I've owned 3 corvette convertibles in my life 86, 03, and 13 GS. I am in the market for a 14 or 15 convertible. I don't like buying the first year model of a new production so probably a 15. I don't want to dig through all the threads about what to watch out for. Any advice on what problems these year models have would be greatly appreciated.

 

Believe it or not, the '14s seem to be more reliable than later years.

 

Mostly due to the A8 issues on the '15+.

 

16 at a minimum.

front cameras are very nice for parking

android/apple car play

soft pull down hatch (coupes)

good luck

 

LOL . . . here we go again.

 

And we're still here.

 

14 Vert. Zero problems...

 

For poor block prep work these block if you got one of the bad one. The motor would use oil from the bad work that was done to each of the 8 hole's. A6 here with zero problems.

I have heard some over 5,k out of round. But the new a8 in 15 was a joke still going on in the 17. If you get a stick car you should be good in what ever year you go with.

I wish now that I had waited until the GS had came out. But will be doing a z06 body panel's on my 2014 Z51 CONV A6 this next winter. Putting a TI blower on it this winter.

 

Been following the C7 progress since I bought my September 2013 early build Z51. I am ready to sell it and buy a GS. Hope I get one as good!

Been back to the dealer twice. The first time in October 2013 when I received a request from GM to have the diff fluid checked. Watched as the newly trained C7 at my local dealer tech performed the check . It was fine.
The Second time was a month ago when I had the seat belt software updated!

SIDE BAR: I do all my own oil changes and since the GM bulletin for the required 500 mile oil change did not come out until 13 months after I received my C7, changed mine first time at 1500 miles as a "precaution." When I added a low restriction filter and air intake tube checked carefully for any signs of oil. Not a drop! My oil was 1/4 inch (~1/4 quart) under max when I drove it 120 miles home from my purchase dealer. I also keep my oil 1/2 quart (1/2 inch) below max which I attribute to having no oil issues. From 3+ years of observation I'm convinced the majority of oil issues are caused by dealers overfilling dry sumps! In fact still reports of folks who have the 500 mile change getting oil dripping from the air filter. It was caused by a dealer overfill!

It's understandable as the mechanic's helper who often work the oil chage bay do not want to fill a quart low, run the engine for 10 minutes to get it hot, use a watch and check oil level after 5 minutes but don't just go for coffee and wait more than 10 or they will get a low reading! Appears they set the dial on the pump gun coming from the 55 gallon drum (for some it's the cheapest oil blend that meets GM dexos spec the boos purchased so you have to ask and check you're getting Mobil 1) and fill to the volume in a chart! The Service Manual clearly says to check the level after filling as the chart is only approximate! In fact many of us who wait until the last drop comes out of the drain plugs with a level car, find the chart is 1/4 to 1/2 quart too much!

 

Mardo,
There are C7s to avoid, but it has nothing to do with the year. There is absolutely no reason to avoid a 2014. I purchased a 2014 used, and I'm glad I did. However, there is one document to check out no matter which year used C7 you look at, the GM warranty service record. If the car has had several visits to the dealer for warranty repairs (not maintenance) or if the tranny, engine or other significant drive train components have been replaced, maybe it's time to move to another Vette. You can get the service record from any GM dealer, but you probably know that. Yes, there have been a few A8s with torque convertor problems, but that doesn't happen to all A8s.
IMHO, you should focus on the individual Corvette's history, don't avoid any year.

 

Thanks guys for the info and screw the two a**holes that just want to laugh at my question. I thought forums were for asking questions and getting advice. I don't have time to dig through the forum for answers so I thought I would just ask.

 

Mardo,

I wasn't laughing at you or your question, which is a common one, because it's been the subject of many, many threads here. I was laughing at what was likely to come next, which was a huge argument about which MY is better.

There have been dozens of threads started by people who have asked the same question, with many more dozens of posters expressing conflicting opinions. The answer to your question is clear as mud. As with any modern car regardless of model year, usually you'll get a good one, but sometimes not.

Lastly, the decades old adage about avoiding 1st year models no longer holds true. FWIW, I also have a '14, which has been perfect.

 

2014 here zero problems except two simple recalls.

 

Whoa!

I'm not an *******, either.

 

Ah come on . . . embrace it. We're from MD.

 

Well...if it means anything. You two are some of the most informative, and helpful azzholes on the forum.

 

The A6 was a very good transmission that GM had used for years. They had to go to an A8 because all other companies were doing it. More gears = more complicated operations. I had zero issues with my 2014 but wanted a Grand Sport. I like the front camera and the data recorder but could live without them. So far I have zero issues with my 2017.

 

that may be the most helpful piece of advice there is,

 

I heard people have had some issues with the A8

 

Dang RB, I wanted to say that. Words to buy by Mardo. Good luck in your search.