VetteFund

First time Corvette buyer, I have opportunity to buy a Certified Pre Owned 2016 Z51 2LT with 13K miles for $49k vs purchasing a brand new 2017 Base (non Z51) 2LT model for about the same price. Don't know which way to go. Up all night trying to make the right decision

Thoughts?

proexpert

I would get the new one for the same money. Go for it.

c54u

New one for me.

More warranty.

New tires.

But drive both of them first before you make your decision. You can always get warranty and tires added possibly with a discount from the dealer.

dbirdhouse1

.............if you like options (nav, NPP, etc.) then the 2LT is not a great risk with such reasonable miles.......if you want no concerns about warranty issues then new is obvious; your priorities, your call (I have done both in the past and settled on slightly used to get the car that had what I wanted (Z51, Conv).....if only all choices in life were so nice, eh?

TEXHAWK0

I would just get the base Stingray, 2LT. There are a lot of options on the Z51 most people will never really care about...

I special ordered my 2014 2LT, manual transmission, just to keep the cost in the $50,000 range instead of $20,000 to $30,000 more with options I don't really need.

VetteFund

Z51 versus Base? Big difference? The Z51 looks nicer, with the black wheels and spoiler etc.

rcooper

What ever your decision it won't be a bad one. As the car you are looking at is still under warranty and thus still qualifies for buying a GMEPP extended from Dennis Flitchner on this form for peanuts. Mine cost about $2700 for 75,000 miles of happy continued driving. Also I bought it with 35.975 miles on the clock so my warranty goes to almost 111,000 miles.
But if you get the Z51 expect to have a little bit more in maintenance cost due to the 10 qt. oil capacity. Tires are a bit more due to size but other than that cost will be about the same. Both handle well and you can make the base car a bit better by adding a Z51 Performance Package from Cultrag here on the forum.
Tough choice ( I would go new ) but got to be a fun one.
Good luck and enjoy!

Red C8 of Jax

If you plan to track the car, get the Z51. If you don't, get the new 2017. If it was me, I would get the new one, you really don't know how the used car has been treated unless you know the owner. It could have been rode hard and put up wet. As mentioned, you would have more B2B warranty on the new car.

Joy c7

I would get the new one.

dvilin

Definitely the new one.

Racingswh

What are you going to do with the car?

I thought the Certified cars have a really nice B2B warranty on them?

I went through kinda the same thing in May. I was going to buy a NRB base car with nearly no miles for a great price. I happen to love Night Race Blue and really wanted the car. Then I learned no Z51 = No Dry Sump. Deal breaker.

Looked at pre-owned 3LT Z51 cars that were also beautiful but in May their auction numbers were really, really strong.

Ended up with a new GS simply because the discounts at the time were good, I would have a new car warranty from go.

I do love all three. If it's just a fun street car I would go new 2LT base car.

abhibrandy

Make sure you get the one with the performance exhaust! Z51 has it & it sounds awesome. You can get it on a non z51 too as an add on.

VetteFund

This would be a daily driver for me, I like the look of the Z51, not going to the track or anything like that. The CPO car does have a nice B2B warranty, and it looks sharp. But, having a brand new (although not a 2018) C7, even if a base model, is tough to pass up

Racingswh

I have to say I love the looks of a Z51 car. I can't deny it. But you can add on that stuff over time if you want.

As a street car only and a daily driver at that there's nothing on a Z51 that's a must have for me. I would be buying the new car.

Good luck with whatever you choose. You're going to love these cars. I honestly can not believe how much I like ours.

'Merica

I had the same opportunity, my options were 14 3LT Z51 LOADED with everything but mag ride vs a 16 1LT base model. I went with the 14 and got the extended warranty. I don't regret my decision at all.

Kevin A Jones

Assuming you like the color scheme on either, definitely the new 2107 as full warranty, most likely lower financing, you will know it's been broken-in properly and the **** hasn't been run out of it. New tires, no blemishes, no seat bolster wear or scratches etc..

Would be nice to get the NPP exhaust, however it may have it.
If it a used GS vs New Stingray, then it would be a difficult decision for me.
You will enjoy either one.

Rangerdog1

Base model does not not come standard with Magnetic Selective Ride Control with Performance Traction Management, nor does it come with a rear stabilizer bar. Just saying.

CPO cars get the same warranty as a new car, B2B and Power Train start the date you purchase. So warranties are a non starter for decision making on which car to buy.

You're going to enjoy either one you get.

roadbike56

The Z51 does not come with Magnetic Selective Ride Control (MRC) as standard, it's an option. With the Z51, if it doesn't have MRC, I'd be sure to test drive it and be sure you're OK with the firm ride. If it has MRC, the firm ride in Sport mode is not an issue as the ride smooths out in Tour mode.
OP, I was in your exact same position at the end of 2015. Buy a new base or a CPO, 2 year old, 2LT, Z51 with MRC. I went with the CPO car. It's really which one you like better as there is no "right" decision or better decision. If I had it to do over again, I'd definitely make the same decision as I really like having the Z51. Be sure the base car has NPP, dual mode exhaust as almost all Corvette owners like it and you can NOT add it on once the car is built.

Skid Row Joe

Comes down to whether you want the Z51's features.

Ramler

If you buy the new one, they'll send you to Spring Mountain and teach you what this car really is. Best accessory you will ever buy.