ojm

Just window shopping for a possible vette. I was wondering if a Z51 would be overkill for a Sunday driver compared to a basic LT model. I would be more like a little old lady driver just like looks of most corvettes .

Thanks

Sometimes the price is attractive on the Z51 but may be overkill not sure.
I think read the Z51 is more geared for track not sure though.

rrsperry

If you just putt around, it is absolutely, positively, overkill. I’d rather have the 2lt vs the 1. Vented seats, hud, front camera, and better materials are worth it.

You can always add wheels, and the wing if you want the look.

I don’t grandma, I live in the country and rock the back roads, so I got a Z51, and a 2lt.

But that’s just me.

ojm

Thanks that helps me to make a choice, glad came to this forum.

Iconic

A Z51 is most definitely overkill for a Sunday driver.

Red C8 of Jax

A waste of money unless you are planning to track the car. A base car is a 1LT.

LT4CMG

A little old lady passed me on the way home and gave me a dirty look. Sometimes little old ladies get a bit wild too. I have 0 regrets with my Z51. Lots of bang for buck by checking that box. But seems like you're leaning more toward base. In any case, it's a great car no matter how you option it. I would highly recommend MRC/PTM though, such a great option. Anyway, keep us posted and good luck

ojm

Yes leaning toward base, thanks.

owc6

If you are looking for a Sunday driver, then don't buy new. Buy a used one with all the bells and whistles. Z51 (mag drive) included (awesome, btw).

You can get all the amenities for much less than if you bought new.

No one who is looking at your car can tell the difference, anyway, and you will appreciate all the options every time you drive it.

owc6

And you won't take the massive hit on depreciation for a car you won't drive much.

bankers1

Either way you'll have moms with kids on bikes and stollers flagging you and mouthing "SLOOOOOW DOWN" and when you check your only doing 25 MPH.
What a ride anyway.

Corgidog1

If you don't track your car or take turns at an excessive speed, the Z51 is like putting 97 octane in a car instead of 93. The only thing that intrigues me about the Z51 is the performance gearing, and I often wonder how significant this really is compared to the base gearing.

roadbike56

OP, Let me add, if you're just looking for a Sunday driver you may not like the stiff ride of the Z51 unless it has the optional magnetic ride control, which adds another $2500+ to the price tag. Absolutely go with a base for your situation.

Avanti

Yes, unless you THINK you "need" the extra stuff it's not only over-kill but a needless waste of money you can do whatever you want with (Vette related or not).

Here is my base-model (on the right ). Do you really think you need more for tootling about?

ElGreco53

I also suggest going for a 2LT, you get a lot of very nice items like the HUD, front parking cameras and the like. A base Stingray is still a stompin' machine for basic every day driving. And Lisa makes a great point, buy a well-cared-for used car (check for-sale section of the forum) and you can have it all, maybe even the Z51 upgrade, for a very good price, plus someone else has taken that first big depreciation hit.

Foosh

I don't consider PTM overkill. It's actually a remarkable piece of technology which I use all the time on the street and only available on Z51 w/ MSRC (FE4) and above.

wbrands

If you buy new, all 2018+ Stingrays (base and Z-51) have the same 19/20 wheels and tires. Add a spoiler and you get the total Z-51 look minus the slotted rotors that no passerby would even notice.

I opted for the base 2LT because I wanted the luxury features (and the front camera is really not a luxury) with the FE2 suspension that gave me the Z-51 look I preferred plus mag ride. Couldn't be happier and my insurance is at least 50% less than the quote I was given (IIRC) for the Z-51 when I bought in December 2015! I daily drive it, never track or plan to track, and like you plan to do, mostly just putt around. It has more than enough performance for the occasional sporty drive or passing maneuver on a two lane road.

As for the new/used issue, if you are going for an A8, I would recommend new for the warranty. Of course you do get either a 100k or 60k powertrain warranty depending on the year (I think it reduced with the 2016 model year) and extended warranties are relatively cheap (through Dennis Fichtner here on the forum for best prices) and are more than offset by the depreciation savings you would get with used.

Silver C7

If you aren’t tracking the car, the base is fine. I’ll have mine two years next September...zero complaints, lots of fun and plenty of compliments!

Kent1999

FYI -- "LT" is not a model of Stingray. 1LT/2LT/3LT are trim levels on Stingray. You can get a "Stingray" 3LT with all the options or a stripper "Stingray w/Z51" 1LT with only the basics.

Stingray w/Z51 is def more track oriented than a non-Z51 Stingray, but both are completely streetable and I wouldn't hesitate to DD or "sunday drive" either one.

Some get a Stingray, and then spend a few hundred dollars to add the Z51 sway bars -- getting a good amount of the 'feel' of the Z51 handling while spending 1/10th the price of the full Z51 package. Kind of a happy medium for non-track bound cars.

ojm

Well seems a bit diverse replys but still have a better handle on things.
Thank you!

If get a car will post for sure.Once we owned a vette always in your heart.

Horine

I managed to buy a year old 2LT Z51 with an M7 transmission and <1700 miles for $20K off list price. Plenty of options I wouldn't have paid for on a new order but I really like the way it is equipped. HUD, comfortable cruising, stiffer suspension when I need it. Manual transmission keeps me engaged in the drive. And less guilt because I saved by buying used. I'm happy.