Yes, another "Learn me" thread - C5 content

I have decided that, between my work schedule and lack of mechanical prowess, it would be better to buy a sports car in good condition rather that try to rebuild my 944 (that seemed like such a bargain when I bought it.)

I've done some reading on Boxsters and have decided that, while the can be had for reasonable money, the maintenance cost would be higher than I care to deal with.

I looked at S2000 and found out that the cheap ones in the Atlanta area seem to have a "rebuilt" title. And the good one go for C5 money.

That said, I started looking on CL at Vettes. I found a 2000 FRC fairly close by for $15k. It has 75k on the clock and new Michelin tires. Other than the obvious, price, insurance, basic maintenance, what should I be concerned about on this, or a similar, car? It will not be a DD. It might be autocrossed occasionaly or maybe tracked. That depends on if SWMBO can be convinced that these activities will bring my driving skills up to a level suited to such a car.

Thank for the input. While I've been looking to there sources for information, I trust this groups input and opinions more than any other group I've self with on the interweb.

Thanks, David

For 15K don't you realize that you can have a Miata that will go faster?

Seriously though this exact question is kicking around in my head as I am in the exact situation. My time is suddenly more valuble that my money and I'm debating buying a finished car (C5 is on the list) rather then continuing to have projects upon projects keeping me from spending time with family and doing other stuff.

I'm excited to see how this plays out.

According to my sources (last page if the magazine) there is a upcoming C5 buyers guide in a future GRM.

In reply to nocones:

Yes,, but I don't want a Miata. Maybe I spent to much time under the influence of mt father, but I like the idea of owning a.Vettes. of corset, I liked the idea of owning a Porsche too...until I figured out that is spend way more than I cared to rebuilding the one I have.

Yes, it Willie interesting. SWMBO has approved the purchase....but I have to sell my 944.

In reply to Rusnak_322:

Cool, do we know when subscribers will see it? I'm not at home so I can't check mine.

I'm hoping to look at this FRC in the next few days.

C5s are pretty robust, really. There was an ignition lock TSB on earlier cars, and I'm pretty sure another for transaxle seals. These should have been addressed already but may have been missed by some owners. Depending on driving habits, 97-00s can use oil because of their ring design but this was addressed in MY 01. No reason to stay clear of the earlier ones, just keep an eye on the dipstick. Have fun!

When I see a regular C5 I normally hate the bling-bling chrome wheels, and I recall all the complaints in the car mags about the interior and how it's not as good as the Z06 or ZR1 or 911. But then I remember that is has a Chevy V8, which my father (and personal experience) tell me will run forever with minimal investment. Then I see the prices, and remember what they look and sound like at the autocross, which causes me to start forgetting all that. Then I drive one and start saving money for a downpayment. Drive one. You'll want one.

I've had a couple of C5s, a bone stock '99 and a modified '97. They are incredible bargains. Like pinchvalve said, drive one and that's all the convincing you'll need. Their fast, comfy, and great all around cars. Even if you just want to go for a quiet cruise, they can do that too. My '99 got about 30mpg if I was just cruising the highway at 70mph in 6th gear. YMMV if you step on it...

The stock exhaust is a bit quiet for my taste, but that's easily fixable. I'd look for a base suspension or Z51 suspension. The adjustable F45 was prone to trouble and very expensive to fix. Both of my cars were Z51 suspensions, and I loved them.

I actually have an NC Miata now as a weekend toy, and the C5 is one of the few cars I'd consider selling my NC for.

The C5 / C5 Z06 Buyer's Guide will be in the next issue of GRM. (Oct. issue) Subscribers should have this issue by August 16.

if you can wait that long......

Thanks. Y'all are a big help. It looks like a C5 is a good choice.

I'm not sure I can hold out til august.

I'm hoping to test drive this FRC in the next several days. Feel free to add more info....

If you kept your back issues, GRM had a FRC project car. Maybe there is a link to it on this site.

BTW: those project car articles are the only reason I know what FRC means :)

SillyImportRacer wrote: Thanks. Y'all are a big help. It looks like a C5 is a good choice. I'm not sure I can hold out til august. I'm hoping to test drive this FRC in the next several days. Feel free to add more info....

Didn't Per have an FRC a few years ago? Seems he wrote several articles during his brief ownership. He liked it - a lot.

Sorry, I don't know which issues. Maybe someone can offer some help?

EDIT: February 2007 issue has a C5 Buyers Guide article

I have all my back issues for several years. When I get home, I'll try to find the Feb 07 issue.

Thanks

I bought a 2002 C5 a few weeks ago. I would highly suggest anyone with the means picking one up. They are truly the performance car bargain of all time.

My next track car will be a Vette. I'm enamored with the LS1 in my 944 right now. Easily tuned up to Z06 power levels, totally reliable, sounds great, etc, etc.

If something happens to my "hybrid" I'd buy a C5 vette in a heartbeat.