GeometryRules

I am looking to get a C7 for around 40k (hopefully silver, black rims, red calipers, and maybe red interior). Is there anything I need to look for good or bad?

Is the Z51 package really worth it? I most likely won't go on a track with it, however, I still want to have some fun on the back roads with it. Also, how much smoother is the ride without it (I have not driven one yet with the Z51 package)? And honestly, I like the look of the spoiler better on the base model.

orca1946

I don't think the ride is any "tougher" that a standard Vette. Z51 has all the coolers and better brakes, I think.

Corgidog1

I have a non z51 and it handles great for the non track turns I take on back roads. if you are gonna take hi speeds turns at close or above 1g you might want the z51. I personally think the base spoiler compliments the lines of the rear while the full spoiler negates the lines with its straight across the entire back design.

Plus the brakes of the non z show very little brake dust compared to the z and oil changes and oil level checks are much simpler.

IMHO unless you track the car the base is more than you will ever need or use.

Johnp94

I got the Z51 because I was able to afford it and I just wanted a badge I can brag about. One option to look for is Mag ride. I have it and like it. But still no big deal after coming from a 1999 Camaro Z28. Mag ride would be good to have. Anything else you can add later if you want. Slotted rotors, rear spoiler, better sounding exhaust, Sway barsDry sump oil system not needed if your not tracking the car.

GeometryRules

Isn't the Z51 better to have for selling or trading it in a later? Cause I'll probably end up trading it in in a few years.

Jeff V.

I've got a Z51, but I'm really hoping to get some track time with it. If that's not in your plans, then I wouldn't bother. From what I saw when I was shopping for my car last year, having a Z51 or not didn't make a huge difference in price. A couple grand at most. It seemed like mileage and overall condition were much more important. I definitely wouldn't hold out for a Z51 solely based on what trade in values might be in a few years.

I'd focus on the options you want. If you find one that's exactly what you want, jump on it. Try to get at least a 2LT though. For the HUD, upgraded seats with memory, and a few other standard options. There's also some differences between 1LT/2LT/3LT when it comes to which parts of the interior are red. 1LT gets you red seats only. Everything else is black. Some of it you can add later, but it definitely eats into the savings you got buying a 1LT to begin with. I'd get 2LT at a minimum (mine is a 2LT) and 3LT if you want all the non-performance goodies, lots of red interior parts, and factory navigation.

FunDriver

I have a Z51 and like it but wonder if Mag ride would have helped. The package has a lot of both performance and appearance options versus the base model. As I recall, some of the upgrades are 19/20 in wheels, NPP performance exhaust, dry sump, E-diff, brakes, shocks, diff cool, sway bars, cool pkg, 2.73 vs 2.41 axle ratio (A8 auto) Michelin ZP tires, larger exhaust tips, aero differences, etc.

I had two friends visit, both with 2014 Torch Red, one with base and the other Z51. Side by side you cold tell the difference with the Z51 looking (in my opinion) "meaner" and better.

dbaker

Go drive both & pick the one that suits your style & $.

\db2

...and Yes,for me the Z51 is worth it.Only a couple thou more.

Kevin A Jones

Doesn't sound like you are going to track it and have a pretty good idea as to what you want, so I would concentrate more on finding C7's that meet your other criteria (color combo etc) in the $40K area, and let the base Stingray vs Z51 fall where it may.
As if you limit your search to a Z51 you are more likely going to have settle for what color etc you can get.

Billy346

I have a Z51 w/0 mag ride, and my dad has a base stingray with mag ride. Both are 2017. I can tell you that the ride and handing is very similar between the two. With my dad's car, touring mode is very smooth, and track mode feels like the non-mag ride suspension on my Z51. These days many people are saying that if you are looking at a Z51, you should consider a GS instead because the price difference is slim and you get man more go-fast features. I tend to agree with this sentiment. If you're looking for a nice street fighter / hot rod, then a base Stingray will be just fine in my opinion. It will do everything you want to do.

Jeff V.

If you're buying new, sure, the price gap isn't too big. But used, you're not going to get a GS for much under 55k.

gpotski

The Z51 is an upgrade on the standard Stingray.

Adding Magnetic Selective Ride is a must (IMHO).

The improved control of the handling is amazing.

With the Z51, you hit a sweet spot in cost/value.

The GS is another leap above the Z51 with $$ cost.

I went with the Z51 with MSR.

Good luck finding the right car.

hammong

I just traded my 2005 C6 Convertible with 29K miles for a 2014 base C7 1LT with 11K miles, paid $40K.

For the kind of driving I do (mostly straight line) and the fact I don't plan on tracking the car, Z51 wasn't a requirement. Magnetic ride and eLSD would have been nice, but the wider/bigger wheels, brakes, sway bars, and cooling aren't something I need or want with my local roads.

kennyjames21

Really, performance wise, the difference between the base stingray, z51 and grandsport is not huge and is something you're only really going to notice on a track.

The magnetic ride option is something you want if ride comfort and handling is important to you - this is something you will notice during regular road driving.

If you are in the market for a z51, you should also consider the grandsport which is only around 3.5k more new than a similarly equipped z51 (assuming you want magnetic ride control).

Go to kbb.com and you can get an idea of how these cars depreciate for when you want to trade them in. From what I've seen, the options seem to depreciate faster than the base value of the car.