Considering c5 with 180k miles as a DD.

Local dealer has an 02 c5 with 180k miles for $7500. I feel like I am crazy for considering this for a new DD for me.

Since you are from the south, i think they make fantastic DDs.  

I loved mine, 6 speed 2002 model.  

Should knock down mid-high 20s in mixed driving, if its an automatic schedule some time to get the shift cable replaced before it leaves you stranded.  

If it needs rubber (check the date codes too) deduct another $1k from the sell price, tires are not very cheap for these cars but there are a decent amount of take-offs.  Runflats are a big negative on the C5s, much better to replace them with conventional tires and an AAA card.

Keep in mind that some parts are NLA and unfixable for the early (pre 2002)cars, at least they used to be.  ABS/Traction Control is a common failure point, ECUs are specific to the Corvette although they are pretty solid they have some weird programming tables that make them tougher to tune than the later cars, and steering wheel position sensors are not available either.  So if the car has current ABS or Trac faults, those will be there forever, and if it doesnt have them, it may soon develop them.

Otherwise they are sweet, they hold a surprising amount of stuff, super comfy to drive, great heat and A/C especially if you tint the windows, decent MPG, and still cool enough that people look at them.  

If the engine is sound, the major expense outside any deferred maintenance is likely to be a leaking axle seal or tired suspension components. Axle seals have probably been done in the last, just check for current leaks.  Suspension bushings aren’t too hard or expensive if you can do some yourself. 

Funny. I was looking at C5’s last night. There’s a guy on ATL CL that sells a ton of them. Actually I *think* there’s a guy in NC that does the same(?) He had a speedway white z06 that I kind of regret not buying.

FWIW, my brother bought my V1 from me with 180k miles and it’s still running perfectly with well over 200k miles and 430hp at the wheels :)

Only issue I had in the 70k miles I drove it was a broken valve spring at around 150k. The head still, literally, looked brand new.

See if you can drive it for a distance. The ride can be harsh, too harsh for some. If you can tolerate that, then why not? It's your money.

Remember when you could get a c5z for $11,000? Now they're 18 and based c6's are getting in the mid-teens. Fun lol. 

No. Never. The only Zs I ever saw that cheap were bent salvage titled turds. 

I never saw good ones go below 15 (z06s). Base c5s continue to get cheaper, slowly.  There's not really anything on a corvette that makes me trust it less at 180k than, for example, a half ton chevy truck at 180k.