I did some research on autotrader , looked at kbb, and ls1tech.com
but I d still like your opinion.

I d want to get my dad a C5 sometime next year, budget is between 25000 to 30000.
I know he wants an automatic trans, and hard top.
I know f-body, but never actually got in a vette.
the car will be ship to France , so it has to be low-mileage and reliable, stock or almost, because of their ******* emissions law and other crap...
Anyway I got the shipment already quoted and I have a friend who works at emissions and registration so no problem there
They actually sell and service them over there at certified GM dealership ( you should see the size of a vette/cadillac dealership in Paris, barelly more than 15 cars !!!)

anyway can you give me your opinion on what I should look for, what year, an tips and more generally your buying experience, I know about carfax, and basic visual , test drives things to check but any imput ewould be appreciated

My brother told my dad yesterday:

" instead of bying a used vette , why dont you get a new 06 mustang gt"
and my dad really want a two seater American Muscle car, so Vette is what we always wanted

Looking back at it maybe I should have got a vette for 10k $ more than my TA 02 m6, but I m having some much fun with it right now , plus I use the rear seat quite a lot

oh welll

thanks for your answers !!!!

 

the "hardtop" does not come in automatic. It was made 1999 and 2000 and is was a M6 only. The Z06 replaced it in 2001 and also only comes in M6.

C5s are sweet cars. i have seen 2001-2003s in autotrader and www.corvetteforums.com in your price range.

 

I would suggest 2001-2004 Auto hatchback (targa top, hardtop is only for Z06/FRC and not available with auto transmission) with suspension option. Look for low miles, and original tires with minimal wear and, also, if you can, ask a GM service person to run a VIN for service/complaint history. Column lock recall and minor repairs/adjustments are normal, anything more than that is a warning sign.

This should run you around high 20ies for a clean 2002 car with options and low miles if you buy from a private seller. Half a year from now, the prices will be even lower, of course.

 

thank you both for your answers, I really want to take a ride in a c5 and see how it handles and if its easy to drive.
starting looking now to look for vette....

 

vettes are tight riding cars. in the turns they do way better than the fbods. they are easy to drive, just matters if your dad likes sitting 3 inches off the ground. some people dont, just have your dad get into one at a dealership or something to make sure he likes it before you spend 30k on a car he realizes he doesnt like after you buy it. i only say this because since you are buying a car for your dad i assume youre around 30 at least and your dad is over 50, and a lot of older people just dont like bending that low (please know that if there is anyone over 50 on this site i am not calling you old).