As many here and like those on other Corvette Forums, I've owned Vettes since I was a young man (21 years old). Now, I'm one of the "oldies"--- and should be driving my C7 in May---I hope!

When I told my daughter (35) I was getting a new Corvette she asked why....and said only Old men buy Vettes because they are the only ones who can afford them---for the most part. After thinking about what she said, she may be correct.

With the C7 at basically $60k without taxes, although it might still have curb appeal to the GenX and milienials--it's out of their price range and "reasonableness". And I'm talking about the vast majority of them...not the top 5% GenX/millenial wage earners---or the DINKs.

Although GM stated they were targeting the younger population with the C7. They have basically kicked the upper middle class wage earners of 20 through 40 somethings to the curb. Sure, the first year and a half the C7 sold like hotcakes.... However, half way through the second year, incentives of around 11-12% off MSRP are common (is this inline with the C5 and C6 sales? I don't know). However, I don't think this bodes well for C7 sales in another 2-3 years...

We can probably expect the base C8 to cost well North of $70k....and will further limit the pool of purchasers who can afford it. As us "Baby Boomers" retire and end up on fixed incomes, the number of buyers will rapidly dwindle.

I think GM realizes this and has made the decision to push the Corvette up to compete with the Lambo's and Porsche's. In 15 years I think GM will only be making 10-12k Corvettes a year (if they're lucky). Thus they'll have to charge North of $100k per unit (for a base) to keep the line in BG open. And GM will still fall short of the $$$'s they're making now.

What replaces the Corvette for GM? Camaro?

Not trying to start a mud-slinging contest....just really interested in what others think about the future of the Corvette Brand....

 

I don't think anything replaces the Corvette, thats kind of the point. Many will lust after them like we all did when we were younger, and tell ourselves "someday..(when the kids are out of the house...college...etc...)"

Truth is i bought my first vette at 32, my second at 37, and my current one at 43. If you want the car bad enough you find a way. You never really know how much time you have on this earth so might as well make the best of it.

 

Looking at the price of all new cars, the Corvette has not increased at any faster pace than anything else. New generation will not increase in price much more than this or any other generation has. It has to appeal to the younger generation so they dream, as we did, of finally being able to own one to keep the Corvette alive.

 

The Corvette will live on as there is plenty of old and new money around. GM just needs to keep ahead of the curve with change. The C7 is certainly a good start and you would be surprised at how many younger owners it has attracted.

 

Corvettes have always been relatively expensive by US auto standards, but that hasn't hurt the car's reputation or popularity. I'm 67 years old and my '15 Stingray is the first NEW Vette I've ever felt I was able to afford. But even though they were out of reach for most of my life, the high price of a new Vette never stopped me from wanting one or dreaming about the day I could finally afford to buy one.

 

I see your point but Corvette is not where near the exotic price points. My first Corvette was a 2000 C5. $44000 loaded. The 14 C7 was $62K and there is no comparison. $20K in 14 years and the technology is light year ahead.

I am going to the Cleveland auto show this week. There will be 80-90K pickup trucks there. For a pickup truck!!!!

Then whenever I need a reality check I go to the local classic car place. 1965 galaxie $40K 1979 Delta Olds 35K. He has a mustang II for 15, a vega for 15 and a stinkin Citation for 9!!!! What am I going to do with any of these car??? Can't drive them anywhere!!!

Man give me a new Vette anytime. I think its a bargain!!!!

Oh BTW Camaro???? Guess you have not priced the latest baby.....85K!

 

I agree with your last statement. Unfortunately for me I waited to long to embrace the philosophy. Corvette lust began around age 17. First Corvette purchase delayed for all the usual reasons until age 63. Purchase made, company I worked for decides to eliminate my job! Then I began to question my thinking. A little rearrangement of finances with the help of a good advisor, I was able to keep my Corvette C6. A year ago I traded up to a C7 that I was able to pay for in full. I still believe in priorities but a guy has to grab a little gusto along the way, right!?

 

Have you priced out a loaded truck lately?


Now the difference is many people are buying them for daily drivers, before they were mainly "weekend" cars and true to a point only the old guys could afford to do that.


Times are changing. I'm 46 my Vette is mainly a weekend car, but the damn thing cries to be driven so I do take it to work here and there. I still own my C5 Vert and a few other "Fast toys" But in reality these cars are not so far out of range to some of the newer cars optioned out that are mass produced.


Then one more thing that holds back the younger crowd is it's a 2 seater. Not a good "family or friends" car.


As for the future. I would expect it to keep going up in price as it has done since the very first year. Unless you plan on collecting the corvettes the price is not an issue really. I traded my C6 in for the C7. C6 was paid for so all that money went towards the C7. By the time (if I like the C8, If it turns into a exotic probably not) the C7 will be paid for and I can count on $45K+ towards the new one. $80K car for $35K not bad if you ask me...

 

I'm 38, probably a top 5% income earner. This is the only Vette that has ever appealed to me. I've owned more expensive SUV's in the past. The reason I say this is because I think GM is going the way of innovation in order to appeal to the younger generations. My daughter (17) thinks its the sexiest car she's ever seen. She's one of the future buyers out there that GM actually appeals to with this C7. It's an incredible turn they have achieved.

What is a DINK?

I do not think the C8 (if the mid engine does come about) will be around $70k. I'm expecting it to be well over $100k and probably closer to $125k. That's the price a lot of people will pay for innovation. I wouldn't be able to afford it at this point in my life but eventually I might be interested. Look at the new Ford GT coming in 2016. I absolutely despise Ford but if I could afford that piece of machinery I would jump on it!

GM and Corvette will have absolutely no problems surviving. The C7 is absolutely what GM needed. These are mostly my opinions of course. I'm not trying to step on anyone's opinions.

 

Being 30 in a month, I have to say I don't see too many younger people owning these cars. They are trying to get their life in order.

 

DINK = Dual Income, No Kids

 

Thanks

I guess that makes me a DIK.

 

LOL I'm right with ya.

 

We can be DIKS together....that just DOES NOT sound right

 

As part of the younger generation, I myself being 17, absolutely was lost for words when I saw the new c7 and just had to get one. They look and perform like ferraris for a fraction of the cost. Now being the only child with my dad and no mom to say no fast cars, my dad has already bought me a c4 and he is making plans as my graduation year reward to be a new c7 fully loaded. If there object was to get new buyers from the next generation, they got me hooked for sure and I'm sure to be getting the next corvette when I grow up.

 

What keeps most moderately well-heeled 30-45 year olds from buying Corvette's, is that as two seater's, they are not practical enough to be an only vehicle - those are the same people spending $55-70k for mid-sized Audi, BMW and Mercedes SUV's and awd sedans.
Maybe when I retire (after the kids are out of the house) and move to a place where its doesn't snow, a Corvette will become my daily driver - until then it will just be a weekend toy.

 

The same story has been told for the past few generations, and somehow the car is still alive and well. Why would it be any different this time?

 

most expensive cars are bought by older people. I am in my 20s, and i see a lot of older guys buying corvettes also. IMO i kind of dont understand the appeal for the older guys buying corvettes.

Its a head turning, thrill seeking car. cant help but think these guys are buying corvettes just to take the old lady out to the country club. While guys and girls half there age are taking pictures of corvette.

When i am over 35 years old, i see my self wanting cars with more class, safety, less flash to drive around my family.

I feel lucky to own a car like this at a young age.

 

Having lusted for a Corvette, since the very first one, I was able to buy my first Stingray at 28. A 4speed yellow 65 fuel injected coupe, used for $3500.00

Some years later a new 70 T-Top was just over $5100.00. After family was grown a 72 T top used was $12000.00. 93 Stingray new, was 35000.00 The most expensive Vette I thought I would ever buy, was my 03 Vert at $58000.00

Now at 73 my last and the most stunning Vette I have ever seen is a C7, at 70,000.00 +

There are people, like myself that have a real appreciation, and have loved the looks and performance, having watched it evolve from a six cyl. low performance driver to a world class competitor. I wish Zora were alive to see what his legacy has achieved.
That's why us old people are still buying Corvettes.

 

I used to hate to see old guys driving cars I lusted after. Now I are one.