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.

 

I own the "First year" 2005 and have had zero problems with the car. The only reason to wait until the second year and beyond for the C7 is to buy the Grand Sport, Z06 (If it's still around) or ZR1 models. The first year model is always just the base car.

 

Almost every first year of a model has some issues. The main reason for me is I like to buy used so I want to wait a few years.

 

Price. I'll bet dealers will be asking premium prices, and getting them, because of the novelty of the new platform.

 

Well, there were quite a few problems in the early years (some of which still persist):

Harmonic balancer, steering column lock, DBS, axle seal leak, rear diff chatter, oil pan gasket leak, active handling issue, roof separation, valve drop issue in the Zs etc.

But I would tend to agree. I think Corvette owners buy with the expectation that theres going to be some kind of problem so why wait?

 

I'd buy the first year again. I've had a few problems but they had nothing to due with being the first year. DBS was the biggest issue with the 05 which I didn't have.

 

Ah what the heck... let's be the first owners on our blocks. Buy it January!!

 

I bought the C6 in '05 and have put over 80,000 fun miles on it as my primary ride. As an old dude, I know that as one ages gratification delayed all too often becomes gratification denied. I hope to get into a C7 as soon as they become available and enjoy it for as long as I can. I am more than willing to take my chances on first year glitches. After all, you have a warranty if any problems come up.

 

The list of first-year defects is always long (any many go well beyond the first year with GM). The 2010 Camaro had so many that savvy buyers printed out the lengthy punchlist of trouble areas to check before accepting delivery. And this was AFTER GM said the new Camaro took so long to come to market because they wanted "everything right".

 

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.

 

I ordered and have enjoyed a Cadillac cts as it released. Among the first cars delivered and it's been perfect. Direct injection all wheel drive...perfect..

That said I bought an 08 c6 the following month. I paid cash for both.

There is no kidding ourselves that the first year release of the c7 corvette will be a situation of supply and demand.


Usually GM sets the first year with some small carry over like the 6 speed automatic versus the 8 speed.

Usually the third year is my purchase cycle on the corvette generation. The hypes slowed down a little by then and I still get the new generation style and performance with the usual 3rd year improvements and slight discount off msrp (10 percent)

It also allows me to kick the crapout of my annual cost of ownership with regards to depreciation on present corvette.


Hope this gives insight ....besides a few years of anticipation makes the eventual purchase that much sweeter.

 

Although they were eventually all dealt with by my dealer, I had enough issues with my 2005 C6 that I would avoid buying another first year GM product. There were significant first year issues, all of which have been well documented on this forum over the years.

My 2005 was a really good car, but it took two years to get all the bugs ironed out of it. While I would hope that GM has gotten their C7 act together before production starts, I personally will not again be on the "bleeding edge" of a new car introduction.

 

Does that mean you won't have any trouble on a new model run. i don't quite get the analogy.

 

I need to see the C7's potential before I spring. Mainly, will my race wheels fit on it, harness bar etc... because that sucker will be going straight to the track.

 

I’d sooner wait 2-3 years for all the new C7 hype to settle down and for some of the initial bugs to be worked out. Of course the dealers will be getting premium dollars for those who want to be the “first on the block” to get the C7. God willing, I’d wait it out and consider a ’17.

 

There is no reason I would not buy a first year C7. Many of the reasons people state are just old school thinking, kind of like never buying a car produced on a Friday or Monday and all those other fairy tales.

 

Every year's model has some issues and refinements are made with each model year. Even the harmonic balancer issue that affected the early VIN 2005's is not limited to the 2005 model year. We've seen the problem strike C6's in virtually all model years. We see 'battery/starting' issues afflict C6's throughout all model years...not just with the 2005's. Lemons can be found in all model years. From an old poll I conducted the overwhelming majority of 2005 C6 owners were satisfied with their car and felt it was reliable. My (modified) 2005 has been very reliable and trouble-free.

The C6 was about 80% different than the C5. The C7 is about 99.9% different than the C6 with only two small item carry-overs. I don't deny there's a somewhat elevated risk with a new model but I don't think it merits the first year paranoia many Corvette owners profess. There's a risk with any year car. If the 2005 C6 is any indication of what's in-store for the C7 I would not hesitate to buy a C7.

 

I, like Talon 90, have owned an '84, '97, and '05. I also owned an '89 and '03 as well. (I still have the '84 and plan to keep the '05) All were early VIN's so subject to some of the initial problems these models all experienced. Despite that, I will buy an early '14 as well, as the problems were all dealt with satisfactorily and I have no regrets. I've not paid any ADM on any of these and don't plan to on the C7 either.

 

Usually the first year of a new generation Corvette (or any car) has it's growing pains. This in spite of engineering's best efforts. I remember visiting the Corvette plant in July of '04 when they were assembling the very early '05 C6's. The assembly line was stopped because of certain problems they were having with a certain part. The later model that you buy in a generation run are generally the best.
Another factor is the price..dealers are looking to get MSRP or better.
But, it is exciting to be the first on the block with a new model, especially a new generation Corvette!

 

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