C7 upgrade
Pro
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 526
Likes: 67
From: San Diego CA
The C7 will be unveiled in Jan, don't think they will be taking orders then....but perhaps they will. The car will prob not be in dealerships till around May or Jun 2013 as an early release 2014 model.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4,205
Likes: 21
From: Arlington VA
I would prefer a 2nd year model as I do believe there are "bugs" to be worked out, that you wont be forced to pay over sticker or even MSRP and that you even have the option to pick up someone else's low milage already-depreciated 1st year car (preowned).
That said I see no good reason why anyone should be afraid to buy a 1st year model. And cant wait to see who the 1st lucky guy on the block to bring the C7 home for me to stare at!
That said I see no good reason why anyone should be afraid to buy a 1st year model. And cant wait to see who the 1st lucky guy on the block to bring the C7 home for me to stare at!
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
I purchased the second year C6 (2006) only because of my purchase timing. With the C7, I'm going to wait and see how the LT1 engine is excepted by the Corvette community. There is some concern about cylinder drop out in a performance car. Will GM have to go back to a more conventional engine performance product (LT1 without the cylinder drop out)? As the 2015 models go into production this aspect should be resolved.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,680
Likes: 1,180
From: Raleigh
When I found out the new LT 1 would have an MDS and having lived thru that with my 09 Challenger RT and hating it I decided to grab one a C 6 before they were done.
That and no way we will see the discounts on the C7 that they have on the C6 now.
That and no way we will see the discounts on the C7 that they have on the C6 now.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 221
From: Bergen County New Jersey
I avoid first year not because of quality issues but more for the upgrades that come later. I'm not in a tax bracket that allows me to buy a new Vette every year.
Examples: 1968 327 small block/1969 350 small block
1984 cross-fire/1985 TPI/1986 conv., ABS, alum heads
1997 coupe only/1998 conv/2001 Z06
2005 A4 auto/2006 A6 auto, Z06/2008 LS3
Examples: 1968 327 small block/1969 350 small block
1984 cross-fire/1985 TPI/1986 conv., ABS, alum heads
1997 coupe only/1998 conv/2001 Z06
2005 A4 auto/2006 A6 auto, Z06/2008 LS3
If I would have gotten a 2005, instead of my 2008 I would not have a LS3, NPP and paddle shifters A6. So I am very happy I waited and the same thought goes into the C7 with me...
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 584
Likes: 13
From: Eugene Oregon
The 63 had the split rear window which didn't go over with buyers and was dropped. I believe it was the first year for disc brakes and they had problems. 1968 was the first year of the shark body. It had major fit and finish problems. Delorean took over GM and was appalled at the quality of the 68 vette. He focused much attention to rectifying the problems. The 84 had major flaws and car magazines panned it. It was not until the 86 model that they praised the car and said GM finally got it right.
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 379
Likes: 2
From: Johns Creek Georgia
First year issues are way overrated. You want to be noticed you need to be first on the block with the new model. The novelty wears off quick after that. Personally, I wait a while as I (have to) buy used. The '05 I got in '06 still runs like a champ.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,055
Likes: 9,817
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Question:
Why is everyone concerned about buying the first year run C7
Has there really been corvette issues with the first year runs of the previous 6 models.
I say if you want to wait for the C7 in January and like it why not buy it !!!
Just wanted to post this and get opinions of the " I want to wait for a couple of years until GM gets the bugs out" mentality.
Why is everyone concerned about buying the first year run C7
Has there really been corvette issues with the first year runs of the previous 6 models.
I say if you want to wait for the C7 in January and like it why not buy it !!!
Just wanted to post this and get opinions of the " I want to wait for a couple of years until GM gets the bugs out" mentality.
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,040
Likes: 416
From: hardyston new jersey
St. Jude Donor '09-'25
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 16,066
Likes: 4,149
From: Bergen county NJ
I prefer to wait for the third year of the c7 production to see what I want to do.
I really want a dual clutch sports car and yet I believe the new 8 speed automatic will be superior. Or so I have been told. Time to actually test drive it and compare. That's usually a third year opportunity.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,548
Likes: 609
From: Southeast, WI
The reality is that there is risk introduced anytime change is introduced. The design team expends a great deal of effort to minimize that risk through computational modeling and extensive real world testing and analysis. I've owned three first model year Corvettes (1984, 1997 and 2005) and frankly they have been the three most problem free cars that I've owned and I can't wait to finally get my hands on my 2014.
Setting aside of course all of those that want to avoid dealer markups, those that want to wait for incentives or wait to purchase a used car with less hit from depreciation. For those that are uncomfortable or afraid to purchase a first model year, I just suspect it comes down to irrational fear of the unknown or legitimate lack of knowledge about just what goes in engineering and building a new model. Many are likely the same folks that don't want a "Monday" car either.
During the model launch every component part is scrutinized and test cars are built, tested, torn down, built and tested again. As long as the design is sound and the suppliers live up to their end of the bargain it will be a great car. With each generation the risk is reduced even further because the modeling and analysis are getting better. However, if GM builds a car that tests to 99% of operational circumstances, there are always going to be "one percenters" that find a way to take it beyond design intent or find a way to exploit that one weakness.
As an automotive engineer that has been involved in product launches, I'll be honest with you. There is actually more risk in a platform over subsequent year cost reduction efforts on the part of suppliers than there is in the initial launch. As to the first year, the only real risk is if something is missed in the initial design effort. Mid life upgrades, wash rinse and repeat. For some, only the last model year of a generation will do because they've patiently been waiting for the last of the upgrades and improvements to find their way in to the platform.
As an early adopter I've lived through cross-fire injection, missed out on additional horsepower that was offered and live with some designs that were phased out due to improvements. None of these things have reduced my enjoyment of the car, none of these things have caused me problems or downtime and I figure that was the price I pay for enjoying my car as long as possible through the model run.
Setting aside of course all of those that want to avoid dealer markups, those that want to wait for incentives or wait to purchase a used car with less hit from depreciation. For those that are uncomfortable or afraid to purchase a first model year, I just suspect it comes down to irrational fear of the unknown or legitimate lack of knowledge about just what goes in engineering and building a new model. Many are likely the same folks that don't want a "Monday" car either.
During the model launch every component part is scrutinized and test cars are built, tested, torn down, built and tested again. As long as the design is sound and the suppliers live up to their end of the bargain it will be a great car. With each generation the risk is reduced even further because the modeling and analysis are getting better. However, if GM builds a car that tests to 99% of operational circumstances, there are always going to be "one percenters" that find a way to take it beyond design intent or find a way to exploit that one weakness.
As an automotive engineer that has been involved in product launches, I'll be honest with you. There is actually more risk in a platform over subsequent year cost reduction efforts on the part of suppliers than there is in the initial launch. As to the first year, the only real risk is if something is missed in the initial design effort. Mid life upgrades, wash rinse and repeat. For some, only the last model year of a generation will do because they've patiently been waiting for the last of the upgrades and improvements to find their way in to the platform.
As an early adopter I've lived through cross-fire injection, missed out on additional horsepower that was offered and live with some designs that were phased out due to improvements. None of these things have reduced my enjoyment of the car, none of these things have caused me problems or downtime and I figure that was the price I pay for enjoying my car as long as possible through the model run.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 198
From: Southington CT
After the 1st year model run, most manufacturers make some changes and introduce more options (like a Z06 version). Always like to wait and see what coming up in the future.
Also, like already mentioned, 1st year Corvettes always sell for a premium.
Also, like already mentioned, 1st year Corvettes always sell for a premium.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,681
Likes: 2
From: Mooresville (Race City USA) NC
Having forty-eight years of engineering experience in critical products for markets ranging from aerospace to automotive, and having been very involved in many new product launches, I can testify that that todays new products are much more reliable, mainly because of extensive finite element analysis, testing, built-in production system safeguards, and comprehensive new product launch procedures and disciplines, than in prior times. However, just this last Spring I was called out of retirement to get an international manufacturer of major appliances out of a full production shutdown situation involving a new product launch of a whole new line of home laundry machines for the North American market they were heavily promoting on television and consumer magazines. In financial terms, this easily exceeded the seriousness of shutting down the Corvette manufacturing line. I pulled their fat out of the fire in record time and saved them from months of production shut down and lost sales, but it again illustrated to me just how insidious naive assumptions are in a launching a new product.
I developed the critical dynamic mechanical face seal used in an American supplier's gasoline direct injection pump that went into production as part of the direct injection fuel system pioneered by a German based car company (the oldest in the world) several years ago, so I have an intimate knowledge of this technology which is every bit as demanding as that for submarines and outerspace. I therefore would wait at least one year before buying a C7 because it incorporates this rather new technology. Just one man's opinion.
I developed the critical dynamic mechanical face seal used in an American supplier's gasoline direct injection pump that went into production as part of the direct injection fuel system pioneered by a German based car company (the oldest in the world) several years ago, so I have an intimate knowledge of this technology which is every bit as demanding as that for submarines and outerspace. I therefore would wait at least one year before buying a C7 because it incorporates this rather new technology. Just one man's opinion.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,555
Likes: 637
Question:
Why is everyone concerned about buying the first year run C7
Has there really been corvette issues with the first year runs of the previous 6 models.
I say if you want to wait for the C7 in January and like it why not buy it !!!
Just wanted to post this and get opinions of the " I want to wait for a couple of years until GM gets the bugs out" mentality.
Why is everyone concerned about buying the first year run C7
Has there really been corvette issues with the first year runs of the previous 6 models.
I say if you want to wait for the C7 in January and like it why not buy it !!!
Just wanted to post this and get opinions of the " I want to wait for a couple of years until GM gets the bugs out" mentality.
