Mint 2003 Z06 with a Deadly Issue! How with such low miles? CAR WIZARD investigates

You won't believe the immaculate condition of this 20 year old 2003 Corvette Z06! It's beyond cherry, but it also has a problem that can be deadly. What does the CAR WIZARD 🧙‍♂️ find and what's the solution?
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[@markhutchinson3367]

The bypass kit for the steering lock is great. But, even with it, you can still get the "service steering column lock" message if your battery voltage is low. It is common. If your car sits for a while and it has this message, disconnect the battery cable and charge the battery and reconnect. Most of the time it will fix it.

[@richardsenkBeachwalker]

Other issues are the gas gauge malfunctioning and the cheaply made seats breaking I have a 2000 C5 coupe with 89k

[@poejuleo]

Do the brown wire mod it stops the message

[@dalejernberg3550]

Compliance Parts in Malibu, CA cleared up my problem with their LMC5 bypass. Great product but what floored me is that I hosed the directions a bit on the install and emailed them AFTER their closing hours on a Friday and they immediately replied and ended up calling me and walking me through the install until I did it right. What companies do that nowadays??

[@elguapo8751]

I have a 2004 Zo6 that I have owned for 10 years. Mine is “mint” condition with 32k miles. It is obvious whoever owns this blue one doesn’t maintain it properly. I haven’t had one issue with mine. When a car like this one sits a lot, at a minimum, you have to keep the battery plugged in to a trickle charger. I use one at all times (Battery Tender) when my car sits, especially in the winter. You also have to use premium top tier gas or non-ethanol. Good luck.

[@Aezetyr]

I'm not a Corvette guy , but good word this car is gorgeous. That chip in the paint is a damn shame, I hope the owner can get that fixed.

[@DirkDeadeye_]

Not sure about now, cause pandemic used car prices are weird, but C5 was a huge value in the used market.

[@ramflow8466]

@@DirkDeadeye_ I just picked up a used C5 with 113k miles on it for 11k. Its getting better but its not as good as it was four or five years ago.

[@MSG685]

Did you have to put any money into it yet? @@ramflow8466

[@IndependenceCityMotoring]

All the lightweighting effort on the C5 Z06 Corvette was worth it in the end as it had one of the fastest Nürburgring times and lap times of any production car at the time. "When the C5 Corvette Z06 clocked its 7:56 Ring time, it was a pretty big deal. GM claimed it was the first production car to break past the eight-minute mark."

[@bryandalton959]

Not that impressive this lady did c10 mins in a Transit van kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3zMdGNplNyJoMU

[@Tokenomics1]

Fun fact: The C5 even has balsa wood floors.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I remember being impressed with them ,realizing it's becoming a world class car when I noticed the curb weight between it and a 2003 golf TDI. They're within 100 pounds of each other. Ok, apples to oranges but a golf was a compact. It's kind of a pig as far as weight goes if you ask me, because an 84 rabbit doesn't even break 2000 pounds.

[@IndependenceCityMotoring]

@@MrTheHillfolk Umm, any small econohatch from the 80s is going to weigh nothing compared to a car from the 2000s. The C5 Z06 is only 3,100lbs which is ridiculously light for a car with 405hp, 50/50 weight distribution. They even went so far as to put titanium exhaust on the car from the factory; the first production car to do so, thinned the window glass, removed sound deadening, lighter weight Speedline wheels from Italy, stiffer and lighter body compared to the base C5, etc. etc.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

@@IndependenceCityMotoring 3200 pounds for an 03 golf is disgusting in comparison

[@ChrisLee66]

Total respect to you after hearing "not looking like an insect!"

[@talis84]

The book, "All Corvettes are Red" is a great, fast read about the development of the C5. The fixed roof that became the body for the Z06 was originally intended to be an entry level body with limited options and possibly a v6 or i4 as the engine. At some point in the many stops and starts of the program, the decision was made to develop a high performance version as opposed to an entry level version. The development of the fixed roof was already a spend and GM decided to get that money back in the Z06.

[@wydopnthrtl]

I'm 1/2 way through the book now. It's a good read!

[@Viper3048]

I've read it once, need to read it again since I bought another copy. Fantastic book for car nerds and really gives a lot of insight into the Corvette design, development, and production process. It's very fascinating to read about and to be able to connect the dots on how the C5 turned out the way that it did.

[@4LaneBlacktop]

As a Corvette guy, I feel the C5 Corvette is the best of the newer generations for all around street driving. You have power, looks, decent ride, affordability, and reliability all in one.

[@wardwhitehead]

That rear end/window version is called the FRC for "fixed-roof coupe." I agree the fastback version looks better but the FRC is lighter, which is what makes the Z06 FRC most desirable version of the C5.

[@kirkthejerkthe1st]

Originally the FRC was supposed to be the low content "economy" Corvette, but the pricing wasn't that much lower than a standard hatchback with the targa roof. They didn't sell all that well so Chevy decided to use the bodystyle for the ZO6 The FRC non ZO6 was only produced in 99 and 2000, after that they were all ZO6's.

[@webberfan1234]

I didn’t know they made one

[@jamessharp9790]

I thought it looked like a convertible with a hardtop on it. I prefer this look to the hatch .

[@mike19640]

It is a convertible with a hardtop glued on. It makes the car lighter and stiffer.

[@wardwhitehead]

@@mike19640 Not sure that's the case, one reason being that the FRC is lighter than the convertible (although obviously the mechanism of the convertible adds weight to that version) whereas if the roof were essentially "glued-on" to the convertible Wouldn't the FRC weigh more?

[@PhilDagostino]

Long time subscriber and I finally get to see one of MY cars at the Wizard's shop! I own this year, and color Z06. Mine has 57k on the odometer, and I drive it almost daily. I love it! I have repaired the HUD, HVAC display, disabled the VATS and fixed a broken fuel door switch, and trunk release. They are easy to work on and parts are everywhere.

[@michaelvee7972]

Totally beautiful car! I have an 04 convertible and love it. The ZO6 only came in the fixed roof coupe style and not the hatch back. Its cool to hear you love these cars also!! Thanks for showing us around it!!

[@philpernice4722]

Yes the fixed roof coupe with no targa would be a little claustrophobic

[@wydopnthrtl]

I own a 04Z06. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND everyone w/a M6 trans install a clutch flush kit. It make a huge difference in pedal feel and will make the slave cylinder last longer. (I only drive 4-5k miles a yrs and use dot 4 in it. And I still notice an improvement each time I flush it)

[@wydopnthrtl]

1yr later.... no changes in my recommendations. I honestly hope to own this for the rest of my life (30+ yrs hopefully)

[@Pete_Finch]

2003 50th Anniversary Z06 in Electron Blue, I lost mine in Hurricane Sandy way back in 2012. Amazing to see her on screen again - I've now joined you in XLR (V) ownership

[@timmotel5804]

Good Day. I bought my 2004 Z06 Commemorative new. Now, in 2024, it has 131,000 miles on it. Still runs like new. No leaks. Can get good gas mileage, doesn't burn oil and is pure stock with the Original Factory Clutch still in it. I bought it to enjoy driving, not to beat up. Previously, I bought a new 1996 Corvette. Loved it also. I've had three 440 MOPAR RT cars to do that with. This LS6 is the finest engine that I have owned. I ran out of highway at 171 MPH, so I had to slow down. Great Car. I put it on a Dyno once and stood behind it when it was turning 6000 RPM. If you have ever done that, then you will never change the factory exhaust system. It Sounds That Good! * Note: Yes, you can turn the traction control off and put it in performance mode. BUT, in my experience, LEAVE the Stability Control ON! Very Wild and Squriley without it on. IMO, dangerous.

[@jayrosenthal3343]

Thanks Wizard for the tour. I’m the third owner of a ‘02 corvette with the manual trans and 100,000 +miles. I love it. There is one thing wrong with this specific car. It ONLY has 15,000 miles on it. It NEEDS to be driven. They are fantastic driving cars and deserve to be driven. I get 28 MPG at 75 MPH.

[@MichaelF1]

For the record…if you can manage that on 87 octane you’re breaking even with modern econoboxes like the Kia soul(I average 28-30mpg at 75-85mph). Such a fine vehicle the c5 was…

[@noneed4me2n7]

Can you run the ethanol gases like E85 or E100?

[@diegoquijanotorres7019]

The C6 Specially the LS2 gets you 25+ MPG as well unmolested ofcourse! LS3 around 20+ MPG thats what i get in my daily driver corvettes

[@richardelliott8352]

mr. rosenthual must have an automatic. I do a little better with a manual transmission , getting high 29 Mpg at highway speed, although I do have an axle back aftermarket exhaust from magniflow, adding a bit of noise in a trade for efficiency. .

[@jayrosenthal3343]

@@MichaelF1 I wish. I feed it high test but it is a whole lot more fun to drive.

[@1crustyoldmsgtretired870]

What a beautiful C5! Yep, I had to replace the harmonic balancer on my C6 with an LS2. The initial symptom was the alternator would stop charging when you put your foot down. Good times!

[@richardsenkBeachwalker]

tough part is getting the HB past the steering rack ...Rack has to come out. other than that its fairly easy. might as well change out the tinning chain and swap the cam if you're so inclined.

[@1crustyoldmsgtretired870]

@@richardsenkBeachwalker I did mine at home on jackstands. I unbolted the rack and moved it sideways. I didn't want PS fluid all over the garage floor, so that's as far as I went lol. I found the hardest part to be torqueing the new crank shaft bolt! 💪

[@IndependenceCityMotoring]

FYI the aftermarket "LMC5 module" is $40 and a permanent fix to the steering wheel lock issue. This is what every C5 owner does.

[@cavedog1279]

I had to cut the brown wire on my LMC5 before the issue finally stopped (some vehicles require this, others don't). Just an FYI for anyone with a C5 and an LMC5, if it does not fix the issue you probably have to cut the little wire loop.

[@dedalliance1]

Just make sure no one steals your car with a screw driver after that, lol.

[@IndependenceCityMotoring]

@@dedalliance1 The key has a resistor chip in it.

[@dedalliance1]

@@IndependenceCityMotoring True, forgot about that.

[@Tokenomics1]

No other sports car really beats the C5 in terms of value. I've had one for 22+ years.

[@Tokenomics1]

@CarFreak The 01 (for example) Corvette is 400lbs lighter than the 01 z28 which is better for handling and the z06 is 500 lbs lighter. The Corvette also has an independent rear suspension for better handling. The Corvette also moves the transmission to the rear for better weight distribution for better handling. The Corvette also came with wider tires for better handlng and more grip off the line. The Corvette also loses the rear seats for a foot shorter body and better handling and driver position. The driver also sits lower in the frame for better handling and a better drag coefficient. The lighter fiberglass body keeps weight lower at the edges for better handling. Basically one was built to be a drag car and one was built to be a track car. As it should be.

[@fastlyf98]

​@carfreak2206 having owned a 98 SS camaro (bought new) which I traded in for my 02 Z06, which I still have.. I can say with authority there is absolutely no comparison.

[@w.e.s.]

Muscle car* and yes lots do a corvette is over rated

[@w.e.s.]

​@@fastlyf9890s model Camaros aint even camaros

[@toddaulner5393]

Any issues?

[@kamz4576]

My dad (who has had a C5 Z06 since new), when the recall was issued, did some research and went straight to the bypass install... didn't bother with GM's fix.

[@toolate2112]

The C5 Corvette is the greatest Corvette ever made

[@craigmorgan4676]

Its isn't brother, u ded wrong!🙈🙈🙈🤯🤨🤯🤨🤨

[@bcdieselsofficial]

@@craigmorgan4676 it is not the best ever made, but it is one of the best bang-for-your-buck cars ever.

[@samholdsworth420]

​@@craigmorgan4676 I would take your opinion seriously if you could learn to spell 😮

[@samholdsworth420]

​@@bcdieselsofficial I think overall it's probably one of the best. it's not all about 0 to 60 times

[@Mike__P]

As the previous owner of a C6, I must respectfully disagree. The C5 was great, but the C6 made everything better.

[@robertf4540]

Not really a Vette guy, but if I were to own one that would be the model. That one is beautiful!

[@Ken-op7sg]

Have you ever that would change your mind they are a blast

[@TeksTherapy]

C5 used to be my favorite but I recently just made a video that had a c7 and I pretty much fell in love with it!

[@leonardodavinci303]

I agree with you. The C5 is much better looking than a new one.

[@Z06ified]

Great video and beautiful car. Brings back memories of my ‘02 Z06, in the exact same color, Electron Blue metallic. Mine looked exactly the same as this one, with the only exception being the 50th anniversary badges which mine obviously didn’t have. I bought mine new and kept it for 10 years, and loved every minute of driving it. Great track car, and can be easily daily driven too. I can’t believe it was over 20 years ago that I bought it! Time flies.

[@mr.wildcat405]

10 years is a long time to have a car. Be hard to part with it after that long. I bet you have a newer Vette...

[@davidmcdermott3415]

The fixed roof was supposed to be lighter and more rigid. I had a coupe with Z06 rear brake ducts and I did Z06 shocks and sway bars. I wanted the Z06, but also needed the hatch back. That blue is amazing.

[@truthserum5310]

Wizard, I own a mint 2004 Z06 Z16 Commemorative Edition with 6,050 miles on it. Garage kept and cherry since day 1. Love the car. Just spent a week and 950 miles driving a 2022 C8 Z51, and while it's an awesome car, I wouldn't get rid of my C5 Z06.

[@wydopnthrtl]

I have an 04z w/45k miles now. You might consider changing the two belts and at least inspecting the hoses. (rubber parts degrade w/time not just use)

[@truthserum5310]

@@wydopnthrtl I own an auto shop, I know. Enjoy your Z.

[@wydopnthrtl]

@@truthserum5310 ah ok... btw the best "mod" I've done is the clutch bleeder kit. Holy cow does it make it feel better. I only drive 4-5k a yr and use dot 4. But each time I flush it I see black and the pedal feels better. IMO GM should have given us that as a feature to begin with.

[@billchurch1145]

I had the exact same '03 Z06 car several years back, right down to the "Electron Blue" paint. Mine showed 15,978 miles on the clock when I bought it up in Northern Virginia. I got a killer deal on it from the original owner. It was absolutely pristine in every respect, just like this Z06. The only problem I had with mine was that I couldn't keep my foot out of it the entire time I owned it! It had tons of power and was very quick. During the three years I owned the car, I put a whopping nearly 2,000 miles on it. This 73-year-old decided to sell it while the market was hot. It was the only Corvette I ever made money on when it was time to sell. I really miss it, now that it's gone, but I, having driven one, I'm convinced the C6 Z06 is really the one to have.

[@wydopnthrtl]

That LS7 is a beast

[@bngr_bngr]

I love my C5s. I have 3 convertibles, they are the best model to buy. I love how sleek they look with the top down.

[@CrusaderX]

I like the fixed roof, not just for looks but it had a trunk.

[@matthijs.tieleman]

Cool C5 Z06! I have a standard C5 coupe, like the Car Wizard prefers as I do, with 6MT and some Z06 upgrades (Z06 wheels and titanium exhaust). Getting close to 110,000 miles, still purrs like a kitten. It's amazing how affordable they are still, even today. It's really the sports car bargain. Awesome cars!

[@richardsenkBeachwalker]

its fairly easy to get c5 z06 performance with a coupe Ireplaced the shocks and sway bars with z06 and you can get ls9 heads and intake or supercharge it

[@myvalium1]

Beautiful example of a C5 original Z06. I bought my ‘03 Z06 end of ‘02. My son at that time was 13. The car is now his as we made a pact to never sell it. Now has 34k miles and he loves it.

[@IndependenceCityMotoring]

Performance-wise, the Corvette Z variants have been right up there with the "more expensive" exotics and in the upper echelons of performance for several generations now. See: C4 ZR1, C5 Z06, C6 Z06, C6 ZR1, etc. etc. Go check out the lap times of these cars compared to Ferraris of the same era.

[@ericmutnan6358]

Yup. Its the redneck Ferrari!

[@FacuGonz3]

The ZR1 was a beast at the time.

[@stephendibari5010]

Love the C5 Z06 and thanks for the posting this awesome video ! I just started saving up for a Corvette and will be ready by summer of 2024 for a healthy deposit. A C7 was in the plans BUT since COVID, corvette prices have spiked and our out of control. This C5 Z06 is exactly what ill be looking for, well maintained, unmolested, either blue, gray or silver. Maybe black if the condition is excellent. In the Z06, Chevrolet saved about 130 pounds compared to a standard C5 coupe. Thinner glass, lighter titanium exhaust (23 pounds), less insulation, removed the storage covers in the trunk, etc. I wont be tracking it, but for the $ its the best bang for the buck. As i get closer to retirement in 4 to 7 years and the C5 Z is paid off maybe upgrade to a C7, that's if i want to let it go? Excellent options either way...

[@stereolababy]

don't be afraid to get one with higher miles. this one is prob worth 35 or so. not modded to death is getting hard to find. only colors are black, white,red,yellow,silver and blue

[@stephendibari5010]

@@stereolababy I hear you. I definitely want one without any mods, as close to factory as can be. Will be harder to find as most are modded out. One or even 2 owners are also hard to find. I won’t be in a rush to find the best one for me. Even around 50k miles is still worth considering

[@stereolababy]

@@stephendibari5010 i bought mine recently with 80k on it for 21k. 3 owners and only a aftermarket muffler which sounds great. i driven and maintained vette is alway better than a museum piece with no miles i think

[@stephendibari5010]

@@stereolababy absolutely 👍. A garage queen w less then 10k miles then driven spirited on a regular basis will lead to issues. I’ll be looking for one with min 25k miles. Have had issues w. Wobbling harmonic balancer? Also I’ve read a clutch job is about $2-3k. Hopefully I can find one who didn’t abuse the clutch.

[@stereolababy]

@@stephendibari5010 i have not checked out balancer yet. it already has new clutch with new bleeder access. supposedly the 2001 do not do not have valve spring issue

[@wigletron2846]

C5 Z06 only came as a coupe, no hatchback. Cmon Car Wizard.

[@maxpaul11]

These corvettes are like mustangs from the 80 and 90s. Super fun and easy to work on! You can do so much if wanted in upgrades easily and affordable! Awesome car!

[@Ollie2846]

My 97 had a recall on the column lock. I never had it repaired. I have not driven the car on the road for 10 years. I'd forgotten about it until you mentioned it. Thanks

[@aymaneoubad5057]

Thank you especially for turning on the head lights ! Pop-ups are in every car guy's DNA. Cheers !

[@kellingtonlink956]

I was lucky enough to drive a Vette for my last years of high school… unfortunately it was a Chevette. It didn’t land many chicks, but it was decent enough that my non-car-owning friends didn’t object to their free rides (gas money from them occasionally would’ve been nice!). Thanks for the video.

[@phil4208]

Cherry for being 20yrs old , these can be had for 14 to 25 k but all of them had more mileage, this owner cherishes his baby, upstate new york

[@drew3906]

The fact that you compared a C8 to an insect makes me love you. I love you, and I love my C5. lol

[@TheoHawk316]

I prefer the C6, but, this certainly comes in as a close second. My dad has a '99 corvette, and, I've driven it. Nimble, speedy (not super fast) and reliable. Also, it sounds dang good stock, which most cars (especially of that era) don't.

[@richardelliott8352]

A C6 in that root beer/ orange paint is certainly an eye-catcher, but I have seen so many in my area with moisture and cloudiness in the headlights, I am glad I have pop ups.

[@cs1375]

​@@richardelliott8352I don't care for Orange but that Atomic Orange is the best color on a Corvette ever made. I have a 02 vert with a 6 speed.

[@welshrarebit9238]

Mrs Wizard,that car doesn’t purrrrr down the road it roars 😊

[@brianmeek5236]

I have a 2002 w 17k , you have to watch the radiator, it’s like a vacuum cleaner and being at an angle things don’t fall off when you stop. I fixed the column lock with a kit from the company,before the recall.

[@komradkolonel]

My favorite was the C4. I just love the look of them and they weren't overloaded with electronics and computer modules. The C8 may look good but it's been a symphony of problems.

[@stanparker9556]

I haven't heard about the problems with the C8. What kinda issues are they having?

[@Steverz32]

My 1st corvette was a C5 six speed and it was a blast to drive and decent mpg as well! I have had 2 C5s and a C4 and hopefully my C6 Grand Sport will be my last. Thanks for showing us this sweet ride wizard 🧙‍♂️

[@alora1105]

Greetings from Finland ! I subscribed to your channel even though I don't own American cars, I've driven many. I myself own a couple of Toyotas, it's nice to watch the work of a professional :-)

[@tim1299]

Flush the clutch reservoir. It will shift smoother. Time to change the coolant too.

[@JeepCherokeeful]

Best to change all fluids

[@devnull128]

My favorite vette too The non hatch is called a FRC “fixed roof coupe”. And was lighter and stiffer, so it was used on the Z too. Near perfect cars.

[@dmomintz]

The C5 Z06 is by far and away the best Corvette ever made. A pure driver's car.

[@richardelliott8352]

I agree on both statements presented in the video. That the C5 is clearly the sweet spot in the corvette line, and that the fastback is the prettiest by far. A retired mechanic was showing me his showroom clean pretty red C5 fastback, and that subtle blue tint that GM uses in their glass, in that big rear window, was just the cherry on top of a remarkably attractive car. However, that style does present a purchasing dilemma, because a convertible is the ultimate expression of a corvette, unless you need to play, " My car is faster than yours" and then most prefer a hard top, like they have never heard of chinstraps for hats. But even driving top down in a C5 , there is no objectionable wind buffeting until around 50 mph. they did a lot of aerodynamic tuning on the car. And if you get yourself an astronaut haircut, no worries at all. I feel the mechanical platform and body design are good enough to invest the money and stewardship it takes to keep my almost 20 year old 03 on the road. Only car I have ever driven where I got pulled over by the law and got let off with a warning. It might have helped my cause that I was on my way after work to check out the space shuttle, which was still at the airport, headed for the museum.

[@erlingurbjarnason5874]

I have a '03 Z06 27k miles. One thing that must be checked is if it has the original yellow valve springs. If it does - it is an absolute must to change them out. They will break, it will drop a valve and the engine is toast.

[@Ranguvar13]

True, affected some production of 02-03 only, check forums for VIN guide

[@KenchenZ06]

Pick up a 04 c5 Z06 24 le man edition last week! Loving it

[@OldGrandadMashup]

Love Corvettes!! Just bought my first one in Ireland. It’s a manual C6 and a very very rare beast over here

[@richardelliott8352]

good to hear you dig the car. the car has such strong support in the states, and with the internet to help, you shouldn't ever get that orphaned car feeling. provided you don't turn to GM for help. they are pretty clear they are in the business of selling new cars, and might consider supplying parts as enabling a problem.

[@OldGrandadMashup]

@@richardelliott8352 it shouldn’t be an issue for me. I’m in the US 1 week every month for work so I bring home spare parts for servicing. But it’s the only 2010 registered in the country which is crazy

[@samp911]

Wizard, you may find the door control module is the culprit for the lazy lock. I believe they are no longer available and even if you can find one, very expensive. My son’s 2002 Z06 had the same problem on the passenger door. We also replace the door lock assembly first. We found someone in Minnesota that solders in new better relays in the door module very reasonably. Did the trick and has been fine for years.

[@rgb-c5]

The door modules can be repaired. I had mine repaired about 6 years ago. Still works perfectly.

[@aftershock8080]

The door lock issue is one of the first things I had to fix on mine. I was able to solder a new relay onto the door control module, and it's been fine ever since 6 years later. If you have some soldering skills, it's not that hard to do.

[@laurat1129]

I love Corvettes, and that C5 is special such that I have to rewatch this vid. Never seen the short rear on one of these, much prefer the hatch window myself. Nice blue, though.💙

[@garretthoefer3989]

Lemans Blue is the best color for the C5 C6 vettes.. Fun fact the Z06 body was actually considered the cheap vetted FRC (Fixed Roof Coupe) but when it was realized it had superior structural rigidiy, they made it a Z06. There are 97'-99' (I believe) Manual LS-1 (not LS6) FRC cars that look like the z06 but aren't.

[@robwwhit3453]

Lemans Blue was for the C6, this Blue was Electron blue. I've never seen them side by side though...ha

[@robertr4715]

I have an 06 C6 that is Lemans Blue. Beautiful car!

[@elkillerx]

I absolutely love the C5 Corvette. A very beautiful car even to this day!

[@larnellkeith4114]

Wizard you and Scott Kramer all the best helping a lot of people out I love honesty😊

[@davidt3563]

I got to visit the Vette museum back in 2003. I was able to sit in one of these and I absolutely fell in love with the 03 C5. I've toyed a bit with buying one (especially back in 09) but all the ones I found would pop out of gear under moderate to heavy acceleration, which is apparently a known issue if the cars have been romped on. =\

[@richardelliott8352]

comfort is important, the C5 has more interior room that any other corvette, supposedly from factory figures, I read that on the internet, That is the first I have heard about tired cars not holding gear . I bought my used vette not knowing anything about vettes, so have done a lot of reading trying to improve my understandings.

[@BrisLS1]

Never heard of that popping out of gear thing. I guess anything bad can happen, and it doesn't have to be on a list. Frankly I think all those aftermarket shifters are garbage, and do tons of damage nobody wants to admit, because of online politics and sponsorship. Maybe that's what you drove. If I got my hands on another low mileage C5, I would leave it all stock and add a Procharger, nothing else. The car is perfect, just not fast enough.

[@blaketindle4703]

My dad had a 2000 Corvette. The handling felt FAR superior than my 2001 Camaro!

[@stevethomas760]

I think my brother's '03 Z06 has 23K miles now. He started driving it again a couple years ago. For the longest time it was stuck at 17K miles. A comfortable touring car. Right after he bought it my daughter and I drove to Florida. The car got better mpg than my Subaru.

[@wydopnthrtl]

Yep I get 27-27mpg average on road trips. And that includes all the local driving and rippin 0-60 every chance I get. On the freeway alone it gets right at 30.5 avg.

[@bradwilliams4921]

Very nice car. I got to test drive a used one back in the day and it was awesome. The only car that I have gotten to test drive that I thought was better was a used C6 Z06. Both were too expensive for my budget but it was nice to dream about.

[@602STS2]

Nice review Wizard. 👍 FYI, that separator panel that separates the trunk are from the area immediately behind the seats is an aftermarket piece. Also, those mufflers are factory Titanium units, only installed on the Z06 cars.

[@buellfan8854]

Lmc5 fixes the steering lock issue permanently. My c5z had both gm fixes done and still had problems as did many other cars so I installed lmc5 to fix that problem

[@redtesta]

My favorite as well. I had two of them. I really thinking of getting one to tinker with . Stock to 60 , 4.0 flat and a mid 12 car. Easy bolt on's with a car that weighs roughly 3000 lbs. It was so easy to get 500hp and easy mid 11's. The gas mileage was awesome at 17 and 28 mpg. Z06 was couple only, all performance.

[@williamtricarico6684]

I installed the bypass on my Arctic White 2000 6spd coupe. No issues or dtcs ever. Also installed the skip shift bypass without issues. The ZO6 body style was originally called an FRC or Fixed Roof Coupe. As, unlike the regular hatchback base model, that has the removable targa top, the top is not removable. I definately prefer the hatch for aesthetics as well as practical usage. I've actually slept in the back several times and I'm 6'2" 210 lbs.

[@dlschgo]

Surprise! The dealership faked safety recall work and billed Chevy. If I had a $1 for every time that happened . . .

[@ericmutnan6358]

Lemans Blue too! I prefer a C6Z but this is the best color ever in the history of Corvettes.

[@ptopp1147]

That was electron blue 02 was the first year for that color

[@thomasfarley6052]

So cool to have this corvette it is such a beautiful car. I am looking to buy another corvette and the C5 is a serious contender. It still has the old school look Thank you Mr, and Mrs, Wizard that car is popping

[@colinklang]

Looks just like my uncle's vette. I got to ride in it once and he put through the paces. I got sucked back into the seat and my butt puckered a bit. It's an amazing machine that does exactly what it's designed to do.

[@z06doc86]

I think the C5 Z06 was only available in the hardtop (fixed roof Coupe) for structural rigidity. Fastback Coupe and convertible not available for C5 Z06.

[@butch4481]

I have a 2003 ZO6 with 9,000 miles and it just got it's first pair of ties on it and that's it

[@Misterfairweather]

Very nice, I have a C5 Z06 that is my track car and it is such a good platform to work from. I do wish it was that pretty color of blue but it'd just get chewed up on track anyways.

[@SonnyGTA]

I agree Wiz!! I had a C4 and sold it for a C5. 2001 6 speed. It just looks amazing! It’s my fav Corvette also! Pop up headlights look great. Interior looks great! I get compliments every time I take it out. (The car not my ….). One note: The Z06 only came with that odd looking, stunted/abbreviated rear window. If you want the nice, long rear window you have to get a regular C5. Not a Z06 and not a convertible.

[@mkernen]

Just sold a '03 C5 so I could get my '08 C6. I agree, the C5 styling looks a bit better, but the C6 is still cool as hell! Moving from an LS1 to an LS3 is huge, plus the 6 speed vs. the C5's 4 speed auto is a big upgrade.

[@alfredsinkllc4870]

Awesome car. Like 2008 i hit 200 mph in w/witness on active highway. Military noticed

[@Mr.Schitzengigglez]

I drove one, same color, the year it came out. Only complaint I had, was that the owner had put 16k on it, driving like a granny. So, it smelled funny after I put the clutch to work for a few blocks. Super fun car though. Very responsive, and you can feel exactly what it wants to do. That's very different from what you get in a late model Trans Am. I guess you get what you pay for.

[@treystone1993]

The "deadly issue" click bait title was not appreciated but I can't say that about the rest of the video. You have an honesty and a no BS approach when discussing cars that is commendable and would be difficult to fake and I've always admired that, as well as the great advice you offer. (Rise above the unnecessary click bait, you're better than that. Your videos are great enough to stand on their own merit and content.)

[@jimmysalinas682]

What an idiotic thing to say. Do you know why Recalls are a thing? Because their has been proven history of other vehicles causing tragic accidents and deaths because of the concern the manufacturer is obligated to address. If your vehicle shuts off while on the road that is a danger hazard that can lead but not limited too causing a tragic accident that could lead to death. That is a deadly issue and has to be addressed. Just because it hasn’t happened to you doesn’t mean you’re immortal, death waits for nobody.

[@treystone1993]

​@@jimmysalinas682 Idiotic? There have been zero, that's 0, serious accidents attributed to the steering lock issue on the Corvette from this era....and 0, that's zero, deaths resulting from that same issue. So no, deadly is not even close to resembling an accurate description, or a video title. A potential issue, obviously, but deadly, no, not even close, I.e. Click bait. Driving any perfectly functional vehicle can be deadly as well but stating that alone would also be a bit misleading without qualifying it more concisely. Best of luck to you.

[@SimpleAsBDCs]

Very Nice ride and the C5 is probably my fav Corvette 2 Keep up the Great work Car Wizard...

[@richknudsen5781]

BTW the main reason the harmonic dampner fails is GM's dumb idea to run the belt drive on it which puts constant tension on the elastomer ring. Aftermarket units fix that with a fixed ring with weighting or fluid to dampened vibrations.

[@mattorama]

I heard the laugh before calling it a "grab bar." She was definitely going to call it the "oh shit grip."

[@NGMonocrom]

1970 Corvette for me. Silver, with a red interior. 💗

[@rotorblade9508]

really nice car, the transaxle gives it a great balance, just one thing, they owners didn’t quite like to drive it :) (low mileage). to be honest I only do like 1500mi / year in my c4, like once a week short drives to a nearby place where I can do some sporty driving, few trips to repair shops and a few to the race track

[@AliA-mz5oe]

i love wizards humor on tyler’s channel , seems like Mrs wizard doesnt let him slide when she is recording 😂😂

[@petelanzone484]

Gorgeous car! Love my 09 C6 Z06! As I have 14K miles on the ODO I do like the C5 as well. But love the C6 style a bit more.

[@billmcmeekin7909]

Right on Pete! As much as this C5 looks nice, I believe the C6 Z is more aesthetically pleasing. What color do you have? My 09 Z is Atomic Orange, took me three years to find one I liked :⁠-⁠) Mine is just over 24000 km now. Going to get heads done next week, to remove the dreaded valve failure potential. Cheers from Canada :⁠-⁠)

[@petelanzone484]

@@billmcmeekin7909 Hey Bill, took me a few years to find mine as well. The color is Cyber Gray metallic. Absolutely gorgeous

[@billmcmeekin7909]

@@petelanzone484 Awesome! I have yet to see one in person, as I believe it may be not so common a color. One day I hope :⁠-⁠) Black and Red see to be the common Z06 in Canada. Have a great summer Pete, happy driving :⁠-⁠)

[@mr.iforgot3062]

Thanks Car Wizard! Your the groovest!

[@yaosun9431]

Please also fix the common steering lock issue as preventative maintainance. Very typical and easy to do, but if you're locked out, you have to visit the dealer.

[@richardelliott8352]

well, violently jerking the wheel to free up the pin mechanism locking the steering is known to work. Cursing is optional. Word on the street is that both remedies, physical assault, or the dealer, are low confidence situations.

[@yaosun9431]

@@richardelliott8352 unfortunately it did not work for me, and I lost my tune due to the reflash they did to my ECU. I don't know why they did that, but I got it back unlocked

[@HollywoodHornet]

My buddy had two 03 Z06's His 1st one had the column lock problem when we were at Bloomington Gold. He found a bypass kit for sale from a guy at the show and got his beast fixed but he missed the road tour. He pre-emptively bought the bypass kit for his 2nd Z06 so be would never be stranded again.

[@daamcat]

Dear Car wizard, I am an Iranian in Germany, watching your videos recorded in the US. Haha. I want to thank you sooo much for all this knowledge that you have gathered during years of hard work and now sharing so generously with us. I don't even have a car and am trying to fight my temptation to buy one. But I know if I want to buy one, my watching hours of your videos will help me have a good choice. (I definitely would buy a Toyota, very likely a Verso Haha, cause I have seen how annoyed you become, when some people ask your advice and don't take it seriously ;) ) Thank you so much for your wonderful personality and sharing your valuable knowledge. And be aware that you have a friend in Germany :)

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

I like the drivetrain of the C5. But I love the style of the C3. My perfect Corvette would be an early C3 with the C5 drivetrain. I don't know if it's possible without a years worth of fabrication. But if I had the money, that's what I would build

[@wydopnthrtl]

Me too. I have an 04Z and its a great car but if I could afford it I'd take a 71-72 C3 and do a retromod w/a LS3 and 6 speed manual trans. I'd also try to keep the exterior stock looking.

[@jagvette1]

Totally agree I had a C3 and then a C4, but my favorite is the C5, maybe one day I will get one :)

[@ericdwills14]

The C5 saved the Corvette line. My fav is the '63 to '67 style, then the early '69 style. For modern times, I'll take the C6 Z06.

[@Shakalkg]

C5 is GOAT

[@Pointlesshandle48]

What a beaut. I love that blue. The rubber looks aggressive too.

[@Ivc406]

Great looking car, also another well presented video,thank you and Mrs Wizard

[@timtimtimmay4654]

As a C5 owner, I wouldn't hesitate to do the kit as soon as you have issues. Several times it fails completely without any more warnings, usually leaving the owner stranded.

[@Slickpete83]

*what Mr. Wizard doesn't realize is that he could sell the donated C8 Corvette and buy four C5 Corvette* 😅🤣😂

[@TonyBasuro]

Lol. You cant wish for more wishes

[@ah4800]

Just bought a silver 03 z06 5 days ago 🎉

[@brandonlerman1540]

The stock mufflers are special because they are made of Titanium.

[@tonysteppan8495]

Really cool to see the current owner is up on the maintenance. As with all older cars and trucks staying ahead of the curve with an honest shop is so important. My wife had a 02 in electron blue, I believe it was called. Not a Z06 but very enjoyable car minus Maintenace cost. As with any performance car you can look forward to run flat tires at $1000 just for the front. Not that you can't run a lighter non run flat but when that it happens out on the road it sucks. Now a days finding corvettes at a low price is great. Just have some extra $ to cover things like this owner. Who got off lucky this time. I love my corvettes, but stuff gets old and Fails like any car. So, find someone who knows corvettes look at your dream car before you buy. It's cheaper in the long run and more miles with smiles THANKS Mr. Wizard for showing a great Corvette!

[@mikeleuk]

Thank you Mrs Wizard for all the great interior segments!

[@victorfraga9374]

Nice, I love the yellow car color on these as well. I have a black 2002 C5 Z06 with 22k miles that I'm trying to sell. It has its common issues such as EBCM needing to soder, passenger window power not working and a real differential leak and other minor common issues. It has an MGW shifter and BB axle back and was detailed with ceramic coating. I love the car but need to sell it to pay off the house. Hopefully I can sell it soon 😅

[@BrisLS1]

Those issues are "common" and "minor"? I had 2 C5's and never had any of that. Best of luck in the sale. Keep the bugs under the rug, ha ha.

[@TheJagjr4450]

Is that a high 20's car now? When my brother sold his it was a low point and he got 16.5k 66k miles cooks longtubes, cammed, 2007 Z06 wheels, made 437 to the wheel and ran a 7.49 1/8 on drag radials before breaking an axle. I saw a 40k mile 2008 Jetstream Z06 for 36k BIN a few months ago.