Would you pay more?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 13,599
Likes: 12,854
From: Virginia
Would you pay more?
First of all, I agree that the C7 most likely provides more HP/performance per dollar than any other sports car in existence.
Having said that, it’s obvious from daily threads posted here regarding poor paint quality, body panel fit/alignment, general carpet quality, sound insulation and other issues that the C7 leaves a bit to be desired (from an overall quality perspective) for a car that averages about $75,000 MSRP, which is approx. double the average MSRP for new 2018 vehicles.
The consensus seems to be that these short comings are a ‘trade-off’ or “what do you expect from a world class sports car that out performs cars at twice the price”?
So my question is, would you pay more (via a higher C7 base price) or how much more would you expect to pay for better overall C7 quality.
Or are you satisfied with current C7 price vs quality?
Thanks in advance for your views and thoughts!
Having said that, it’s obvious from daily threads posted here regarding poor paint quality, body panel fit/alignment, general carpet quality, sound insulation and other issues that the C7 leaves a bit to be desired (from an overall quality perspective) for a car that averages about $75,000 MSRP, which is approx. double the average MSRP for new 2018 vehicles.
The consensus seems to be that these short comings are a ‘trade-off’ or “what do you expect from a world class sports car that out performs cars at twice the price”?
So my question is, would you pay more (via a higher C7 base price) or how much more would you expect to pay for better overall C7 quality.
Or are you satisfied with current C7 price vs quality?
Thanks in advance for your views and thoughts!
Last edited by Kevin A Jones; Jan 20, 2018 at 09:44 AM.
Lifetime Supporting Gold
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,681
Likes: 107
From: Katy TX
First of all, I agree that the C7 most likely provides more HP/performance per dollar than any other sports car in existence.
Having said that, it’s obvious from daily threads posted here regarding poor paint quality, body panel fit/alignment, general carpet quality, sound insulation and other issues that the C7 leaves a bit to be desired (from an overall quality perspective) for a car that averages about $75,000 MSRP, which is approx. double the average MSRP for new 2018 vehicles.
The consensus seems to be that these short comings are a ‘trade-off’ or “what do you expect from a world class sports car that out performs cars at twice the price”?
So my question is, would you pay more or how much more would you expect to pay for better overall C7 quality.
Or are you satisfied with current C7 price vs quality?
Thanks in advance for your views and thoughts!
Having said that, it’s obvious from daily threads posted here regarding poor paint quality, body panel fit/alignment, general carpet quality, sound insulation and other issues that the C7 leaves a bit to be desired (from an overall quality perspective) for a car that averages about $75,000 MSRP, which is approx. double the average MSRP for new 2018 vehicles.
The consensus seems to be that these short comings are a ‘trade-off’ or “what do you expect from a world class sports car that out performs cars at twice the price”?
So my question is, would you pay more or how much more would you expect to pay for better overall C7 quality.
Or are you satisfied with current C7 price vs quality?
Thanks in advance for your views and thoughts!
Maybe I was simply lucky but my 2014 met my expectations and I have a 19 on order that I expect I will be happy with as well. That said I’ve seen photos of and read about problems with fit and finish that I don’t think I would have been satisfied with but I wouldn’t pay more, I’d either look for another Corvette or ask to have the issues corrected before I took delivery.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,247
Likes: 8,510
From: Rochester, NY
My 2015 Corvette Convertible is fine quality and performance wise. I have no paint issues, it is arctic white so it does hide orange peel. Fit and finish are good including the latest rage of panel gaps.
I believe the complaints on this forum tend to be more the exception than the rule.
Go on the Porsche forum, or any other high end sportscar forum and you will see that spending more does not always equal better quality, perhaps just higher expectations.
I believe the complaints on this forum tend to be more the exception than the rule.
Go on the Porsche forum, or any other high end sportscar forum and you will see that spending more does not always equal better quality, perhaps just higher expectations.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,970
Likes: 2,580
From: Gettysburg PA
2020 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
To answer your question, NO I would not pay more for something of perceived higher quality.
I'm also very pleased with the fit of panels, quality of paint and the car's performance. Of course, Arctic white is more forgiving on the orange peel issues. I have no complaints with this 3LT GS.......... well, except for hearing a lot of road noise, which I'm worked on somewhat.
I'm also very pleased with the fit of panels, quality of paint and the car's performance. Of course, Arctic white is more forgiving on the orange peel issues. I have no complaints with this 3LT GS.......... well, except for hearing a lot of road noise, which I'm worked on somewhat.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 22,598
Likes: 14,555
No I would not pay more. The car is cheaper than its competition because it was built by a very large corporation who can amortize costs. For example, the engine architecture is used in every single pick up truck they sell. I know I'm a broken record but as somebody who's owned 4 C5s, I was very surprised by the exterior fit and finish of my C7. I was able to take it to a body shop I trust and get it dialed in but it seems as if build quality has slipped lately. That said, I have no complaints about the interior the interior is amazing.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 710
Likes: 338
From: Houston, TX
If you check the forums of some of the higher priced competitors, you'll see the same kinds of stories about quality issues. Just because it costs more doesn't mean quality control is going to be substantially better.
If you find a car brand that doesn't have people complaining about fit and finish, by all means, buy one. Let us know how that works out for you.
If you find a car brand that doesn't have people complaining about fit and finish, by all means, buy one. Let us know how that works out for you.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,195
Likes: 479
From: Bonita Springs Florida
First of all, I agree that the C7 most likely provides more HP/performance per dollar than any other sports car in existence.
Having said that, it’s obvious from daily threads posted here regarding poor paint quality, body panel fit/alignment, general carpet quality, sound insulation and other issues that the C7 leaves a bit to be desired (from an overall quality perspective) for a car that averages about $75,000 MSRP, which is approx. double the average MSRP for new 2018 vehicles.
The consensus seems to be that these short comings are a ‘trade-off’ or “what do you expect from a world class sports car that out performs cars at twice the price”?
So my question is, would you pay more (via a higher C7 base price) or how much more would you expect to pay for better overall C7 quality.
Or are you satisfied with current C7 price vs quality?
Thanks in advance for your views and thoughts!
Having said that, it’s obvious from daily threads posted here regarding poor paint quality, body panel fit/alignment, general carpet quality, sound insulation and other issues that the C7 leaves a bit to be desired (from an overall quality perspective) for a car that averages about $75,000 MSRP, which is approx. double the average MSRP for new 2018 vehicles.
The consensus seems to be that these short comings are a ‘trade-off’ or “what do you expect from a world class sports car that out performs cars at twice the price”?
So my question is, would you pay more (via a higher C7 base price) or how much more would you expect to pay for better overall C7 quality.
Or are you satisfied with current C7 price vs quality?
Thanks in advance for your views and thoughts!
For the most part, many of the issues are not readily observable unless you start to look for them specifically.
So for me, I'd like to see GM improve the QC of the cars, but not at an extra cost to me.
To my eye, my C7 is perfect. Of course, I do not use a jeweler's loop nor a set of feeler gauges when I look at my car.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 32,040
Likes: 4,610
Yes, I'm satisfied with MY new C7. Were I not, I'd of rejected it upon inspection before writing a check for it. The pr$ce is right.
Others, are satisfied with their C7's fit n finish, even making excuses for it. The favorite phrase is; "my C7 has LESS orange peel than ANY other I've seen."
LOL!Chevrolet needs to solve their QC issues, not their customers job to solve for them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 466
From: Long Island New York
My 2014 was surprisingly flawless with no paint issues.
My 2018 also has an excellent pain job, although 2 panel gaps could be a little better.
The paint on my C7 is better than on our Acura, if that is a reasonable standard to use.
I don't expect a $30,000 paint job on a mass produced car.
My 2018 also has an excellent pain job, although 2 panel gaps could be a little better.
The paint on my C7 is better than on our Acura, if that is a reasonable standard to use.
I don't expect a $30,000 paint job on a mass produced car.
Last edited by LIStingray; Jan 20, 2018 at 12:20 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,104
Likes: 626
From: Baton Rouge LA
Based on my current GS, I couldn't expect quality to be much higher than it is. I really have no complaints, and other than a quirky CTek battery maintainer, a very minor paint issue near the left headlight (fixed myself), and the hood very slightly low on the left rear corner my car shows very high QC. It will be a long-term keeper if it continues as it has for the first 11 months.
That said, every car is different and the roll of the dice is a big factor. We've seen lemons here, although not many, but most seem to be reliable. The big exception is 2015-16 A8 TC issues that may or may not be fully rectified in later MYs. My 2015 got caught up in that rigmarole and I bailed after the car was fixed in warranty, trading it in for an M7 GS last March.
That said, every car is different and the roll of the dice is a big factor. We've seen lemons here, although not many, but most seem to be reliable. The big exception is 2015-16 A8 TC issues that may or may not be fully rectified in later MYs. My 2015 got caught up in that rigmarole and I bailed after the car was fixed in warranty, trading it in for an M7 GS last March.
Last edited by iclick; Jan 20, 2018 at 12:47 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 1,658
From: Las Vegas NV
No way. I’m very happy with the price/performance ratio the Corvette provides. My C7’s fit/finish isn’t perfect (a little orange peel and I think I saw one little chip inside a front fender/bumper joint) but it’s fine for a mass-produced car.
Question: if GM offered a $8000 option for “hand paint fit and finish” that would address all the issues, what % of Corvette do you think would be sold with that option? I’d bet VERY few. What we *would* see is people bitching saying that option should be “free” if “GM cared about quality”.
Question: if GM offered a $8000 option for “hand paint fit and finish” that would address all the issues, what % of Corvette do you think would be sold with that option? I’d bet VERY few. What we *would* see is people bitching saying that option should be “free” if “GM cared about quality”.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 25,583
Likes: 16,940
No, it's not worth paying more to try to address the OCDs of a minority. Some will never be satisfied no matter what. All you have to do is visit any Ferrari or Porsche forum for proof of that.
Last edited by Foosh; Jan 20, 2018 at 01:23 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 955
From: Central Commiefornia
I wouldn't pay more for what GM should be doing to be competitive in the marketplace. I wonder how large a problem Corvette QC is, and how "deaf" they are to complaints, since they opened a new paint facility partially to address that issue...
People who are dissatisfied are more likely to make their dissatisfaction known and owners satisfied with their cars don't go out of their way to start "I'm really happy with my car" threads.
FWIW, I am very pleased with my car's paint, fit, finish, styling and performance, and I consider myself reasonably picky about those items...
People who are dissatisfied are more likely to make their dissatisfaction known and owners satisfied with their cars don't go out of their way to start "I'm really happy with my car" threads.
FWIW, I am very pleased with my car's paint, fit, finish, styling and performance, and I consider myself reasonably picky about those items...
Last edited by jimmbbo; Jan 20, 2018 at 02:51 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 19,574
Likes: 167
From: Frederick, MD
I don't think people have to pay more, they should expect to have those qualities in a car that cost that much. GM just gets lazy and behind the times. That is why my C6's NAV is a 2004 design. The new paint booth didn't cause a big increase in MSRP so what is the issue of making it better/more competitive. Still the biggest bang for the buck but competition in that is even close.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 4,980
Likes: 3,826
From: Bainbridge Island WA
Pay more for what, again? I must be extraordinarily lucky. I have experienced nothing amiss with my vette. Of course, I've avoided some issues. I have an M7 so the A8 issues are not there. I have a vert, so noise abatement issues are not there. Yeah, I thought the mats were crap, so I threw them away and bought Lloyds for a few bucks. I can't find any paint issues despite staring at the car repeatedly up close. "Orange peel"? Really? Fitment of panels seems perfect to me--no issues I can see. Mechanically the car has been perfect in all respects. Its driving characteristics are very smooth and forgiving of my mistakes. So when you say, "Would you pay more if the car were better built?" I'm just confused. I don't see where there could be any improvements in sheer quality. Sorry about yours. But then, I've always been lucky.
Last edited by mschuyler; Jan 20, 2018 at 03:28 PM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 436
Likes: 204
From: Wentzville MO & Port Charlotte, FL
I'm pretty happy with my 3 week old z51 and it sits right next to a Lambo I bought new so I have a pretty good idea of what paying extra gets you. Is the fit and finish of my Lambo better than my C7, yes it is, but it's also a car that is completely hand assembled and every little thing is inspected and re inspected. Is the fit and finish of my Lambo worth 3 or 4 times better than my C7, nope, not even close. When it comes to getting what you pay for, not just in performance but overall quality, the vette is king, use to be close tie with a 911 turbo/turbo s but those things are 200k+ now so you can forget about them.
Last edited by blb078; Jan 20, 2018 at 11:13 PM.