I reciently found a 1997 Corvette that seems like a good deal. I know that they are the first year for the C5 and I have heard some about them having some problems, but dont know exactly what. I have tried searching some on here and I know some of the basic differences that they have, however I was wondering if there are deffinate problems that would make one want to stay away from a 1997. BTW the car has 50k on it and is a m6.

 

97's and '98's are the same car basically... It was a relatively trouble free growing process compared to other types of cars during their first year(s).

Few improvements in '99

A few more improvements in '01

A couple more still in '02

 

So are there are no real major problems that would make a person want to stay away from the first year? I have heard the computer is much more difficult to tune should i do mods down the road and different fuel systems.

 

I would personally stay away from the first production year model of any vehicle.

 

Take the VIN# to a local dealer and have them pull the service history. A small percentage of the Gen3 motors had a potential for excessive oil consumption (ring flutter). Piston slap is also common. I was shocked to hear it on my 2006 Vette, but it only lasted a second. My truck (2002 5.3L) has it, but it didn't surface until around 50K miles (carbon build-up). Some GM top end cleaner took care of that.

Go here to pull recalls and service bulletins by model year:

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/bulletin.html

 

The 97-98 had very few issues. In fact the fuel system is better than the later models. My 97 with over 150k miles has had fewer problems than my friends 02.

 

Thanks for all the info so far guys, really appreciate it.

 

Here are a couple pictures of that car I saw for sale; the lady said it was her husbands car and he passed away. She is asking $14900, but is open to offers.

 

With the right set of wheels that car could look killer.

I think these are I-forged Aeros

 

Just less tables to manipulate. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me. Times are tough for vettes.

 

Give her a low ball offer and see if she takes it ...... Nothing like seeing 10 grand CASH in your face to get you to sell. Good luck. Probably won't get it for 10, but 12K, theres a good chance.

 

Lady told me that she actually had someone call her and not even come see the car wanting to buy it for $12,000 and she turned him down; I think it was partly cause they did not even come see it; because she acted like that bothered her. But even if you could get it for like $12,500 or $13,000 it would be a prob be a alright deal.

You guys think that a 97 would be alright, considering the price.

 

Small amount of recalls.

1997 Chevrolet Corvette

Steering:column locking:anti-theft device Recall

Seat belts:front Recall
Suspension:rear Recall
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly Recall
Seat belts:front:anchorage Recall





No issue with my 97'

 

Alright thanks for the info. Good to hear no issues with yours. Do you still have the stock computer in yours how was the tuning. Looks like your car would be fun. What are some of the details on it, and how much is still stock from 1997.

 

I have always been a firm believer of "Money talks and B***S**T walks"

I say this because of some of the things I have been able to get or do because I had CASH in hand.

Funny how some people respond to a stack of 100's 2-3 inches thick. LOL

 

Yea, cash in hand prob would be a lot better than some guy calling and making an offer over the phone without even seeing the car.


I saw a picture of the interior and it has some wood inserts on some pieces not a big fan of that, not sure how tough it would be to get them off. I will put a picture of it up.

 

I have a '97 and love it.
The only problems I've had are that the dummy lights always light up (TCS, ABS, Low Fuel) although I hear its an easy fix.

sounds like a good deal

 

I have 108000 on my 97 and still going strong. The syncros are going out. Doesn't burn oil. Just took a 1000 mile roadtrip with out any problems.

 

That wood grain is horrible...

You can get some sweet carbon fiber pieces to replace that...

Great deal...