New/ Used Corvettes where?
Discussion
The one thing you won't spot on a test drive is the erratic fuel gauge problem, but apart from that just look for the normal things that you would on any other car. Crash damage, smokey exhaust, kerbed wheels, oil leaks in the engine bay, all electrical goodies working, no water leaks, steering has full and free movement, no pulsing in the brakes from warped discs, no cracks in the windscreen, headlamps pop up smoothly and quietly, no cheap and nasty bodged aftermarket add-ons, etc. etc.
Do check the battery compartment though as some have been known to leak acid onto the computer module below.
If test driving a manual (at a later date) then expect some quiet rattling noises from the prop shaft at idle in neutral.
HPI checks are worthwhile on any secondhand car unless you really know its provenance.
Enjoy it !
Do check the battery compartment though as some have been known to leak acid onto the computer module below.
If test driving a manual (at a later date) then expect some quiet rattling noises from the prop shaft at idle in neutral.
HPI checks are worthwhile on any secondhand car unless you really know its provenance.
Enjoy it !
Just been to see the car today. Looks good and seems in good nick. Seemed to start fine, slight squeek from the belt but sounded ok.
The only thing I saw that I need a bit of advice is there was condensation in the light area where you expect the fog/side lights the to be at the front, where the indicators are. It was on both sides. Slight greening on the rubber as well there. Is this something to worry about?
Another point, its due for its MOT (i think, as it will be 3) in 3 months, is there anything important that is needed for this? Can it go to a normal garage for this? Its warranty runs out at this point, too. It seems in good nick and drove fine, is it worth purchasing a warranty?
Many thanks
The only thing I saw that I need a bit of advice is there was condensation in the light area where you expect the fog/side lights the to be at the front, where the indicators are. It was on both sides. Slight greening on the rubber as well there. Is this something to worry about?
Another point, its due for its MOT (i think, as it will be 3) in 3 months, is there anything important that is needed for this? Can it go to a normal garage for this? Its warranty runs out at this point, too. It seems in good nick and drove fine, is it worth purchasing a warranty?
Many thanks
gsmcoverage said:
The only thing I saw that I need a bit of advice is there was condensation in the light area where you expect the fog/side lights the to be at the front, where the indicators are. It was on both sides. Slight greening on the rubber as well there. Is this something to worry about?
I've had that condensation problem on the NS indicator since new though I haven't had any greening of the rubber. I've not had any problems with bulbs blowing though. It should be possible to have a replacement done under warranty as quite a few have had it in the US.
Most Chevys have suffered from condensation in indicators. The 3rd gen Camaros used to do it all the time. Part of the reason was inadequate drainage underneath the lamp itself and taking the lamp out and driling a few holes in the plastic bumper under the lamp was a recognised cure. I've done it on my Z28 for a different reason - so when you dry the car it doesn't keep dribbling.
I've got a 1998 Camaro Z28 with the same LS1 engine and they're very reliable. All you really have to worry about is changing the engine oil and filter, air filter and gearbox oil regularly plus the usual maintenance things like brakes etc. It's no harder to maintain than an average hatchback and often cheaper on insurance than an average GTi. I've had mine for over 2 years and never had a problem and it's got about 65k on the clock.
So far as American Dreams are concerned, his car ads are always photographed somewhere I've never seen as when I went there, all the cars were on his drive or in his garage in Gloucester. My Z28 originally came from there to the guy I bought from and the lights are still German spec (I think he sources a lot of his cars from Germany)so dip the wrong way. Perhaps it pre-dated SVA. Also, an acquaintance went to see a Camaro SS there and it DIDN'T check out on CARFAX (the US HPI check)so if it's a US sourced car, check it out on carfax as well as HPI. I have no doubt these may be exceptions but the rule is CHECK everything carefully.
I'm now importing a Corvette Z06 to supplement the Camaro based on the excellence of the Z28 which I can't really fault. If you buy the C5, you won't regret it.
This forum is one of the best for Corvettes but if you want to get into the American car shows in the UK and meet like-minded enthusiasts, try www.aacint.co.uk
Good luck with the car. Try as I might I have nebver found anything to rival the looks, the performance, the value for money and the cheapness to maintain them. Also depreciation is excellent. It may fall initially but it slows and levels right off. The 1997 model bottomed out at about £18k two years ago and shows no signs of dropping as yet. No doubt the new C6 might affect residuals but there are an army of Vette fans out there waiting for a C5 to fall within their reach.
I've got a 1998 Camaro Z28 with the same LS1 engine and they're very reliable. All you really have to worry about is changing the engine oil and filter, air filter and gearbox oil regularly plus the usual maintenance things like brakes etc. It's no harder to maintain than an average hatchback and often cheaper on insurance than an average GTi. I've had mine for over 2 years and never had a problem and it's got about 65k on the clock.
So far as American Dreams are concerned, his car ads are always photographed somewhere I've never seen as when I went there, all the cars were on his drive or in his garage in Gloucester. My Z28 originally came from there to the guy I bought from and the lights are still German spec (I think he sources a lot of his cars from Germany)so dip the wrong way. Perhaps it pre-dated SVA. Also, an acquaintance went to see a Camaro SS there and it DIDN'T check out on CARFAX (the US HPI check)so if it's a US sourced car, check it out on carfax as well as HPI. I have no doubt these may be exceptions but the rule is CHECK everything carefully.
I'm now importing a Corvette Z06 to supplement the Camaro based on the excellence of the Z28 which I can't really fault. If you buy the C5, you won't regret it.
This forum is one of the best for Corvettes but if you want to get into the American car shows in the UK and meet like-minded enthusiasts, try www.aacint.co.uk
Good luck with the car. Try as I might I have nebver found anything to rival the looks, the performance, the value for money and the cheapness to maintain them. Also depreciation is excellent. It may fall initially but it slows and levels right off. The 1997 model bottomed out at about £18k two years ago and shows no signs of dropping as yet. No doubt the new C6 might affect residuals but there are an army of Vette fans out there waiting for a C5 to fall within their reach.
gsmcoverage said:
I am going to look at a Vette tomorrow, and will be checking it out - anything specific need making sure works or not broke (its a 2001 auto coupe) that would be good to know in advance?
Also does anyone recommend getting a specialist mechanic to view the car - eg for cylinder compression ect, that I am not mechanically minded enough..?
On another point, if buying from a specialist, does it need an HPI check/AA Check?
Any help appreciated!
Just out of curiosity, how many miles had it done and what price was it on for?
Have you seen this one yet? http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CARS_popup.asp?formid=DD&photo=1&dealerid=176&start=8&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200419142231444
They have had it a while so should get the price reduced.
Mark
They have had it a while so should get the price reduced.
Mark
woolfie said:
what sort of noise does it make? Would it be sensible to get an aftermarket sports exhaust to get a nice note, and if so which one?
I've nicked this link from another post on here, have a listen
www.corsaperf.com/audiomenu.htm Mark
Not sure about the Euro spec Corvettes as I guess they may be quieter than US versions. The Euro version of the Z28 has the V6 exhaust to satisfy European noise requirements which cuts the power. For the US Corvette, Road and Track said "there's a muffled intake rush and a much louder exhaust roar that is as mean as the Corvette is fast". You'd have to listen to the Euro Vette to decide what you thought of it. I'm sure the Corvette owners on here will tell you though.
Euro vettes are pretty quiet at anything less than full chat but I've never noticed the US imports sounding significantly louder even though the exhaust system is different. All the louder cars that I've heard are fitted with aftermarket exhausts though its difficult to give any recommendations. Best to find a car with one fitted and ask the owner for a demo.
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