In years gone by, many car lovers would shy away from owning a Corvette because it was believed that they were built primarily for the elite and high-income earners. Thankfully, some recent C5 Corvette models are more affordable, meaning almost anyone can afford one.
Each generation of the Corvette has had its unique attributes and qualities, but today, we’ll be directing our focus on the Corvette C5 series. Apart from being several upgrades better than the fourth Corvette generation, the C5 also opened the way for the Corvette Z06, which was a turnaround for the overall Corvette performance.
The C5 was built with a reliable LS1 engine that can power through even the most challenging driving conditions. For its affordability and reliability, the C5 offers great value. Your reason for choosing a Corvette for your next purchase might be its aesthetic quality, affordability, or even high performance and engine power. But it should go beyond that.
What You Should Be Looking At
Are you looking to get a C5 Corvette this summer? Here are four things you should consider:
Set a Budget
Setting a budget and sticking to it is paramount when considering a vehicle. You can choose color, mileage, and year, but your budget is what decides for you at the end of the day. You also have to consider maintenance, fuel consumption, and performance, not to mention the cost of important accessories for C5 Corvette vehicles. These things can leave a dent in your wallet in the long run. So it isn’t just the initial cost of the vehicle, but the overall cost of maintaining the car.
How Often You Plan to Use It
When buying a used Corvette, most people do not plan to use it for daily driving, and it is mainly purchased as a second or third ride for its use on racetracks or weekend outings. True sports car enthusiasts will never consider buying an automatic Corvette. But if you plan to use your Corvette as a daily vehicle, an automatic might be the best option.
Mileage should also be your primary concern if you plan to use your Corvette daily. The number of miles reading on the odometer measures how much longer the Corvette can last. So, this is something else you need to consider. It is advisable to have the Corvette’s engine examined thoroughly by professionals before you purchase it to ensure the mileage is genuine.
Do You Wish to Buy from a Dealer Or a Private Owner?
It is also necessary to consider who to get your used C5 from. Buying from dealers and buying from a private owner have their respective pros and cons.
When buying from a dealer, all faults would have been repaired and the vehicle put in good condition beforehand, erasing the need for you to pay for further inspection by a third party. Dealership purchases also offer legal protection because they are bound by state laws.
Car dealers also provide additional tools and roadside assistance. However, dealership purchases also come with rigid prices and, sometimes, with strict purchasing processes.
With private owners, you can negotiate lower prices, but you are more likely to buy a car full of faults. Private purchases are not protected by state laws.
Check that It Is in Good Condition
This is arguably the most necessary thing to consider when purchasing a used Corvette. If all goes well, you will be one step away from owning a cool ride. But if the faults go unchecked, there is a high chance that you’ll be heading for trouble.
Therefore, to make sure you’re making the right decision when buying a used C5, you should pay attention to several details, such as:
- The panel seams to check if there have been prior panel replacements or paint jobs
- The door and window handles
- The seats and side bolsters to check for wear
- The lights and air conditioning
- The tires: most Corvettes do not come with spare tires. If the tires have a fault, you will likely spend over an additional $1000 to replace them with genuine ones
- The brakes and rotors; overheated rotors cannot be fixed. You would have to replace them
- Oil leaks
Get a C5 Today
Buying a used C5 is a good decision in terms of affordability. Remember that if you choose to buy from a private seller, you will need to pay for the services of an unbiased third party to check if it is in good condition.
