PANJGUY

I guess this is going to be one my "hand grenade" posts but here goes - so in past production year rollouts, when do you start to see the pricing of what was a 1 year old car being 2yrs old? I know a dealer would definitely go for the later if you are trading it but I am looking to buy probably a 2016. Thanks in advance for the expert knowledge of the forum!

thill444

My take. I would expect 20-22% off and zero to low interest rates right now. Once the 2018's come out I would push for 25% off but this is still prime Corvette buying season so dealers may try to stick it our until late August early September.

The other problem is that many of these cars are sitting because of options/colors. I noticed a lot for 2016's I looked at were either loaded, or had colors I didn't like or things like $2K chrome wheels. So you really have to watch how the cars are optioned. I would rather get a newer or even older car I wanted in the color and options I want, then just to get a great deal.

boraxman

I was about to buy a loaded up "new" 2016 already at 22% off then thought about it for a bit, not the color I want and more options than I would ever want... then there was shipping cost..Talked myself out of it real fast.

Snowwolfe

There is a reason a 2016 is still sitting and most of the time it is about color and options. Dont buy a care because of the "deal". Buy it because it is something you want. If the car is hard to sell new it will be even harder to sell used down the road.

ny32182

This fall I'd be looking for ~20% on 17's... they would have to do significantly better than that on a 16 for me personally. The second you sign the papers it is a 2 year old car and has that level of depreciation, regardless of the miles. Most are very low mile anyway.

roadbike56

What should happen and what will happen may be two different paths. The big dealers that discount Corvettes have sold their 2016s. Then there are the dealers who are not providing major discounting on 2017 Corvettes, even as they order 2018's. Those dealers will discount the 2016s somewhat, to price them lower than their price on the few 2017s they have, but will not compete with the big Corvette dealers.
I ran into this when I was shopping at the end of 2015. One dealer had two new 2014s and several 2015s as trucks were unloading new 2016 Corvettes. Sensing that I might get a 2014 at a great price I asked what the discount was for a 2014. The salesperson's response was "A C7 is a C7, it doesn't matter what year it is". In summary, not all Corvette dealerships operate the same as the big dealers and just because there's a new 2016 out there, doesn't mean it will be discounted heavily.
EDIT: Just to make the point, there are 8 new, 2015 Corvettes on Autotrader. The largest discount is 17%.

BRCC

I have a question, we know 2018s will be a limited production number between mid June and July 31st then the factory shuts down for three months.

Whats that do for sales on remaining 16 & 17s for someone who wants one?.

thill444

I had that happen to me on a 16. It was basically the same discount as their 17's. I asked to speak to the sales manager/GM and he was much more aggressive.

Most of the sales droids are not able to make these kinds of negotiations. I just skip right to the top.

roadbike56

At the beginning, Dealers will be quick to point out you'll have to wait three months for a new Corvette, but you can buy one from their inventory right now. No additional discounting will occur. Some may actually increase their price (reduce discounting) sensing they can sell the Corvettes they have a little closer to MSRP. Toward the end of the three month period, and with fall approaching, dealers that haven't moved their 2017s will be looking to deal on their current inventory. Discounting will be aggressive by those dealers that don't hold onto their Corvettes. No effect on the 2018s in inventory.

PANJGUY

Greatly appreciate all the real life experiences, this is the kind of info I was looking for! So if I look to pick up a gently used 2016 in the Oct/Nov/Dec timeframe, would most agree that with depreciation it should be in the 30% off original MSRP range?

Snowwolfe

Maybe, maybe not. A higher optioned car will most always depreciate more than a base model with few options. I highly doubt you would see 30% off a 1LT coupe unless the car was totally trashed.

RedC7AZ

OMG, just when I thought I'd heard every line of BS there was from the mouth of a car salesman.

Did you ask the fuctard if he understood the concept of "depreciation"?

thill444

I agree with you. I doubt you will see many cars offered for more than 25% off.

You have to look at interest rates. 0% financing for 72 months is like cash in your pocket and will save thousands. Let's just say you finance $50K for 72 months @3%. The 0% @ 72 months offers they have on the 16's will save you almost $5K over the life of the loan.

There is more than one way to save money.

RedC7AZ

Maybe up to 25% on a highly optioned 3LT.

JerryU

Believe you are reading it correctly. As you say, discounts could reduce during the "no production" period. Also agree when that is over inventory in stock may get deeper discounts but there will be a reason why they were left! Colors are an issue but also when dealers load them up with options! Unlikely any "cheap" 1LT's will be sitting waiting for someone to buy!

Snowwolfe

Remember, nothing can kick start slow sales into gear like decreased inventory and or higher prices. Funny how it works but it does. Been plenty of times when I ran my own business and was stuck with something I couldn't sell. Increase the price and before I knew it someone would buy it.