Corvette Performance - Used vette (98-02) guidelines please advise.

I’m looking to buy a corvette year models between 1998-2002. Mainly because those year models fall within my budget. I plan on paying cash for one. I don’t want a convertible. Out of those year models are there any major differences within the cars that I should be aware of? What problems if any should I look for in a car between those years? What commonly needs to be replaced or repaired at a given mileage? What out of those is the best year to look for?

Get the newest one your budget will allow, '99 up would be better for modding.

Check to see if the column lock was fixed on recall. Other than that, I've had no problems with my 98 C5. Nice car. Enjoy.

If looking at pre 01's check beneath the battery for signs of acid leakage from a cracked battery terminal. This can be a significant problem if not detected and dealt with in a timely manner. The PCM is right below the battery and the factory units are known to leak acid at the terminals effeecting the PCM.

IMO go with a 2002 z06, if you do not want a vert. if you plan to mod it go for a 2001 z06 then do H/C + LT's, now me I like the verts.

as far as items to be aware of

1. pre 99 weaker rod bolts.
2. 98 first year of the vert.
3. 99 first year of the upgraded pcm (lot better for tuning)
4. 01 ls6 intake and block on all cars (and clutch i think).
5. 01 pcm's upgraded to better os (no seccodary VE table).
6. z51 set up is much better than base.
7. check all for leaking battery.
8. column lock bypass on mn6's (do not take to dealer for recall) install aftermarket CLB.
9. oem seat leather sucks.
10 stock shifter sucks.
11. if you buy black be prepared (they look great when clean but are a PITA to keep looking good).
12. check for rocking seats.
13. do a check of the DTC for longterm codes.
14 plan to ditch the stock runcraps.
15 on all do not trust the repair history have a mech visualy check car.
16 check the rocker panels and the front skid.
17 check for oil consumption (hard to do) 2001 had the most problems.
18 if stock check for replaced heads (noobs have habit of missed 5-4 shift, ending up in 2nd with overreved engine and valves that kiss the pistons)

More Than Zero

A lot of people might say to go for the newest car possible since they think the newer ones are less trouble prone, but truth be told they are all pretty much the same. If anything the earlier models seem to have less reports of oil burning and piston slap. I know that my 98's engine is nice and smooth and burns no oil at all even when I go 8k between changes. I've had no major problems with mine since I got it in the summer of 2004, and I've added over 23,000 miles on it too. (it now has almost 56k on it)

Thanks for all the tips. Right now I'm looking for an 98-01 coupe/hardtop. I have found a few but haven’t gotten any replies as to the availability of them. It will probably be within one to two weeks till I have all the cash in hand anyways. I just want to get some tips & suggestions while I am looking & trying to learn more about these models before I buy one & it become a headache or something.

What MTO said is dead on. He covered the big stuff. Only things I would add (all minor stuff, relatively speaking) are:
--Check left side diff for leaks
--Dual climate control units have issue
--Rear wheel bearings on older cars may need replacement ($600 from dealer) listen for chirping while driving slow (10-20 ish)
-- Check all the gauges; my 99's Oil Pressure sending unit was shot, common problem. Not that expensive, just annoying to have gauges and other electronics that don't work.

Above all else, enjoy!!

Thanks I'll have her in the shop & look at all that stuff when she gets here. I found a 2000 with less than 30K original miles 1 owner 6 speed. It is exactly the car I was looking for to the tee. Having it shipped here in a week or so.

very nice. i bought my 99 with 24k on it and in the past year have added 600 more miles. love those low mileage cars