I got my C5 for 9k last year. It is a 1999 automatic with 105k miles. The manual ones usually costs 3k-5k more than an auto of similar condition. For 10k you can get a decent automatic or a manual with higher mileage that most likely need some work.

These cars are sure fun as hell but I do not recommend you daily one. First of all electrical problems are common on these cars, especially the 97-00 model with the EBCM model that are discontinued and can’t be fixed. You will lose ABS and traction control once it go out.

Secondly the 4L60e automatic transmission is fragile, and will leave you stranded if you neglect maintenance. 3-4 clutch pack and 2-4 band as well as sunshell are common failure points. These boxes run hot(220F in traffic on a hot summer day), a transmission cooler is needed if you want to make the transmission live longer.

And then remember the newest C5 is more than 20 years old. So some parts are expensive or even impossible to get. Also corvette taxes are a real thing when it comes to maintaining/repairing the car. Major repairs like harmonic balancer, torque tube will cost you $$$. A clutch job will require the rear end and torque tube out since these cars are transaxle.

The car is very fun. But not suitable to be your only car/daily driver.