Avalanche2002

I'm thinking about purchasing a used C5 and am currently looking at 2001 and up model years. What years should I avoid - ones with well documented issues?

StealthZ06

iTrader: (1)

Really there aren't any years with serious issues. Obviously the 97's had a few kinks that were later worked out, but nothing that would keep me from buying one. The 97's don't have some of the options like active handling, or heads-up-display.

Kraest

iTrader: (3)

I'd do the 2001+ because of the bigger injectors and LS6 intake manifold, to name a couple things.

Mike

Patman

2001 seemed to have a lot more problems with oil consumption, so I'd try to go with a 2002-2004.

zo6vetteman2003

iTrader: (1)

The earlier years had seat wear problems too. The seat stitching was not up to par, and would break in the bolsters from wear. Overall they are very reliable. Cars with remote entry (the seat would move back for you before you got in setting) cured alot of the wear issue.

Rays C5

BTW it was the 98s that had the 28lb. injectors. The 2001 on up were 26 or lower iirc.

Soldiernurse

... year(s) to avoid = 2005 ... after all, a 2005 is really a C5.5, right?

Kraest

iTrader: (3)

2001

1. A small percentage of 2001 and 2002 LS1s actually had LS6 blocks which had a different part number and a darker metal cast
2. Starting 2001, all LS1s came with an LS6 intake manifold without an EGR system
3. Advertised HP output was changed from 305 to 310 on base LS1s and from 320 to 325 on WS6s and SSs
4. 2001-02 cars have a smaller cam from the Vortec truck engines to increase low end torque
5. 2001-02 cars had 28 lb fuel injectors like the 98 cars (albeit different part numbers)
6. WS6 cars had a redesigned 5 spoke rim which was more wavy
7. WS6 cars got less suspension upgrades from a base Trans Am suspension than previous years
8. Manual transmission cars all came with the Z06 clutch

BOBA_VETT

umm.. I thought we were talking about C5s... you know... Corvettes?

Avalanche2002

Thanks for the replies, keep 'em coming!

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

2002 (2nd month of production on) - 2003

2002 had both new ring design and new pistons, but you must get production a month into the 2002 model year

2004 has many C6 parts, and can be difficult in some areas since they are unique to 04 only. Examples, the fuel filter is in the fuel tank necesitating the removal of the rear cradle and differential/transmission to get the tank out, the fan switch and thermostat is different, O2 sensors, etc. I don't think 04 is a bad year, but be aware it has a few unique characteristics/parts from the earlier years.

Lasershop

iTrader: (2)

You get the newest and lowest milage C5 you can afford. The only thing that should avoid a C5 would be any other car. I have a '97 and I love it. Its true that the 2000 and up are a bit more refined. Better castings , options, ect.

LS1 CRAZY

They all have their issues from yr to yr and yes 98 has the biggest injectors of them.

zo6vetteman2003

iTrader: (1)

97-98 had 28.5# injectors.
99-00 had 26.3# injectors.
01-04 had 28.5# injectors.

slt200mph

iTrader: (42)

I would recomemnd a 99 or newer C5..the 97's and 98's had some issues that were ironed out by 99....it is a lot of car for the money there are some good deals out the these days on the C5 Corvette...I personally would only be looking at a 2001 or newer..just because of the option packages that were being used on the 2001 and newer cars.

Avalanche2002

I pulled the trigger today! I bought a 2003 50th anniversary edition Millineum yellow convertible. Got it for a pretty good price and it's only got 1500 miles on it. Gotta love that! I have attached a couple of pictures.

tigertank

is the motor in the 2004 is it an LS6 or LS1 also whats this about the fuel filter in the gas tank, isnt that a bit difficult to change!

slt200mph

iTrader: (42)

CONGRATS TO YOU SIR!!!..it looks like you bought a very nice one...I get trade ins like that all the time...I have a number of customers that trade evey year or 18 months with very low miles on their cars..keep the shinnny side up and "the wave" alive..

slt200mph

iTrader: (42)

All C5 coups and convertibles 1997-2004 have the LS 1 engine..the only Corvette that got the LS 6 was the 2001-2004 Z06...the problem in the fuel system is not the fuel filter it is the sending unit..(this problem has been highly exaggerated on the internet) it is something that the back yard mechanic is not ready to do...if you have that problem go to a certified Corvette tech.

Escape

FWIW, Consumer Reports lists the most Reliable C5 as the '99.