AttyVette

Ok I know there are different threads of members saying Z51 is better than the basic Corvette and vice versa. However, I am still starting this thread to try to get opinions here about Corvette Owners that traded their basic Corvettes for z51 ( or vice Versa), traded their Corvette to go from 6 to 8 speed transmission, or traded their coupes for vert. (Or traded their vert. for a coupe).

I am thinking about trading my 2014 Corvette 3LT coupe ( auto) in on a used 2016 Corvette Z51 3 LT Convertible (auto). My car has 9200 miles on it and the Corvette I am looking buying has about 1400 miles on it. Anyways, I want pros and cons of trading a Corvette coupe for a convertible ( in owners opinions) as I have never owned a convertible before. I love my coupe and probably shouldn't even consider doing this but I have always wanted a vert.

Another question I have for CF Corvette owners is directed at those who have traded their basic Corvette's in on a Z51 Corvette, would you do so again? I don't really need the Z51 with the bigger brakes and the dry sump but was wondering since it's on the car I am looking buying, is it worth it after all.

I know there will be different opinions about all of this but I wanted honest opinions about the CF people who have gone from basic Corvette to Z51, if they would do it again. In addition, I realize the trunk space will be smaller in a vert. than the room in the trunk on my coupe. CF owners who traded their coupes in on convertibles, would you do so again? One pro that I see about a vert is that I hate having to stop and put my coupes' top on when it starts raining. I know with the C7 verts you can put the vert tops back up at 30 mph if it starts raining.

What about your CF opinions about 6 speed transmission vs. the 8 speed transmission - those that have traded their 6 speed transmission for a eight speed transmission, would you do so again? I appreciate your feed back on all of this, as I am going back to the dealership to look at this vert again tomorrow.

JRYELLOWCORVETTE

Go for a 2017. You are going to take a big hit on your 2014 so you might as well get the current year. That is what I did.

23/C8Z

i can't say for the Z51 side of it. but the vert v coupe is more intriguing.

i had an 08 C6 coupe and wanted a C7 vert. i ended up chickening out after thinking about long trips. i feared not being comfortable with having to stop, get out of the car to get something and then drive off again. i rented a mustang convertible and the convenience of reaching things on the back seat really turned me off to a vette vert..


i love the looks, open air feeling etc. and i could've bought one for less than my C7 3LZ (2LZ vert few grand less at dealer).. but i didn't have the ballz lol...

i can speak for the 6l90 vs 8l90 as my C6 had the same trans..

6l90 is a workhorse and you know it's near bulletproof..

lots of different issues with 8l90.. mine appears fine? i have only 800 miles or so on it in 3 months and with snow here i'm beat for a few months.

having said that, i love the snap crisp upshifts the 8spd has over the 6l90.. night and day.. and the rev matching downshift on auto is cool.. only time will tell with the A8.. i hear the later 16's built after Jan or feb 16 are better (no torque converter issues) but who knows?

and btw, when i first went to upgrade, i found a 3LT Z51 coupe and by the time i figured things out (modifications i wanted to do down road) i realized a Z06 with 20% off was the way to go.. even over grand sport which was my dream car. blue white stripe and red hash (96 tribute)

AttyVette

Thanks for the reply...looking at 2017 too but dealers here don't want to trade plus I am trading my Corvette in on the Corvette or I would have contacted forum dealers..

AttyVette

Thanks for the information..I am torn about trading my Velocity Yellow on Night Race Blue
VIN: 1G1YM3D77G5101834
Year: 2016
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Corvette Z51
Style/Body: Convertible 2D
Engine: 6.2L V8 DI
Country of Assembly: United States

I found a Dealership in Louisiana that sells a lot of Corvettes but I am not driving to Baton Rouge this weekend, as the weather is bad here( not as bad as up north but still bad for us). Anyway, I appreciate your words about the transmission as it's definitely something to consider if or when we trade my car.

Gary '09 C6

just take-off the removable roof panel on the coupe when you want the "open-air" experience...why lose money on a trade-in or spend more if you don't have to ?

fsvoboda

Your '14 C7 is still almost new and probably not much different from the newer car in street performance, so I'd say stick with it, but that's just me. Do what you wish, and enjoy!

AttyVette

That's the struggle I am having as I don't NEED another car but always have wanted a vert..so if they won't give us a better deal than they have offered for my car, we will walk away. I might still walk away if they do give us a better deal anyways...just hashing out the pros and cons..and definitely spending more money is a con for sure.

Gary '09 C6

'Verts certainly have their appeal, but IMO are a bit less practical than a coupe...less storage capacity and (IMO) more easily
broken-into (subjective--I know).

AttyVette

My 2014 Corvette definitely is "like New", as I take care of my cars-- I only have 9200 miles on it though I know others probably have even less miles than that on their 2014 Corvettes. The only reason I would trade it in was to buy a vert, but that's just a wish definitely not a necessity. Thanks for your opinion.

AttyVette

Valid points as my spouse said we can store things right behind us and also mentioned has concerns about how easily convertible soft top can be cut and then car entered.

AttyVette

Thanks y'all...I am leaning towards cancelling our visit to the dealership tomorrow and instead starting to plan on different ways to custom my car...perhaps an airbrushed headliner, maybe other add-ons too..I am going to think about all of what you that posted on this thread said -- all great adviceThanks again.

JonMN

It's worth a test drive anyway . . . I realize Coupes WAY outsell the Verts, but after having both I can't quite imagine going back to a Coupe unless I wanted to race or really needed the extra space. I have the top down almost all the time.* Love both options, but the top-down experience is unique. Just don't let the salesman open the top with the remote or you will be sold!

*of course the top is up now, and sitting in the garage. -5 degrees F at the moment, and heading South . . .

PS: Like my M8 (the A is, of course, optional) and have no problems.

dmhines

I planned on buying a coupe but got a great deal on a 2014 Convertible. Now that I have had one I am so happy I didn't get the coupe. When I traded it in for a GS I had to get the convertible again. I think if you test drive the convertible you'll be sold. So don't test drive it if you can't handle the temptation.

Skippydoo

Just traded my 3lt base for a new Z51 2017 from Macmulkin. Originally ordered a new GS from my local dealer 3 months ago but no allocation and great deals had me looking elsewhere. My local dealer returned my deposit...Decided on a new AB M7 PDR Mag ride with carbon flash mirrors and stinger stripe. figured I'd save 5k from the GS and still an upgrade.

themonk

I don't know of any dealership that will not take a C7 on trade.

Corvette ED

I bought a Silver/Red interior 2015 Z-51 coupe new out of the showroom. I had it 11 month and put 4,000 miles on it. I traded it on a 2016 Z-51 convertible. I had a 2007 convertible that I traded on the 15 and missed the top down driving. People will tell you take the top off the coupe but trust me it is not the same. if the deal is right and your happy with it do it!!!

AttyVette

I should have stated the dealers around here don't want to take a C7 on trade "by giving reasonable trade in values " for my car..

AttyVette

Thanks for your comments...I love my coupe BUT I hate taking the targa top off and stopping to put it back on again if it starts raining ...

AttyVette

Sounds like a sweet ride..happy for you and , btw, your new Corvette sounds awesome!