Hi everyone.
I have been a BMW owner for last 9 years, started with models 325, 330 and currently 05 M3.
Since new Corvette model came out I have been in love with it. For some time I am thinking of getting rid of M and getting 07 corvette.
Question for you guys is, should I go with Stick or auto? Also how reliable are 07 models? Main reason for getting rid of M3 is maintenance, its redicolously expensive.
Thanks
Dan

 

My 07 is going on 3 years old. The only thing I've done to it so far is to replace the diff fluid (myself) due to a rear end chatter that I read about on these forums. I have around 10K miles on the thing as it is not my DD so not a lot of miles.

I have the auto and I like it a lot. I swore I would never get another sporty car without a stick, but with this car it didn't seem to matter when I bought it.

You will get a lot of opinions on getting the stick or not. Up to you. My auto is great and if I need to hold the RPMs and not get surprised with double gear changes I just use the paddle mode and shift into the desired gears.

I would say parts are cheap since this is a domestic car, but I have not needed any.

Mods are plentiful and fully detailed in these forums as well.

I gave up my mint 2002 F150 4x4 (paid off at the time) as part of my trade in but when I saw my car at the lot on a sunny Sunday I knew I had to go back and take a closer look on Monday. Bought it that day.

The 2008 model has some important updates, like 30Hp more and supposedly improved steering and an updated manual trans. Keep that in mind when looking at the prices.

I was going to buy it without driving it but the salesman MADE me test drive it with him. I guess one of the perks of selling it.

The most powerful car I have driven by far. A blast to drive.

 

You should decide if you want a manual or auto.

An 07 Vette will have a warranty running out shortly down the road and if you compare service at dealers between the two in your area I think you'll find they are pretty close in dollar amounts.

 

My 07's been pretty reliable. I've had a couple of warranty repairs - a bad clip on the roof panel, and more serious, a leaking seal on the differential. Otherwise it's been pretty trouble free. I'm at 24k miles.

Parts for the Vette are pretty reasonable. There are quite a few resources for discounted parts, and for minor things, even dealership prices aren't too bad. Last year I hit a deer... well, drove over the hoofs... lost part of the front spoiler (side section) and the brake duct, cracked an underbody panel, and destroyed the wheel well lining. All four parts from the dealer were a total of $160. Even with the low Vette production numbers, those pieces (specific to the Vette) were pretty reasonable.

General maintenance has been inexpensive - oil changes and checkups by the dealer on common things like the axel nuts tension, and filters and stuff. The labor rate probably isn't much different than at a BMW dealership (a little less I'd imagine), but each of the maintenance items has been pretty inexpensive. No $1000 transmission fluid changes (like the GT-R), or anything like that. There are benefits to "simple" American design and engineering!

 

I went from an E46 M3 (manual) to a 2007 Z06 (manual). I loved both cars. But, the Vette is much more fun to drive. Honestly, the M3 was very reliable and didn't cause me much maintenance headaches. It wasn't a daily driver though...and neither is the Corvette.

As far as stick vs. manual, I'd vote manual. It's more fun, and it's kept an undetermined number of non-stick-driving friends/relatives from getting behind the wheel.

 

Oh oh . . . First, congratulation on deciding on a Corvette. Gonna get a million bizillion replies on the one you should get.

 

Not according to your "brethren" who own boxsters--not expensive to maintain. See the guy who's "thinking of buying a Corvette."

Sorry, but it seems to come up about once or twice a week, some owner of a Bmw or Pcar says, "Gee, it's a great car but I'm thinking of getting...a Corvette."

To answer your question, '07 is a good, reliable, low to moderately expensive car to maintain. And most of the "moderate" will be due to your wanting to modify the car, its interior, etc. I'd say the single big tick item is no diff than the M3: tires. You CAN go cheap, or even inexpensive but it may (stress: may, for all those who have) degrade handling.

Your choice.

If you haven't already, go test drive a used one, come back and ask questions. Good luck.

 

Thanks guys for the replies
I test drove couple of them and i like it, both were auto as its hard to find stick in the bay area

 

M3 is a good car while its still under warranty, as soona s warranty is over trouble starts.. I have 37k miles and already spent $3000 for maintenance. Also SMG tranny is known for failing and my is already slipping.
To tell you the truth, it was fun while i was young, im 34 soon 35.
Corvette was always on my mind and when new model came out i wanted it so bad. Now is a chance

 

You should just jump up to a 2008 - Z06.... you will definitely appreciate the added power and increased exclusivity of a Z06. No options on that - must be a stick shift.

 

BMW provides for 4 year and 50K bumper to bumper warranty. You car is an 05 and not to far out of warranty. If you dont mind, what maintanance did you have that cost you $3000 out of pocket? Im curious because Im buying a new 135i this spring to replace my DD.

 

 

i know Z06 is great but can't really spend that much right now. But def in the future.

 

Yes 4 y or 50k warranty is great. 2 months after my warranty expired all 6 cylinders misfire. Changed coils and had to have valve adjusted.
2 months later SMG pump had to be replaced and SMG tranny had to be reprogrammed. Keep in mind that diagnostics charge is $375.

On a bright note 135's are great cars, i had one as a loaner.

 

Think about stretching to the 08
More power, more response on the paddle shift if you go A6,
another year on the warrantee if the mileage is in line.

The price difference may not be that great in this market.

Nothing against the 07, but for a couple a grand more.....

 

Bay Area? http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-d...-off-z06s.html

These two Vettes are the only new, manual, Z51, dual mode exhaust cars left in Ca.

 

I have a friend with an M3. He loved it until my 07 a6 3LT Monterey Red stopped and he saw me get out. He looked numb at first, and I could see in his eyes that a Vette would soon be in his driveway. Maybe I will one day switch to an M3, but I don't think so.

BTW, I'm a cruiser, so an A6 with 400 HP 100% stock is just what I want. Don't think I've been more than 5 MPH over any speed limit yet. But I'm old.

 

Knowing that you could get around $14,000 off a new 2009, you might want to shop around. http://jeffhardy.com/lookupvette09.php

 

Interesting. thanks for this. Prices are great.

 

The thing is my friend who is GM at dublin chevrolet is offerin me 07 with 25k miles, auto , two tone seats and navigation for $27,800.

Now gotta convince my financial manager (WIFE) to look at 08 or even 09.