I THINK I’ve found my C5.
Discussion
It’s a 2002 (’51 reg) Black with a Targa top (solid, not glass) with 47,000 miles. A bit higher milage than I was hoping for but about average for the year I guess.
For a shade under £17k
First thoughts were, I don’t want a black one, but after seeing it in the flesh I’m kinda liking it now. It’s very Knight Rider ish.
It’s got the HUD, it’s got memory seats (but not a memory steering wheel). Not got a CD as far as I can figure. It has got some nice thin shiny 5 spoke wheels. Paint work and interior in VERY good condition. It’s got ALL the paper work for everything that’s been done. Which is mainly just oil changes. … It’s had the geometry done at least twice that I can see. I did think this was a little strange. Does it need checking or changing much?
The car goes well, obviously. It drives and handles as I would expect. The only worrying aspect was how quick the brakes faded when driving around some twisty roads. Have to get some race pads fitted asap.
I can’t put my finger on it, but something’s holding me back. I’m not one for being patient, and I want one now, but there’s just a little voice inside that’s telling me that if I wait I might find a bargain with more bells & whistles next month. Not sure what other bells & whistles I’m missing to be honest, or even if there are any.
Or, I might find a nice shiny yellow one, or one of those deep red ones next month.
Ok, I was slightly disappointed when I put the key in the ignition and the seat & wheel didn’t move to greet me. Am I being silly to let that stop me?
As for the missing CD player. … I’d hope to connect my ipod up somehow anyway so that shouldn’t stop me.
One question (other than the geometry).
Is it normal for the brakes to fade after just a few minutes of "playtime"?
Is it a standard thing to change the pads?
Sorry to go on.
Just compiling my thoughts, to try and make a decision really.
What should I do?
Help me PH, you’re my only hope.
For a shade under £17k
First thoughts were, I don’t want a black one, but after seeing it in the flesh I’m kinda liking it now. It’s very Knight Rider ish.
It’s got the HUD, it’s got memory seats (but not a memory steering wheel). Not got a CD as far as I can figure. It has got some nice thin shiny 5 spoke wheels. Paint work and interior in VERY good condition. It’s got ALL the paper work for everything that’s been done. Which is mainly just oil changes. … It’s had the geometry done at least twice that I can see. I did think this was a little strange. Does it need checking or changing much?
The car goes well, obviously. It drives and handles as I would expect. The only worrying aspect was how quick the brakes faded when driving around some twisty roads. Have to get some race pads fitted asap.
I can’t put my finger on it, but something’s holding me back. I’m not one for being patient, and I want one now, but there’s just a little voice inside that’s telling me that if I wait I might find a bargain with more bells & whistles next month. Not sure what other bells & whistles I’m missing to be honest, or even if there are any.
Or, I might find a nice shiny yellow one, or one of those deep red ones next month.
Ok, I was slightly disappointed when I put the key in the ignition and the seat & wheel didn’t move to greet me. Am I being silly to let that stop me?
As for the missing CD player. … I’d hope to connect my ipod up somehow anyway so that shouldn’t stop me.
One question (other than the geometry).
Is it normal for the brakes to fade after just a few minutes of "playtime"?
Is it a standard thing to change the pads?
Sorry to go on.
Just compiling my thoughts, to try and make a decision really.
What should I do?
Help me PH, you’re my only hope.
Edited by fletch360 on Tuesday 8th August 10:23
Mine had 65k on it when I bought it last year. It was no problem really as the service work had been regularly carried out and it all added up ok. It had loads of paperwork from Bauer Millet but I had it checked over first.
I think for £17k your C5 'sounds' fair value.
As for upgrades , well its nice to get some stuff on it when you buy but I am a firm believer in upgrading the car yourself as you get to know it properly. Most upgrade stuff - pads & discs, induction kits, lowering kits, poly bushes etc etc are relatively inexpensive on the C5 and when you do them you'll know that its been done properly.
Have you HPI'd it yet?
That said, if you're not 100% sure then walk away. There will always be another one out there. If you really want a yellow or red one the hold on for what you want.
I dived straight in with my Carmine Red one
and so far haven't seen many others about
I think for £17k your C5 'sounds' fair value.
As for upgrades , well its nice to get some stuff on it when you buy but I am a firm believer in upgrading the car yourself as you get to know it properly. Most upgrade stuff - pads & discs, induction kits, lowering kits, poly bushes etc etc are relatively inexpensive on the C5 and when you do them you'll know that its been done properly.
Have you HPI'd it yet?
That said, if you're not 100% sure then walk away. There will always be another one out there. If you really want a yellow or red one the hold on for what you want.
I dived straight in with my Carmine Red one
and so far haven't seen many others aboutRe CD player, (don't want to tell you how to suck eggs) but I take it you looked in the middle compartment in the boot (trunk) as that is where the 12 stack CD changer is located. Must admit I've never heard of one without a 12 stack CD player, unless it has been modded with after market ICE!
fletch360 said:
It’s a 2002 (’51 reg) Black with a Targa top (solid, not glass) with 47,000 miles. A bit higher milage than I was hoping for but about average for the year I guess.
For a shade under £17k
For a shade under £17k
If a UK car, sounds like a reasonable deal, especially with those wheels on it (I have the similar ones and they were about £3k with tyres - see profile)
fletch360 said:
First thoughts were, I don’t want a black one, but after seeing it in the flesh I’m kinda liking it now. It’s very Knight Rider ish.
It’s got the HUD, it’s got memory seats (but not a memory steering wheel). Not got a CD as far as I can figure. It has got some nice thin shiny 5 spoke wheels. Paint work and interior in VERY good condition. It’s got ALL the paper work for everything that’s been done. Which is mainly just oil changes. … It’s had the geometry done at least twice that I can see. I did think this was a little strange. Does it need checking or changing much?
colour = personal choice - black in and out will be hot in summer but the aircon is good on a vette. Oil and filter changes are the norm up to 100,000 miles with the odd chassis lube. 100,000 miles is the first service interval - that's Vette servicing for you. Geometries can be a bit if a fiddle, especially if it is a US car - set for a camber on the other side of the road. I had my geom set up recently (UK car) and it radically changed the tramlining / turn in so I personally wouldn't worry unless it is recorded on a smash register.
fletch360 said:
The car goes well, obviously. It drives and handles as I would expect. The only worrying aspect was how quick the brakes faded when driving around some twisty roads. Have to get some race pads fitted asap.
Running greenstuff or redstuff will improve brake fade. Changing the standard calipers to some brembo or similar will improve further. I run standard (76kmiles worn) calipers with greenstuff which only gives me issues on a circuit, but is ok for road use. Red is good on a circuit, but can be a little harsh on the road according to some reports.
fletch360 said:
I can’t put my finger on it, but something’s holding me back. I’m not one for being patient, and I want one now, but there’s just a little voice inside that’s telling me that if I wait I might find a bargain with more bells & whistles next month. Not sure what other bells & whistles I’m missing to be honest, or even if there are any.
Or, I might find a nice shiny yellow one, or one of those deep red ones next month.
Ok, I was slightly disappointed when I put the key in the ignition and the seat & wheel didn’t move to greet me. Am I being silly to let that stop me?
As for the missing CD player. … I’d hope to connect my ipod up somehow anyway so that shouldn’t stop me.
If it has hud and memory seats stated, look for suspension options. Z51 improves handling a treat in a standard C5 as does a manual box if you stir it properly.
The seat is set up to automatically return to the set position on the computer. This may be switched off and is easy to change (mine was wneh I bought it - manual states how to change via Driver Information Centre). Test this before you buy. Also, the seat will not return if you insert the key with the door open.
fletch360 said:
One question (other than the geometry).
Is it normal for the brakes to fade after just a few minutes of "playtime"?
Is it a standard thing to change the pads?
Yes - brakes will fade especially if rotors (or as we know them, disks) are worn when pushed hard - but I am surprised that you managed to push it hard enough on a test drive with the owner there in an unknown car - there may be an issue with wear.
Upgrading to cross drilled with the appropriate pads will improve matters - upgrading calipers will improve things further as per some of the guys on here. Or if the disks are badly worn, simply replacing them will improve things (45k sounds like it could need disks depending on the previous owner's style).
fletch360 said:
Sorry to go on.
Just compiling my thoughts, to try and make a decision really.
What should I do?
Help me PH, you’re my only hope.
If we are your only hope, you are stuffed....
nah, we'll try our best for you - 45kmiles £17k for a nice car on a 51 plate with snazzy wheels sounds fair to me. Negotiate for the missing CD and brake issue - green pads all round are about 120quid 15 mins a corner if you DIY - double the price and add a bit for standard rotors, change calipers to Brembo and the skys the limit.... as any car. By the way, the chrome wheels will corrode if you use it in the salty winter in the UK. Mine are shot after 2 years and lots of salt (daily driver).
Kev
You clearly have B spec car there so there is little else in stock goodies to be had. Major ones would be real-time damping system; adjustable steering column (ie tilt); manual transmission; 12 stack CD player.
If it is a UK spec car - which as a 2002 MY is very unlikely - then I would be concerned about geometry work.
Brakes should not fade on most road runs. I changed my rotors at 60K but I do a lot of motorway driving so 45K may well point to new rotors. I changed to EBC corvette rotors and EBC red stuff pads and 15K miles later they have my recommendation. I had no problems with the red stuff. I was warned they may not bite well moving off from cold but it has never been a problem for me: I dont try rapid stops from 100mph in the first few miles as the Bournemouth police wouldn't like it
.
Seats automatically move forward. Based on previous threads I suspect this may (only may) differ depending on whether you have a USA or Euro or UK spec car. On mine I close the door; presss the memory button - seat moves forward a bit; insert ignition key (can't remember if I turn on ignition too at this stage) and seat moves to preprogrammed position - as do the door mirrors. I have a suspicuion that you HAVE to press the memory button but its over 5 years since I read the owner manual
The 12 stack CD player, located in the boot, was an option. I think I am right in saying that a radio and single CD was standard. www.corvetteforum.com will give you the specs for the 2002 MY.
Not sure about your question on is it standard to change the pads. I guess you mean to something else other than the OE pads? I found the OE pads fine but I changed them because of the amount of brake dust - the Redstuff pads are great for the lack of dust, better than the green stuff. My pad sets have lasted about 30K but as I said I do a lot of motorway driving.
My black C5 is super cool; combination of the driver and the excellent aircon.
Final point. Consider putting £800 aside to replace the tyres with non run flats. Of course it may not have them anyway and of course if the tyres are brand new you wouldnt want to do that!
Last point. One of the other posts commented about 1st real service at 100K. I think that is probably unintentionally misleading. It was part of the GM PR blurb. For manuals this is not the case there is nothing special at 100K other than replace plugs. I did mine at 60K as this seems to be the preference in the States. A far as I recall the only significant difference is on automatics where you should also change the trasmission fluid. I also suspect a number of people will be geting itchy about the diff lube at 100K too although this is not specified in the workshop manual.
If it is a UK spec car - which as a 2002 MY is very unlikely - then I would be concerned about geometry work.
Brakes should not fade on most road runs. I changed my rotors at 60K but I do a lot of motorway driving so 45K may well point to new rotors. I changed to EBC corvette rotors and EBC red stuff pads and 15K miles later they have my recommendation. I had no problems with the red stuff. I was warned they may not bite well moving off from cold but it has never been a problem for me: I dont try rapid stops from 100mph in the first few miles as the Bournemouth police wouldn't like it
. Seats automatically move forward. Based on previous threads I suspect this may (only may) differ depending on whether you have a USA or Euro or UK spec car. On mine I close the door; presss the memory button - seat moves forward a bit; insert ignition key (can't remember if I turn on ignition too at this stage) and seat moves to preprogrammed position - as do the door mirrors. I have a suspicuion that you HAVE to press the memory button but its over 5 years since I read the owner manual
The 12 stack CD player, located in the boot, was an option. I think I am right in saying that a radio and single CD was standard. www.corvetteforum.com will give you the specs for the 2002 MY.
Not sure about your question on is it standard to change the pads. I guess you mean to something else other than the OE pads? I found the OE pads fine but I changed them because of the amount of brake dust - the Redstuff pads are great for the lack of dust, better than the green stuff. My pad sets have lasted about 30K but as I said I do a lot of motorway driving.
My black C5 is super cool; combination of the driver and the excellent aircon.
Final point. Consider putting £800 aside to replace the tyres with non run flats. Of course it may not have them anyway and of course if the tyres are brand new you wouldnt want to do that!
Last point. One of the other posts commented about 1st real service at 100K. I think that is probably unintentionally misleading. It was part of the GM PR blurb. For manuals this is not the case there is nothing special at 100K other than replace plugs. I did mine at 60K as this seems to be the preference in the States. A far as I recall the only significant difference is on automatics where you should also change the trasmission fluid. I also suspect a number of people will be geting itchy about the diff lube at 100K too although this is not specified in the workshop manual.
yellowshark454 said:
Seats automatically move forward. Based on previous threads I suspect this may (only may) differ depending on whether you have a USA or Euro or UK spec car. On mine I close the door; presss the memory button - seat moves forward a bit; insert ignition key (can't remember if I turn on ignition too at this stage) and seat moves to preprogrammed position - as do the door mirrors. I have a suspicuion that you HAVE to press the memory button but its over 5 years since I read the owner manual
My seat did not move forward when I bought my C5, but it turned out to be a faulty seat module that Chris Graham was happy to replace.
On mine, I close the door and insert the key and the seat sets to memory A without me doing anything else.
Good luck with your search, moving to a Corvette was a smart move for me.
Thanks for the feedback guys.
I'm feeling happier about it already.
I did notice the panel in the centre of the boot, but I just assumed it was for the jack and such. doh!
The dealer didn't know if it had a cd changer or not.
I intend to do a full tooth comb inspection before I finally agree to anything.
BTW.
Does 40 quid for an HPI check sound right?
I'm feeling happier about it already.
I did notice the panel in the centre of the boot, but I just assumed it was for the jack and such. doh!
The dealer didn't know if it had a cd changer or not.
I intend to do a full tooth comb inspection before I finally agree to anything.
BTW.
Does 40 quid for an HPI check sound right?
ZR1cliff said:
Bet your well excited 
Yeah. I want it now. But I need to sort out a new reg for my S2000 (got someone interested in "S2K CF" ) and that's going to take a bit of time back & forth to the local dvla.
I need to learn some patience.
Already looking forward to the fuel bills.
Edited by fletch360 on Tuesday 8th August 15:48
fletch360 said:
Already looking forward to the fuel bills.
Bet you won't notice much difference.
www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=mpgData&vehicleID=15607&browser=true
www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=mpgData&vehicleID=15599&browser=true
Don't forget, when using the computer, all figures are based on a US gallon. If it's reading 20mpg, you're actually getting 24mpg. Sounds boring, but I get around 24 mpg round town & 28-30 mpg on longer runs (unless you play a bit harder....)...mines a manual.
And £17k sounds like an excellent price if all's OK.
Congrats on the new car - great choice - I bought my C5 back in Feb and its awesome!
Just dont fall for all that 100k mile servicing stuff in the book! Great for marketeers, but we engineers like to do things right. Remember, oils and service parts are orders of magnitude cheaper than engines and gearboxes, so it pays not to skimp. I've changed ALL my fluids and oils, and I reckon they all needed changing, as did the plugs. Its easy stuff to do, and fun, and you learn the car as you go. I've changed the brake rotors to Delco durastop drilled/slotted, and run the Hawk HPS pads and Motul 600 fluid. Huge improvement. Stock ones did fade under fun conditions. I have louder pipes, and K&N filters. Now I'm just enjoying it ! The memory stores the seat, HVAC, mirrors and radio, press memory #1 for 2 sec and its all stored. Mem #1 saves to the first programmed fob, and will reset everything back when you start up. Mem 2 corresponds to the second learned fob, so the other arf can have her settings back when she next uses the car, by storing her settings on mem#2. The seat backup un exit is selectable in the DIC options menu.
Go to one of the meetings and say hi when you get the car!
Just dont fall for all that 100k mile servicing stuff in the book! Great for marketeers, but we engineers like to do things right. Remember, oils and service parts are orders of magnitude cheaper than engines and gearboxes, so it pays not to skimp. I've changed ALL my fluids and oils, and I reckon they all needed changing, as did the plugs. Its easy stuff to do, and fun, and you learn the car as you go. I've changed the brake rotors to Delco durastop drilled/slotted, and run the Hawk HPS pads and Motul 600 fluid. Huge improvement. Stock ones did fade under fun conditions. I have louder pipes, and K&N filters. Now I'm just enjoying it ! The memory stores the seat, HVAC, mirrors and radio, press memory #1 for 2 sec and its all stored. Mem #1 saves to the first programmed fob, and will reset everything back when you start up. Mem 2 corresponds to the second learned fob, so the other arf can have her settings back when she next uses the car, by storing her settings on mem#2. The seat backup un exit is selectable in the DIC options menu.
Go to one of the meetings and say hi when you get the car!
Thanks guys.
The HPI checks out so I'm really looking forward to it now.
I'll try not to ask too many stupid questions that you've, no doubt, been asked several times before.
But I do have one to start off with.
I noticed that there's a lever on the back of the headrests. What's that all about?
Some way of adjusting the padding in the headrest I'm guessing?
The HPI checks out so I'm really looking forward to it now.
I'll try not to ask too many stupid questions that you've, no doubt, been asked several times before.
But I do have one to start off with.
I noticed that there's a lever on the back of the headrests. What's that all about?
Some way of adjusting the padding in the headrest I'm guessing?
fletch360 said:
I noticed that there's a lever on the back of the headrests. What's that all about?
Some way of adjusting the padding in the headrest I'm guessing?
Some way of adjusting the padding in the headrest I'm guessing?
That's so you can fold the backrest forwards. Useful if you're carrying something long in the boot - a 6' stepladder fits in nicely !
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