bannonb

Hey all:

Looking to get back into a Corvette soon. Had a 2004 Commemorative Edition Auto Coupe and loved it.

Now looking for a C7 2LT Auto Coupe with light interior if possible.

I wanted comments on if you'd stay away from first year (2014) or specifically verify that certain fixes were carried out before buying used? I searched first, but maybe didn't find right search strings...

I would buy newer if possible, but price is the issue really. I've seen targa top noise concerns (like C6)...but not sure of other things.

Thanks for your input,

BannonB

Kent1999

If you want an automatic, I'd get the 2014 C7 over the newer models. 2014's A6 seems bulletproof, while the 2015+ A8's record is not nearly as good. The 2014 C7 quality seems to be just as good overall as the 2015+ units.

My 2014 M7 has been flawless -- I bought it used, and so far only a little over 8,000 miles, but so far, NO issues. (I do daily drive it back/forth to work)

exedy699

Also interested in any quirks known on 14 models mostly, I know changes were made as the years passed. I'm personally interested in a 2LT z51 m7! Cannot wait to join the owners club!

Glenmcp

I will be trading my 2014, VIN 1500 in on a new 17 Z06 later this month. I have not had a bit of trouble with it. I had an Edelbrock super charger put on it after one year. Again, not a single problem. You will hear stories on a forum like this. The vast majority of 14's are fine. I would sell it on Autotrader, but the dealer is giving me a decent price.

vettnutt

I ordered my '14. Zero issues. Just a few minor recalls I had handled with my free oil changes. Nice...

Foosh

None, whatsoever. There are many dozens of '14 owners, including myself, who have reported flawless experiences. I've had no warranty visits for any reason, just oil changes.

dmhines

Seems like the 2014's are the least troublesome .. I had no issues with mine before I traded it in on my 2017 ...

RedC7AZ

My 2014 has been almost trouble free. Only 1 issue - Audio system computer/unit needed to be replaced during 1st month of ownership. That was it!!!.

thegame

I totally disagree with this. The A8 in auto mode shifts worlds faster than the A6. Also I truly believe the A8 problems are greatly blown out of proportions. I have a 15 and have ZERO problems with mine. I also know two other owners and they don't have a single issue either. I'd like to know the true number of A8 failures because I bet the percentage is actually pretty low.

Furthermore if you plan to mod your vette with any significant power the A8 is significantly better because it is rated at a much higher torque rating and is significantly stronger for handling more power. It's the same trans in the Z06 with a different torque converter. The A6 has a high rate of failure after going forced induction (if you even want to do that) and due to the clutches and tuning you cannot even build it to handle more power.

If you just plan to keep the car stock I'm sure any C7 A6 or A8 you would be happy with.

RedC7AZ

It's absolutely impossible not to recognize the fact that the A8 has been troublesome, especially when comparing it to the A6. We at least owe this fact to anyone coming on this forum looking for feedback.

There's been thread after thread on this forum for the last 2+ years about A8 problems.

​It would be irrational to assume the A8 problems are being experience by EVERY owner. Meaning there will be owners that have had no problems, but that doesn't change the fact that the A8 is troublesome.

thegame

Sorry I don't agree. I do agree that I see thread after thread however in the real world, all the events I go to and all the tracks I have met other owners I cannot come up with real world experiences that match that. I think its become "cool" to complain about the A8 on this forum lol

I also stand by what I said regarding modding. Any quality shop ECS, LETHAL, vETTE DR'S, vengeance racing will all tell you the A8 is more stout and can handle much more power than the A6. I personally have blown two A6 with the same set up in my C7 and have not had a hiccup yet with the A8.

K9MF

I picked up my 14 vert m7 just 3 yrs ago today. I have just over 36K miles on it so far and the car has been great. Not a single problem other than a few small recalls that were no big deals. Nothing wrong with the 14"s.

snappy2u

I took delivery of my 2014 in May of 2014, brand new. 2LT, M7, Night Race Blue. Absolutely perfect. Just a real joy to drive....no worries

DAFFYDRUNK

I wouldn't argue that the A8 doesn't shift faster, but I've driven both and the A6 is no slouch. The difference is more "statistical" that it is "real world". You wouldn't get out of an A8 into a '14 A6 and bitch about how slow it shifts.

Glenmcp

I always use a grain of salt when general complaints are made on a forum. How many A8's have been sold and how many have had a serious problem? And, with that, how many serious problems have been reported on this forum? Not just posts. The number of actual problems. I am not defending GM. Just want a realistic count.

ttay3

I have a 2014 Z51 and it's been flawless . . . was considering a 2016 Z06 but decided to stay with my 2014 Z51, plus it has HD Radio . . . which they are just getting back for 2018 . . . it's a great first year model . . .

thegame

You bring up a good point. Actually is the A6 in the 14 the same as the one in the C6? because that was my experience with the C6 version. Again hope this didn't all come out wrong I just wanted to say all the real world first hand experience I have had with the A8 has been great. If I read this forum first before I bought my car I would have been scared away from the A8 and I am glad I wasn't.

As I said i doubt anyone would be disappointed in any C7 vette

Foosh

The only source for a valid count is GM, and they're not talking. There was a poll here within the last 6 months with a large number of respondents. The number reporting problems was around 15%.

That is a shockingly large number for any single component on any vehicle. Anything over 1-2% is reason for a manufacturer or potential owner to be very concerned.

Of course, that also mean 85% aren't having problems, so it's no big surprise to hear people showing up and saying, "mine's great, no problem."

J_Vette_Manuel

Had a 14' M7, was flawless. Car never gave me an issue.

My 16' Z06 is an A8... I owned an 11' GS A6. The A8 is noticeably faster when shifting.

I have just at 7K miles on my A8 and not one issue. I've been very happy with it.

Rebel Yell

We have a member here (owc6) that bought a '14 Premier Edition A6 Convertible. At 65,600+ miles the car has been flawless. You should be fine.

With that said I have a '16 A8 (build date 03/16) that has so far been trouble free. But, I would be remiss if I didn't warn you about the A8's built before 10/2015. No matter what argument one takes you need to do your due diligence before you make a purchase of one built before that date.