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Hello all. I am new here. I am at the point in my life where I want to buy another sports car. I have never been a huge Chevrolet fan except I love the Corvette. I have been looking at either buying a C6 Z06 or a C7 Grand Sport. Money is a semi-issue, but I am more interested in the community collective opinions on the C6 as a started Vette, or not.
This is going to be a 2 seat getaway car for the wife and I.
Personally, I wouldnt recommend either as a start sports car. They're incredibly fast, and way outside of someone who isnt prepared for that level of speed. The c6z this is especially true for.
if you're just buying a cruiser, I would get a base car, not a z or grand sport. The extra cost for consumables like tires, pads, etc just sont make it worth it of you're not going to road courses for track days.
I have been around performance cars most of my life. 600hp is not an issue. As far as tires, and things like that I am fine with it. I can do most work myself. I just have never owned a Corvette before and am interested in the quirks that I should expect. Like all cars they have their little things.
never owned a C7 but have owned 2 C6’s. one a ‘06 optioned z51 and now a ‘07 ZO6. if you have an opportunity to buy a ZO6 to your liking, the ZO6 is by far it, in my opinion. all the best in your search...
I have owned 3 C6s (Previously: 08 Coupe M6 & 10 GS Coupe M6, Currently 13 427 Vert M6) and 2 C7s (Previously: 15 Z51 Coupe A8 & 16 Z06 Coupe A8) and I personally prefer the C6 mainly due to the cramped interior of the C7. I also could not stand the A8 in the C7. As it was only responsive at wide open throttle and manual shifting was a complete joke. Not to mention that many have had transmission and torque converter failures with the A8. (Full disclosure: I prefer manual cars and have never driven a manual C7, but I currently own an 18 Camaro ZL1 with the A10 and love that transmission.)
As for the good and bad of the C6 Z06. First off LS7 is the most intoxicating engine I have ever driven. The supercharged LSAs and LT4s while more powerful do not offer the same experience IMO. I like the interior of the C6, I have the full leather wrapped interior which makes it much nicer, but has been known to have delamintation issues. I'm just shy of 300 LBs and fit comfortably with no issues where the C7 made me feel claustrophobic. The C6 Z06 is a fixed roof, which a deal breaker for me, hence the 427 vert. Things to look out for are the valve guide wear issue and with some '12 & '13 models the connecting rod/main bearing issues either of which can grenade the motor at a cost of around $20K. I personally bought and extended warranty just because of the known rod bearing issues on the 13s, once that expires, I'll address the valve guide issue (around $3,500 unless DIY). Not trying to scare you away from the LS7 as it is an awesome motor, just be aware of some of the issues others have had. 12 & 13 models have the upgraded seat backs which are a vast improvement over previous years IMO. I would not limit my C6 search to a Z06. The 13 427 verts are amazing cars if you like open top motoring. Grand Sports can be had for less than a Z06 with money left over for a super charger. ZR1s have also dropped to around the price of a C7 GS which would be way more car for the money IMO.
As far as C7s go, the interior and electronics are definitely more modern, as should be expected. I would just stay away from the A8 as for me it truly killed the driving experience. Best to just go drive some and see what best fits you. Good luck with your search!
Already familiar w/ HP vehicles, tires et al of no concern?
Great, first test drive a GS, then a Z06...world's apart performance-wise.
However if this is to be a cruiser for both you & the bride?
A GS is what you'd likely want w/ its removable roof.
Z06/ZR1 are a fixed roof car & ladies seem love open air rides better...FTM, so do I.
I opted for a Z06 due solely to the incredible LS7, performance is my bag & there's simply no substitute for this NA motor.
Nothing wrong w/ a standard, either. Beautiful cars from '05 thru '13, can't really go wrong.
Ample performance for most in either coup w/ removable roof panel or roadster, man or auto.
Standards come w/ a much reduced cost, for about everything. Great starter for first-time Corvette owner.
Welcome aboard, The Search begins today.
FYI March 1st officially begins Corvette selling season, clean cherry 'garage queens' first to go.
Don't be afraid to spend a few extra $s for the right one w/ a solid provenance.
Begin researching pricing, now. G/L
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
I have had several C6's, base, Z51 and Z06 and a C7 Z06. Bang for the buck, you can't beat a C6 Z06. Find a nice, low mileage, well maintained, unmolested C6 Z06 and you will be very pleased.
Last edited by capevettes; 01-16-2019 at 05:28 PM.
5 c6's and 1 c7 here...There is nothing bad about any them including the c6. Its is an an incredibly well built machine that is basically bullet proof. If you get the Z the main concern would be the valve issue. That particular problem is magnified by the fact that "if" you drop a valve the ls7 is a 15k replacement proposition. If it was not for that the publicity of valve problem the reality of the problem probably isn't quite as bad as its perceived. I would prefer the c6 z over the c7. I chickened out though and went back the a base c6. When you ask about the valve issue people look at you and go huh?... In the end I decided I didn't want to put 4k on a head/valve job just in case...The c7 is fine I just prefer the c6 overall for my fun car.
The cars are fast fun and relatively economical and they have a rabid fan base...and kid loves them too.
Good luck and enjoy...you only ever get ONE first Corvette. There are plenty to pick from so pick the one you want to do it!
I prefer the C6 over the C7, just cause I prefer the smooth lines. I have a C6 08 Z06 (Love the LS7 and the wide body) that I purchased 2 years ago as my fun and sun weekend car and addressed the valve guide issue for a piece of mind using the write-up here on the forum, it's pretty easy to do if you have some mechanical skills. The only complaint I had was the amount of ridiculous brake dust and brake squeal this car produced, but was easily remedied by switching to ceramic brake pads, other then that this car has been pretty solid for me. Brake dust and squeal is normal for the Z06 with stock pads.
Thank you all for your opinions and for your experiences. ALL of this is great information and I can use this to make my buying decision. I do love the C7 looks. And a GS is where I am leaning.
I'd go with the C7 GS. I own a C6 GS and, while it looks nice on the outside, the interior is pretty garbage. The only C7s I like are the wide body ones. One issue though is the price difference between a used C6 Z06 and a used C7 GS is going to be about $10k.
One question I would ask you is, Have you actually sat in a C 6 and a C 7? I have owned 5 C-6 coupes, and one C -7 coupe. I went back to a C-6 GS because the C-7 was very uncomfortable after more than one hour of seat time. The C-6 is much more comfortable for me, I'm 6'2" and weigh 195 lbs., not overly large but the C-7 just didn't do it for me.
Thank you all for your opinions and for your experiences. ALL of this is great information and I can use this to make my buying decision. I do love the C7 looks. And a GS is where I am leaning.
Again, my thanks to you all.
TH
Just another thought I wanted to share. After owning 2 C6s I went into a '14 ZL1 which felt like a beast in comparison. I later traded that car for a '15 Z51 and the 120 HP drop left me wanting for more. Within 9 months I had traded it for a '16 Z06 which was an absolute blast. As I stated before I just couldn't stand the A8 trans and it wasn't as much fun to drive as my '13 427 as you really can't keep the Z06 in the supercharged motor's power band just driving spiritedly around town. I use my cars as weekend cruisers if it were going to be a track car it would be a completely different story. All this to say, if you are used to 600 HP cars, I think the 460 HP of the GS might leave you wanting for more. I would definitely drive a C6 Z06/ZR1 before jumping into a C7.
One question I would ask you is, Have you actually sat in a C 6 and a C 7? I have owned 5 C-6 coupes, and one C -7 coupe. I went back to a C-6 GS because the C-7 was very uncomfortable after more than one hour of seat time. The C-6 is much more comfortable for me, I'm 6'2" and weigh 195 lbs., not overly large but the C-7 just didn't do it for me.
Im 5 10 and 200. I have sat in a C7 but not driven it. I will of course drive them both to get objective. What did you find particularly uncomfortable about the C7?
Just another thought I wanted to share. After owning 2 C6s I went into a '14 ZL1 which felt like a beast in comparison. I later traded that car for a '15 Z51 and the 120 HP drop left me wanting for more. Within 9 months I had traded it for a '16 Z06 which was an absolute blast. As I stated before I just couldn't stand the A8 trans and it wasn't as much fun to drive as my '13 427 as you really can't keep the Z06 in the supercharged motor's power band just driving spiritedly around town. I use my cars as weekend cruisers if it were going to be a track car it would be a completely different story. All this to say, if you are used to 600 HP cars, I think the 460 HP of the GS might leave you wanting for more. I would definitely drive a C6 Z06/ZR1 before jumping into a C7.
I'm not going to be racing the car. Like I said it is a getaway car for me and the wife. I get the Z06 thing, and I always adhere to the idea that way too much HP is almost enough LOL...
That being said, 466 hp is still pretty healthy. Good for sub 13's if you are just messing around. I think I am leaning toward the C7 GS. Now.....Auto or Manual? Another discussion I am sure.
I'm not going to be racing the car. Like I said it is a getaway car for me and the wife. I get the Z06 thing, and I always adhere to the idea that way too much HP is almost enough LOL...
That being said, 466 hp is still pretty healthy. Good for sub 13's if you are just messing around. I think I am leaning toward the C7 GS. Now.....Auto or Manual? Another discussion I am sure.
TH
If you to decide to go auto, I would suggest.....
The A8 in the C7 can't hold a candle to it!
(My old Z06 in the background, have absolutely no regrets trading it for the ZL1.)
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
Well, since you have decided to go C7, why not go C7 Z06? Mine is an M7 and it is an animal but with all the comforts and gadgets you could ever want. Still not convinced it's worth double what a nice C6 Z06 is going for.
01-16-2019, 03:45 PM
Want to buy a Corvette
In the end I decided I didn't want to put 4k on a head/valve job just in case...The c7 is fine I just prefer the c6 overall for my fun car.
