C5 CORVETTE BUYERS GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS. RED FLAGS AND MUST HAVES!

[@VetOnVettes]

If you find value in my videos and want to support a small channel feel free to buy me a coffee! (or not..) www.buymeacoffee.com/markalafrer

[@christopherdutro168]

I bought a "99" coupe with an automatic 10years ago & viewing anything on KZbin is painful. I did my homework AFTER I bought it.

[@noahlopez51]

Right Now my goal is a C5 Vette ,Thank you for the Advice!

[@VetOnVettes]

Absolutely 🤙👍

[@christopher-watchman]

Word of advice, if you are getting an FRC, take it to a car wash and see how bad it leaks... found that out two weeks after buying my 03 C5Z with 38k miles during a day that rained about 5”. The floor was soaked, but there is a good write up on how to correct the factory saving on seam sealer. It took me a day to get all the car interior apart, dried, put in Eastwood strip caulk, spray the car, check for any further leaks, fill in spots as required, put interior back in the car. Plus milked the corvette udders... only one had a few bugs in it.

[@jimgregory6185]

Looking at a C5 tomorrow this was very helpful. Thanks!!!

[@VetOnVettes]

Welcome man. 👍🤙

[@daren9721]

Check under the battery looking for a c5 . Battery acid on the computer and wires can cause a lot of headaches.

[@JR-ht2vy]

Semper Fi Jim! Good luck with your Vette!

[@jimgregory6185]

@@JR-ht2vy thanks!!

[@Joey856721]

How’d it work out man I’m going to see a C5 Z06 tomorrow!

[@txsailor57]

Hold the options button down and hit the fuel button 4 times. All codes will be shown and can be cleared using the reset button. It first goes through all the modules automatically then goes to manual mode where you can clear them.

[@landychapman3]

0My uncle has a C-5. bought him a copy of "All Corvettes are Red". Mark Reuss (sp?) is totally hardcore C-suite dude. Shot out Tadge Juncheter for C8, and Jim Mero, ultimate C-7 test driver & engineer. Thank you guys for building the ultimate driving machine. Special shot to Mark Reuss, I love the Jay Leno video when he said the C-8 is Tadge's car, not Zora's. I get it, Zora was badass, Tadge made it happen.

[@flynnjp19]

Can't believe one of the best Corvette channels on KZbin only has 11k subs!

[@VetOnVettes]

You got me 🤷🏼‍♂️. KZbin doesn't like to promote it for some reason. Is what it is.

[@paulopitaluga]

I love C5, more nostalgic and beautifulllllllll. Next year, maybe ill start searching one to buy. thanks for the guides.

[@stephonb7254]

Washing the barrel of the wheel is something I look for when buying and maintain on my car.

[@trlprk]

In 2023, add 4-5k to the prices of all you mentioned, crazy

[@gamerscubeixxi2152]

Just bought one for 18500.00 with 60k and it definitely needs things. But that’s also why I bought it. I want it to be mine. I’m wiling to Take the time to rip this car apart and replace everything, it’s paid off so there’s no worry about a payment and I can take my time

[@david029014]

Getting my vette in September, can't wait!!!

[@jhonsmith2150]

Wht yr an gen u getting !?

[@david029014]

@@jhonsmith2150 I want a c7, I sat in and test drove c5, c6 and c7. C7 felt like it was made for me.

[@StrattonOakmont420]

congratulations!

[@david029014]

@@StrattonOakmont420 I have wait, prices on vettes are outrageous now. IL be getting mine when prices calm down and come back to normal

[@michelled219]

Just bought Yellow C5 coupe. My fun car!

[@VetOnVettes]

Outstanding. Enjoy.

[@fuzfoz]

I'm looking to buy a C5 soon and ditching my C4 Wallet-eater. Your lighting is shining a Jesus Fish 🐟 on the fender and I'll take this as a sign. Thanks Buddy! 😁

[@browngundam2170]

why is the c4 a wallet eater just wanna know

[@fuzfoz]

@@browngundam2170 It's really not. It was for me because the guy I bought it from let it sit a long time and the whole fuel system got gummed up. I spend a small fortune on fuel injectors, fuel pump, fuel filter, alternator, belt, plugs, wires, cap rotor, sensors....etc and tires were 15 years old....etc. The car was fabulous when I was done but went from the $6K sales price to about $12K all in. Sold it yesterday for $9K. It was a 91' automatic and I think that was pretty close to top dollar for it. I bought the car poorly and the guy who bought it from me bought it well. I purchased a yellow 2000 6 sp. Convertible a few months ago and after a few minor tweeks and replacing the nine year old tires, I am very happy with it.

[@digitalgavakie]

about a month from getting one for me. So this is great thank you!

[@VetOnVettes]

Very welcome. Glad it helped. 🤙👍

[@digitalgavakie]

@@VetOnVettes picked it up yesterday. Ill be scouring through your channel for ideas.

[@jessemartinez993]

Like your vids bought a 2004 z06 6 speed yesterday keep making vids my man

[@melxin.6669]

Got a 01 zo6 99k miles for 14k really great car !

[@jameskilgallon4049]

Wow what a good deal. How did you find it Melvin?

[@ve2430]

@@jameskilgallon4049 he didn't

[@IvZn216]

@@ve2430pretty common in my area as well, there are even some c6 going for 16k with a little over 100/120k miles

[@Morenitto89]

Once summer is over ill be shopping for a C5.

[@DexterHarrison-z3q]

You been great I'm getting a 2004 Le mans blue commotive edition Corvette coupe

[@stephendibari5010]

Been following your channel for about 2 years now. Over that time I’ve Been back and forth about which gen for my first corvette. Started with C5, C6 then C7 now finally last night decided on a C5 Coupe, manual. Just Starting saving up for a decent size deposit (about 25%) and should have enough by next July 2023. I want to get one and get it paid off before I retire in 2029 instead of buying one after i retire and have a payment while in retirement. Really like the C7 over the C5 mostly Because of the superior interior fit and finish of the C7, but at nearly $50,000 for a 2017 it’s just a little bit out of touch Compared to a C5 for about half that price I won’t be tracking the car so the Z06 isn’t in the cards and I like the looks of the coupe better and the large storage space it has. This won’t be a daily driver, I currently own a 2002 Lexus ES300 which is all the luxury and reliability I need. 171k miles w new struts it rides like new

[@edword457]

I suggest an automatic because it is too hard to shift while holding a beer, cigarette and phone.

[@VetOnVettes]

Can't argue with facts.

[@landychapman3]

you're hilarious, made my day! A whole year later

[@ChrisBred4s]

Between a C5 & C6 😩 gonna own both one day thanks for the video

[@nickmcmullin1719]

Buying a 2003 c5 with 10,000 miles and in mint condition tomorrow. First car I have owned.

[@mannyfox8089]

Dude... getting an automatic corvette bc of traffic is insane advice. The auto trans absolutely neuters these cars.

[@Joey856721]

G shit

[@wackysamurai1583]

So full bolt ons abs a tune, I’m sure it’ll wake it up a little

[@wackysamurai1583]

and*

[@richardpuckett8127]

Some people have bad knees. And we don't want to shift gears anymore.

[@stevengolden1154]

You obviously don't live in a place like Houston were there are literally 7 million people on the road and average speed during rush hr which is 6am-8pm everyday. Yes a manual is better but an auto works for me.

[@jimgregory6185]

Just back from the test drive. Putting offer in this evening. 🤞

[@VetOnVettes]

Hell yeah!

[@jimgregory6185]

@@VetOnVettes Deal is done! I pick it up tomorrow. 👍

[@mhm925]

@@jimgregory6185 how’s the C5 been holding up? What year did you purchase?

[@browningbelgium2326]

Another big issue that pops up is having to resolder the contacts on the climate control. They fade into the sunset but is an easy fix and it'll be brighter than ever. And you are correct sir, it seems that the water pumps from the factory have a short term life on them. Great info!!

[@yz250ftony]

i bought a c5z few weeks ago. hvac display wasn't illuminating. I added solder to the 8 large SMT resistors and it was revived. also, within 3 days of buying it, the water pump failed catastrophically a mile from my friend's shop.

[@browningbelgium2326]

@@yz250ftony I don't think these are just coincidence. There's lots more C5 owners with those issues. Anything man makes is going to fail. But as the saying goes, don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Other than these 2 problems, my Vette has been problem free..........so far!

[@yz250ftony]

@@browningbelgium2326 still working out the notorious p0430/420 codes. has brand new o2 sensors, running seafoam in the fuel. cats majorly cleaned out but still throwing codes. 56kmi, shouldn't be the cats. cars are a hobby, so no complaints. love driving it on my 80 mile commutes!

[@browningbelgium2326]

@@yz250ftony Just curious if you reset the codes after replacing oxygen sensor? if you did and still getting the 0430 and 420 , then the cat converter might need replacing. Does the engine misfire at all? If so, a fuel injector may be a root cause or a leaky gasket. I can't explain it like a technician, but they're interconnected some how and codes will pop up for sure. At least we can rule out an exhaust leak/oxygen sensor.

[@yz250ftony]

@@browningbelgium2326 I've been clearing the codes every 50-100 miles. No misfires, runs amazing. Very smooth. My obd reader isn't telling me the short and long term fuel trim. Looking around for one to borrow.

[@0Heeroyuy01]

the only option mine didn't have to my knowledge is the optional CD changer in the boot, and the switch to pick between track, sport or tour

[@notbuyingit8047]

12:05 Vehicle Anti-Theft System VATS

[@raysmith4208]

Love your videos. Great info. Thanks

[@christianleroy-hernandez2437]

You can check the error codes thru the DIC, no need for a parts store visit. Also, check the door locks and windows for proper operation, the relays in the doors are known to fail.

[@kallo182]

Yes, but its also possible for the Seller to deleate the Codes from the DIC, right before you visit the Car.

[@steveharper5368]

just got my 2002 z06 delivered yesterday, has 3,000 miles on it, not one spec on the paint, now i dont even want to drive or mod it, it i is so nice.

[@VetOnVettes]

That's definitely a double edged sword. You essentially have a time capsule. You are stuck between keeping it perfect for awesome resale value & wanting to really enjoy it.

[@steveharper5368]

@@VetOnVettes yep, i planned on modding but when it showed up i was like crap, its like brand new, even the sway bar shines and the car is yellow

[@mccylk4441]

Prices went up couple of youtube channels promoted C5 as best bang for buck. 2-3 years ago there are boatloads of bonestock C5s available but now they are very rare. I dont understand people why buy a bonestock 20 years old car than pimp it.

[@ve2430]

Cause it looks better and cheaper than the new shit you can buy now

[@MadManStudioz]

Very detailed.

[@dantesantoyo3460]

Barrel of the rim is standard for me every time my friend lol 😅

[@carlitosASJ]

I'm 26 and on my 3rd vette had a 95 then an 05 now I got a 92z07 which was my daily until I crashed it not too long ago..now I'm driving my 2018 Malibu that I had given to my little sister as her first car ..still got my 92 but it's a vette kart and not street legal I'm thinking best bet is to get a manual c5 ..for around 13k if i can find one..just as a stock daily

[@jessemartinez993]

I see the navy flag in the back 💪🏼🇺🇸

[@racerx2348]

c5 is my favorite. but im 6'8 is there anyway to yield more legroom?

[@mikestlouis5304]

I just picked up a 04 Z06 93k for 19100 not bad

[@brianjohnson8045]

pace car convertibles - "very eclectic - not weird - special corvette - kinda cool - they're interesting" - LOL

[@VetOnVettes]

Hah. Almost edited that part out. Left it in, thought at least one person would enjoy my "not quite knowing what to say". 🤙👍

[@jonorras5668]

I picked up my 2000 coupe in bowling green metallic kinda rare color black sport seats hud z51 with 140k miles for 10,000

[@daren9721]

Good info for new vette owners.

[@CLOUTMANGAMES]

Looking at a 02 with 70k for 18k.1 owner hoping to start my vette journey here at 17

[@recyclespinning9839]

What about the crankshaft issues that vibrates making the harmonic balancer break and or drive shaft problems

[@spercoco]

Bought a 2000 c5 a little over a month ago; private sale and paid cash and I've only driven it about 30 miles. Nothing but problems with the car so 30 miles have been back and forth to a Chevy dealsarship to try to fix the problems and so fr no luck; the last time I couldn't even drive it there; I had to get it towed. I'm surprised this video doesn't warn potential buyers of c5 Corvettes about these issues but maybe I'm just one unlucky S.O.B. and these problems are rare but I highly doubt that.

[@kristine432]

I had a 99 C5 and had nothing but problems. It's a shame these dealers and private seller's knowingly push the car and it's problems off to an unsuspecting buyer.

[@thatgingar8765]

I’m picking up a 2000 FRC for 11k next weekend

[@johndehan751]

Suprised you mentioned a code reader when the car has a built in code reader

[@Pureskillzyt]

I just bought a 97" C5. And i hear a high frequency sound behind my driverseat which im assuming it is my fuel pump do u think it will be ok if it has sone sound to it?Also i started noticing like a very strong gas oder in my car but i didnt see anything leaking and lost alot of gas in a short period of time any ideas possibly fuel filter?

[@stevesmith6387]

Have you heard of any issues with the board that controls the brakes on a C5/03. Chevy dealer wants $6,000 to fix. Still drivable but not so good.

[@VetOnVettes]

Zero issues. Are you referring to the ABS module?

[@Axel-lb9gi]

Ebcm?

[@stevesmith6387]

@@VetOnVettes As it turns out it is the ABS which we are trying to resolve. Appreciate the help!

[@kallo182]

The Prizes in USA are soooo Crazy oO In Germany the real Crappy ones start at 13-14.000 Euro And the good ones start about 20.000 Euro A Z06 under 25.000 nearly unpossible.

[@michaeljones1337]

Very strange question for you I have a 2002 Lingenfelter Corvette 427 chromed out motor that says 675 horsepower supercharged I cannot find any information on this at all I've been all over the web KZbin I cannot nail this down I'm educating myself slowly on Corvettes I've always wanted one as a kid unfortunately I don't know a lot about them but I did buy it 30000 MI mint condition got it for 20 grand exactly out the door where do I go to get it checked over and inspected I live in Youngstown Ohio even have my Brainiac cousin do research and I cannot find nothing on this year and this motor it's red-on-red also I don't know if that is rare and it rolls like a bat out of hell anyhow help me out

[@stephendibari5010]

Awesome 👏. Another one to save for My future C5 Z06. Curious what would you get a 2002-2004 C5 Z06 or a C6 grand sport ? I should be ready in about 3 years to make a move. Isn’t the C6 based off of the C5 frame ? Although I think the C6 GS is a more aggressive looker with the wider track and tires, the FRC of the C5 Z06 really does it for me.

[@Chris.Lewis1456]

C6 gs all the way over a c5 if you can afford it. A 2012 gs is my dream car

[@stephendibari5010]

@@Chris.Lewis1456 yeah I’m leaning towards a 2012-13 C6 GS. I won’t be ready until 3-4 years. It will depend upon what I can find at that time. I just seen a 2004 anniversary edition C5 Z06 online being sold at a dealership. It only had 30 or 40,000 miles on it just amazing condition. Not ready but boy it was awesome

[@Chris.Lewis1456]

@@stephendibari5010 if you come across a good priced c5 jump on it. I love my car. I just always wanted a c6 gs so im a bit bias lol

[@stephendibari5010]

@@Chris.Lewis1456 I hear you. Just not ready financially. Not going to put myself into $20 - $30k more in debt. I have faith My car will be there 3-4 years from now. I’ve done that too many times in the past and not goin to go there again.

[@matthewcornacchia5508]

@@stephendibari5010 c5 if you want reliability and ease of maintenance, C6 if you want the opposite. lol

[@ydeardorff]

What yr and model came with factory supercharger?

[@VetOnVettes]

2009 ZR1 was the first year Chevy offered a blower on any Corvette.

[@ShyrmanGPA]

Hi Guy´s, I did a testdrive on a 01 zo6 and one thing makes me a little currious. when i drove under 30mph the car drags to the left but over 30mph it´s started to drag to the right side. is this a known/common problem?

[@Chris.Lewis1456]

Could be just a bad alignment, tires, or a ball joint. Id bet on uneven tire wear due to not being aligned.

[@ShyrmanGPA]

@@Chris.Lewis1456 Thank you, i will check it out

[@nwcomet]

Thank you!

[@davekent20]

I have a c5 Corvette and all my gauges are working except my speedometer. The speedometer revs up and down with all the other gauges when you start it. Anybody knows what I have to do? Thanks

[@LayneSteighlee]

dang, those c5 prices you are mentioning seem to be for high mileage...also depends on what your definition of a low mileage is.... low mileage to me is 10k or under.

[@darrylsjodin7184]

Hey, do you know how long a C5 Z06 clutch should last? Mine has 73,000 miles and first gear makes a little whine sound, not sure if that’s normal. Thanks

[@VetOnVettes]

I've seen clutches last 10k and 110k miles. A clutch is a component that lasts as long as how it's treated and driving habits. If someone rides the clutch/ inexperienced or likes to drop first you might get 25k.. if you are easy on it, feather the clutch and can engage well you can easily get 100k miles +. I hope this helps. This is for any manual transmission car.

[@darrylsjodin7184]

@@VetOnVettes thanks so much! I bought the car at 70,000 miles, so I don’t know how it was driven then. 1st gear kind of makes a shhhhhhh sound but doesn’t slip, during acceleration so it may last 3000 or 30,000 miles I guess. Thanks for the help. 😀

[@eddieherfeljr9002]

Clutch may not be the issue, could be synchronizer

[@darrylsjodin7184]

@@eddieherfeljr9002 Thanks! I assume the synchronizer is in the transmission. Hope it’s ok. I don’t hear it when the windows are rolled down, just the engine and exhaust roar!😂

[@StreetsofKensington]

hey thanks for the update you spelled beginners wrong take care T

[@VetOnVettes]

Good looking out. 👍🤙 Fixed.

[@davidramossalsologoporexse2469]

I'm buying a 2004 but I want at least a 20 to 25k miles. Is for weekend's I'm retire and my wife. So we want to go around town on Sunday's. I want a zo6 I'm on a budget of around 30,000 I already looking at 3 of them. I hope I can make a deal next week 🙏. But I'm a little scared because is my first one...wish me luck. Thanks for the videos

[@VetOnVettes]

30k for a good example C5Z is extremely doable. Probably the 1% of C5Zs honestly. Even 25k will get you nice example. Feel free to ask questions!!!!

[@eddieed_2328]

what will happen when electric vehicles start selling?

[@VetOnVettes]

People will be driving electric vehicles.

[@metaljew4456]

The 4 speed slushbox on the older Vettes is a truly horrible transmission. So I have to disagree with you on the automatic transmission statement.

[@gamerscubeixxi2152]

That can be worked on. They are only as terrible as you allow them to be

[@ugutierrez55]

FYI car fax isn’t reliable

[@Chris.Lewis1456]

Anyone know how to fix a gas gauge? I fill my car its fine then after some hard driving it goes to empty and will stay there until i put gas in again. Sometimes i have to go and top off just to make sure im not actually empty

[@VetOnVettes]

That is corrosion on the sending unit circuitry in the gas tank. Run techron through it a few times. Then let it sit in the tank for a week or so. Will fix the problem.

[@Chris.Lewis1456]

@@VetOnVettes going to get that done asap. thanks i appreciate it

[@brianjohnson8045]

@@Chris.Lewis1456 and then start using major brand premium gas (Shell is one of the best). Doing that plus adding a bottle of Techron every 2 months will prevent the issue that you are seeing.

[@raykruger9989]

Sea Foam gas additive also works to fix this fuel level sensor. It’s also good as as an motor oil flush to reduce valve tapping noise. Pep Boys has it 2-for-1 occasionally. I hope this helps.

[@Xcstlyyy]

😊

[@0Heeroyuy01]

as of Friday 3-5-2021 iv owned my C5 for a year and only payed 10K for it

[@johnbenjamin7785]

You forgot to mention cheap insurance

[@greatratejake5675]

I am a 40 year old male and my 01 ZO6 only added $20 more a month to my auto insurance bill (2017 Ford Fusion). I was amazed.

[@johnbenjamin7785]

Highly doubt you have good full coverage for 240.00 a year

[@greatratejake5675]

@@johnbenjamin7785 My main car is a 2017 Ford Fusion... Just you are aware when you are single and add an extra car to your policy you can't drive both at the same time so my insurance only went up by about $22 a month.

[@18kehawkin]

Car prices now are not what you said.