My buddy is considering gettin a 'slightly' used C5......maybe like a 98. It just made me wonder how reliable they are. Since they're mostly summer rides up here, they still have relatively low clicks on em. But I'm of the mindset that if its domestic, dey-mus-suck.......does this apply to vettes as well? Anyone hear of any major probs to watch out for? Or are these cars fairly reliable???

Oh gurus of the auto world, what say you?

Oh ya.....any dedicated vette sites I can check out? Thanks!

 

check out corvetteforum.com

There are a few bugs that are easily fixed, other that that, the guys on CF rave about their cars.
I own a 2000 C5 with 19K. Ive had it for about 6 months and I have had no problems with it.

 

My dad's 01 C5 has over 50k miles and the only problems were covered by warranty. There were warped rotors (drove it too hard outta the gates) and bad rings. The rings were the biggest worry due to the shop time and intrusiveness of the repair. Other than that, hes vowed to keep it as long as he can drive. I love em and really suggest that your friend buy the one hes looking at!

James

 

I'm on my third Corvette...the C5 is the best to have been offered, bar none. They mix reliability and scary power like they have been married for years. Production flaws in early C5's (1997-1999) included the steering "column lock" issue, where the security system would lock the wheel while the car is running (this has happened to friends of mine, never at speed, usually idle or reverse)...if it happens, it's within the first few seconds of inserting the key. Second is the oil consumption issue indirectly touched on above (cars using > 3qts of oil per 3k miles. Third is bad seals for the rear transaxle output shafts. Fourth is a "rocking seat" problem caused by substandard fasteners. The year 2000 brought an end to these problems mainly due to owners demanding TSB's or recalls due to volume. This is where media such as this are MOST helpful. All in all, the cars handle great, stop very well, and in stock trim put over 320hp to the rear wheels. I have not had one problem in 3 years and over 40,000 miles other than the constant desire to run open-track events in the area. Hope this helps!