mosesbotbol

I can feel the pain of about our WAGs not being able or wanting to learn manual. Every girl I went out until the one I settled with could drive a manual...

lane_viper

Bought mine at 56K for $21,500 3+years ago. Its the daily grinder and has 106K now. C5's have a lot of common issues that are annoyances, but don't detract from their enjoyment.

Most leak a little water on big rainstorms sitting or driving in them. In mine it runs along the front part of the door and drips on the floormats.
2002- late 2003 models for Z06 only, GM got a batch of bad valve springs from their supplier. They can fail without notice and can drop a valve in the engine. New ones don't have the issue. I replaced mine for piece of mind. $60 and a few hours and problem solved.
2004 model C5s (all) have a fuel tank issue where the 2 tanks can leak at the junction.

Bought mine from a dealer, so I'm not sure how "cared" for mine was, but as long as it looks clean and no leaks, should be very reliable for you. I did have to replace 2nd gear syncro at 86K. The LS6's, other than the valve issue, are pretty much bulletproof.

C5's make great daily rides, ride good, roomy. Trunk is bigger than you would believe. They are very simple cars, and to me the biggest performance bargin on the market.

Coming from a 911 this is prob no worry for you, but you will pay the "Corvette Tax" on performance mods you buy.

Mine came with a Corsa Sport cat-back and you are correct when you say they sound great. It's a $1500 exhaust and I fell lucky it came with it.

I might steer clear of high mileage heavily modded ones, unless thats your thing. Those guys seem to want a lot for their rides.
If you do start shopping, wait for a good deal. GM made more C5's in 2003 than in the whole S2k run. There are plenty out there.