C6 Corvette General Discussion General C6 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Feral Industries

Why are so many 'verts automatic ??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 20, 2008 | 11:26 AM
  #1  
Jessyjack10's Avatar
Jessyjack10
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Montreal Quebec
Default Why are so many 'verts automatic ??

Damm, I was looking for a 2007 vert but they are almost all automatic !! 80% or more !

I guess this means 'vert drivers prefer automatic....does this mean if I order a manual 'vert I'll have a harder time to sell it ??
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2008 | 11:32 AM
  #2  
GS Diva's Avatar
GS Diva
Safety Car
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 147
From: Conway, SC
Default

You should buy what YOU want...not what may or may not be desirable in resale!!

Elaine
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2008 | 11:35 AM
  #3  
6spdC6's Avatar
6spdC6
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 90 Days
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 35,769
Likes: 148
From: Northern NYs Adirondack Mountains,http://www.visitsacandaga.com.
Default

Originally Posted by Jessyjack10
Damm, I was looking for a 2007 vert but they are almost all automatic !! 80% or more !

I guess this means 'vert drivers prefer automatic....does this mean if I order a manual 'vert I'll have a harder time to sell it ??
Most all stocked verts/and Vettes in general are auto. It appears that most people today want the stab and steer tranny. Most all in stock vetts are loaded also, most dealers want it that way. Most times I order what I want. My last 2 Verts (98 05) were ordered cars. They were manuals.

FWIW in my area it appears the 6spd manual sells better on the used car market. At car shows it appears that most people that make a comment about what tranny you have seem to like manuals.

Last edited by 6spdC6; Feb 20, 2008 at 11:37 AM.
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2008 | 11:36 AM
  #4  
Another Don's Avatar
Another Don
Pro
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 679
Likes: 5
From: Caught between the moon and New York City TX
Default

Look at the production figures. About 65% of coupes and 75% of verts are produced with automatic transmissions in 2007. So, it stands to reason that there would be a lot more A6s than M6s when you're looking around.
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2008 | 12:17 PM
  #5  
Racer's Avatar
Racer
Team Owner
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,013
Likes: 80
From: Manitoba/San Jose del Cabo
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '11
Default

Originally Posted by Another Don
Look at the production figures. About 65% of coupes and 75% of verts are produced with automatic transmissions in 2007. So, it stands to reason that there would be a lot more A6s than M6s when you're looking around.
Even if there are 75% Automatics out there, that still leaves A lot of manual transmisson Vettes for sale. It's not like our cars are limited numbered rare exotics or anything. I bet I could find hundreds for sale right now if I looked.
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2008 | 12:19 PM
  #6  
dvilin's Avatar
dvilin
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,277
Likes: 8,553
From: Rochester, NY
Default

Well stated and I agree 100%.
Originally Posted by GS Diva
You should buy what YOU want...not what may or may not be desirable in resale!!

Elaine
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2008 | 12:21 PM
  #7  
Sunnyvale Dave's Avatar
Sunnyvale Dave
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
St. Jude 10 Year Donor
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,683
Likes: 186
From: Sunnyvale CA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16,'19
Default

Perhaps it is because someone who buys a coupe may be more focused on the performance aspects of a Corvette and wants a manual tranny. The vert driver may be more focused on overall driving pleasure and wants an automatic.
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2008 | 12:36 PM
  #8  
talon90's Avatar
talon90
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 35,617
Likes: 167
Tech Contributor
Cruise-In 11 Veteran
NCM Ambassador
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
Default

It actually stands to reason. If you look at the build numbers for C6's Automatics have led the field over manuals for the three model years running so far. Look for the final 2008 build numbers to follow suit.

2005 C6 6 speed manual 14,992 or 40.1% vs. 4 speed auto 22,380 or 59.9%

2006 C6 6 speed manual 14,927 or 43.9% vs. 6 speed automatic 19,094 or 56.1

2007 C6 6 speed manual 18,139 or 44.7% vs. 6 speed automatic 22,422 or 55.3
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Feb 20, 2008 | 12:47 PM
  #9  
mksz51's Avatar
mksz51
Safety Car
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,070
Likes: 162
From: Coralville Iowa
Default

It's a trend throughout the entire auto segment - many more automatics and less manual transmissions. Some manufacturers (I know Audi for one) will soon no longer import some models to the US with certain powertrain configurations with a manual. Manufacturers make or import what sells the best - it's all marketing for mainstream vehicles (you can determine whether a C6 is mainstream or not).
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2008 | 01:00 PM
  #10  
MOUNTINBEAR's Avatar
MOUNTINBEAR
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 856
Likes: 1
From: Bovina New York "WOOF"
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

the reason most dealerships equip their stock Vettes with most of all the toys is simple....the higher the MSRP the greater the profit margin possibilities or the greater discount they can offer.....a 1lt has a difference of about $3200 from invoice to MSRP whereas the loaded 4lt with all the toys has a difference of about $6000 from invoice to MSRP....so the dealers would rather have the potential for greater profits....not that anyone on this list would let a dealer make more than a couple hundred bucks on a new Vette deal....hence the declining resale/trade values...its amazing how a new 2008 Vette with a MSRP of $59000 can become worth less than $45000 as soon as you drive it off the lot....my 2007 Vert 3lt with all the toys stickeredd $62200, I paid way less as I was the dealer and got GMS pricing, then I added about $3000 worth of extras...I traded it a year later with 6060 miles for $47000 for a 2008 Coupe....love the coupe and the LS3 more than I ever did the Vert.....its only money.
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2008 | 01:04 PM
  #11  
Purdue's Avatar
Purdue
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,216
Likes: 4
From: ---Phoenix, AZ --- Boiler Up, Hammer Down!
Default

Originally Posted by talon90
It actually stands to reason. If you look at the build numbers for C6's Automatics have led the field over manuals for the three model years running so far. Look for the final 2008 build numbers to follow suit.

2005 C6 6 speed manual 14,992 or 40.1% vs. 4 speed auto 22,380 or 59.9%

2006 C6 6 speed manual 14,927 or 43.9% vs. 6 speed automatic 19,094 or 56.1

2007 C6 6 speed manual 18,139 or 44.7% vs. 6 speed automatic 22,422 or 55.3
Question? Do you know if the Z06 numbers are included in the above 2006 and 2007 stats for the manual?
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2008 | 01:09 PM
  #12  
talon90's Avatar
talon90
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 35,617
Likes: 167
Tech Contributor
Cruise-In 11 Veteran
NCM Ambassador
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
Default

Originally Posted by Purdue
Question? Do you know if the Z06 numbers are included in the above 2006 and 2007 stats for the manual?
Yes, I compiled these numbers. The manuals include the MM6 manual transmission and the MZ6 Z51 manual transmission along with the Z06 production. I was just out to compare all manual transmission production with all automatic transmission production.
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2008 | 01:09 PM
  #13  
Jeff Pedersen's Avatar
Jeff Pedersen
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 960
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
Default

September 09 Automobile Magazine. 60 to 70 % of Vettes are sold as auto's according to GM. Yes, it will without any doubt hurt the re-sale value of your car. That is the truth as hard as it may be for some to swallow. Some do not care about potential re-sale. But, that was your question correct?

Note: As roads become more congested with more and more vehicles, and as the population grows our streets and roads will become harder to navigate. Many urban cities have a thing called rush hour. Nobody (sane) wants to get stuck on a major expressway or highway with a stick during rush hour. This accounts as one of several reasons automatics outsell manual transmissions. Not to mention according to GM the very slight performance edge you get from a manual is just that. Slight and minimal.

Last edited by Jeff Pedersen; Feb 20, 2008 at 01:10 PM. Reason: add
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2008 | 01:16 PM
  #14  
WAwatchnut's Avatar
WAwatchnut
Safety Car
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 8
From: Issaquah WA
Default

Originally Posted by Jeff Pedersen
Yes, it will without any doubt hurt the re-sale value of your car. That is the truth as hard as it may be for some to swallow.
I'm not so sure I'd agree with that. There are more buyers for automatic cars, but they have more cars to choose from, so it's more of a buyers market. Fewer manuals mean smaller supply, which usually helps resale value.

Without a doubt having the manual may make it harder to sell the car - you may have to wait longer for a buyer - but I don't know that it would hurt resale value... unless you were in a hurry to sell it.
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2008 | 01:44 PM
  #15  
talon90's Avatar
talon90
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 35,617
Likes: 167
Tech Contributor
Cruise-In 11 Veteran
NCM Ambassador
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
Default

Originally Posted by Jeff Pedersen
September 09 Automobile Magazine. 60 to 70 % of Vettes are sold as auto's according to GM. Yes, it will without any doubt hurt the re-sale value of your car. That is the truth as hard as it may be for some to swallow. Some do not care about potential re-sale. But, that was your question correct?

Note: As roads become more congested with more and more vehicles, and as the population grows our streets and roads will become harder to navigate. Many urban cities have a thing called rush hour. Nobody (sane) wants to get stuck on a major expressway or highway with a stick during rush hour. This accounts as one of several reasons automatics outsell manual transmissions. Not to mention according to GM the very slight performance edge you get from a manual is just that. Slight and minimal.
I'm not sure I can agree with the line I've bold-faced above. You do understand that GM does not make any Corvettes on spec or for dealer stock, right? Every Corvette that rolls off the assembly line is a sold order. Some are sold with a customer order in hand, others are sold to dealers, configured as a dealer order with the options that the dealer has selected.

Dealers have the best idea of what sells for their demographic and if having automatics in stock is what is going to sell, that is what they are going to order. Now, I prefer a manual transmission Corvette so yes, it would not help me purchase if it were an automatic but as I indicated 52-55% of every Corvette that rolls off the line is an automatic, that isn't happening as an accident, they are being ordered that way.
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2008 | 01:45 PM
  #16  
mksz51's Avatar
mksz51
Safety Car
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,070
Likes: 162
From: Coralville Iowa
Default

Here's a different perspective - when I was looking I considered ONLY a manual transmission. Automatic was a deal breaker for me.

You just have to find that one right person..................and right now that is YOU. Can't play life too much like a chess game - there's enough to worry about already.
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2008 | 01:55 PM
  #17  
V4Vette's Avatar
V4Vette
Racer
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: Huntington NY
Default Automatic Trans

I think they make a lot of autos because the majority of sales have shown that that is what the customers want. Most of us do live in high traffic areas and so the Auto is very tempting over constantly shifting in traffic. When I lived in the Los Angeles area I kept thinking I should have bought an automatic.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Why are so many 'verts automatic ??

Old Feb 20, 2008 | 02:02 PM
  #18  
adconti's Avatar
adconti
Drifting
Supporting Lifetime
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 1
From: Ocala Florida
Default

Manual Vs. Auto should not effect resale value. The cars are produced in numbers to accomodate demand, and that demand changes only a little from year to year. The used car buyers demands should mimic the new car buyers demands.
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2008 | 02:12 PM
  #19  
OneSickZ06's Avatar
OneSickZ06
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 0
From: "Freedom or Die..." South, FL
Default

Becuase the guys who like verts. Are all about automatics!
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2008 | 02:27 PM
  #20  
MNVette's Avatar
MNVette
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,324
Likes: 0
From: MN
Default

I think a look a the demographics would be in order. First, vert owners tend to skew older, I would imagine (at least older than a coupe buyer). Older buyers prefer automatics. Second, many of the buyers of Vettes use them as GT cars rather than track mules, so autos would be a bigger seller than a manual tranny. Frankly, a manual vert is tough to find because of the demographics - dealers order what a majority of their customers want. Having a manual would, therefore, probably hurt your resale down the road unless you can locate a population of buyers that HAVE to have a manual tranny.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:42 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE