Hello:
I am in the market for my first Corvette. I have read a few books,
done some internet research, and have some Corvette experience from my
brother's ownership. (My brother has owned C3, C4, and C5 Corvettes
from 1979 through 1997 at various times. He now perfers his LT1 C4,
but solely recommends a C5 for me.)
Anyhow, I am car literate and have maintained my cars myself for 90%
of thr maintenace, and 50% of the repairs.
On my list are a 1998 and 2000 Convertible C5.
So, I am looking for advice and some answers to a few questions that I
will list below:
1) Is the passenger side air bag disable on the C5? I have been told
that some C5s have a weight sensor for the passenger air bag, and some
have a disable switch, but I cannot find anything in print to tell me
such. My daughter is 8 years old, and I need to confirm that she can
ride in this car!
2) What are the known weakness of the C5? Are their build issues,
engine issues, or something to have checekd before I make an offer?
The Corvette Bible basically says the C5 is pretty much a reliable car
with great build quality, but I'd appreciate any inputs from
experience here.
3) Can a shade tree like myself maintain the LS1 and C5? I like to do
belts, hoses, fluid changes, brake pads, etc myself on my cars; is the
C5 a high tech nightmare for the shadetree? Does anyone recommend a
shop for C5s in the Phoenix area?
Finally, if I don't buy a C5, should I consider a C4, or wait for
affordable C6s another 5 years down the road?
I sincerely appreciate your time in replies. Take care, Bill