C7 reliability generally blows
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 57
Likes: 12
From: AZ
I can say that out of the 7 I’ve owned, 7 were daily driven, tracked, and stress tested for their entire lives. My C5Z went 90k before I sold it. That thing was a beast and like all of the others, was perfectly reliable.
only single real issue I had with any of them was a broken power steering rack, and that’s because I’m a knuckle head and broke it on Road Atlanta doing “abnormal things”... HAHA
These cars are amazing, just drive them and drive them hard!
only single real issue I had with any of them was a broken power steering rack, and that’s because I’m a knuckle head and broke it on Road Atlanta doing “abnormal things”... HAHA
These cars are amazing, just drive them and drive them hard!
You're situation is unique. Corvettes are one of the most traded vehicles on the market (because of their impracticality and high cost) and the majority of those have few miles, hence why they maintain a decent re-sale value. Those with avg miles compared to any other vehicle depreciate like mad. I was a car buyer for the rich and bratty for a while, its amazing how money was tossed around for sports cars that owners spent more time polishing as opposed to driving them.
GM isn't exactly known for quality or reliability in general (plenty of evidence there), but the corvette thrives because its a "poor mans" exotic. I qualify for that statement for sure. My advice is to buy a used 1 owner vette with - you guessed it - low miles and no performance mods bolted on (steer clear of those). I picked up a 2018 Grand Sport, LT2 with 8K miles for 53k, the poor sap that bought it new lost around 20 grand in a years time - not exactly smart money mgmt!
Last edited by the_darkness_vette; May 1, 2019 at 03:23 AM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 485
Likes: 167
From: South Florida
You're situation is unique. Corvettes are one of the most traded vehicles on the market (because of their impracticality and high cost) and the majority of those have few miles, hence why they maintain a decent re-sale value. Those with avg miles compared to any other vehicle depreciate like mad. I was a car buyer for the rich and bratty for a while, its amazing how money was tossed around for sports cars that owners spent more time polishing as opposed to driving them.
GM isn't exactly known for quality or reliability in general (plenty of evidence there), but the corvette thrives because its a "poor mans" exotic. I qualify for that statement for sure. My advice is to buy a used 1 owner vette with - you guessed it - low miles and no performance mods bolted on (steer clear of those). I picked up a 2018 Grand Sport, LT2 with 8K miles for 53k, the poor sap that bought it new lost around 20 grand in a years time - not exactly smart money mgmt!
GM isn't exactly known for quality or reliability in general (plenty of evidence there), but the corvette thrives because its a "poor mans" exotic. I qualify for that statement for sure. My advice is to buy a used 1 owner vette with - you guessed it - low miles and no performance mods bolted on (steer clear of those). I picked up a 2018 Grand Sport, LT2 with 8K miles for 53k, the poor sap that bought it new lost around 20 grand in a years time - not exactly smart money mgmt!
You say they hold their value because the miles are low? They either hold their value because of all factors or they don't. The Silverado and Malibu are pretty reliable, and Corvette is most reliable 200mph car design ever made. Check the price of an extended warranty of a Porsche or Ferrari, compared to a Z06. I would expect warranty companies know how to price such things
.You suggest you know what you are talking about and we should accept your wisdom since you bought a 'LT2'.
Not exactly a Corvette guy are you. Don'y pretend to be one.
I could go on, but need to get to work.
Last edited by LarryFL; May 1, 2019 at 07:33 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 414
From: Germantown Maryland
Luckily with my '16 Z51 M7 I don't have A8 issues or Z06 cooling issues. So in terms of warranty so far my car has been to the dealer only for the air bag reflash. Pretty darned reliable. BUT... it has only 8500 miles and C7s have a number of potential issues that require big $$ repairs. Getting a big bill for even one repair can introduce some bias.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 122
Likes: 70
I have to agree with you 100% here. I have a 2012 Mustang GT for 2.5 years (8k miles) and a 2013 Miata Club for 3.5 years (12k miles). They have never seen the dealership. Just order a Corvette Stingray, it will be a weekend car as well. When used like this, any car will be reliable.
Last edited by Triplethefun; May 1, 2019 at 08:12 AM.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 652
Likes: 156
From: Clarksville, TN
Mine is mostly a daily that sees frequent abuse especially now that I put the LT4 blower on it. It's been to the dealer for a dashboard replacement, trans flush and general servicing. It will probably be going back to the dealer for another dash (delamination again) and possible seat replacement (material pulling away from the seat back). In my experience it's been mechanically reliable for 26,000 miles as it should be but I am also not someone who complains about every little vibration, hard shift or noise that randomly occurs. So for me, the build quality is the issue particularly with the interior. I'm sure the inverse is true for those who have had numerous mechanical issues and zero build quality issues.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,194
Likes: 305
From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
SoCal Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12
My 14 Z51 convertible was a great car, wish I had kept it but I wanted that Z06. Both my 17's are great. Not sure who is reading this crap and believing everything they have to say. My experience says otherwise. Your experience may differ.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 158
From: Irvine CA
Yes, Corvette reliability sucks. I don’t care. I love my Vettes.
I buy the maximum extended warranty and don’t worry about it.
My C6 and C7 were at the dealer MANY times with MAJOR problems. ALL FIXED.
The miles of smiles far outnumber days in the shop.
I just ordered a 2019 C7 to replace my 2014 C7, which still has 2 years left on its extended warranty. I’ll soon have another 7 years. I don’t give a rat’s *** about reliability.
I buy the maximum extended warranty and don’t worry about it.
My C6 and C7 were at the dealer MANY times with MAJOR problems. ALL FIXED.
The miles of smiles far outnumber days in the shop.
I just ordered a 2019 C7 to replace my 2014 C7, which still has 2 years left on its extended warranty. I’ll soon have another 7 years. I don’t give a rat’s *** about reliability.
Last edited by SASprof; May 1, 2019 at 09:46 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,315
Likes: 230
From: McDonough, Georgia
Actually, I don't think there are a lot of American car manufacturers with glistening reliability historys. Japanese makers generally produce cars with better quality.
So, without turning this thread into THAT sort of discussion, suffice it to say Corvette quality and reliability isn't out of line with any other of the "Big Three" production vehicles.
And, IF a lot of people drive their Corvette very few miles, not in the rain, not in the winter, etc. AND this car--therefore--doesn't show failures like one that has been driven over 100,000 miles, what's wrong with that? I mean, the Corvette owners of low-mileage Corvettes have their car for many years and no (or very few) problems. That's all they care about, right?
So, without turning this thread into THAT sort of discussion, suffice it to say Corvette quality and reliability isn't out of line with any other of the "Big Three" production vehicles.
And, IF a lot of people drive their Corvette very few miles, not in the rain, not in the winter, etc. AND this car--therefore--doesn't show failures like one that has been driven over 100,000 miles, what's wrong with that? I mean, the Corvette owners of low-mileage Corvettes have their car for many years and no (or very few) problems. That's all they care about, right?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 409
From: Lake Placid, FL
I wasnt going to reply, then I saw -- "You say they hold their value because the miles are low? They either hold their value because of all factors or they don't." Man, I would love to flip a car to you!
Ive actually owned 4 Vettes, 2 Ferraris, 2 5.0 Mustangs, a 17 SS Camaro, the new Z...and a few other unique cars. As mentioned I also worked as a car buying service for people with far more $$ than myself. Sorry if my forum qualifications dont meet up to "senior moment" level status here. Mechanically others here would run circles around me, valuation, depreciation and negotiation-wise I would run circles around the avg armchair vehicle QB. My last vette has changed hands twice in the span of 18 months AFTER I sold it - these cars get moved around, trust me.
People buy new, because they have no concept of depreciation and are memorized by shiny objects. Btw...Extended warranties are basically glorified insurance policies typically owned by 3rd parties. When you submit for repair past the manufactures warranty limits you are basically making an ins claim and can be denied or limited because of all types of conditions. Buying one of those is also a giant money waster as you are paying for repairs in advance that you shouldnt have in the first place! Buying one is - in a way- admitting you have no faith in the vehicles reliability. The dealership spins it as "piece of mind" and "expensive electronics". They start high waiting for the trout to take the bait, and then work the price down - its pure profit.
Im a corvette guy and never pay retail to enjoy one. They are awesome cars and far more reliable than Ferraris or other exotics for sure (investment flips, not really drivers).
Thanks for the comments, gives me hope I can continue flipping vehicles at higher than market prices.
Ive actually owned 4 Vettes, 2 Ferraris, 2 5.0 Mustangs, a 17 SS Camaro, the new Z...and a few other unique cars. As mentioned I also worked as a car buying service for people with far more $$ than myself. Sorry if my forum qualifications dont meet up to "senior moment" level status here. Mechanically others here would run circles around me, valuation, depreciation and negotiation-wise I would run circles around the avg armchair vehicle QB. My last vette has changed hands twice in the span of 18 months AFTER I sold it - these cars get moved around, trust me.
People buy new, because they have no concept of depreciation and are memorized by shiny objects. Btw...Extended warranties are basically glorified insurance policies typically owned by 3rd parties. When you submit for repair past the manufactures warranty limits you are basically making an ins claim and can be denied or limited because of all types of conditions. Buying one of those is also a giant money waster as you are paying for repairs in advance that you shouldnt have in the first place! Buying one is - in a way- admitting you have no faith in the vehicles reliability. The dealership spins it as "piece of mind" and "expensive electronics". They start high waiting for the trout to take the bait, and then work the price down - its pure profit.
Im a corvette guy and never pay retail to enjoy one. They are awesome cars and far more reliable than Ferraris or other exotics for sure (investment flips, not really drivers).
Thanks for the comments, gives me hope I can continue flipping vehicles at higher than market prices.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 592
Likes: 314
From: Chesterfield Twp., Michigan
Years ago I was reading Consumer Reports and they gave Corvette "Average" for outer body rust. 
After reading that I gave Consumer Reports a "Much Below Average" score and have not paid attention to it since. Stereotyping car owners though, I believe that owners of different cars have different expectations and viewpoints of their cars thus influencing how they rate their cars.
After reading that I gave Consumer Reports a "Much Below Average" score and have not paid attention to it since. Stereotyping car owners though, I believe that owners of different cars have different expectations and viewpoints of their cars thus influencing how they rate their cars.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 416
From: San Diego
CR, or anyone else for that matter, is only as reliable as their methodology allows, and thats basically the whole story. i dont like the one size fits all lib dem fruitcake thinking that stains everything, these days. my favorite is people doing reviews on a truck and measuring it with a yardstick for a car.. ride quality and noise and such. i'm like.. yes but uh, ya know.. truck big, much noise, makum powah, etcetc...
/sigh
the stupid, it burns...
CR or anyone else might not be so surprised to learn i'll give up my C7 M7 over my cold, dead ***.
/sigh
the stupid, it burns...
CR or anyone else might not be so surprised to learn i'll give up my C7 M7 over my cold, dead ***.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 86
From: San Diego CA.
CR, or anyone else for that matter, is only as reliable as their methodology allows, and thats basically the whole story. i dont like the one size fits all lib dem fruitcake thinking that stains everything, these days. my favorite is people doing reviews on a truck and measuring it with a yardstick for a car.. ride quality and noise and such. i'm like.. yes but uh, ya know.. truck big, much noise, makum powah, etcetc...
/sigh
the stupid, it burns...
CR or anyone else might not be so surprised to learn i'll give up my C7 M7 over my cold, dead ***.
/sigh
the stupid, it burns...
CR or anyone else might not be so surprised to learn i'll give up my C7 M7 over my cold, dead ***.