Test drove C5 and have few questions. Please comment.
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Teching In
Joined: Jun 2005
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Test drove C5 and have few questions. Please comment. Yesterday I test drove 1998 Corvette, auto, 12K miles. The overall condition of the car was very nice for the exception of driver seat. It has a small tear in driver seat form getting in and out. The dealer told me that it is normal for corvettes as the leather GM uses is crappy. I am not sure how true that statement is. I have a 2001 WS6 with 10K miles and my seat looks just the way it did when it came off show room floor.
The second thing that I would like to ask is the following: Everyone seems to mention that corvette has a better ride quality then TA. It defiantly handles better by far but ride was much stiffer. The car rode nicely by it didn’t sock-up the bumps as smooth as my TA does. The ride was little harsher. Could that be due to the fact that this vette did not have adjustable suspension or all vettes are similar.
And the last thing that caught my attention was the fact that car had few rattling noises. One was removable roof and the other some panes squeaking at the rear. Once again I was under the impression that vette has stiffer chassis then a TA, so why would removable roof in the vette make noises, when my T-Tops in TA do not. Rattle in the roof area tells me that body is not stiff and therefore flexes. I did ask the dealer if perhaps it needs to be tighten up and he replied that he tried that, and said once again that all vettes are like that.
Can you please let me know if these are really common problems on the vettes or dealer is making this up? It makes no sense why a 12K vetter would rattle this much. But the price seems very reasonable. He is asking $21K, which I can probably negotiate to around $20K. Let me know what you think. I really liked that car.
By the way he did provide all the history records and the mileage seems legit.
Any input is very much appreciated.
The second thing that I would like to ask is the following: Everyone seems to mention that corvette has a better ride quality then TA. It defiantly handles better by far but ride was much stiffer. The car rode nicely by it didn’t sock-up the bumps as smooth as my TA does. The ride was little harsher. Could that be due to the fact that this vette did not have adjustable suspension or all vettes are similar.
And the last thing that caught my attention was the fact that car had few rattling noises. One was removable roof and the other some panes squeaking at the rear. Once again I was under the impression that vette has stiffer chassis then a TA, so why would removable roof in the vette make noises, when my T-Tops in TA do not. Rattle in the roof area tells me that body is not stiff and therefore flexes. I did ask the dealer if perhaps it needs to be tighten up and he replied that he tried that, and said once again that all vettes are like that.
Can you please let me know if these are really common problems on the vettes or dealer is making this up? It makes no sense why a 12K vetter would rattle this much. But the price seems very reasonable. He is asking $21K, which I can probably negotiate to around $20K. Let me know what you think. I really liked that car.
By the way he did provide all the history records and the mileage seems legit.
Any input is very much appreciated.
The leather GM uses on the vettes although it feels better than the leather in your T/A it seems to be thinner/softer and wear faster, although with only 12k miles I don't know if I've ever seen a vette with torn seats with that low miles, maybe somebody did something stupid, I tor the seat in my 01 WS6 with only 6k mile..... I sat down in it with a screwdriver in my pocket 
As for the rattling top, I've never seen a vette with that low miles have any rattles at all
THe ride quality? Is it a Z-51? If it is it would prob ride firmer than you f-body
As for the rattling top, I've never seen a vette with that low miles have any rattles at all
THe ride quality? Is it a Z-51? If it is it would prob ride firmer than you f-body
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 157
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From: Pasadena, MD
The base C5 suspension is very soft. Even the Z51 suspension is fairly smooth. C5’s have a harsh ride because of the POS run-flat tires. The side walls are so stiff that you can drive 200 miles on a completely flat tire. This makes for a rough ride.
If a “large” less than nimble person owned the car it’s not unlikely that he or she could have put some serious wear on the driver’s seat from getting in and out. The leather holds up well if you’re careful and take care of it.
C5 Vettes are very stiff (frame wise). It is very unusual for one with only 12k miles to have rattles. Mine did have a rattle that sounded like it was in the top. Turns out I hadn’t clipped the sun visor in all the way.
Things you really need to be concerned about are: fuel gauge problems (intermittently drops to empty) very expensive repair, column lock problem (currently under recall), rocking driver’s seat, leaking rear diff, and I’m sure there are a few others.
If a “large” less than nimble person owned the car it’s not unlikely that he or she could have put some serious wear on the driver’s seat from getting in and out. The leather holds up well if you’re careful and take care of it.
C5 Vettes are very stiff (frame wise). It is very unusual for one with only 12k miles to have rattles. Mine did have a rattle that sounded like it was in the top. Turns out I hadn’t clipped the sun visor in all the way.
Things you really need to be concerned about are: fuel gauge problems (intermittently drops to empty) very expensive repair, column lock problem (currently under recall), rocking driver’s seat, leaking rear diff, and I’m sure there are a few others.
Sector,
I just bought a '99 Fixed roof coupe with 27k miles on it for $20,500.00 and it is absolutely flawless! The suspension is a little stiff, but it a z51 and is stiffer than the standard coupe. However, there is absolutely no rattling or squeeking at all. I also had a '98 Convertible before this one a put 60K on it before the wife introduced it to a tree, but it also rode very well and had no rattles. I think you may want to pass on that one and keep looking. Even with a clean Carfax, it may have been rebuilt at some point, thus explaining the low miles (it gets wrecked and then they take a couple of years to rebuild it or it sits around at an auction house). You just never can be sure. Just make sure that your happy with the condition of the one you buy at the time you buy it! With that low of miles, it should be rock solid!
Good luck!
I just bought a '99 Fixed roof coupe with 27k miles on it for $20,500.00 and it is absolutely flawless! The suspension is a little stiff, but it a z51 and is stiffer than the standard coupe. However, there is absolutely no rattling or squeeking at all. I also had a '98 Convertible before this one a put 60K on it before the wife introduced it to a tree, but it also rode very well and had no rattles. I think you may want to pass on that one and keep looking. Even with a clean Carfax, it may have been rebuilt at some point, thus explaining the low miles (it gets wrecked and then they take a couple of years to rebuild it or it sits around at an auction house). You just never can be sure. Just make sure that your happy with the condition of the one you buy at the time you buy it! With that low of miles, it should be rock solid!
Good luck!
12k for a 98 seems VERY low. Not to mention that it has the characteristics of a high mileage vehicle. Records are not difficult to modify or fabricate. Just scan them into mspaint or equivalent photo app and change the numbers, then re-print. Not saying this is the case here, but I'd be a little skeptical. Plus, you should be able to find a rip/rattle free car for that $$$. Good luck.
TECH Resident
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 817
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From: Minnesota
Leather seats obviously cannot last forever, but at 12,000 miles that is pre-mature for sure.. There are too many things that could have happen to cause this.. The older driver could have heavily rub the seat on the way in or out.. This is usually the case. Work on the dealership to replace that to make the sale. Pry $150 MAX their cost to replace covering. Worth the sale? Hell yes.
Corvettes can come with several different Suspensions.. I havent been in a vette for awhile, but there may be a switch on the center council where your right forearm would be that you can switch between touring, and sport or something like that... I'm not sure if that would change the ride qual, but its worth a shot.
Rattles suck! I know how annoying they are, and yes there should be a fix to them, or some thing has either worn out, or is malfuntioning.. Maybe the latch mechanism on the removable top itself needs some lubricant, or the latches on the car are not closing/ opening all the way. I really dont think it has anything to do with chassis stiffness. If it is too annoying, and the salesman wont work with you, its time to move on for sure.
As for these problems to be common... I havent heard of any rattle noises, especially at 12,000 miles. With the amount of plastic in these newer cars, you are bound to get a little shifting in the trim pieces that could in fact start to caltter. Maybe see if you can re-adjust the panels or something. If I were you, I would keep looking, unless you just have to have this car. If its the right color, or what, take a serious look into this car.. If the probs you've mentioned can be over-looked, you have a new car. The small things really can take the enjoyment out of the whole expirence! If not, there are TONS more to look at! Good luck!
Corvettes can come with several different Suspensions.. I havent been in a vette for awhile, but there may be a switch on the center council where your right forearm would be that you can switch between touring, and sport or something like that... I'm not sure if that would change the ride qual, but its worth a shot.
Rattles suck! I know how annoying they are, and yes there should be a fix to them, or some thing has either worn out, or is malfuntioning.. Maybe the latch mechanism on the removable top itself needs some lubricant, or the latches on the car are not closing/ opening all the way. I really dont think it has anything to do with chassis stiffness. If it is too annoying, and the salesman wont work with you, its time to move on for sure.
As for these problems to be common... I havent heard of any rattle noises, especially at 12,000 miles. With the amount of plastic in these newer cars, you are bound to get a little shifting in the trim pieces that could in fact start to caltter. Maybe see if you can re-adjust the panels or something. If I were you, I would keep looking, unless you just have to have this car. If its the right color, or what, take a serious look into this car.. If the probs you've mentioned can be over-looked, you have a new car. The small things really can take the enjoyment out of the whole expirence! If not, there are TONS more to look at! Good luck!
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What is the condition of the rest of the drivers seat? Is it wrinkled and worn or new looking? How about the seat cushion? Is it flat and broken down or supportive. If you encounter the fuel gauge issue it will cost about $300 to have fixed at a dealer.
If you haven't already spend the $20 on a CarFax.
If you haven't already spend the $20 on a CarFax.
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Teching In
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Thanks to all for quick replies. To answer some of the questions:
1. The rest of the car does looks like it truly has 12K miles. The mileage is consistent with carfax.
2. The suspension is non adjustable. Therefore I assume it is a base model. It also does not have a heads-up display. But it does have two roofs (glass and regular) and dual zone climate control.
Perhaps the only reason why I like this vette so much is because of its green color and low miles. I am looking for light blue or green vette and they seem to be hard to find.
However, based on everyone’s comments and some of my personal preferences (was really in the market for M6 and this vette is an Auto) I will pass on the deal. Thanks to all for your input.
I also wanted to ask few other general questions:
What would it take to make a vettes ride as smooth as my TA or better (assume I don't care if my handling suffers a bit)? I prefer to have a fast but comfy car. Would changing tires from run-flat to regular be enough or I would have to do some suspension work as well? How much of an improvement does a vette with an adjustable suspension has over base model?
Thanks for your input.
1. The rest of the car does looks like it truly has 12K miles. The mileage is consistent with carfax.
2. The suspension is non adjustable. Therefore I assume it is a base model. It also does not have a heads-up display. But it does have two roofs (glass and regular) and dual zone climate control.
Perhaps the only reason why I like this vette so much is because of its green color and low miles. I am looking for light blue or green vette and they seem to be hard to find.
However, based on everyone’s comments and some of my personal preferences (was really in the market for M6 and this vette is an Auto) I will pass on the deal. Thanks to all for your input.
I also wanted to ask few other general questions:
What would it take to make a vettes ride as smooth as my TA or better (assume I don't care if my handling suffers a bit)? I prefer to have a fast but comfy car. Would changing tires from run-flat to regular be enough or I would have to do some suspension work as well? How much of an improvement does a vette with an adjustable suspension has over base model?
Thanks for your input.
On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 114
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From: Euless, Tx
I own a 2000 ta and c5. The vette definately has a stiffer ride. You can feel it in your head jerking. I had a hard time telling the true difference until I let the ta sit for a while(about 2 months). It honestly felt like I was driving an explorer. This thing was way up there. The braking is horendous and it felt like a tank. There is no comparison. Once you drive the vette for a while and then get back in the ta there is truely no comparison. The vette destroys the ta in every category. The leather is really soft compared to the vette. I alway make sure nothing is in my back pockets. Get the vette! You will not regret it. Well, maybe if you want to mod it. Vette tax.
Ken
Ken
The seat being worn seems to be a problem. The cars with the memory seat seemed to hold up better because the drivers seat moves back and makes the wear less. I just bought my 98 C5 in December. It had 12,500 miles on it and was flawless except for the drivers seat. The bolster was in bad shape, but the rest of the seat was in good shape. The pass seat looked like no one had ever sat in it. The guy who used to own it was older and bigger, so that really is probably why the bolster is in bad shape. I say if it drives good and you like it, buy it. BTW, I paid $20K for mine too. The ride really isn't that bad.
Originally Posted by Sector
Thanks to all for quick replies. To answer some of the questions:
1. The rest of the car does looks like it truly has 12K miles. The mileage is consistent with carfax.
2. The suspension is non adjustable. Therefore I assume it is a base model. It also does not have a heads-up display. But it does have two roofs (glass and regular) and dual zone climate control.
Perhaps the only reason why I like this vette so much is because of its green color and low miles. I am looking for light blue or green vette and they seem to be hard to find.
However, based on everyone’s comments and some of my personal preferences (was really in the market for M6 and this vette is an Auto) I will pass on the deal. Thanks to all for your input.
I also wanted to ask few other general questions:
What would it take to make a vettes ride as smooth as my TA or better (assume I don't care if my handling suffers a bit)? I prefer to have a fast but comfy car. Would changing tires from run-flat to regular be enough or I would have to do some suspension work as well? How much of an improvement does a vette with an adjustable suspension has over base model?
Thanks for your input.
1. The rest of the car does looks like it truly has 12K miles. The mileage is consistent with carfax.
2. The suspension is non adjustable. Therefore I assume it is a base model. It also does not have a heads-up display. But it does have two roofs (glass and regular) and dual zone climate control.
Perhaps the only reason why I like this vette so much is because of its green color and low miles. I am looking for light blue or green vette and they seem to be hard to find.
However, based on everyone’s comments and some of my personal preferences (was really in the market for M6 and this vette is an Auto) I will pass on the deal. Thanks to all for your input.
I also wanted to ask few other general questions:
What would it take to make a vettes ride as smooth as my TA or better (assume I don't care if my handling suffers a bit)? I prefer to have a fast but comfy car. Would changing tires from run-flat to regular be enough or I would have to do some suspension work as well? How much of an improvement does a vette with an adjustable suspension has over base model?
Thanks for your input.
You are right about those colors being harder to find..(Fairway green metallic & Nassau blue metallic) they were so popular that Chevy quit building them...(not very popular)..the 98 that you describe should ride better than that. The C5 did not have a harsh ride no matter what suspension it has on it. The adjustable suspension RPO code F45 (seletive real time damping) is a wast of $$$ and something else to go wrong with the car. On top of that you can't tell any difference in any of the three positions on the control. If I was looking at buying a used C5 I would be looking at a 99 or newer car. The 97's and 98's had some teething problems. By 99 most of the problems had been worked out of the car. The C5 was a fantastic car and there are some real bargans out there these days. It is a lot of car for the money. But if you are going to mod one the parts will be much more expensive than the same parts for a F Body. That is just becasue they are for a Corvette. Not because they are more expensive to make. The tire on the C5 were run flats or extended mobility tires..they suck..ride rough and are not very good handing tires. Put what ever brand of non run flat tire you like on the car and you will be amazed at how nice the car rides and drives. Buy a Z06 inflator kit on ebay or get two cans of fix a flat and put in the back for emergency. Hit the road and enjoy a fine car..
If you have any questions I'll be happy to answer them for you 
Originally Posted by BBM98C5
The seat being worn seems to be a problem. The cars with the memory seat seemed to hold up better because the drivers seat moves back and makes the wear less. I just bought my 98 C5 in December. It had 12,500 miles on it and was flawless except for the drivers seat. The bolster was in bad shape, but the rest of the seat was in good shape. The pass seat looked like no one had ever sat in it. The guy who used to own it was older and bigger, so that really is probably why the bolster is in bad shape. I say if it drives good and you like it, buy it. BTW, I paid $20K for mine too. The ride really isn't that bad.
The bolsters always wear out first on the C5's..if the rest of the car is good forget about the bolster..you can always get if fixed..if you own it for a while you will get it fixed again too..that is just the way is is on those cars..GM used cheep leather on them..but all in all it is still the most bang for the buck on the planet in a high performance sports car. There is more leg room in the Vette than the F Body too..and no bump on the pass side floor..
Originally Posted by Sector
Thanks to all for quick replies. To answer some of the questions:
1. The rest of the car does looks like it truly has 12K miles. The mileage is consistent with carfax.
2. The suspension is non adjustable. Therefore I assume it is a base model. It also does not have a heads-up display. But it does have two roofs (glass and regular) and dual zone climate control.
Perhaps the only reason why I like this vette so much is because of its green color and low miles. I am looking for light blue or green vette and they seem to be hard to find.
However, based on everyone’s comments and some of my personal preferences (was really in the market for M6 and this vette is an Auto) I will pass on the deal. Thanks to all for your input.
I also wanted to ask few other general questions:
What would it take to make a vettes ride as smooth as my TA or better (assume I don't care if my handling suffers a bit)? I prefer to have a fast but comfy car. Would changing tires from run-flat to regular be enough or I would have to do some suspension work as well? How much of an improvement does a vette with an adjustable suspension has over base model?
Thanks for your input.
1. The rest of the car does looks like it truly has 12K miles. The mileage is consistent with carfax.
2. The suspension is non adjustable. Therefore I assume it is a base model. It also does not have a heads-up display. But it does have two roofs (glass and regular) and dual zone climate control.
Perhaps the only reason why I like this vette so much is because of its green color and low miles. I am looking for light blue or green vette and they seem to be hard to find.
However, based on everyone’s comments and some of my personal preferences (was really in the market for M6 and this vette is an Auto) I will pass on the deal. Thanks to all for your input.
I also wanted to ask few other general questions:
What would it take to make a vettes ride as smooth as my TA or better (assume I don't care if my handling suffers a bit)? I prefer to have a fast but comfy car. Would changing tires from run-flat to regular be enough or I would have to do some suspension work as well? How much of an improvement does a vette with an adjustable suspension has over base model?
Thanks for your input.
If you buy an automatic you will be kicking yourself in the *** the whole time you own it. GET A SIX SPEED!! I can't stress that enough...
you will miss most of the fun of owning and driving the car with an auto..the six speeds were in short supply in part of 98... alot of the cars were going to europe and those were mostly 6 speeds..I recommend a 99 or newer alot less problms with those cars...back before 2001 all the options were ala cart..there was no base car..three kinds of suspension..standard, Z51, and F45...in 2001 they started building the cars with option packages..1SA, 1SB, and 1SC...I have been playing with these cars since 1962 and deal with them day in day out..so I have a little working knowledge on them..
Originally Posted by Sector
Thanks to all for quick replies. To answer some of the questions:
1. The rest of the car does looks like it truly has 12K miles. The mileage is consistent with carfax.
2. The suspension is non adjustable. Therefore I assume it is a base model. It also does not have a heads-up display. But it does have two roofs (glass and regular) and dual zone climate control.
Perhaps the only reason why I like this vette so much is because of its green color and low miles. I am looking for light blue or green vette and they seem to be hard to find.
However, based on everyone’s comments and some of my personal preferences (was really in the market for M6 and this vette is an Auto) I will pass on the deal. Thanks to all for your input.
I also wanted to ask few other general questions:
What would it take to make a vettes ride as smooth as my TA or better (assume I don't care if my handling suffers a bit)? I prefer to have a fast but comfy car. Would changing tires from run-flat to regular be enough or I would have to do some suspension work as well? How much of an improvement does a vette with an adjustable suspension has over base model?
Thanks for your input.
1. The rest of the car does looks like it truly has 12K miles. The mileage is consistent with carfax.
2. The suspension is non adjustable. Therefore I assume it is a base model. It also does not have a heads-up display. But it does have two roofs (glass and regular) and dual zone climate control.
Perhaps the only reason why I like this vette so much is because of its green color and low miles. I am looking for light blue or green vette and they seem to be hard to find.
However, based on everyone’s comments and some of my personal preferences (was really in the market for M6 and this vette is an Auto) I will pass on the deal. Thanks to all for your input.
I also wanted to ask few other general questions:
What would it take to make a vettes ride as smooth as my TA or better (assume I don't care if my handling suffers a bit)? I prefer to have a fast but comfy car. Would changing tires from run-flat to regular be enough or I would have to do some suspension work as well? How much of an improvement does a vette with an adjustable suspension has over base model?
Thanks for your input.
Also, I second the motion to get the M6. I've had both and if your going to drive a 'vette, you might as well enjoy it to the fullest.
Good luck!
TECH Regular
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: STL
Originally Posted by Tiago
dunno bout a regular C5 but my Z06 rides extremely rough... Fbody feels like a cadillac.
My 2000 SS was teeth rattling ride in many cases along with some rattles, whereas, my Z06 is fairly smooth ride.