underdog

Hi guys, I am going to be getting a vette pretty soon and was wondering if there are more problems with the 97's rather than the newer years, because its the first year of the c5? I know all cars have their flaws/weaknesses somewhere, I just dont want a year that everyone considers a bad apple for their reputation of problems and mishaps. Any and all suggestions will be helpful. The reason I am looking into a 97, is because they are cheaper. I really dont care about miles, as long as I can get one for around $15,000-$20,000.

-Kevin

MarkP

For the most part, the 97s were excellent first year models as opposed to previous generations, but there are a few problems to be aware of. The best place to check is the Corvette Action Centers Knowledgebase:

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/kb/index.php

good luck!

prototype97

97 is a good car. The only thing to worry about is the steering wheel lock pin. If it hasen't been replaced yet it is bound to lock up.

66LS1NOVA

THE 97'S USED PASSIVE KEYLESS ENTRY (WHICH MEANS THE DOORS UNLOCK WHEN EVER THE FOB IS WITHIN A CERTAIN RANGE AND LOCK WHEN IT IS OUT OF RANGE WITHOUT YOU PUSHING ANY BUTTONS) THAT SYSTEM WAS A POS AND THEY DID AWAY WITH IT IN LATER MODELS, HOWEVER, THERE IS A SWITCH ON THE FOB TO TURN IT ON AND OFF, I RECCOMEND THAT IT STAYS OFF BECAUSE ALOT OF TIMES IF YOU PARK YOUR CAR IN THE GARAGE AT NIGHT AND YOUR KEYS ARE TOO CLOSE TO IT THE LOCKS START CYCLING ON THEIR OWN CAUSING PROBLEMS FROM THERE. THE ONLY OTHER THING IS THE TAC MODULES CAUSING FALSE AND FREQUENT 1571 DESIRED TORQUE CODES. BUT OTHER THAN THAT NO OTHER DIFFERNCES FROM OTHER YEARS, STILL A GREAT CAR TO OWN AND DRIVE <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />

LS1LT1

iTrader: (16)

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by 66LS1NOVA:
<strong> THE 97'S USED PASSIVE KEYLESS ENTRY (WHICH MEANS THE DOORS UNLOCK WHEN EVER THE FOB IS WITHIN A CERTAIN RANGE AND LOCK WHEN IT IS OUT OF RANGE WITHOUT YOU PUSHING ANY BUTTONS) THAT SYSTEM WAS A POS AND THEY DID AWAY WITH IT IN LATER MODELS</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">'97s did have it? I didn't know that. I had it on my '95 C4 LT1 and it worked well in the beginning but then later gave me trouble.

jmX

Lots of years have the passive keyless entry. I just leave it off on my 99.

JohnL

The passive keyless locks is one of the things I don't have a problem with. My C5 has 120,000 miles and it still works every time. The only problem I have with it is when the car is in the driveway and I'm in thwe garage. The doors keep locking and unlocking when I move around the garage <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> I just tell my neighbors it's saying "Come on John...lets go for a spin". But you can turn the FOB off.
BTW you do have to have the special FOB to make this work. You can get a stndard FOB and not have to worry about it.

Dale C

iTrader: (4)

I have had my 97 for 4 years and road raced the car from day 1. They do have a lot more problems than the later cars. All electrical. My car was also super early it was the 73rd built. I have had over 20 performance cars and never have kept one as long as the 97. Even with all the problems it is still my favorite car.If you can get a 99 or newer for a few thousand more and it is still in your budget I would recomend it. But if not I will go for the 97. I would ask about the column lock because Gm's recall does not cover the 97, I had mine done while the car was under warranty. I would also check for oil leaks at the front cover and oil pan super early 97's had problems.
Good luck, Dale