c5goodlife

Trying to decide on whether it's worth it to pay a bit more for a 2008+ Vert versus a similar low mileage 2007 one.

I've gone through the archives and have some understanding on the differences but wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything.

Does anyone have a quick list of the major changes in driving and handling benefits of going with a 2008+ vs. 2007 Vert / Coupe?

Is the biggest factor the LS3 engine? What other considerations drove your decision when you were buying?

Appreciate the help CF!

JSB LS3

The steering was revised for increased feel and feedback and the T56 transmission was replaced with the new TR6060.

The '08 was also the first year for the nicer center console and the optional dual-mode exhaust.

not08crmanymore

08 + = motor
transmission
interior center stack.
wheels.
exhaust,if it has NPP (the 08+).
Major differences,not minor ones.

kctay

2008LS3

I test drove several 2005-2007 Vettes before I purchased my 2008. The transmission was like a jackhammer trying to shift it, the interior was very cheesy feeling, the steering had no feel to it and the car just felt lacking in power but still fast.

The 2008 was the total package, shifts like a Miata, interior is much improved and the power is like night and day to me. I dynoed 395 stock so obviously more power.

I actually bought a 2008 with MORE miles just to get one, I passed up several 2006-2007's with much less miles just to get a ls3. I paid $26,000 for mine.

dvilin

Just enough changes to convince me to get a new 2008 4 years ago and no regrets.

Larry/car

The 2006 and 2007 are basically the same. I own a 2006, have driven a 2011 and the differences were not worth the extra money. In fact some of the minor frills have been eliminated on the later model (additional locks, lights, etc.). The LS3 extra power is there but the LS2 is capable of spinning the tires at will, as for the transmission change, mine shifts really nice (jackhammer???I don't think so), is durable and reliable. Save the money and apply it to the major changes of the C7.

c5goodlife

Thanks for the feedback. So far I have these based on the replies,


=============
2008 Advantages:
=============
08+ = motor
exhaust, if it has npp (the 08+)
interior center stack / interior is much improved / nicer center console
optional dual-mode exhaust
power is like night and day to me
steering was revised for increased feel and feedback
t56 transmission was replaced with the new tr6060
wheels

tim414

Why not just use the general rule: buy the newest you can afford.

gatti-man

I'd go 2008 especially if you plan to mod.

boraxman

Did my homework like OP and ended up with a 2900 mile 2008 w/z51. I do not regret my decision one bit/

peter pan

No replacement for displacement

Daekwan06

I'll play Devils advocate. I also did my homework and went with the 2007.

1) Saved atleast $5000 compared to a equally equipped/milage 2008.
2) Was able to get a 3LT car, with glass top & chrome wheels.. which looks much better than a more expensive 1LT no option 2008.
3) Drove an '07 & '08 back to back.. for what I'm doing on a public street the difference in HP and acceleration wasnt going to matter.
4) '08 definitely shifted better.. but the steering felt pretty much the same (if any).
5) Cars look absolutely identical from the exterior. Absolutely identical. I cant stress that enough.

I also knew this was a car I was planning to keep for a few years.. before trading it in on a used '08+ Z06 or maybe even going for 1 year old next generation C7. If you were planning on keeping your C6 for quite a few years (or looking to hit the track).. then I'd agree the LS3 car is the better way to go. If you just want the Corvette looks/ride/performance (or dont plan to keep the car long).. the LS2 delivers pretty much the same performance with a much cheaper price.

SanDiegoBert

I have an '07 which I bought new off an order sheet. I am very happy with the car, and it is a driver. However, the Corvette is an evolutionary vehicle, and each year, it is improved, at least in theory. I decided not to get the '08, since it would be a very changed vehicle from '07, and the common wisdom is to never buy a GM product in its introductory year.

So . . . the LS3/6060 combo proved to be fine. My advice is to get the newest, lowest mileage C6 you can find.

TexasMadMan

Happy with my 07 vert. The price is what swayed me to get it 30 months ago. Z51, 3lt, nav, and 12 months factory warranty for $36.7k from a dealer. I found the stick trans to be no problem.

2008LS3

Seems like 2008 is when most of the issues with the car were fixed. Me personally I will never buy something in its early years when they finally got it right later on...2008+.

Im a former 350Z owner. Anyone here thats owned one of those cars knows the changes that they made thoughout the model years...with the 2007 getting the most changes. All the changes were for the better coming from years of complaints and service issues with the cars. (Alignment issues, Oil consumption issues, Interior revisions).


To me the 2008 is still an old car and should be affordable. If you absoutly cant find a 2008+ car that you like then your either to broke to afford something better or you are just impatient and want to jump on a earlier year just to get behind the wheel of a C6. It took me over 3 months to come across the 2008 I was looking for. I passed up so many 2007 and under cars that were perfect to me mileage wise, color and trim level. I still waited for a 2008 and im glad I did.

Dif

IMO, get the newest year possible.
It may cost a little more, but in my experience I've never missed the extra money spent.
But I have missed not getting the improvements a newer year vehicle has to offer.
Just my 2 cents

kctay

Drove plenty of 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009's. The steering was the big difference with me between the 06-07, and the 08-09, that alone made me stop looking at the older 06-07's.

WAwatchnut

I'm not so sure about 2008 being the year things got fixed...

By 2007 almost all of the new model (C6) issues/quirks got resolved... Some early 2007s received the older style top, but by the end of years production, that was updated. Prior to 2007 production they resolved DBS, steering column lock, shift to reverse shutdown, weak transmission housing, etc.

The things changed in 2008 were evolutionary updates, not to resolve any standing issues. While the LS3 seems to be fine out of the gate, the new manual tranny had a few issues which impacted many owners - lots of complaints about grinding going into 1st or 2nd gear until warm.

While the changes for 2008 were significant, I wouldn't hesitate to get a 2007. The difference in power is pretty negligible in real terms (an extra 30 HP on a 400 HP car - if you get the NPP exhaust - is not that big of a deal on the street - different matter if you're tracking the car). Slightly better steering feel which most people wouldn't notice unless they drove both cars back to back. I never really had much to complain about with my 2007 tranny - a little vague, but never any problems shifting. And the inerior is exactly the same except the hard plastic center console in 2008 got dipped in simulated carbon fiber finish instead of being finished in the silver color.

Most important to me was the fact that LeMans Blue was discontinued in 2007, so I got my order in for the final months production. (and I wanted to avoid the first year of new engine tranny, and steering rack). I have changed the center console, shifter (MGW is great!), and exhaust, but those changes weren't completely necessary. (except for the exhaust... The stock exhaust on all base C6's needs to be replaced with something).

GARYFINN

+1