When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have owned four Corvettes. Three were bought used, and one new. Thinking back on those cars, I clearly enjoyed the used cars more. The reason is that it is satisfying to get everything back up to snuff that had been ignored by previous owners for one reason or another. It sort of gives me a sense of accomplishment and attachment to the car by making the car as good as it can be once again. I thought that buying a new Vette would be really something, but because it was virtually perfect and needed nothing, I did not receive the same enjoyment as I did with the used ones. Also, because of paying less for the used ones, I was less hesitant to dig into them. After all, if something doesn't work, you can't make it any worse. The new one was a great car, and I know many people would be entirely satisfied with that. It's probably just me. Oh well. I was wondering how others feel about this.
New. I don't want an abused car that I have no idea how it was treated. I want it reliable, and with a warranty. I don't want to have to worry about this leak here or that there etc. I don't want to have to work on it other than regular maintenance, or upgrades that I choose to do
No new Corvettes for me.....not interested in automatic transmissions or any kind of electric power. Its a damn shame the C8 didn't have manual transmission. The C7 is the last Corvette I would have bought....but I will stick with what I have.
… After all, if something doesn't work, you can't make it any worse. ….
I’d really argue that bit. Counter examples abound. Try snapping off one of the water pump or thermostat housing bolts to turn a relatively simple job into an ordeal. I once rounded out the head of an allen key bolt, turning what would have been a 15 minute job into 6 hours of cursing and swearing.
Both vettes I’ve owned were used, the ‘64 very well used. I almost bought a new C7, but it simply didn’t check off enough boxes. The ‘11 GS I bought used had everything I wanted and was in pristine condition. It’s been very reliable so far.
Last edited by FatsWaller; Jan 23, 2023 at 04:52 PM.
Reason: typos
I'm just banking on the day when theres a bunch of base model c8s laying around on used car lots ready to rip apart and throw junkyard motors and chinese turbos on with stand alone management... ittl happen... the question is when lol
Last edited by StayinStock; Jan 23, 2023 at 12:39 PM.
I like to buy what I call "Barely Used Corvettes" or any car for that matter. There are so many people that buy a new Corvette and do not drive them. I bought my 2008 C6 with 3800 miles in 2015 from the original owner. He paid a little over 60K for the car. I bought it from him at a cost of around 30K. I basically got a new car for 1/2 the price as new one. I can usually tell if a car has been abused or not. I do not buy my toy cars from dealers and I usually buy only single owner cars.
I have owned four Corvettes. Three were bought used, and one new. Thinking back on those cars, I clearly enjoyed the used cars more. The reason is that it is satisfying to get everything back up to snuff that had been ignored by previous owners for one reason or another. It sort of gives me a sense of accomplishment and attachment to the car by making the car as good as it can be once again. I thought that buying a new Vette would be really something, but because it was virtually perfect and needed nothing, I did not receive the same enjoyment as I did with the used ones. Also, because of paying less for the used ones, I was less hesitant to dig into them. After all, if something doesn't work, you can't make it any worse. The new one was a great car, and I know many people would be entirely satisfied with that. It's probably just me. Oh well. I was wondering how others feel about this.
Mostly bought used since I was kid 14 years old... One can not tinker and learn with a New horseless carriage..... They didn't have Corvette back in the olden days so one did not learn of cornering at speed or how to "do it" in a little bitty two seater. Life was a "car challenge" in those days. ☹
Used - always. CPO if you can. And since the Last of the truly GREAT Corvettes is the C6 with a 6 speed manual.. there is only one choice.! Used C6 Grand Sport.!!!
If I could afford it I would love to order a new C8 but..... my 07 had a few minor issues when I got it-bought it from another state and the videos didn't show them so after painting the hood, the calipers, some elbow grease on the rims, new sun visors, new cup holder assembly, taking the window tinting off and detailing the interior it looks so much better and feel like it's really mine now plus I love the manual even more than I thought I would.
My preference is to buy a low milage 1 owner cream puff. I treat the experience in my search as though I was buying new for every option I want and never settle. It seems like it takes a lot of time to find the right vehicle but brings me a lot of pleasure when I do.
As to a corvette new or used, mine is a used C6 and the only option I had for new was a C7. None of the vettes beyond the C6 peak my interest and if I were to buy another one it would be a late model C1.
When I purchased my 2007, it was a salvage car (all I could afford on a retiree fixed income budget. Rebuilt the car myself over a 9 month period. It's a fantastic car, A & A S/C'd, Belanger Custom Tri-Y Headers and exhaust, LS 7 short block, ported and polished cathedral heads, new drilled and slotted rotors, brake pads, new water pump, power steering pump, etc etc.......I know this car inside and out, up and down, and it has provided a great deal of pride of ownership after all the work. At the 2022 Prescott AZ all Corvette Show, I was in the modified class, and won Best Modified out of 49 cars. that made all the work worth it! Yes, would like to have had an opportunity to possibly purchase a newer car that was already "perfect", however, I believe that this car is everything a person could want. It's blistering fast, and turns heads everywhere I go. So I would have to say used/salvage was the only way I could go. Did all the custom work myself, fabricated the fuse box and battery cover, installed the S/C myself along with the Belanger Custom Tri-Y headers and exhaust It was a LOT of work, but worth every minute! My favorite body style.......in my opinion, the ultimate, all around styling for a Corvette. Did all the interior paint work myself. 6 shooter short throw shifter. Won Best Modified out of 49 cars at the All Corvette Show in Prescott Arizona (Sept. 2022) TRQ slotted and cross drilled rotors and Duralast Gold Ceramic Brake Pads
Of the six Corvettes we've had in the stable, only one was purchased brand new. I will probably only purchase one more brand new Corvette in my lifetime, and that will be either a C8 or a C9. The Grand Sport is staying even after we put a new one in the garage because I still want to be able to drive a manual.
Last edited by VetteVinnie; Jan 24, 2023 at 10:07 AM.
I bought a very low mileage 07 a year ago. It is my first corvette. If things continue to trend in a positive direction I will acquire a c8 next year to add to my collection. I will find the car I want. If it's new or used with extremely low mileage makes no difference to me. I won't even look at a high mileage one. Ideally I'd rather go used and save a few bucks.
I share your point of view, but you can't deny the performance of the new ones.
Couldn't care less. Automatic only..not a real sports car anymore, now it's just bragging rights for geezers that are gonna drive 10 under.
At this point I don't see myself buying another 2 for for a long time. With kids now, a 2 door 2 seat car has no use for me. Plus I already have 2. The new C8 doesn't really.impress me compared to a lot of 4 door stuff out there now. There's trackhawk out there that will do what the c8 does 0 to 60 and carry kids, and tow a boat.
New or Used
