The Best Time to Buy a C5 Corvette (& 10 Things to Consider)

[@WarriorsPhoto]

C5 is a great car. I do wish I had taken more time to look at the one I bought. A lot of what is being discussed here is what needs to be done. If these items are not looked at before hand then hopefully your wallet is deep. Mine isn’t and I have a somewhat sour taste in my mouth 👄 for C5 now. It isn’t the cars fault but I could have prevented a lot of pains by taking more time to examine the car before buying. Good luck to anyone looking for their next Corvette. 😊

[@gamerscubeixxi2152]

@@WarriorsPhoto mine definitely needed work done, and it does get daunting and feels like it will never end. But once it’s done, I should be good for quite some time, plus these cars are not terribly hard to work on. Abundance of aftermarket parts and tons of parts available in junk yards. Your corvette will definitely demand your time but it becomes a lifestyle.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

@@gamerscubeixxi2152 I agree. The Corvette is a lifestyle. I am getting some work dome today. Thanks for the positive input.

[@gamerscubeixxi2152]

@@WarriorsPhoto update to my post. C5’s definitely have their issues. I just traded it for a c6 z51 manual with 913 miles , 1 owner. The owner would only drive it 60 or 70 miles a year according to its service history. It’s all stock and it does not have a hud. A true analog survivor. I’ll pamper the car but I’ll drive it more than 70 miles a year. Taking it to Chevrolet and preferably a corvette specialist. I’m a good mechanic overall but I am not a c6 corvette specialist. I have my concerns with such low mileage but this one can’t be passed up. Ended up trading the c5 for essentially a 15 year old new car.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

@@gamerscubeixxi2152 HOLY SNIKEYS! That’s a unicorn and glad you found one. You are going to make it a regular thoroughbred putting all those miles on. But what’s a Corvette if it isn’t enjoyed?

[@gamerscubeixxi2152]

@@WarriorsPhoto I have to put no more than 1500 miles a year on it. I’m about to register it with the national corvette museum. She will be labeled a survivor. I’m not changing a thing on this car , other than required fluids and basic maintenance. I’ve decided I’m just going to use an aux cable for audio and navigation using my iPhone , then it’s getting a phone holder and a bunch of clean fluids. Other than that it’s a brand new c6 z51.

[@nikkoalpha2]

Excellent video. After owning 11 Corvettes (4 C5’s) I learned many buying lessons. Knowing the previous owner is a bonus. Save about 25% by buying off private parties vs dealers who have overhead.

[@moepaquette]

Been wanting a Corvette since I was a teenager. 2025 just might be the year I make that dream come true. I've watched numerous buying tip videos and they have me teetering between excitement and shear terror when it comes to looking at and potentially buying a 20 year old car.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Do it! You only live once and a Corvette is a great car to own. Look at these 10 points as you begin your shopping. You’ll save yourself a lot of trouble and/or wrenching time. (:

[@markhagopian3257]

I bought a driven 60k C5 last year. Just a battery so far. It is a Chevy.

[@Toys4Life]

Definitely do it but evaluate test drive and inspect to try to insure you get a good one!

[@moepaquette]

@@Toys4Life Will do. Need to find someone here in MI where I live to help evaluate potential buys and make the process less scary.

[@raygarcia403]

I’m in that same boat! It’s great

[@James-mp8rm]

I love the way you talk man. I just had this vid playing in the background, and you are very easy to understand and follow along with.

[@Toys4Life]

I appreciate that!

[@martymcfly6098]

I have my father in law's 01 that he put 152k miles on it in his 60's and 70's. Original motor and balancer. New transmission at 90k miles. Well maintained and a blast to drive.

[@Toys4Life]

NICE!

[@straguera4658]

I picked up my 98 a few weeks ago for 7250, just got done with the harmonic balancer thanks to t4l’s videos

[@Toys4Life]

Oh heck yeah that's awesome 👍

[@dellsmith1753]

Very true, I do have photos of the repairs.

[@TheBBodyBuilder]

Awesome advise…I sincerely enjoy your content and presentation style. I hope people are taking you up on your Corvette sourcing service.

[@Toys4Life]

I appreciate that 🙏

[@troy8940]

I'm so glad that you touched on the break modular issues. Maybe in the future you could elaborate a little closer. I was under the impression of the earlier models the 97 to 2000 If there was a modular issue you could just disconnect the fuse panel from the unit rendering it in opt. Is that true for that year 🤔 and then drive without the extras. I heard over other channels. I mean what other choice do you have for those model years.😷 Thanks again great content. 😎

[@oler777]

My parents paid for my college to learn how to work on cars and then they did it again so I could learn how to weld mostly so I can repair rusted old cars. because they've done so much for me. I asked my mom what was her dream car and she said a white auto C5 with red interior. It took me a couple months and I found a high mileage car, but everything worked on it besides the heads up display so I took a chance and bought my mom her dream card. It's awesome to be able to take my car her car and my dad's Cadillactica car shows, I don't think I've ever seen her with a big smile on her face Sorry, kind of rambling on from what the videos about 9K for high mileage car in the exact spec. She wanted didn't seem too bad for me. It might've been dumb idea, but I'm happy she happy.😊

[@davidmann4533]

Fabulous video thank you

[@hrcjoet]

Great shirt, as a hockey player I concur!

[@madfemurfast]

What a great video!

[@Toys4Life]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jaguarstypecustom]

Actually pumped. I just bought my 99 c5 for $4,500 with only 130k miles. Changing the harmonic balancer as we speak then I’ll enjoy it every day I can ☺️

[@Toys4Life]

$4500 is a steal - what is the condition of exterior and interior?

[@jaguarstypecustom]

@ the interior needs love. The previous owner took parts out the dash to paint red to match the exterior and the drivers seat has the famous bolster issue. Honestly not bad tho. Got it cheap because he just bought a c6 and didn’t want to do the harmonic balancer. He priced it out at the dealer and then parked it for 2 months and then I showed interest and yeah lol I’m a proud owner

[@Akac3sh]

It absolutely baffles me that someone would pay $20,000 for a Toyota Corolla when you can find a nice c5 for $15,000 car market is so weird

[@Toys4Life]

I'd have to agree with you! Unless you need it to drive in the winter, then it makes sense in the Midwest/cold states 😕

[@joetart9905]

Corolla will last 2X longer than a Corvette, but not as fun to drive 😉

[@jaydenrise7186]

Those Corollas are most likely on a loan. $333 a month for 5 years sounds a lot cheaper short-term than $15,000 all at once.

[@lrballistics]

Hell for 20k you can find a pretty decent c6

[@gamerscubeixxi2152]

Bought an all original c5 with 60,503 miles for 18,500. Best decision and car I’ve ever had. She’s a spoiled girl now but my god, I’m in love 🥰 ❤😊

[@VettesGalore]

Real good info!

[@Toys4Life]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dellsmith1753]

I have a 2003 Z06 that has 58,000 miles, it has a rebuilt title but I know the person I purchased it from and saw all the repairs from the right rear from a hit. No frame damage at all just body panels. I’m ready to sell as I don’t ever drive it anymore. Going to be reasonable but not going to give it away, it still has new leather smells inside.

[@Toys4Life]

I wish people would document cars that had damage with before during and after repairs and receipts - this would be very helpful IMO. I would be more likely to buy vs someone that says. "I has a salvage tiltle but it was just a light front hit."

[@DAtoms91]

I’m completely clueless when it comes to working on my car so I do consider spending more on a newer car even tho I might save on an older or more used car.

[@stevensobba1785]

Similar advice minus brake module on C6s?

[@jackcarroll8709]

Any light on the dash is a problem if you are in any state that requiers annual inspection - automatic fail in Virginia!

[@Toys4Life]

Definitely get it fixed before any inspections that's for sure!

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

ditto in NY

[@troy8940]

Yeah even on a salvage title in Virginia you must be up to par. 😬

[@craigthescott5074]

Moral of the story don’t live in a Nanny state.

[@arly6316]

Just bought one today

[@Toys4Life]

Nice - ENJOY THE HECK out of it for the rest of the summer!

[@shepvette6278]

Great vid!!

[@doolallyproductions7234]

I bought my 2005 C6 Convertible 6 speed late spring 2022 for $22K. I wish got it during the pandemic when it was around $18 - $20k and Z06 were around $24K - $30K

[@sherryswisher8911]

2002 is the best year for less issues. 2001 and 03 next then 04.

[@williamtricarico6684]

It's a fallacy that low mileage cars is that they're more valuable, when the reality, especially C-5s, is that I trust a car with higher mileage as they have been driven regularly which is netter for the car. Also many of the known flaws have been identified and corrected.

[@Toys4Life]

Agreed as long as it's been well maintained and stored properly and the mileage isn't ridiculously high. (:-)

[@Nateriarchy]

Plz swap 3800 v6 into it. More atmospheric boost pressure in fall

[@richarddobreny6664]

Plastics age regardless of mileage, even though I have less than 40,000 miles on my c6, I have had plastic component related issues, notably the starter and the radiator.

[@notbuyingit8047]

5:29 failing to perform regular burnouts can total a corvette

[@Toys4Life]

There is some truth to that (:-)

[@stevensobba1785]

Reviewing again , found 6 spd 2004 with almost 7, 000miles… a hangar, 2 owner , queen , very clean Not seen rain . Dallas area …shy of 28k $ asking says drove on july 4 th , another parade and occasionally Sundays ???? Sr fellow , Too many toys reason for sell . Your thoughts if I may ??? My desire is to drive it ! Not just look at it thanks Steve

[@Toys4Life]

What did you end up doing

[@stevensobba1785]

@ Hello, thanks for reaching out. The search and study continues ; holidays , winter weather , seasonal colds etc. between seller and myself have prevented a trip to Fort Worth, Texas from Wichita ,Kansas. Hope to in February when daughter moves to another location in Dallas. Maybe a moot point , I received a text from seller few days ago that he had 2 cash offers . If he and the other buyers came to agreement I was ok, appreciated the being kept in the loop. Just cant get south to see it anytime soon. Asked him to let me know if sold. There will be others. There are a number of C5s closer . I ran across your automatic vs manual and the GU 90 3.15 gearing… more education , another option. Thank You. Will let you know. Steve

[@dkp7895]

Is the piston slap issue more a function of age or neglect?

[@Toys4Life]

A lot of them up to mid 2001 I believe had some Piston slap from the factory. After that it's kind of hit or miss and got generally less I believe. Of course there will be some 98's that are quiet and some 2003s that are allowed but I'm speaking in general terms. Neglect will always make things worse as in running it low on oil or no oil or 10,000 mi oil changes.

[@ajcates9136]

Prices of c5 c4 c3 in Mid-South are dropping hard

[@Toys4Life]

Funny how the market shifts HARD. Everything stayed HIGH for several years and now - not so much!

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

Question in your opinion mechanics wise automatic or manual? I can drive a manual. Thanks

[@Toys4Life]

Manual.

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

@@nikkoalpha2 and an automatic transmission?

[@madfemurfast]

Whatever you like, yet manuals are more expensive.

[@zhen5281]

@@nikkoalpha2if you take your corvette to a shop to replace the clutch you shouldn’t be owning a corvette.

[@nikkoalpha2]

@@zhen5281 Owned 11 Corvettes in my lifetime. Do most of my work on them too. Most owners do not replace C5 clutches themselves. Just pointing out the expense in having a shop repair them.

[@sherryswisher8911]

My sweet spot is 30k to 50k. But they have to be cared for. Look at the seats and if dry cracked badly they were not cared for. You will not save much going to 80K.

[@anthonyharley4045]

Neighbor has a 2004 c5 z06with less than 500 miles on it. Wants to sell but has no clue where to start

[@Toys4Life]

Respectfully, that's a shame That's not even two full tanks of gas. If they didn't drain it, it stale as turpentine.or something nasty... Did they buy it in hopes that it would go up in value or lost interest and we're too lazy to sell it?

[@anthonyharley4045]

@@Toys4Life old retired guy. He does start it. Just one of those old guys that wanted their dream car and never really used it. Will start and drive easily.

[@steveharper5368]

the 2002 z06 i recently bought has 3,000 miles on it for 41k and it was in climate control.

[@Toys4Life]

Basically brand new! Hopefully they carefully took care of the gas situation so it didn't get stale. Enjoy!

[@steveharper5368]

@@Toys4Life yeah its in basically perfect condition. i just had headers, straight x pipe , axle back and tune done.(amazingly it put 400 hp to the wheels on a hot humid day) the place that did it said there wasnt even rust on the exhaust bolts.

[@A.Hamp79]

Thinking bout selling my c5 wit 32000 on it for 18000.

[@A.Hamp79]

Correction 35000

[@AutoVisionProductions]

Is it stock?

[@AutoVisionProductions]

How much damage does it have

[@Toys4Life]

But what would you replace it with? (:-(

[@A.Hamp79]

@Radiobroadcastsandmore not the radio and console. Got backed into in a mall garage and fixed the front bout 8 years ago but nothing major

[@MrBpritch100]

A car with a million miles and proper maintenance is 10x better off than a car with 10k miles and years of sitting under its belt. Low odo means a nightmare every single time

[@Toys4Life]

I don't know about every single time but I agree - it absolutely can mean trouble for sure!!

[@SargentandGreenLeaf]

213 degrees

[@christopherdutro168]

Anyone owning a 97-00 C-5 knows what "discrimination" means!

[@wardhood2137]

Discrimination ? What ?

[@wardhood2137]

It's just the facts.

[@Toys4Life]

This is for potential buyers, anybody doing their research just wants to know all the ins and outs.

[@dominicdoyle2895]

Can you elaborate?

[@Toys4Life]

Who is your question to.