason being that My wife has great difficulty getting in and out of it. She wants me to buy a c5 . I know this has been asked many times, but which years c5 are the best . I'm mainly interested in less trouble, but performance is important also. What common trouble spots should I be on the look out for as I start my search? I guess I will now start reading the c5 forum and leave the c4 behind. Thanks for you input.

Joe’s Z06

Get the newest C5 you can afford. Each year GM made improvements to the car. Biggest problem with them is the column lock mechanism. There is a bypass kit you can buy from the vendors on here which will disable that. Good luck on your search!

Mr Snappy!

The best year is 2003...but I may be a little biased

stooze

I would have to say it would be the one YOU own

blacksedan87

I would strongly recommend that you read the "sticky" post at the top of this page (but here's a link to it anyway......)

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927

The first section chronicles common issues on C5's, the rest is am incredible amount of inforation and tips - some pertinent to your question, some not at this point until you start getting into changing things and modding. CF member Leaftye did an outstanding job compiling this info!

Is one year better than others, I would say NO. My recommendation is to purchase the lowest mileage newest car your budget will allow. I would have the vehicle checked out by an independent source for their opinion. Also - CF member SpongeVette has been known to run VIN's. From that you can obtain a born on date, but much more importantly - a service history to see if the recalls and campaigns have been addressed and what work has been performed.

Good luck!

Sully C5

The biggest change occurred in 2001 http://www.corvettemuseum.com/specs/2001/index.htm

I would buy the newest you could afford.

WolfeBros

I would buy the newest you can afford also.
The only year I would be careful of was 2001. There was oil consumption and piston slap problems in many of those. If you find a 2001 with a clean service history.......go for it. You will love the C5.

99C5Vert

It's all good... the newer the better, but you'll pay more $$$ also.

Vetteman Jack

They are all good cars and seem to really have about the same problems from year to year (leaking differential, column lock, rocking seats, etc.) Get the newest one you can afford with the options that you want. The C5 will be much easier for your wife to get in and out of - the ergonomics are just much better than the C4.

TNT C5

G-lock

The newest, lowest mileage your can afford. That said my 99's been great. Jeff

talon90

As others have said, get the newest that you can affoard. My '97 has been great in the 3 years that I've owned it so I could argue that any well maintained C5 will be just fine for the most part. There is a similar thread going on right now as well that you might keep your eye on as it develops here:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=986812

Here is a copy and paste of a post that will show up here from time to time (all credit to original poster) on some known C5 problems.

1. Some 2000-2001 C5 had an oil consumption problem due to bad rings.
This had something to do with light tension oil control rings and when way the person drove his car. High RPM and light load combinations. This caused ring flutter and excessive oil usage.
2. Rear end output shaft seal leaks.
3. Clutch slippage. If the car was run hard it will need to be replaced!
4. Steering wheel column lock problems. Column lock bypass kit will fix the problem around $45-50. Bucks if it is not already installed.
5. Battery acid leak problems from original AC Delco battery. Destroys wiring harness, PCM and vacuum lines under the battery. Costly!!!
6. Wet carpets due to AC air box drains plugging up.
7. Windshield cowl drains clogging up causing wiper motor to fail! Easy fix if you catch it prior to destroying the wiper motor!!!
8. Drivers seat tracks wear causing the seat to rock when you accelerate or brake.
9. Emergency flasher switch failure. Expensive part! Very expensive labor to replace it!!
10. Right and left door control electronic module failures.
11. Head light motor (stripped plastic driven gear) "just like the C4"). Same fix, replace with brass!
12. Tire pressure sensor module failures.
13. Head light motor control module failures.
14. Driver seat leather wear on the seat back outboard bolsters.
15. There are ways that you can check to see what service and or repairs have been done to most cars.
16. Ask for help ... no matter what ...chances are it's already happened to someone else!

Paul

99torchredlb

1999 paid $38,600.00 for torchred hardtop...can't touch this

PYRO1

I love my 99, 0 problems!

vettecop1125

Each year will have problem-filled and problem-free cars. I have a 2000 with very minor problems (battery leak and reverse lights out). It's really luck of the draw, but like most say, get the newest one you can afford.

c5BlackBeauty

Ikester

The best year is 2000!

Darth Vader

Everyone loves the 1999 for some reason!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go 99'

~SPEEDY~

GrandSportRob

I'd say an 04 if you can afford it..I couldn't so I bought a 99 for about half price of a new one...If you can find a low mileage car with an extended warranty you should be fine..