Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

maccrazy2

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 2, 2009
135
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10 minutes S. W. of denver
I am looking at a 99 targa top vette with 38k miles for $15000. It is not the z06. The car is in great condition and looks to have been well kept. I do not know anyone who has owned a c5 corvette before and I work in a saab/volvo shop so I do not get to work on these. Any feedback on these cars from owners? I am going to run it to my work and do a closer inspection on the lift before making an offer on it. So, let me know what you think if you have one. Thanks Chris.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

I love the 99 targa top. I do not own one but I do own the 2000ws6 firebird. Same drivetrain as the vette. It is a stout performer and the corvette will only be faster and handle better than my car. If you want a ton of information on the C5 corvettes check out www.ls1tech.com , they have great info.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

<span style="font-weight: bold">This is a cheaper solution:</span>
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Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

www.corvetteforum.com Lots of useful info there.

I used to have a 03 Z06, now drive a 09 Z06, but those LS2/LS3 motors are bulletproof. Especially if it's a manual car, the power train is very durable. Just keep up the fluid changes, and it should last a very long time.

38k is not alot of mileage if taken care of.
Check weather stripping around removable top, put it on a lift and check for any frame repair, as well as check the ECM/PCU for any aftermarket calibration, other than that give it a thorough look over and take for a drive.

Is it the Z51 option?

Good Luck.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shankster</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-weight: bold">This is a cheaper solution:</span>
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</div></div>
I tried that first but it was too small to fit me. It is my curse I guess.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jthoss0837</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Every guy ive seen drive a vette, well 90% of the time is 50's with a ball cap and a mustache.

/// SNIP ///

You will now never look at vettes the same again. </div></div>
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(Found elsewhere, but so appropriate ...)
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

Anything from '68 on is butt ugly. Hunt for a '62 or a '64. So much more class and style.
At $15k, and 3k miles it has either seen very light and limited use, or it has been run hard and put away wet. Look for signs of street racing or track racing in suspension wear. Drain some oil after running it and check for signs of metal. Do a compression check of 'all 8' and compare the numbers for ring wear. Look at the wear patterns on the tires for hard use or aged cracking from lack of use(they will need replacing either way). Check the brakes for hard wear patterns( a noticable ridge will be present at the outer edge of the disc).
Check the plugs for signs of good or bad ignition in each cylinder, and of course drain some fuel and check it's scent. The scent of teh fuel will either be EXACTLY like pump gas, or it will smell of something else, ie race fuel. Of course the way the car idles will tell if it has had it's cam replaced with a stouter version as well.
That work for a good start?
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

I drove a friend's 2000 (47K miles) convertible last weekend during a trip down to Kentucky. I can't tell you much about it other than I really, really, really want one now. I was impressed with the fuel economy but then again I'm comparing it to a Dodge truck and a lifted Jeep. The performance was impressive, it handled like a dream. At 65mph on the highway the motor was barely awake at 1800rpm. Even slight pressure on the throttle and it would put me up to 85mph which easily went unnoticed unless I was paying attention to the speedo so I used the cruise control quite a bit.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

If you can afford it, get the C6 version. And if money isn't really a problem, find a Z06 with the LS7. Test drive one before buying any other year or model.

The LS7 is a BEAST.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

I had a 2003 c5. It was a great car never had a problem. I sold it a couple yearsago when we had our first child. I have begun looking for a 2010 Z06 or a new GS model. there ni ce cars to mess around on the weekends with.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

I just can't get past the balsa wood and carbon fiber floor pan in the new Vettes. I would rather have the GT500 Mustang or SRT-8 Challenger.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

Been working on Vettes for GM since 89'. What exactly do you want to know? Reason I ask is if you want it, buy it. It is a car. There are faster, there are slower. Most important is not what others think of your car but what you want in it and if you like it.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

Just looking for general info and if there are any major pattern failures on the 1999. I am a master tech with 20yrs expirence so working on it is not a problem. I have not worked on the c5 version and don't see them in my shop so I am just asking around. I would like the zo6 but really it is not a big deal for me. I will only use the car for driving to work and occasionally up into the mountains. I want something sporty and fun to roll around in. I won't be putting it on a road track or dragging with it. I ran super pro cars for several years and I am done with racing (for the time being anyway).
I was looking at infinity g35's and for the same money the vette is looking better and for sure performs better. This one is the 6 speed and the seller says it has the z51 performance suspension.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jthoss0837</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Buy once cry once right?

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I could damn near pay off my house for what that would cost.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

Instead of the targa, look for a FRC...since you said you'd like a Z06. Basically same car but with the LS1 instead of the LS6. Other POI about the C5's is that from 97 to 99...identical. 2000 was a pivotal year and has some items that are unique to that model year only and then the 2001-2004 are the same. Depends on your plans for the car. If you want to increase performance, go with the 2001 or newer (beefier driveshaft). If you don't plan to modify the car and you really like this car, go for it. If you don't mod anything under the hood, I would at least plan to change out the stock sway bar. Easy enough to do and you can find used Z06 sway bars fairly cheap...keeps it much flatter in the corners.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

Not a lot of pattern failures. Some of the higher failures would be.
Bad placement of PCM behind right rear inner fenderwell.

MAF contamination due to K&N filters

Fluid Leak at Rear Axle (Replace Left Differential Side Cover O-Ring and Left Axle Shaft Seal, Add Sealant to Side Cover Flange)

Radios failing

Oil pressure sending units

A.I.R. check valves (especially that sucker between the engine and firewall.

Software issues.

Fuel pump wiring harness at the fuel pump module. Have fixed MANY that have brand new pumps towed in and it is a problem with the connector at the tank mount.

The list goes on but These are not reasons to not buy it.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

Well I passed on the car I was looking at. The search has continued. Now looking at an 02 ZO6 silver with black interior. It has 25K miles on it. One owner car, never damaged in any way ( we will see once I get it up on the rack) It looks very clean. Owner is in a brand new ZO6 now.
I went to the bank today to see if they will give a loan on an 02. They generally dont go that old for used car loans. 5 years old is their cutoff now. However for customers with accounts with them they can make exceptions. If they don't come thru I also called the credit union and will put in an aplication in the morning.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ridgeback23</div><div class="ubbcode-body">it's pretty tough to find anything faster than the c6 z06's at that price point. </div></div>

Nissan GTR, but most of you guys probably hate imports.

Edit: Actually just checked while the GTR is in the same price bracket it has come up in price since it was introduced whereas it used to be cheaper than the Z06.

Vettes are really awesome though. They dominate Super Sport class which my 3rd gen Mazda RX-7 was in as well for autocross.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bazgab</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ridgeback23</div><div class="ubbcode-body">it's pretty tough to find anything faster than the c6 z06's at that price point. </div></div>

Nissan GTR, but most of you guys probably hate imports.

Edit: Actually just checked while the GTR is in the same price bracket it has come up in price since it was introduced whereas it used to be cheaper than the Z06.

Vettes are really awesome though. They dominate Super Sport class which my 3rd gen Mazda RX-7 was in as well for autocross. </div></div>

I was going to say, the Nissan GT-R costs something like 20% more than a Corvette.

One day, I'll own a Corvette. Probably not a new one. They are an <span style="font-style: italic">exceptional </span>value for the performance they deliver though. I'm not sure any other car compares.
 
I really like mine

A 2006 C6 convertible. It is easy to maintain, and not so expensive you worry over every little ding or scratch.

No major problems, several minor ones. I do not like automatic headlights.

I have the 6 speed, lots of fun. Just replaced the factory tires at 18000 miles with a superb set of Conti Extreme contact DWs.

I did ad a custom hard top which I run OCT-MAR; this is a fair weather only vehicle.

Bill
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 168BTHPM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just can't get past the balsa wood and carbon fiber floor pan in the new Vettes. I would rather have the GT500 Mustang or SRT-8 Challenger. </div></div>

Do they use the balsa/carbon fiber in all of them now? I thought it was just the Z06 and ZR1?
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

Well I am a corvette owner now. I just made the deal an hour ago. I will pick up the car on monday.
I checked it out and it was in very good shape. The right rear axle seal and lower oil pan are sweating a little but nothing major. They are both easy fixes but I will likely just clean them off and let it go a while. I really like the heads up display. It will let me know how bad the ticket is going to be when I see the flashing lights in the rear view mirror.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

Congratulations!

I remember when the GT500 first came out....I actually went to go buy one. A buddy of mine picked one up for $2000 under MSRP when they were going for about 5-10k over.

I went down to my local ford dealer and asked if I could have the same deal as my buddy got at a different dealership. The guy laughed in my face and told me that I could only buy it for $70k.

I told the guy that I could buy a brand new Z06 for that price. The guy replies, "Go buy a Z06."

I walked down the street and bought a Z06....it was the best advise that I had ever received from a car dealer. I loved that thing! You could be a drift champion in that damn car. The power, handling, sound and style were absolutely awesome. It was nice to drive a supercar on a poorman's budget.

A $70k car that has the same capability as porsche, ferrari, lamborghini, viper, etc. etc., is hard to beat.

Enjoy your car!
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: maccrazy2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one. </div></div>
You can buy Corvette owners? What about the Emancipation Proclamation?
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Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

I have had mine for around 4 years, and they are a blast to drive. The C5's are a little less refined than the c6's but are still great. Unless you are breaking bank to afford it, I definitively recommend it! Look at my signature for mine
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Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

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Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

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Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

When my brother turned 16, he bought himself a corvette.
Then he wrecked it.
I watched him repair fiber glass, epoxy, and catalyst.

It is kind of like glass bedding a rifle.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: maccrazy2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well I am a corvette owner now. I just made the deal an hour ago. I will pick up the car on monday.
I checked it out and it was in very good shape. The right rear axle seal and lower oil pan are sweating a little but nothing major. They are both easy fixes but I will likely just clean them off and let it go a while. I really like the heads up display. It will let me know how bad the ticket is going to be when I see the flashing lights in the rear view mirror.</div></div>
Pretty common actually. Are you sure it is not the left axle seal? that is the one that usually has the leakage specifically with a VIN before 55122600. Right side is passenger left is driver side. You put a new "O" ring, axle seal and use the good GMS sealer. Also the leak at the back of the engine is usually nothing more than residual oil from normal oil changes that should be cleaned of by the mechanic doing the oil change. Shoot me a VIN and I can tell you some inside info on it if you want.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

Add the issues with steering column/ignition lock, integrated left and right front door modules, active handling/steering wheel position sensors to the list of chronic issues I've seen on the 'vettes.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: verrocchio100</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Add the issues with steering column/ignition lock, integrated left and right front door modules, active handling/steering wheel position sensors to the list of chronic issues I've seen on the 'vettes.</div></div>
Chronic? Been working a long time at a multi franchise with Chevrolet and I would not label those as chronic failures.
Did have a right DDM cause a no start by pulling down the class 2 serial data line. That was fun.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

Just get out and drive it.

Better get it done now, cause winter will be here before you know it.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

Goldie wants this one. One little problem.

Not nearly enough gold in the coffers.


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Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: maccrazy2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am looking at a 99 targa top vette with 38k miles for $15000. It is not the z06. The car is in great condition and looks to have been well kept. I do not know anyone who has owned a c5 corvette before and I work in a saab/volvo shop so I do not get to work on these. Any feedback on these cars from owners? I am going to run it to my work and do a closer inspection on the lift before making an offer on it. So, let me know what you think if you have one. Thanks Chris.
</div></div>

Quit shaving now so that you'll have a good crop of facial hair going between now and the time a good one comes along you want to buy. It is a widely understood rule that you cannot own a Corvette without donning facial hair.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

My favorite car of all time. I love mine... Always wanted one. when I'm more at where I want to be, I'll get a C6 Z06. for now this C5 Z06 is making plenty of power. I have all the bolt ons and a tune. it's an '03 that I got with 65K miles for 15,000. it was a steal...

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and here is a video. I have the same mods

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Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

Just because I love my car
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after a full day of detailing -

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Yes, it's missing the grill
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LOL
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Old vs new
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Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

It looks great. I like the video, I have not seen that one before. I was seriously debating getting a C6 but I would not of been able to afford one nearly as easily. This will be a daily driver for me with occasional fun use so the extra price and performance just was not worth the extra payments at this time.
I am quite happy with the performance of this one and not having a payment is very nice too. Now I just need to cover fuel, insurance and tickets! I have had plenty of fast cars in the past but none that were fast in the corners. I got my start working in a street rod/muscle car shop owned by billy ewing who was a funny car owner in Georgia. I built many drag cars and fast street cars. I still have my first car, a 70 chevelle SS. It is down to the frame at the moment. I got the frame and suspension powder coated. The body is waiting on my buddys rotisery to get free'd up. I built a blown 454 and a 700r4 trans. When I get the time and a boatload of cash I will get it back together. It will be a handfull! I did not want to cut the car up for mini tubs or anything so it will be a burnout monster.
I was running a 70 opel GT tube chassis car I built in super pro class but an unfortunate incident at the track left it wadded up like old bubble gum. The guy who ran before me slung a rod at the 1000ft mark and oiled down the track. Needless to say it was a wild ride and on my girlfriends first trip to a racetrack. Never got to live that one down.
I ran an MR2 turbo I had ar second creek raceway 1 time during an open track day. It was fun but I did not feel comfortable as there were some real racers there practicing and I was in their way as they were really fast. That is my only time racing a car on a road track. I ran unlimited carts as a kid back before shifter carts were popular. That was a blast!
I could definately see myself making my way back out to the track with this car on occasion to run some time trials. But, for now it will just be my daily driver.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: taseal</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eACYz2R2BmI"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eACYz2R2BmI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object> </div></div>

Funny how the 6-banger gave more of a challenge to the 12's and 8's!

That porsche beat the 'vette in the first run (Anybody can look past the stupid camera angles)... and then waxed him in the second run!!!
That vette is fast... but it doesn't have the top-end gearing to compete in a top-speed run... and usually thats why people do highway runs!

And that dude in the corvette is just a ricer with a bigger budget!!! Waving "bye" to the ferrari... might as well flashed his hazards!!!
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

I'd say the 'vette is capable of holding it's own.

Nurburgring Lap Times

For those of you who are interested in Nurburgring....here it is with a 'vette. Kinda cool that the 'vette can beat a Ferrari Enzo for pennies on the dollar.

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Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">New vette's just don't hold value well. I was pretty amazed to hear $100k plus cars that were new only three or four years ago are now going for under $45k with very low mileage on them </div></div>

Lol, what Vettes existed 3-4 years ago that cost "$100k plus"? The only thing approaching those values are the ZR1's that came out in '09 and so far have held their value pretty well (haven't seen one under 75k yet?). The only plausible car I can think of is possibly a LPE/Mallet/Hennessey and of course those depreciate quickly; aftermarket stuff always does.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.

Switchblade is correct. Corvettes don't hold their value as well as the cars that they beat. A Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin etc will all hold their value percentage wise. I do want to point out the fact that a then, $45,000 car is still capable of out performing the cars that retain their value. I think that owning (or at least driving) a supercar should be on everybody's bucket list.

BTW, my sack isn't big enough to run even 10' lap times at Nurburgring....at least in a car.
 
Re: Corvette owners. I am thinking of buying one.


02ZO6002.jpg

2002 Z06 that I modded the hell out of. Fully forged 402, LS7 clutch with magnusson supercharger. Alcohol injected and 150 hit of NOS. Funnest car I have ever had, even better than the 81' pro street I built a while ago. This car can get 28 mpg on the highway and drives as tame as a kitten. For what you pay I think the C5's are the best buy out there right now for what you get and the potential they have.