====== Buying a C5 ======

===== Buying checklist =====
Based on c5owners.com's buying guide and owners' experience.

  - **Have the motor and electrics been tested?**
    * A C5 described as "untested" usually just has a dead original battery and nothing to connect a modern battery to. Many run fine once powered up. But buying untested is a gamble on the pod's ULA chip and the control box.
  - **Keys.** New C5s came with **two keys**: one for the master security (power) switch and one for the boot. Boot locks can be replaced; 3D-printed boot locks exist.
  - **Front wheel cover.** These are rare and expensive to replace.
  - **Rear wheel discs and centre caps.** Check both sides. Reproduction centre caps exist.
  - **Is the original key switch and battery top still fitted?**
    * If yes, you can keep the original arrangement with an Oldham-pattern battery (types **015** or **038**), or use a 3D-printed adapter that lets the original key switch clamp onto any battery.
    * If not, look at how it has been rewired. A common conversion is a 12 V relay switched by the light switch.
  - **Accessories add value:** mirrors, indicators, High-Vis Mast, mud flaps, side panels, horn, tonneau, and boxed items especially. See [[parts:accessories:start|Accessories]].
  - **Boxed or unused examples** with a sealed handbook, charger and tool kit fetch premium prices.
  - **Check the condition of:**
    * **Plastics:** cracks around the boot hinge points, rear location frame, pod mount and mirror holes.
    * **Chassis:** rust on the Y-frame and the black rear support frame.
    * **Gearbox:** noise, and whether it has a metal insert.
    * **Belt:** slip or clicking.
    * **Brakes:** the rear grabbing, or the front rim being heat-damaged.
    * **Tyres:** original tyres are usually cracked.
    * **Motor end-cap colour:** brown is early and brittle; pale is later.

See also [[guides:restoring|Restoring a C5]].

===== Sources =====
  * c5owners.com: "What to Look for When Buying a Sinclair C5"; "Restoring a Sinclair C5 on a Budget"; forum threads on LiFePO4 batteries, tyres and gearbox inserts.
  * Sinclair C5 Owner's Handbook (1985); Hoover Service Engineer Training Notes (1984); //The Unofficial Sinclair C5 Service Manual//.