I saw a 99 Coupe with 87k miles on it at a local dealer for $17k. Is that what it's worth from a dealer? What are the the problem areas on a C5?
If I swapped off my 87 for this car would I just be trading off one set of problems for another set?

The dealer got back to me. It's a 99, totally stock, black. He wants to give me $7k for my car, so he's talking $11.5k difference given tax, title etc.

I am tempted.

Dale -

In the past when I was looking at upgrading to C5s that would have seemed in line with dealer prices. But more recently, prices have started dropping a lot in comparison. I just saw a private seller 99 with 85,000 miles on it for 13,000 just outside of Detroit (tough market there). Price will vary somewhat by market, but I think that car could be had for less (but also consider trade value, etc).

As far as common problems, the C5 seemed to have some electrical gremlins, mostly. The big failure on almost all of them was the ignition interlock (that most people bypassed). I have read some issues with the ignition causing weird electrical issues as well as the wiring connections/boot in the doors. Seat leather is cheap (worse than c4s). Some of the later ones burned oil from ring flutter (I think it's called???) but that was only at high rpms for sustained periods of time. I'm sure there are issues, as every car has, but they can all be repaired.

Good luck,

Matthew

Did you do some comparisons on fleabay? After I read your post I started looking around. Next thing I knew I was looking at 62s and everything from 2004 to 2008. I always like to sell at Kelley and Nada prices and buy at Edmunds prices. I guess that's one way you could get out of your C4 though is to trade it.

That's a decent price and any problem you run across can be repaired. the C5's are easy to work on.

He came off his price by $1k, and is giving me $7k for mine, so that's $10.3k and my car tax title out the door.

Quote:

Sounds like you've already got your mind made up. Good luck and post some pics.

Matthew

Quote:

Not really. I'm going to look at it tomorrow. I can link to the auto trader ad if you want to see it?

But I still have reservations. Do I want to put that kind of money into a toy this time of year, with this economy? It does have 87k on it, how long does the C5 transmission last, I've heard bad things.

Honestly, it would have to really grab me to pull the trigger.

I just recently ( Tuesday ) picked up my 2000 with 80,000 miles on it. I'm not happy with how my relationship ended but am happy with the C5 in general. I went from a L98 A4 to a 6 Speed LS1 and am in Ahh about the difference in power. I'm sure allot of it has to do with 6 speed to A4 but the difference is just incredible. I'm in love with 2nd, 3rd gear and 6th gear is nice for fuel economy ( I got 30 mpg on the 300 mile drive back from picking it up do to 6th gear. The C5 is loaded and the options are a very nice bonus ( HUD , memory seats and so on ). It does seem like the paint isn't as strong as it is on a C4. Its filled with fine scratches and swirls but I'm sure I can get the bulk of them out with the PC. I was also surprised with how much lighter every thing is ( door, hood and so on ). Its also allot easier to get in and out of. I was also worried about the higher miles ( 80,000 ) but wont be able to tell the effects of that until after the next few years. i know I've read post on forum X about members have 200-300 miles on there's.

Just a few things I have noticed so far and to sum it up i absolutely love the car. i kinda wish i would have made the move sooner.

PatsFan

Bad-MAY be able to do a .010 over hone on a Lsx thats it

Good-402 crate shortblocks from GM are cheaper than a Gen 1.
Killer cyl heads available through Gm also for dirt cheap.

Those motors are very very tough, you wont hurt it. They last a long time.

I love mine.......When I upgraded to the 98 Vert (from a 94 Coupe)it was the difference of night and day.......performance, comfort, gas milage, just all around.....I have no regrets......I loved the C4 but I really love the C5........

Attach file:

---

  yspokes.JPG (834.93 KB)