Are C5 Corvettes Reliable? (And can you daily drive them?)
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- Опубліковано 30 лип 2021
- Are C5 Corvettes generally reliable cars? Can you daily drive and enjoy them without the risk of being stranded - or wearing them out? I have owned my C5 Corvette for over 8 years and in this video I will walk through every issue I have had an then give my objective opinions to both questions!
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The best C5 videos on UA-cam. Anyone owning or buying a C5 would be wise to view this channel’s videos. Thanks for posting another excellent C5 video.
agreed. When doing initial research before I got mine I stumbled onto this channel and it has been a great source of information I never knew I needed
I appreciate the kind words both of you! - thank you for that!!
I agree you explain things in such great detail and easy to understand. Keep the content coming!
I bought a 1997 C-5 it's a six speed. I replaced slay or slave cylinder so I replaced it all the transmission having to pull out it out I made it brand new. I purchased it with 84,000 replaced TRANS at 92,000. I drive 3 to 4 days a week. The only thing I noticed is this car is a gem. I'm on my second year owning it. MY QUESTION WE TRIED TO REPLACE SENSOR THAT RECORDS OIL PRESSURE WITHOUT REMOVING THE MANIFOLD. WHEN TRANSMISSION REPLACED A WIRE GOT SMALL PINCH. THIS IS ONLY VETT OF THIS YEAR THE MOTOR SITS BK & 2 TIGHT. ANY OTHER WAY 2 DO IT WITH OUT REMOVING TRANS FROM BK END AGAIN. IM ON THE GO IT'S MY ONLY CAR. I WILL NEVER DRIVE ANOTHER. IT TELLS ME WHAT 2 DO WHEN I GET SOMETHING WRONG IT'S GOTTA HAVE SOMETHING DIFFERENT IN IT. I'M A GIRL AND IF THAT'S NOT ENOUGH I GOT BRAIN TUMOR ( NOT CANCER ) I ALSO ASK HOW I CAN KEEP DRIVING IT 4 EVER SINCE I LOVE IT SO VERY MUCH. PLUS EVERYONE WANTS IT TRYS 2 BUY IT. IT'S THE BEST VETT IVE DROVE. BEST LOOKING 1 I EVER DROVE. I HAD DRIVEN MOST MODELS BEFORE THE 97. NOT ANY NEWER ONES BK WHEN I DROVE THEM THEY WERE NEW AND NOT MINE SAY MY OLD BOYFRIENDS. THIS ONE IS MINE LAST QUESTION IS WHATS IT WORTH IN PERFECT CONDITION. STILL UNDER 100,000 MILES DRIVING PERFECT SINCE I DROVE OFF LOT.
I'm on it, I mean I had no Idea that you can compare them 2 Toyota and Lexus, as far as durability, and then buying one with high-mileage possibly can find one under 10 grand. Mustang picked the wrong time for the Foxbody to go back up to $20,000
Life is short, I maintain my 2001 almost religiously. It's pretty much my daily driver. Cars are made to drive, not to look at in your garage. If you want that buy a model of your favorite car and put it on shelf.
I agree 100%.
Bullshit. If you love your vette and want it looking perfect you treat it special. I have a 02 triple black vert, 14k miles. It’s immaculate and I get lots of compliments. If i daily drove this car in pgh I’d subject it to rain, snow, salt, potholes, for starters. I’d rather keep it clean and perfect and drive it limited miles than beat it up just to impress somebody on the internet.
I don't think anybody was implying you should drive it in a Minnesota winter. I certainly don't and I don't see any on the road anywhere during the winter months here.
@@guins99
Note I said " Pretty much ".
It's not just a weekend car though. Sun comes out, Vette hits the road. I've always been amazed that people buy sports cars and are afraid to drive them. For me it's not an investment it's an experience, I really don't care about milage. Like said, I maintain it, something breaks or wears out I fix it, that's all there is to it.
Having a sports car and not driving it is like having a super model wife and not sleeping with her.
@@RT-mm8rq perfect analogy 👌
my c5 is my only car. im 20 years old and its at 50k miles. 0 problems. I LOVE IT
Whats the Insurance like for you? My friend has a 370z and is paying $350/month. Is it close to that?
Mines is beyond reliable ‘98 37k miles
@@Buttah5k824 well i would hope. You have no mileage...
Daily drive mine for the last 3 year. You better know how to turn a wrench if your poor like me though.
@@californiaantkeeper Clutch replacement is brutal if you can’t afford the labor 🗿
If you keep up on maintenance, I found that c5's are the most reliable cars, and you have to drive them and not keep them as garage queens they need to be driven
Great video 👍😎
I've been daily driving mine for about 6 months now. Bought it with 104k miles and it hasn't had any major issues or left me on the side of the road, I drove it for 9 hours one day, no hiccups
Sweet!
which year do you have?
Bought my 150k mile C5 in Texas around May. Drove it back up to MN. Fast forward 6 months and 15k of hard driving, and all I've had to do is oil changes and brake pads. Rest of the car still feels great and doesn't care how much i beat on it.
Very nice!
thanks chevy for their engines. Great history with them!
I daily drive my c5 everyday, for 2 1/2 years. I've put almost 40,000 miles on it. I've had to change water pump and radiator. I've voluntarily changed rear end oil, transmission fluid, clutch and brake fluid. Also serpentine and ac belt. Some of these cars see 300,000 miles. Mine will be one. I plan on keeping this beauty for life. Convertible. I love it!!!
I'd keep it for life too, still awesome 20-plus years later!
@@Toys4Life Yes sir. It's officially a classic and still competing with a lot of the new market in looks and power. I'm happy with my purchase. Enjoy yours!!! Subscribing now.
Now thats the spirit! I just bought an 01 with 50,000 and i plan on keepin this for a very long time i love it👍
UPDATE: 50,000 and counting!!! I obviously slowed down on my daily driving, but I still take it out at least once a week!!!
There was a C5 donated by it's owner to the NCM with over 750k miles in it. Yes, three quarters of a million miles of daily driver use. The only thing it needed was a head gasket replaced at the end of his use of the car.
750k is a ton. Highway miles are definitely easier!
I track my C5 Z06, and I absolutely love this car. Only thing I've found that really impacts reliability is horrible mechanics. Aside from a power steering rack leak (i really hope someone finds a permanent fix for this) and leaky butt, this car has taken me to 3 full track days and back with no issues. Bulletproof.
I daily drove my C5 for three years. The only thing that stopped me was when a tornado smashed my garage. God I miss that car
Daily drive my 01 Automatic C5 year round and I love it. Work, road trips, groceries you name it. It does just fine. Rain 🌧️ or shine 🌄. Never been in snow or ice with it. I agree 💯 about staying away from snow and ice.
Thanks for taking the time to comment - glad you are enjoying the heck out of it!
I bought a used 98' C5 back in 2007. It has around 80k miles on it. I drove the car daily and sold it around 170k miles. Only think I ever did besides regular scheduled maintenance was replacing some A/C lines and a bad drive belt tensioner. Besides that, the car was a dream.
I daily drive my 2005 c6. It is reliable with no problems for 15+ years. I am going to get a Dodge Challenger 392 wide body scat pack for a DAILY driver now because I NEED MORE SPACE.
Very popular choice!
@@Toys4Life C6 has been reliable as a daily driver but it would do better as a second car only as I used to have a 1988 Mustang GT 5.0 as a daily driver but it got wrecked in a hit and run so I was left with just the Corvette. I just hope the 2022 or 2023 Challenger R/T scat pack is as reliable and trouble free as the C-6 Corvette.
My 99 had the same lockout issue. I jerked the steering wheel side to side which unlocked it. I later installed the LMC5 with no issues. Great post bro!!
Thanks you sir!
I own a 2001 C5 Convertible Corvette only 34K miles... only drive in Spring & Summer.. pure awesomeness the body lines still get looks all the time !
Have daily driven mine for 17 years...5 years it was in the garage with a bad transmission...but heck yes you can drive these things! Smiles per miles.
Also, the column lock was a result of a electric pin that would fail to release inside the column lock mechanism....a few taps with the rear end of a screwdriver under the module under the steering wheel would usually release it, i did that until I got it addressed in a safety bulletin at a dealership.
Drive often for sure - except in MN winter (:-(
I am buying a 2004 Coupe tomorrow and some of these videos (have not watched them all) have given me much added and needed comfort in this decision - Thanks!!!!
I have a 2001 C5 Convertible. I have spent a lot of money, including a new transmission, but I bought a car that was not well cared for. I work from home, but otherwise, it is a daily driver with trips to the store and only 1 long trip (1000 miles round trip). Never been stranded. Always a special treat to drive it anywhere.
Like going to Six Flags anytime you want!!
I'm looking to join the Z06 club soon. Good honest review and cost analysis. 👍
Mine is a 2000 roadster ….had 50 k when I got it 8 years ago… has 126 k on her now….drive it all the time from April to November….now problems! We take it everywhere. Toured all of Michigan, to Florida, up the east coast… we’ll take it anywhere!
Smile per mile!
Thank you for all the useful info on the parts
Good content; short and sweet...thanks! LOVE my C5 - 01 vert. 1 full year of ownership and a few thousand trouble free miles. 100% stock - only changed the wheels. I've been hearing about all of the "normal" issues and have yet to experience them, but it's early.
Hopefully you will stay problem free!
2000 vert here, you got lucky with the better Intake Manifold :) Ive owned mine for 22 years...if you have any questions bud let me know!
Wow, that was a great vid! I’m about to purchase my 1st. Corvette, ‘04 Commemorative Edition….I’m out of my mind excited….it’s perfect, less than 39,000 mi. On her, she was loved , never seen snow or salt…. Can’t wait until spring!
You are going to need a grin-ectomy! ENJOY!!
Great video ! The c5 is the best platform to daily and work on.
Thanks for all the great info.
Thanks for taking the time to comment!!
Enjoy your videos. Used these to help me decided to pull the trigger and buy one yesterday 7/30 (2003 under 70k miles). First sight unseen vehicle I would have bought. Pics/video from salesperson showed temp high (almost 250ish). I asked to have to have their mechanic check it out. Salesperson called today 7/31 and it was a blown headgasket so they will not sell and will cancel w/my lender. On the hunt for another C5...
Thank you and good luck hunting! You will get one soon!
great content.... I just picked up a 2000 C5 and it's a hoot to drive 🙂
I bought my 2001 c5 in 2003 for thirty Gand with 4000 miles I’ve been driving it year round since it now has two hundred and ninety seven thousand miles on it stil drives great best car ever
Holy cats, you get the award for enjoying the heck out of your c5, that's awesome!
Mine has been rock solid no issues yet. Thanks for another great vid
Appreciate the comment - hope yours stays reliable!!
@@Toys4Life eventually something is gonna give
Yeah, but if you're overdue, that's okay!
Thank you I loved this video. I have been using my 1999 as a daily driver for about 6 months now, and some people probably think its insane. I also work from home, so she doesnt get that much milage, mostly to the grocery store and back. I am in the north east and during the winter I had her hibernating and we used my partner's totyota a lot of the time. I am definitely the only vette out in the rain. I know several people in my town have them because on a nice day i see tons of em, but if its raining , I'm usually the only vette on the road. People told me to be careful in the rain, but I bought all season tires and so far I've driven through some pretty heavy rain and haven't had any problems. I would never ever take her out in the snow or ice. I love her too much for that.
And snow and ice is downright dangerous for you too, I can't even get up my driveway in the winter if I pull it out to work on something else for a couple hours.
Really like your informative videos, learning lots of good stuff! My 2000 recently got the dreadful ABS/traction Ebcm issue and cant find one cheap anywhere. Replaced both wheel bearings and struts as well, The OE tranny went after 1st year ownership and got an upgraded stage 2 from Cyclone Trans out of Ohio. Next is the leaky Rack to be shipped off for rebuild and to upgrade the HB. Not a huge money pit but common mechanical parts aren't always an easy find or cheap either for 22 year old car. Time will tell each year but I still enjoy driving it until I get rich enough for a C8. Bought 3 years ago but knew it was gonna take $$$. Plan on the smoke headlight conversion, new race seats and did get 4 new tires and bluetooth stereo.
Sweet, sounds like you have the right attitude about making sure everything is maintained in tip top shape like it should be! Cheers!
Just got a c5 corvette. And really like it. Always wanted one.
Enjoy!!!!!!
Been driving mine daily since 2004; excellent car. Tires and new batt.
I got mine almost exactly 2 years ago and have done around 41k miles. Yes. Daily drive it and you will not regret it.
Testify!
I always click when I see you upload ‼MORE FIERO CONTENT PLZ‼ 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I got to spread the love! The last video was on the fiero (:-)
I’ve owned mine for 7 years.. 4 gs up keep .. I’ve also taken it to stealerships for service
Yes - Agreed, take care of it or SELL it! Cheers!
I daily my 2003 through the summer and she runs great! Also bought it at 68k miles (fun coincidence). At 77k now and haven't had her a full year. I have had to do a bit of work on her that I didn't expect when buying, but nothing catastrophic - nothing that kept it from running at least.
The community is incredible! So many helpful people on the forums, and a ton of great videos (like this one) to get through a project!!
we are almost identical. Got my 02 last year in october at 67k and im sitting at 76k right now lol only issues so far is the damn headlight motors lol easy fix though so no big deal! No issues so far either with the TSP headers after about 4 months of daily driving with them
@@TheRalphRoast You're kidding; I also purchased mine in October! Fun coincidence! I'm glad you're enjoying yours!
Thank you!!
Don’t have one yet but I will...subscribed
Sweet! It will be well worth the wait!!
Great video on just how reliable these cars are! Unfortunately, mine developed the leaky butt syndrome but with the help of a very talented and reasonably priced mechanic my costs were negligible for an eighteen year old car that looks great and fun to drive.
It does look great and hopefully you can get it back on the road in about 60 days or so! Cheers!
Driving fast makes me fart a little too 😂
Just ran across your channel and I did subscribed.
Thank you - I appreciate it!!
thank you
I also have a 2003 C5 that I purchased in 2017. Nothing but oil changes, spark plug, wires and battery replacement. It’s been good but I don’t daily drive it. It’s mostly kept in the garage only out in the weekends.
Nice!
I drive my C5 daily and I love it
Exactly the way it should be sir!
Excellent resource video! I was shocked to see $350 for Clutch Fluid for 2017 - re-watched that segment to see it was actually $350 for tires. ;-) That's better!
Yes, and those Firestones have been very good tires! Cheers.
I've had my C5 for almost a year exactly now and I've put on about 6,500 miles. It's my daily driver unless it snows (we have pretty mild winters so it might be parked for 1-2 months at most). I have absolutely zero complaints.
Any issues or problems are very ticky-tacky and extremely easy to find and diagnose and usually don't make the car unusable.
If you're lazy or don't understand how to use the internet, this car might not be for you but anyone with a child's understanding of the internet can fix anything wrong with this car in an afternoon (with the single exception being the harmonic balancer)
97-00 EBCMs can be a major issue and torque tube bearings/bushings can take a few days but I absolutely love these cars anyway.
2000 triple black 6 spd convertible. Normal issues. Harmonic Balncer replaced at 60k. Now has 62k miles. Love this car
Nice
A C5 on snow and ice? I drive my 99 FRC up to the local ski area a couple times a year after the road has been plowed and sanded just for fun. Going south out of Hood River, OR you climb 5,000' in 35 miles to Mt. Hood. And BTW, 4X4 drivers do NOT like being passed by a Corvette on snow. I've rebuilt 8 C5's (inc. 2 ZO6's) from totals and my 99 is the last one and the keeper as of 10 years ago. It only had 40 K miles on it and now it has 80 K. Love your channel and I'm subscribed.
Absolutely. over my last 5 years: one harmonic balancer, two tie rod ends in the rear, and the dreaded Ignition lock bypass. I did just have the AC door motors under the dash, one failed, and getting both replaced Monday. Balancer, ignition lock, and A/C door motors were all original. Just turned 70K miles on a 1999 C5 Convertable. Rear antenna failed, so I just pull it up about 6 inches and leave it there, even though I bought a replacement, I have not installed it and probably will not.
That is a fair bit - get those door motors done and hopefully you will be good for a LONG time!
Looking to get one of these to be an extra daily driver next year. 01-04 Z06 here I come! I'd prefer to get one with under 70k miles, I live in GA so don't have to worry about snow ever.
I will be jealous in 2 months when the snow starts flying here... It would be fun to have a few Corvettes for sure!
Hi,
Excellent VIDEO. Enjoy your videos with simplistic approach on technical fixes and basic maintenance.
Have
owned my 2004 torch red C5 Z-06 since purchased new March 6th, 2004 with
56,425 original miles.
Do
all my own maintenance on vehicle, by self in my garage & help of local GEARHEAD Garage in Warwick RI for those specific duties, changing of manual transmission, differential fluids
and the ONE fluid usually NOBODY ever changes in vehicles.
YES, the POWER steering fluid.
What a DIFFERENCE in the steering once changed. Not to mention getting rid of all the contaminates by flushing the OLD power steering fluid out with the NEW fluid.
ONE other key benefit the NEW power steering fluid, helps to
keep the DRIVING Rack lasting longer because the NEW synthetic fluids keep
those internal SEALS lasting longer. TIP
Process to do is on UA-cam
My only MAJOR costs have been tires. In 2000 replaced
both REAR wheel bearing hubs, installed 4 new MICHELIN PS - 2 radial tires, & replaced clutch fluids.
SUGGESTION
PENNZOIL offers a 5W - 30 ULTRA Platinum synthetic engine oils that in my humble opinion is superior to the MOBIL synthetic oil that the car originally came with.
The car has been pretty much maintenance free, except for oil changes, new serpentine belts, and change of spark plugs, wires in 18 years of ownership.
An amazing engineered vehicle from Chevrolet, with killer looks and performance.
a keeper.
Would love to hear from you if possible.
thanks
Rod
Rod Maloney
Rmaloney.56@gmail.com
Love my c5, I try to drive it whenever I can. I upgraded my battery to a optima red top to prevent the leaking.
Nice!
I GOT MY FRC cammed with 100k miles when i was 19 its been four years now 150k miles. drove first 3 years with bad clutch and torque tube. got LS7 clutch aluminum flywheel and torque tube rebuild kit done as well as water pump, motor mounts and other small maintenance. i still drive it every day and race it and go to car meets its kicking hard at 410 wheel hp W CHEVY
My 99 C5 was a good car. I drove it for many years as my daily driver in the Houston area without any issue. The biggest problem I had was the stupid battery leaking onto my computer bits and causing it to act like someone shot it in the brain. After fixing all of that ($$) I will only use AGM batteries in my C5s. I also needed to fix the head light motor with a new brass gear. I sold my 99 with 109k miles on it with the only issue of having a dim A/C display. After my 99, I went from an 08 and 15 vette back to an 03 C5. First thing I did was to replace the battery with an AGM one upon delivery. I did have to pull the EBCM myself, but I sent it off to ABSFixers and I was out about $80. Since 2016, aside from oil changes, new set of tires, as the originals on it were 13 years old when I got it) and gas for the car.. the only repair expense was that EBCM issue. Sure, I've done a lot of voluntary upgrades and such, mostly beauty mods as I use this C5 as my show car. The C5 is one helluva dependable, fantastic car even when used as a daily driver.
I daily drive my C5 since I bought it 2 years ago! Great car and a solid daily driver, IMO.
Totally agree!
GREAT video. No wasted time and VERY useful even though in 2024, I've owned my 2001 C5 since, since, since, hmmmmmmmm 2001. Its not even had its first MAJOR tune-up with only 65k. Aside from battery, tires, a light bulb, new belts and fluid changes, its NEVER, knock wood, been in the shop for ANYTHING !!!!. I've owned Toyotas, I've owned 911s, Ive owned a Lambo. NOTHING not even the Yota has been more reliable and less trouble free than my EVERY DAY DRIVER C-5. What a BLAST to DRIVE !!!!!!! My first tip ... get rid of those run flats. They're like ROCKS, just keep a can or two of Fix-A-Fl;at, and an air pump in the car and get some 4 season Michelins or Pirelli P-7s or .... ?
Im in my fiurth vette and theyre great. Fantastic fuel economy and parts arent expensive, chevy parts
Mine is corvette C5 50 anniversary edition 2003, bought it with 68k miles. Almost maintained everything, headlight gears, full rotors and pads, front shocks with front stabilizer bushings, full set of control arm bushings in front, AC belt and belt tensioner, Idler pulley and belt, driver window regulator and motor, new battery, full engine mintinance : spark plugs & spark plugs wires, deep clean throttle and injections, engine coolant thermostat, radiator fluid changed, added catch can, fix some gear and engine hoses leaking, changed transmission fluid and filter, new set of customized 2 piece wheels and tires.
Unfortunately, bought this car without checking it very well. Still I have ABS and active handling light on but I won't fix them. Also windows weatherstrip is leaking if water comes directly there and last thing just happen AC compressor won't work I will check it soon. Pervious owner was extremely careless its obvious. Wish a good luck spent a lot on this 🤦🏻♂️
I have a 2003 as well - but I think my previous owner took pretty good care of her. Good luck with yours!
that picture of the z06 in the snow , hurt my soul a little bit
lol there's been a bunch of dudes already posting pictures and vids of C8s playing the snow. Not totally insane but pretty close to it.
It’s just dumb
Great video ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you 👍
4:29 I find it funny everyone is talking about the ecbm in the 2001+ being easy to service etc, when I have the suspicion that it fails all the time in these models, whereas you never hear anyone griping about the expensive ecbm in the 97-2000, because they probably don’t break.
That being said, when I used it as a daily driver, I think I spend $1k every year on upkeep. Which clearly is more when you don’t use it as a weekend car only. It did include occasional improvements, but mainly old parts wearing out (99% of parts are the same in early and late C5 or even interchangeable with C6 parts)
Regarding winter driving, with some performance tires it’s a bit of a problem, but Michelins are good in snow and I got by in winter just fine. I did use snow chains a couple times.
The only time I got stranded on the road and needed tow was once with a flat tire that was shredded. Running out of fuel a couple times too.
I guess we all have the things that make us chuckle. C5s with no chains make me kind of chuckle / cringe.
Though I commented on the other video, the fact that I picked up a 2004 C5 Coupe with 336,000 miles on it and it runs great on its original engine says they certainly can go the long haul. The engine is untouched and still nets nearly 30 mpg hwy by the way :)
Better check that timing chain.
But ya. Not everybody beats the crap out of their car. I pretty much outgrew that teenage desire to kill myself
How's the c5 holding now ? How many miles on her?
@@servantofthetruth8203 just sold it over the weekend. Still runs great but it needs a few things like a steering rack leak fixed. The guy who picked it up is looking for a little fun project that he can daily.
I have an 04 Commemorative which came with 50,000 miles on the clock. It’s been a terrific buy and once I got it on to a good PM program it’s been super reliable. One bad problem (and I’m not alone) are the seats. Specifically the drivers seat. Just awful!! Mine are now at the shop getting new foam and new covers. Just thought I’d throw that one out to your channel.
Yeah, nobody ever bragged about the C5 seats that's for sure! I made the mistake of sitting in a c8. Them there are some seats!
@@Toys4Life And of course my passenger seat looks brand new But gotta buy everything in pairs!! Frustrating!
I have 149000 miles on my 03 and its been fine, AC replacement was the highest cost to date, and then after that the harmonic balancer for an oil leak. But those are are out of the way. It'll go for another 150,000 miles easy.
That's awesome, keep current on all the maintenance, don't beat the daylights out of it, and 300 K is in the cards!
I Bought my 2001 C5 with 76,000 miles in 2020. One year and 2000 miles since ownership here is my list. Oil change and filter, Oil pressure sending unit, rack and pinon, Magnaflow exhaust muffler brackets repair, rebuilt ECM, repair multifunction switch, replaced drivers seat foam and side air bladder, repaired fiberglass seat shell, power steering high pressure hose, rear emergency brake shoes, replace coolant hoses, drain cock and fluid, rear differential fluid, 4 sway bar links, 4 sway bar bushings, replaced failed magnetic shocks, replace front leaf spring, replaced windshield wipers, replaced radiator cap, replaced missing refrigerant line caps, replace 4 tires, replace thermostat, replaced air filter. I'm probably forgetting something but I'm into this car $6250 for one year ownership.
Hopefully you're now set for a good long while!
Once you replace oil sending plug and harmonic balancer
c5 is the best. Im an original owner of 2003 c5, daily driver, 202,000 miles on it. The performance run flat tires only last about 3 years 30,000 miles. And they are not cheap. Ive been thru a lot of them. A lot of the original parts were built well, and still work great. The newer replacement parts are expensive and not as reliable as original. Example; original water pump lasted 16 years, replacement only lasted 2 years, just put in a third water pump.
That's the thing, some replacement parts are okay and some are horrible as you just alluded to. Good luck keeping it on the road!
I've daily'd my C5Z for the last 1.5 yrs, beat on it hard on the Tail of the Dragon, the occasional street pull, but no track time. It's been a wonderful car and extreme fun, but a mixed bag for reliability. I'm typing this as it's down again for the 3rd time with the classic master/slave cylinder failure. About to go Tick master with a full trans rebuild and upgraded diff to be done with it once and for all... but man, it can be depressing when the car strands you. However, I know once I get it back running I know I'll say I wouldn't trade it for the world and it's all part of it. You gotta pay to play :D
If any car is worth it, the C5 is!
@@Toys4Life Truest statement I've read on UA-cam! Thanks for your great content, brother. You among many others convinced me to buy my Z06, and despite the bumps in the road, I don't regret it a bit!
Yea im 19 and my c5 is the daily 115k miles. havent had the steering column lock issue but i have been through 3 battries in the past 3 years. my running tail lights went out and a few other electrical issues and i paid $500 for some shop to handle that. my E brake does not stay up. and my EBCM needs work, no abs,traction control or competitive driving mode. but besides that😏
To be 19 and driving a Corvette, nice!
Wix oil filter. Good Man
They have a darn good rep indeed!
i have a 2000 c5 auto corvette now with about 93k which I daily drive. The drivetrain is basically bulletproof if you keep up with oil/fluid changes. I will say this, There are always nagging little issues that the car has like
The key lock issue,
The faulty gas gage issue
The stock seat mechanism is garbage (replaced seats with aftermarket racing seats)
The headlight gear is plastic and wears out
The car is very finicky about the correct voltage and will cause issues if not correct.
The harmonic balancer is poor and is difficult to replace.
The AC doors are vacuum operated and wear out as did the blower motor.
Targa top seals are fragile and wear out easily if you take the top of frequently.
Some of this is age related, some are bad parts and poor design by GM.
Overall not a bad car but also not Toyota reliable. All cars have some issues, this one is batter than many
Drive mine daily. Spent a helluva lot more on mine than you have; minus the supercharger. It’s DEFINITELY been a love-hate relationship!
Hopefully it will average out and you will be expense free for a good long while!
I've had my 03' Z for 2 years and it's been VERY reliable but I have done a bunch of preventative maintenance. My biggest issue with the C5 is it's lack of utility, being a FRC I can rarely carry anything outside of groceries here and there. Being a small 2 seats makes it even less useful. Thankfully it's my track car. I do not recommend it as a daily driver if you're an active person that needs to carry stuff from time to time. It's also very low so the area you live in will depend here, I'm extremely paranoid in almost every parking lot I'm in as I'm usually scraping everything.
Preventative maintenence, as in good plugs and wiring? I just bought a 02 Z so I'm looking for advice is why I'm asking.
@@deznutz3163 I replace valve springs, all fluids, new shocks, all bushings replaced, went with a bigger radiator due to living in a warm area, new plugs and wiring, battery. Did some track mods as well but that’s another story
@@trebm3 thanks for the reply. I have something to go by now other than regular maintenance. 👍
I have parking lot paranoia as well....
Found a 1999 one for like 8grand I might pick it up seems to be a good car
If it's in decent shape, that's a steal in this market.
I daily drive a C5 ZO6 with a built LS2 with 600 HP. It gets 20 MPG and is very reliable.
Forced induction I presume?
@@Toys4Life nope it’s a naturally aspirated 402 Ci motor that’s built.
What do you typically spin it to for RPM?
@@Toys4Life it sees 6500 a lot with no problem then I hit the rev limiter. The cars set up for open road racing. I’ve never done 1/4 mile in it but I’ve done 180 mph in a mile run.
Good detailed video. I completely agree, very reliable, and daily driving is fine unless you live in pennsylvania. The roads in that state are pure evil. I cant drive in a straight line for more than 20, maybe 50 yards without swerving manhole covers so deep you cant see the bottom, expansion joints so wide Knievel wouldnt jump em, and a plethora of assorted obstacles and junk that should never be on a road. The hills are ridiculous also, have to angle the car constantly. One cant park on the road because they are so dirty that rocks constantly kick up from traffic, then bounce off your parked car causing white primer scratches on my black C5. I still woudnt drive anything else except another year Corvette. I bought the car knowing I would be moving to Florida however, and I try to keep it in the garage as much as possible, and far away from Pennsylvanias toxic. deadly road system.
Thanks for taking the time, good info in there.
I enjoyed your comment, thanks for the color commentary!
This. I posted elsewhere here as a pgh driver just not reasonable to daily drive my c5
The previous owner must have already changed out the dreaded Harmonic balancer! Have any made it to 100,000 miles? Of course within the first two weeks my "99"s oil sending unit went out & in the first year 66,000 miles the harmonic balancer had to be changed ( power bond) thanks & I subscribed.
Thanks for the sub!! Darn balancers!!
I have owned a C5 it was a rebuilt and I have maintained and repaired everything myself I’m 24 now and I have 130,000 miles on it. Maybe a little leak here or there but that’s typical in any machine it’s called rubber seals going bad and you have to be a good boy and replace them :) I change oil myself, basically all the fluid myself.
Nice, save a ton of money if you can do most of the things yourself!!
@@Toys4Life I changed a shifter cable on it and uhm let’s just say I had my coffee in the morning and by the time I was done It was dinner time :) hardest to do one man job
Great video! I bought 2001 C5 automatic transmission. It does not have LMC5 issue?
Sweet!
I was stranded on Cape Cod, on the first day of a short vacation when my column locked up. I had backed in to the driveway that is on a bit of an incline , turned the wheel to the right and pulled the E-brake & shut her down..
Next morning...LOCKED! No brach, no fried clam strips, no lobster rolls ...NO CORVETTE !!The flatbed back to Connecticut was not cheap, AAA covered the first 100 miles , $5.00 after that, so over $400.00 to get it home safely.
it was fixed under recall..do I trust that ? Not for a minute. I ordered the mod mentioned in this video and will install as soon as it arrives.cost me about $50.00 delivered to my door. Tip: at the very least buy it and keep it in one of the rear storage compartments.
PAINFUL!!! and agreed - keep it in the car just in case!
Terrible luck with the one I owned,turned out that some models still have the old fashioned analog control module. No longer produced. Was having problems and my Chevrolet dealer told me to come and get my car out of their shop,they just couldn’t help me.
for the EBCM I assume? Yep, at this time you pretty much have to live with that light on and no ABS or active handling. We have 2007 pontiac grand prix that doesn't even have ABS....I thought all cars did in modern times. Don't really ever notice it - except in the MN winter....
Mine has been.
My 2004 Z06 has been the most reliable car I've ever owned.
Nice 👍
I've got to C 5. A 2004 special edition 24 at Lamans. It's my daily driver. Just like any other car things happen and you pay for them to get fixed. It's just the way it is. But you got to remember. It's a Corvette.
C5 makes a decent daily driver but, seems like people almost hit me when I daily mine. Now I am paranoid...
@@Toys4Life that's the way it goes. Possibly a little couch time with a psychiatrist will help
very nice video. do the C6 Z06 shocks bolt right up with ZERO modifications? That is a mod I am interesting in doing!
Everything is exactly like I showed in the video sir.
@@Toys4Life I was just asking if those shocks are plug n play or do I need to modify my C5 base for them fit?
No modifications necessary.
C5 in blue is even more beautiful
Blue is good!
"and a few dozen burnouts"😂😂
Thank you. I have a 2004, trouble free.. so,, what was the bearing symptoms, and,, How did you find the bad wheel bearing?
Glad you asked! Here is exactly what I did. ua-cam.com/video/JIbX6_KY0AU/v-deo.html
How much to change the clutch?
Yes I drive my c5 every day in the spring & summer very reliable car, because I do my own maintenance,I don't drive it in the winter months😭
Same!
Can’t wait to own a 2001
It'll be worth the wait!
You can have mine. lol
Did the addition of the supercharger add any routine maintenance costs or create issues that otherwise the car would not have experienced?
Clutch was getting old and it didn't like the additional RPM capability of the supercharged engine. So I upgraded it. It was holding it fine, and I was careful. The issue has it pulls super hard all the way up to 6,500 if that's where I shift at about 6400 and the clutch pedal is sticking to the floor, something to do with the pressure plates on these LS1 and LS6 clutches from the factory.
Can the power bond harmonic balancer be used with the super charger like you have on your car. Thanks Mark..
I called A&A when I ordered my kit - they told me they hold up well .
My 85 year old neighbor drives one with 360,000 miles on it and he wants to get to 500,000 before he dies.
I drove my first corvette and put 201,000 miles when I sold it the current owner has over 330,000 miles on it . I bought another C5 2004 commemorative edition which I daily drive and it currently has 135,000 great vehicle just do your recommended maintenance.
Absolutely goes a long way!
Mine is a 99 roadster daily driven by 69 year old to work at a hot rod shop 35 miles each way X33 customs and when I don't drive C5 I drive my mint C3 69 coupe
That sounds like a pretty good gig to me sir!
What's your opinion on the Red Top battery?
I think all batteries now can be hit or miss, make sure you get the warranty and keep the paperwork, it's about all you can do.
What's the issue with the F 55 RM shocks on the 2004 Corvette? Does the Corvette have to be taken to a service center to replace the gas filter located in the gas tank on the 2004 Corvette?
The shocks are harder to program out in the 2004 models. I think at like a hundred thousand miles or something like that you would want to go in and change the filter in the tank. Maybe somebody can confirm exactly what the GM interval is for that.
Daily drive mine at 63,000 miles. Owned it for a week, already having problems lol. I don’t believe anybody who says they daily drive these with no problem, I live in New England, I almost have the front bumper torn off, and the interior is now squeaking like a birds nest. Now all the sudden there is a whisking from the engine bay. Worst part is I never beat the car, I have a 450hp Z28 for driving like a dick. Took it for a road trip about 35 miles, parked it briefly, turned it on, tried to tell me I had zero gas, yet I knew I had just filled all the way up 35 miles ago. I love my FRC but I’m super disappointed, can’t take this car anywher.
I bought and had my chevy dealer install that LMC5 and it still tells me to pull key and wait 10 seconds.
This is probably the most disappointing part of the C5 Corvette story. GM never did fully address this issue right. Someone prove me wrong, cuz I would love to be wrong and know that GM offered a real solution that worked!
I'm looking to buy a 98 C5, Ive heard that model year has the most problems is this true ?
I am not sure what specific model year has the most issues - I just have a preference for 01 and newer. I have two other vids on the subject. 1. ua-cam.com/video/SbBdsiM_U18/v-deo.html and 2. ua-cam.com/video/R8bd2RtiE50/v-deo.html
I'm going to buy mine a muffler turbo wistle
I think I saw those on Amazon.