How To Evaluate A C5 Corvette For Sale (Don't buy a Lemon!)

[@Krusher_1970]

It's always a pleasure watching a new video of yours. You're undoubtedly the most competent and serious C5 enthusiast of the whole Net. Your suggestions are pure good sense and wise. Please keep posting about our beloved C5. Thanks, cheers from Italy. 👍🇺🇲 🇮🇹

[@richardelliott8352]

one of my personal gripes are guys who own a video camera, have figured out that corvettes get clicks, and then repeat mechanical advice , good or bad, from the internet , acting like a corvette expert while depending on outside services to keep the car fixed.

[@keithp115]

After I purchased my '99 Coupe 5 years ago, my wife and I spent two hours talking with the owner and his wife about the car, life, and things in general. We still visit them with the Vette from time to time. Best vehicle purchase I have ever made!

[@Toys4Life]

That's awesome!

[@badass1g]

The cold start mention is MASSIVE!

[@fredrickrougerson3928]

I just bought my 1998 C5 with 52k on the dash! I’ve watched your older videos noting about the later models but this one has no sensors and I will baby it’s just as the previous owner. I’m 20 with c5 and it’s feels awesome!

[@craigthescott5074]

I daily drive, and race, a highly modified C5 Z06 with 650 HP totally built drivetrain and suspension, lowered,6 point cage with harnesses, it’s got 120K miles on it and still runs great. It is starting to get old now being over 20 years old but cost for performance is hard to beat.

[@leonlawrencez28]

Still loving my 2001 74,500 mile C5. The Red interior gets me every time.

[@Toys4Life]

Nice - These cars don't seem to age!!

[@nyernga]

Bought my 2000 from a consignment dealer back in December 22. Was viewable by appointment only. Super nice guy. Answered all my questions and knew vettes well. Cardiac showed one owner,maintenance was done in schedule at a Chevy dealer. Only issues so far have been the power antenna which he sent to me no charge,that seat track issue and trunk/tonneau cover struts. Car is in immaculate condition and people are shocked when I tell them it's 23 years old. Way more fun to drive than my c6&c7that were auto

[@Robert-bg2nm]

yup........most young folks do not want to talk in person today........there are too many questions to text about.....one guy selling his vette told me he is too busy to talk.....i told him no dice!

[@ajcates9136]

Thanks for keeping the c5 alive

[@andrewallman-uc6oc]

Great info. Love my C-5 Corvette. I bought it pretty beat up. It was all I could afford ($7,500). Body straight & good compression on engine 101,111 miles). That's nothing in that indestructible engine. Fixed a little here & a little there & it's probably the nicest C-5 in town

[@ScatPack67]

Very nice Reportage about the C5. Got a 2001 C5 since 5 Years myself (in Germany) and had never any big Problems (only when bought it as in the States they put few wrong Parts in and the Car maybe never got driven in the right fast way). Even I go Pedal to the Metal very often on the German Autobahn. Really love my C5 and would not sell it and got to a Chally Scat Pack thru her too and love him the same way.

[@coletrick8748]

Great tip with cellphone on the board!! Genius!!

[@Robert-bg2nm]

I just brought a 98 c5 vert with a clean carfax but the car was smacked and owner did not report it to insurance.....carfaxes are NO GUARANTEES of accident free cars........i had 3 c5s but was out of the c5 loop for a while and this 98 c5 i brought was a real lemon......car had the common piston slap, differential leak, hvac blend door problems, accident although carfax was clean......previous owner replaced top, wheels, tires, harmoinic balancer, stereo( still sucks), leather, carpet, ac compressor, pulley idler, brakes, ignition key bypass, wiper motor, water pump, active traction control does not work..........everything that these cars are notorious for was wrong with this car.......previous owner dumped a lot of $$$$$$ in this car and unloaded it cheap on me for $10k......but not cheap enough.....i do most of my own work but forgot how crappy these cars can be especially 97 to 2000 models......there is a lot of cool things about the c5 including body style but they can be real piles of junk.......i regret buying my 1998 vert heap but i got it pretty cheap and do most of my own work........do not buy a c5 if you cannot do your own work on it......BTW most of these young kids today will not want to talk to you in person about the car they are selling.....its sad that we live in this kind of world today.......and when you sell your c5 expect calls about it at 2:00 AM.......half of the folks dont show up to thier appointment......half of the folks will offer you half of your asking price via text before they even see the car......yup crappy world we live in now.....ok im done....Thanks!

[@Toys4Life]

Doing most of your own work is indeed a huge ++++

[@matthewboudreaux2693]

Always great content from you Ken. I laughed hard when you poked fun at the younger generation about an actual phone call. It’s so true thought. I told my that i don’t mind texting but if I call them and they don’t answer or call back within 5 or so minutes that it would be the last time they held a phone unless they bought their own on their plan at that.

[@ezradavid818]

Can you do a video on buying a high mileage Vette between 100k-200k miles?

[@Toys4Life]

Everything in here would still apply.

[@moodiblues2]

@toys4life: I think you’re right, in Florida we’re entering a 7 month period of Spring-like temperatures when a convertible or targa top comes off. I have three cars which tops come down or off and one hardtop Mustang. Florida is the place for car guys and their sport cars.

[@Toys4Life]

I was in Vero Beach for a week in June, I was missing Minnesota, (too hot in Vero Beach at that time) I was their visiting my son. But right now, I would love to spend a few months there 😁

[@MyCatInABox]

All Good info Thanx for the upload 👍 I really like your idea of sliding a board with a phone on it under the vehicle- simple, yet very effective 😁👍

[@johnsmith-dm2tq]

I learned this lesson the hard way: I bought a city car but this goes for rental car companies as well. The lesson is they are self insured so reporting accidents is not a thing for many of them.

[@richardelliott8352]

I also feel it productive to check out the seller almost as much as the car. the steering racks can be a little wet , but leaks will cost you, as will any running gear leak, come to think of it. another area of concern is the torque tube, because you have to take apart the car to check that for wear, and it requires about 8-10 hours of labor when those parts have to be renewed.

[@ZZ48UUP]

Oh my. When I saw the silver one in "the lake" I about doubled over

[@darrenbuttery3527]

I had a hard time concentrating on your video because I was distracted by your shirt. It's so frickin true. I'm always searching for the 10 & 13MM sockets LOL

[@Toys4Life]

🤣

[@seanguns8191]

Can always get a PPI as well even with the carfax . With that kind of investment you need to have as much info about the car as possible

[@MyCatInABox]

Oh wow a fiero "formula" very cool!😁👍 That's got the 2.8 v6 in it, right?🤔

[@gjsprophet5422]

I agree with Pietro Braggi's post. This is the most comprehensive and accurate C5 blog ever. I was lucky in buying my C5 because I only was knowledgeable to use 5 of the 10 suggestions for evaluation. Fortunately, I was lucky to buy one that was pampered. I will say that low mileage helps and tends be the better buy even if paying a little more. So far, no issues after 4 years of owning my C5. One question though, is it really necessary to change the oil every year if only putting 1,000 miles on each year? Thanks, and keep up the good videos.

[@Toys4Life]

That's a good question about the oil, I think if you live in a very arid climate, it might not be necessary. If you live in Florida, then I probably would for sure 😃

[@prabirmehta1089]

Awesome tips! Especially the cold start tip and camera on board tip.

[@hondamancl450]

Thank's very much great video ,always great idea to check harmonic balancer for wobble also 😀

[@saddbeans803]

“Hey I’m here to check out the c5” pulls out 2x4

[@PeteOLindstrom]

This is a very good explanation for buying a C5

[@wootuser]

Got my 99 off a teen for $9500 that he didn't really take care of. But the price was right and the block was good and it ran strong. Had problems with windows motors, vacuume leaks, fuel door not opening, oil leaks, a little lifter noise. About 2k later the car was good again. Now I'm in the building and moding stage of my new track car. Now off disassembled the motor and starting a complete rebuild and will be shooting for around 600HP.

[@Toys4Life]

I dig it, buy cheap and fix/MOD it!

[@MrChipDouglas1]

Good stuff, I usually try to deal with reputable dealers. I know they are priced higher, but I doubt they would sell you a framed damage vehicle. They will put it on the lift for you.

[@Toys4Life]

Yes, if you are going to buy from a dealer, the highly rated OEM dealers are the least likely to sell junk- they tend to send the junk to auction!

[@dannpd1955]

Very informative video. Thank you sir. I loved the tip with the cell phone and the board. You can bet Ill be using that one.

[@joenarron6067]

I also pay attention to the muffler tips for soot and how well the interior was kept.

[@Toys4Life]

Indeed 👍

[@moodiblues2]

I live in SE Florida and I keep my eye on Corvette prices as I collect classic cars and currently own my third C4. You were wrong about the prices for decent, low miles C5s. They are offered at between $20k-$30k and C4s in good condition, with low mileage are being offered for the prices that you said C5s were being priced, $10k-$20k. The only C5 being offered for anywhere in the teens were higher mileage cars, at least in SE Florida.

[@Toys4Life]

I think your prices are higher because people can drive them all year round. Here we only drive them for 7 months out of the year so they're more of a luxury. Plus honestly there's a lot of rich people in Florida that can spend the money versus many of the other states. But I appreciate your points and I have no doubt Florida they go for those dollars that you're speaking of!

[@lexxielex]

Great video and very knowledgeable! Thanks again!

[@jamessnyder3850]

Just got a C5 convertible with 8,000 miles from a super-reputable Chevrolet Corvette dealer. Wonderful vehicle! Balancer redone. But have to disagree with C5 pricing range as stated in this video. Asking prices are routinely $10K above those quoted. If you pay only $10K for a C5, remember: there's a sucker born every minute. Don't be a sucker.

[@Toys4Life]

There's no way I would pay 25 grand for a C5 in 2023. Unless I was looking for a 10,000 mile pristine specimen. Your points well taken though, a C5 for 10 grand is going to be pretty rough.

[@geraldineholland7921]

@@Toys4Life I own two c5 s a 99 and a 03 I would nt sell either one for less than 20k got 45kmiles on the 99 and 25k miles on the 03 both convertibles so if you are paying 10k it has to be well worn.

[@EthanMelton-k1p]

Looking for a 2001-2003 Red C5

[@mokeozinga7290]

I enjoy spending my hard earned money maintaining and upgrading my vehicles- mainly my '97 Vette. It's still got relatively low mileage at 56k, and although I understand that the car is older, it runs and drives good, but it seems as if I am constantly having to fix things- whether big or small. The guy (professional mechanic) who did my harmonic balancer.....welp, I'm leaking oil now; had both axles and one hub bearing replaced because I heard (still there) a very loud humming noise but now they're telling me the damn differential is probably the culprit.....C6 shocks, aftermarket sways/links, tune up, battery, cags, run flats, aluminum radiator....the list goes on and on. I need brakes, a diff kit, climate control and gauges are all dim....ugghhh, almost overwhelming.I maintain my cars the best I can because I enjoy the peace of mind while traveling. But damn, man, this is getting out of control. Goes to show that ANY used vehicle can and will have issues, especially if you slack. I don't know how average working -class people such as myself are able to keep up. If I was able to sell it, I'd be out around 10 grand.

[@JuanGarcia-dg7bi]

It's a car from 1997, you might as well replace all the parts.

[@Toys4Life]

Yikes.

[@philgavern]

I own a 1998 and many electrical are not produced anymore ...i.e. TAC module....car is a boat anchor with our it

[@Toys4Life]

Sad but true.

[@pnwstacker4991]

Great video!👍😎👍 I wish I would of thought of your cell phone light/board trick a few months ago. I was looking at a 01 z06 speedway white in dt Portland Oregon in a parking garage which was too dark. Passed on the car due to dripping oil rear main? Price was close but unfortunately didn’t buy it. Great C5 videos you upload!👏👏👏

[@Toys4Life]

Appreciate that, sir!!

[@Debkghtulvkfjkjfxjjcj]

I would just pay a knowledgeable shop to do a PPI.

[@GeekyJay79]

Love the shirt!

[@Toys4Life]

Funny thing is I actually lost a 10 mm about 6 months ago and looked for that sucker for about an hour until I finally found it 😔

[@MrWhat-ef1xr]

Hello, I owned a 2000 C5 for 12 years. I pounded this car every time I got into it. Like I would say to the sissies, if you are not going to mat it, get a Yugo. My question, what did you use to keep your phone on the board to keep it from falling off ? Awesome idea ! Cheers!

[@Toys4Life]

Gravity. if you are shakey, a piece of duct tape fashioned into a circle would hold it down enough. Cheers back at ya!

[@benjaminwiner6220]

Have you ever had an ebcm issues?

[@scottbrineaux7910]

If you have a C-5 for $15k with low miles and it is a 2001-4. I'll buy it. They're worth more than that.

[@Toys4Life]

Agreed if taken care of!

[@MyCatInABox]

4:06 yikes😮 there's something seriously wrong with THIS LS it makes a high pitched "whine" Probably needs a rebuild 😁😅😅

[@yukon2159]

I have a two thousand and two c five.... I wanted to install three forty two gears in place of the three fifteen.... Do I need any software or computer updates or changes? To do this? Thank you so much for your help... You have a great channel!

[@Toys4Life]

The speedometer will be okay but I think you need the shifts changed. It's a fairly simple job for somebody who knows what to do with HP tuners. This is one area a guy could go with a mail order tune

[@yukon2159]

@Toys4Life Thank you very very much for your help brother!

[@ZZ48UUP]

Very informative!

[@Apbrose]

In NZ theyre usually 32k+NZD

[@Toys4Life]

Yikes 😳

[@varmastiko2908]

The silver lining is that people take better care of old cars when they are expensive.

[@Toys4Life]

Indeed

[@jaedin716sw]

I appreciate your videos,question for you,I'm looking at a 2003 c5 manual 18,000 original miles,there asking 25,800,it has the stiffer springs,I don't know if they called that the z51 for those years,do you think that's a good price?Do you think the more harsh ride would be not enjoyable and also do you think that would change the gearing,for example my 2004 c5 years ago,first gear was 0 to 50,I enjoyed the longer gears,more enjoyable to me,ty in advance.

[@Toys4Life]

Test drive it, it's going to be harsher perhaps but only you can tell if it's something that you embrace or hate. The gears should be 3.42 if they're stock, since it's a manual transmission car.

[@dollahdave]

If you live in CA you will be SOL if you need front cats,because they have discontinued CA legal front cats in CA for C5's.

[@Toys4Life]

CA just keeps giving decent people reasons to rent a U-Haul (one way).....

[@RefLogic]

Where in MN are you? I grew up in the twin cities...

[@Toys4Life]

Eastern Subs. You?

[@RefLogic]

@@Toys4Life St Paul eastside...went to Harding. Brother lives in south Maplewood. I'm in Fort Myers now and thinking about getting a C5...had a C3 '77 in the late '80s. Your vids are great!

[@Toys4Life]

My dad went to Harding, my mom went to Johnson. Do you miss Minnesota or is Florida the place to be?

[@RefLogic]

@@Toys4Life Don't miss the cold north! I was a hockey referee at all levels...college hockey for 20+ years...missed it for a bit but playing golf in January is hard to beat! Florida works for us...no cold or taxes...just hurricanes...:) What year did your dad graduate Harding?

[@Toys4Life]

Probably 61 ish.

[@fullsendC6]

Any chance you were in Chicago land area yesterday???

[@Toys4Life]

No sir, I'm in the Minnesota area.

[@fullsendC6]

@Toys4Life thought it may have been you have a good weekend man, thanks for all the help.

[@AFVeteran1]

What's up with the Fiero in the corner?

[@Toys4Life]

It's resting, it runs 11.75 at 115 if you're interested? 3800, VS Cam, supercharged, e85. I call it the fast little bastard. Very very low dollar build.

[@AFVeteran1]

@Toys4Life C5 11.75s, damn that's gotta be a blast. Got my hands full of my 01 C5 right now, but thanks. Thinking about a supercharger, gotta save up for that one. Just finished the double din stereo upgrade, big improvement.

[@neatstuff1988]

I heard 2003 is best...😊

[@Toys4Life]

Just a rumor (:-)

[@anthonymancuso1698]

No way I have a mint c5 but would take c6 or c7. A vg c5 is over 20k especially if stock low miles no accidents and mint not abused 😅

[@Toys4Life]

No way what?

[@anthonymancuso1698]

I don't think it ends with a c5 good start but the newer Vettes are amazing

[@txnysixfive0591]

You never explained why not to buy a lemon haha I wanna know why cause I own a 2002 c5 and the title says lemon and I never really understood it other then being something the dealer couldn’t fix or some so the they buy it back or some idk

[@Toys4Life]

Lemons are bitter, or is it sour? Buy an orange!

[@txnysixfive0591]

@@Toys4Life it was an analogy ? Not what I was talking about haha? Thanks keep up the content

[@SeanPennII]

Sick fiero.

[@jtterror2714]

Too late 😢

[@Toys4Life]

Sorry