4 years ago I had the money and bought a 1994 corvette. I have always been a "car" guy but to be honest I knew ZERO about corvette because I never thought I would be able to afford one. I didn't know what to look for, I didn't know what to ask, I didn't know anything. Well 2 days in it wouldn't start because the chip in the key was worn down so much it didn't connect and had to have new keys. After that it wouldn't start and I learned about the Opti-spark in the LT1 corvettes. After that it was the middle LCD screen, headlight motors, weatherstripping, radiator, Fuel injectors the leather on the seats that suck. Needless to say in 4 years I learned a lot and didn't find C&S Corvette youtube until 2 years into owning the car. Well Last week I bought another corvette (2001 with a 6 speed) and I watched ALL of your videos on C5's before even looking this time. My salesman was pissed at you because I asked about the torque tube, harmonic balancer and everything else those videos told me. I went through that car with a fine tooth comb and it was all because of everything you taught me. I was able to work him down on price because I knew every little thing to look for and what to ask. I knew why the seats in it seemed to move an inch back and fourth and why the right headlight made the noise it did and I knew how much it was going to cost and how to address it. I can not thank you enough for the videos and I have passed it on to other first time owners. I have two great running corvettes in my garage and it's because of you....Thank you guys

The wisdom this man offers is priceless. The escrow account for your corvette maintenance cracked me up a bit. Great stuff Lyle.

And then we have the C4... Best of both worlds. Simple enough to do your own repairs on and modern enough to use as a daily driver 😉. Love my '96 LT4 CE.

Picked up a 99 c5 over 3 years ago. Dealer said it was perfect turns out it wasn't. Wanted 11k. After deducting all the parts it needed I walked away for 7,300. All basic stuff I could do myself. After fixing everything myself, saving alot of shop time. She runs and drives great now and learned there was alot of engine work done (way over 400hp) I know I got lucky but couldn't afford a perfect example so I did what I had to. Bought a 95 for 4,100 for my son right after that. Perfect condition with 80k and a ton of service records. Got 2 for 11,400

I bought my first corvette ever last October, and it is the absolute greatest car I've ever owned. It's a 2008 C6. What's funny is that the guy who sold it to me told me it had been used by the police for the past 6 years, and they only put 2k on the car during that time. He said undercover cops bought cars from him all the time, so he knew it was probably used by undercover cops posing as drug dealers - he'd sold them cars for that purpose before. It was seized by the cops, and then they used it for 6 years in their undercover work. And it's flashy and red with black decals - it does look a bit like a punk should be driving it. I'm a 46-year-old woman, so I find the whole thing really hilarious. Everyone in my family loves that it's a former undercover narc mobile!

Lyle, you last comment on saving for upcoming necessary repairs was spot on!!!!! Tires, brakes, alignment or whatever. Put some money away, to keep your ride "whole", or save to purchase/trade for a new/new to you, ride. This has worked for me for since I was thirty. No financial surprises, can keep my vehicles very reliable, and enjoy them more when I'm in them. There's something satisfying when you can go out, climb in your fully fuelled ride and just go. Without unnecessary financial or reliability worries. But it doesn't happen by chance. Like you say, do a "little planning", it'll pay huge dividends.

I bought an 03 2 years ago. She was rough. I paid 10k. Worth every penny spent. I'm no pro. But I love to tinker. My Vette is looking and running so well now. It's satisfying making a cool car look great once again.

very informative and accurate description of the corvette curse "they know when to break" he's 100% right.

Funny thing about this video. When I bought my 1966 Sting Ray from my Uncle. He said exactly " now it is your turn to throw money at it". I don't regret it one bit. It gives me a chance to make it the way I want it. Great video as always and so spot on. Keep up the great work!!

Hi Lyle Rick here, Just thought i would share just what you said would happen! I bought 85 c4 for 3200 and boy i will fix it up! Being a retired mechanic that can fix just about anything i figured no problem. RIGHT I did all the labor myself. I will just list the parts as much as i can remember. Starting with it needed a 700R4 transmission, complete exhaust and manifold studs, all hangers. New flywheel Starter all new brakes Tires Iac motor all temp sensors anti knock sensor injectors plenum gaskets bypass hose new distributor wires plugs distributor cap oils sensors oil change air pump delete kit new valve covers and gaskets new rockers and pushrods all new vacuum lines air filter All new carpets and reupholster seats replaced most of the interior plastic shifter boot rebuilt instrument panel all seals rear glass latch storage box covers all light bulbs not headlamps Door panels rekeyed door locks and console cover headliner in targa top TPS sensor Visors Radio and power antenna All stabilizer bar mounts front and rear AND I AM SURE I forget all kinds of things Again I did All the Labor in a year But I got a College degree on the c4 BUYER BEWARE !!!!!! RUNS PERFECT NOW Going to paint it this year Two tone bottom burgundy wine and white Top

Great advice. Had to learn this the hard way. Transmission rebuilt, rear axels replaced, DIC taken out rebuilt, knock sensors replaced, the list goes on. Should I have bought a new c7 or greater. The money spent says yes, but man I love the car don’t think I can let go now 😂

On c5 and newer, dont forget the clutch. 500 clutch pack will cost 10 times that much on the vette. Very labor intensive and not for the faint of heart.

Great advice! $1500 a year is a helluva lot cheaper than car payments. I knew a girl who loved new Vettes. After two years she wore it out. She could not hold that throttle steady if he were paid. I baby every car and truck I have. I never turn the wheel unless I am moving. I get 100,000 on a set of brake pads, 70k on Michelins, and there is no other brand for me. Do the same thing with your bodies so you can enjoy those Corvettes for a long long time.

So true about the history and condition of the car correlating to the cost of ownership. I inherited a 1971 vette. It has had at least two owners. Been in a barn for years but started and driven occasionally. I was told all it needed was paint, interior, and vacum lines. A year and $3,000 in parts I have not started on paint, interior, or vacum lines. But a great experience with my son working on it together.

Waiting on the C4’s video! 😂😂😂😂 finally moved closer to my working place last year. 56 miles round trip (from Plant City to Tampa) and now im driving my 40th anniversary every day to work! What a joy! Had the car since January 21! Like you said. Now all the small noises and lights are starting to come up. 😂 now i need a lift in my garage!

I own an 07 C6 that I’ve had since 2009. With the exception of fluid changes, Brakes, and the regular maintenance stuff. I’ve only had to replace the Alternator once, and the battery twice. I’ve put 48,000 miles on it.

Lyle, So appreciative of your well thought out and beautifully presented informational videos! Haven’t purchased my first corvette yet but at 68 years of age, I am researching and planning to buy my first C7 this spring. Living in Bradenton and am grateful that we have such a great state to enjoy these beautiful machines! Thanks again and be well.

Lyle and Steve are 2 of the best Corvette buddies you'll ever have. Living in Michigan and Florida, my only wish is they were near Tampa instead of Sarasota!!

Great advice! Much appreciated. These extra ownership costs can be included into an annual budget even before I purchase a vehicle so I'll know what the true costs are beyond the purchase price.

Thanks Lyle. Good advice. I have a 87 coupe owned for20 years. Outside of regular maintenance and updates and a blown head gasket( 2400.00 at 80k miles) I have spent very little. Garage kept and less than 5k per year, it’s been a great car. Of course you have to talk to them and give them hug once in while 😂

Great Stuff, as always! Thanks Lyle!

Regarding the “escrow” recommendation for the more modern cars… absolutely SPOT ON. Great advice! I bought a really nice low-mileage C6 Grand Sport and put about 30k miles on it in just under three years without any repairs (just routine maintenance)… and then the A/C compressor crapped out (on one of the hottest days of the year when we were on a road trip three hours from home - of course!). It cost me TWO GRAND to fix at the Chevy dealership - mainly because their book called for 8 hours of labor to replace because it’s so difficult to access. Anyway… if I’d been given this advice sooner and followed it, this bill would have been much easier to swallow. DO IT.

Thank you for the great work you do!

Hahahaha...each and every single word you said about "antique Corvettes" is true! I bought a 63 C2 in 2018 for 37 Grands and brought the car from Ohio to Germany (which makes the spares expensive). Since then, she is my rolling piggy bank... 🙂 But I love her! No regrets!

Turned 50, always wanted one so I picked up a 98 convertible. Living in Canada means you need a place to store it in the winter, also a reliable winter car.. I’ve had it 8 years and it’s my regular vehicle all summer long. By the way, I pay 48 bucks a month, year round and it’s insured replacement value is20k. Haggerty is the only company you should insure your Vette

Great content from C&S as always

Your video was right on the money.Everything you put out there is so true.Thanks

thank you very much, this was direct, clear, and very logical

Thanks Lyle

Thank you! Hello from Chicago

Lyle, right on with the C5 & newer Corvettes, more & more aging electronics that will need to be addressed eventually

Great content.You have great info.And very honest.Thankyou

Thanks!

This is excellent advice!

Such a great video 👍

Yes, I agree, greetings from Valrico, Florida

Great and true advice.I found that a poorly maintained Vette was like dominoes. When one thing "broke," then something else went.This is a must-see video. Edit: Find a mechanic that knows the beast.The corner mechanic might be a good guy, but replacing parts until he/she finds the problem; ultra expen$$$$ive.

Like to hear more about storage choirs as my 93 C4 sits in Garage. Thanks for the clarification another Great video

You are a 1000% correct on all of this. When i first bought my C7 i thought "Ok, i know oil changes will be high. I cant get under it myself so ill have Chevy do it." Plus other things will happen so i started a separate bank account for it like a car payment. $150/month. Where i live 4 months a year are not favorable driving conditions. Fair enough. Low and behold! The touch screen interface went out the same year she needed tires. $1800 for the radio, close to $2000 for tires. Add the oil change, & new battery they did while they had her, im sitting on a $4200 bill. But, ive been saving that $150/mo for three years b4 i had to dip into it. So not bad considering that i made a point of enjoying her for a full day at least once every two weeks if not every weekend.

Thanks Lyle, I wish I would’ve found your videos sooner. I recently purchased a 99 C5 Corvette. I’m 55 and I always dreamed of owning a Corvette. I’ve already discovered 4 or 5 things I need to address! Some of which you already have videos showing how to repair. Hopefully I can fix most of these minor issues my self and enjoy the car.

Lyle, long time subscriber here. I’ve used a lot of your tips and advice and it’s very helpful, you’re doing a great service to us Vette owners and I/ we hope you continue to do so for a long time. My question is, much like two of the earlier comments from Julio Manlucu and Kickstart My Crue, I live in an area that gets snow and ice and salt is used on the roads. What are guys like us to do when weather such as this prohibits driving for 45 minutes every other week as per your advice? I have my 2000 C5 on a battery tender and I start the car and let it run for about 45 minutes or so every two or three weeks. I’ve been doing this routine for 5 winters now and everything seems to be fine. I would love to see a video on this or maybe some advice for us colder climate owners. Thank You in advance for any response you give.

Thanks Lyle. I've been a c3 owner for 11 years, only parts needed have been tires, calipers and pads. So far this car has been very cheap to drive.But I have only put 6k on it in 11 years.

I find your comments on this subject highly informative and helpful cause I’m in the market for a C7 Corvette preferably 2015-2016 thanks for the heads up

Indeed. All so true...

Great advice my man!

Great advice!

As a future C6 owner, thank you for your videos!

Thanks for your time. For me it seems just when I get some money together, something happens and eats it all up.

Another great video Lyle - we bought our C5 - my 4th Corvette - so recovered seats by C&S Corvette- replaced power steering rack (leak) - blend doors - rear brakes - parking brake - fluids - filters - use NCM Insurance- your $1500 annual spot on - oh - low mileage car - weekend cruiser-

Lyle - you are brilliant! Thank you for all you do!

Good stuff Lyle! I'm in Wisconsin, and for 3 seasons I drive my 73 coupe pretty much daily. Roughly 15 thousand a year. I have a great shop by me that keeps it running nicely for me, and once you go through everything like wiring, rattling and all that kind of crap, it's not too bad. Small block so it's decent mileage, and like you said, I started with a great car to begin with...

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom, Lyle. I'll keep your last piece of advice about saving $1500 a year for possible repairs in mind. I am currently driving a base 2014 C7 Stingray, and so far it has been a dream, but I also am just scared of dealing with its first trip to the mechanic. Luckily, it's under warranty. 👍

Great channel

Excellent advice regardless of type of vehicle. I have a 2000 C5 convertible that was well maintained by previous owner. It’s had some issues, but all reasonably dealt with.

You are so right about maintenance. And the car sitting there, and the next time you know something's broke on it, i've got four C threes, And it seems like every time I drive them, when I park them, I get back in them two or three days later, maybe a week. There's something wrong with it. Then Pour more money in it. I can do the work myself. But it's more work than enjoyment. So buy a good one from the get go.

So what about the C4?

Again great informative video. All you say is so true. Only wishing I could have a Corvette extra money account for future expenses. That’s the tough part. I deal with each issue as it comes. So far it’s been what I could handle. Mine is a ‘98 and my fear is that part that cannot be fixed or replaced. The EBCM I believe it’s called. I hear and see so many videos about it and it scares me . What does your shop do with a customer that brings in one with this problem? Thank you as always.

Have 2004 convertible. 70° plus ride, always have the top down. Only a few issues. Both power window motors, one by mechanic and the other by myself (EASY REPAIR). Sun visors purchased through your site, shale color match is fine. Don't have a wobble on balancer yet. Lots of good info on this site.👍

Totally agree with your thinking. For many years I've put a few hundred into a "car maintenence" account every month. Across my Corvette and my Cadillac, I almost always have money sitting there ready for the various costs that crop up ... and just as well, because I've never been in a position to simply have "excess" cash lying around! :-)

I'm a fan of Haggerty for insurance 👍👍

Great video, insurance on all of the Vette’s we’ve had, the tires are more expensive than a “regular” car because you’re changing them much more often than on a normal car/truck. Otherwise they have been pretty Dadgum reasonable. My 2005 was the most Troublesome of the 6 we’ve had, I hope the first model year curse passes over our 2020 C8😊

Great advice as always....HEY, got a peek of behind the scenes!!!! Nice Surprise. 🙂

Are you going to do a video on the C4? You didn't touch on them.

So true . Bought a c6 and needed 500 battery cable,shifter . Love it but there's always something. Harmonic balancer first think I looked at.

Great vdeo as usual. Very informative. I would also like to see a winterized video for us northerners who can't move those cars when the snow comes. What's your suggestions on setting them up for the winter.

9 years of owning my 01 c5 balancer and auto transmission internal harness . Rear wheel bearings. Tune up. $2500 total. Very inexpensive fun weekend cruiser.

My 2000 C5 320k milage. Sold to fellow corvette club member. Transmission 196k rebuilt. Friend is a mechanical, owns three bay garage as a hobbies. He has three Corvettes, two Standards The C5 is automatic.

Damn you are so spot on! I wish you were in California and not just Florida!

HI Lyle this may be a situation that you may already know but it was a big problem for me my 98 would shut down while I was driving I would pull over put in park it would fire up. So when the event at carlsle the past summer offered diagnostic service I made appointment to have it looked at tech from corvette found problem, he said the key was worn and said I might need new switch, and said the key was losing contact in switch and system would shut down, so I went home and switched keys spare was like new and removed other items on key ring so only the key is in switch and haven't had any problems since.

Thank you for this important segment. Vroom! Vroom!

It's good that you suggested haggerty insurance which I purchased last week I saved some money on my insurance on my Corvette

Hey Lyle, it's Ray Coles from Sicklerville, NJ. I have not been able to put the Red Light Bandit on the Vette as of yet. This northeast weather is not conducive, too cold. I got the 2011 Grand Sport last month, and I'm not able to test the car due to the weather and hard run-flat tires. Once the weather warms up and improves, I will test the Vette without and then with the product and then report back to you. Thanks again!

My C5Z haven't spent alot of money on it, just oil changes which I do myself and I did my front brakes. Other than that haven't done any other repairs. It's an 02 with 55k miles. My C7Z has 16k miles and all I've done is oil changes. Both great cars with very little maintenance

Thanks for the information. I wanted to own a vette every since I was 13, but couldn't afford one. Now at 74, my dream finally came true. I use to pass by this particular house regularly and he had a c6 atomic orange base model. So one day I passed by one day and it had a for sale sign on it. I enquired about it and he said it had 73000 miles on it. It had been maintained by dealership only. It had new brakes, michelin run flats, the harmonic balancer had been changed, plus the shift cable. He had purchased a transparent top and never used. The car was garage kept with cover and my favorite chrome wheels. I test drove it and checked it over. All was needed was air and cabin filters. I enjoy it no leaks no where. It's only a weekend driver. I'm not a speedster so it should be around for a while. Thanks again.

1996 C4 guy, I'm that small percentage. Mine is a daily driver, not cherry, but reliable and fun to drive.

spot on... i have a 79..... what can go wrong... will go wrong

Almost bought an 88 recently. I was in denial when the corvette shop said don’t buy it. Towed it for a second opinion only for it to then refuse to start. After spending nearly $300 and really only getting advice and an oil change, I had to face reality and let it go. Very happy I did.

"Cheap" corvettes are absolutely expensive in the long term. I sorta knew what I was getting into because I bought mine with the intention o having a project and it's taught me so much honestly which I do love but sometimes it'd also make me want to send it to the crusher too. So far I've had to replace all of the interior lights and back lights which had burned out, replace a mosfet on the hvac controller because it had burned out, replace the clutch, rebuild the torque tube, rebuild the transmission, replace the blown shocks, suspension bushings and ball joints, replace the intake manifold because it had a crack in it, along with various gaskets and plastic pieces along the way. So in the end definitely not cheap hahah (especially because I don't even consider the car finished either)

Priceless counsel! Best auto advice since Gerald Celente said of investments: "If you don't hold it, you don't own it."

Got my 08 Z51 3LT in October and have put 3k miles on it as my daily. Just had it inspected and all fluids flushed. Minor weeping at the oil pan gasket, that’s it. It’s a little rough around the edges, but everything is currently a minor issue.

Greetings Lyle from Oregon

The problem isn't the cost of almost all the parts (on my C5 Z), but that they built the car in such a way that you need to disassemble tons of stuff to get at the inexpensive part so the labor hours are always high. It's also so low you need a lift so it's really hard to work on yourself. GM parts aren't nearly as good as the Japanese but better than the Germans. An apt comparison is between a Corvette and a 911 or M3. The Corvette typically is a good deal less to own and operate. I usually figure a Honda will cost $500/yr in maintenance costs and the Corvette at least $1000. Most Porsche's are even more.

Great video I always on every Video pickup something I didn't know . Which means you can always teach an old dog a new trick

That's my 2001. I've had it 12 years. First big bill was slave cylinder blowout (add clutch and pilot bearing). Next was harmonic balancer (went ahead and did valve and valley covers). This time it wants a LOT of money. Oil pan seal, oil pump, ps rack leak, failing lifter and worn cam. Every 4 years it had required a sacrifice. But they're fun cars!

We found much more friendly to remove front window rather the whole dash for HUD repairs or add on.. love your show....

I'm 36 driving record is pretty bad. Lots of speeding and a couple careless driving. Took all of them to court to bypass points except one speeding ticket. I have a red 01 Z06, 06 Tundra SR5 and a 2017 Gsxr 1000R. Policy for both vehicles is $2400. Truck cost $400 more than the Vette. Bike policy is $1300. Clearwater Florida

Hi Lyle. 'Collector' car insurers will not generally insure a car unless you have another car/truck that is your PRIMARY driver.

Magnetic ride shocks to be done on my 2003 c5 . Guess ill be doing my own work, the new shocks were extremely expensive but thats part of the adventure of owning a old car.

"And there's C4s, there in their own category, we'll get to them." Lyle never gets to them. 😁

C6 z51 black. So far i replaced the radiator, starter, water pump, harmonic balancer, wiring harness, headlights, torque tube, rear main seal, oil pump, shocks, engine gaskets, steering wheel, stereo, rotors and it was worth every penny.

Haha, spot on with the older cars on everything said.

I was a parts guy for a dealer that owned a BMW 633CSI Alpina grey market car. Very clean and low mileage. Some miscreant took a screwdriver to the ignition lock cylinder and cut the S1800 Italian leather steering wheel in the process. So add criminal activity to your list of possible expenses when considering your purchase of a vehicle.

Your the man

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Lyle, you have said it before but didnt hear you say this time, even if the car is only 10k now, it requires service of a 50k sports car. Cheap purchase price doesnt mean cheap maintenance cost.

It's hard to believe how maintenance free my 2000 has been. 149000 and runs like new. It is garaged, and I use it in the winter when the roads are dry.

no comment, ok, pretty intense look when you tell them the potential cost of repairs. I am a happy daily driver of my 96 C4. She's rough but reliable and fun.

On the C5, the electronic brake control module can be dis-assembled, and repaired. I have done it a few times. It is not easy, but it can be done. Contacts on relay become worn out, or sometimes solder joints oxidize over time. In fact, a lot of the switches and electronics parts that are dis-continued, especially with brass contacts can be carefully taken apart repaired and sealed back up. The usual failure is a worn out contact, or oxidized solder joints, or sometimes a loose connection. Key point is "carefully", as the plastic is old and brittle. On the EBCM there are people that will do the job for a fee. In my case I have a back-ground in electronics, and do these repairs a lot on my c5. It is good that places like you exist, because you probably have some of these parts. I have replaced relay inside ebcm a few times, because i was only able to find made in china relays. I have a whole drawer full of them. My downfall is the plastic involved being brittle and old. It can get expensive to maintain a daily driver C5, but it is better than having to buy a new car, especially these days. (who has $120K to $180K laying around for a new corvette?) I read some dealers are marking the cars up way beyond msrp, and idiots are actually paying.

I am thinking about buying a C5 coup. I would be keeping it on the street, though. However, the prices and what you get for $20k is such a better deal than half the new cars I see all over my neighborhood.

You mentioned the ECBM issue on 97-00 C5s. An individual on Corvette Forum gives instructions on replacing the ECBM on early C5s with one from a later model C5. Could you comment on this conversation sometime? Appreciate all your knowledge and videos. Keep up the great work!