I am looking around to buy either a 97 or 98 vette (automatic) hardtop. What can anyone suggest that I look for? What questions should I ask regarding these particular models?

Have either models had significant trouble I should know about?

Thank you for your time,

Nikki

 

Get a '98. That was the first year of the C5 and the LS engine series. The 96 was agrand car, but it you can own only one, go with the LS engine.

 

Oops, I was thinking of the Camaro, not the vette. I bought a Z28 in 98 because it was the first year the LS engine was in that car -- wanted it as a drag car -- still have it, too.

The 97 and 98 have the LS and both years are C5s. I'd recommend going with the lowest mileage car you can find regardless of year. If you know how to query to computer (hold down the top button on the computer display set to the right of the instruments, hit "Option" four timesoing so etc -- you can find instructions on the web. You can read all the codes in all the on-board systems. Many times seller don't clear those (instructions are easy to find about that, too) and the codes can tell you of problems or abuse . . . worth trying.

 

I am as well lokin to buy a vette, i am actually about to buy this one i saw yesterday. IT is a White 97 C5 with 100K Miles hardtop Convertable, i know thats alot of miles, but my price range is a little low and i REALLY want a vette. What do yall think about the 97s? i heard that they had a few electrical problems, but i think i can deal with that. I was also lookin at a 98 Grey Hardtop with 92k miles for 3grand more. but i really didnt wnat to spend that extra 3 grand for the only differnce being the heads up display because the 97 didnt have it. let me know what yall think.

Hopefully future vette owner.... on a budget! [=

 

Why not get it? 100K miles is not a lot: if well cared for the engine and the car should go another 50K at the least, more if you care for it well. I would make certain that you can afford to take care of it well, though. Also, note that at high miles, automatics are generally in better shape than 6-speeds: the auto is gentler on the drivetrain and engine. Worth thinking about if you just want a low-cost vette.

 

I purchase a 2000 C5 16 months ago and it only had 23,000 miles on it when I bought it. It appeared to have been taken vairly good care of. I now have 67,000 miles on the car and I have spent a total of $7,000 in maintenance and upkeep. The car has been a major money pit!

The fuel sending units (2 tanks) have a known issue and if you plan to buy a C5 you should be asking if they new style sending units have all ready been replace or you will be looking at a $1,400 bill. The automatic transmission has a known issue with internal seals. To fix the transmission issue will cost $2,300 or opt for a factory rebuilt one (as I did) for $2,500 (get more warranty with the rebuilt tranny).

My car still has several minor issues but I can at least enjoy the car now that the major issues have slowed down.

If your budget is tight, and you are depending on your Vette purchase as a daily driver, do not by one. It will keep you in the poor house. Also, stay away from short tread life Goodyear tires if you are on a budget.

 

I am currently selling my corvette that may interest you. Its a 1998 automatic, very well cared for, 18 inch rear polished steel wheels 17 in front, car has 64,000 miles and absolutely no engine modifications only aeshtetic additions which always yields complimets which is a small facotry wing (kind looks like the old school 3000gt wings) and even though I have Borla mufflers with rounway tips . The car has been babied and has been serviced every 10,000 miles

Im asking 21,000 which is a steal

(I have other vette owners pull next to me and say now thats how to do it)

email me at century21demetri@aol.com if interested in pictures