GWS24

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking to buy my first Vette in the coming days, possibly even today if I can make up my mind. My budget does not allow for me to spec out my own 2019 model, as such I've narrowed my selection down to 3 cars but need some help deciding. A few things to note, I live in Connecticut so this car will only be driven for 6 months of the year max, and I also work from home so I can goes days without actually driving anywhere. I have another car that I'd consider my daily driver but will certainly be driving the Vette whenever the weather permits. This car will not be tracked and I would not consider myself an aggressive driver.

All three are Stingray convertibles and are essentially the same price give or take $2K;

1. 2017 (new) 1LT, only notable option is the exhaust performance.
2. 2017 (new) 1LT with MRC.
3. 2016 2LT, 4000 miles, clean car fax

On the face of it, option #2 would seem like the easy decision based on what I've read in these forums about the MRC. The trouble I have with it is that, looks wise, its my 3rd favorite option as its white and I prefer either Red (option 1) or Grey (option 3). While buying used for the same cost as new seems foolish, I like some of the options in the 2LT package (upgraded stereo, heated/cooling seats,). My big questions are given my "fact pattern" can I pass on the car with MRC? If so, how much $$ would I lose on resale value buying a used 2016 (option 3) versus a new 2017 (option 1)?

Any help or insight the group can provide is very much appreciated. I can't wait to make this decision and start driving!

Corgidog1

If no. 2 has perf exhaust, I would go with that one. I never buy used if I can buy new.

Thunder22

they're all automatics?

GWS24

Yes all automatics. I have almost no experience with manual shift or sports cars, so I figured best to start with an auto and see if I want to move into a manual for my next one.

dvilin

The heated and cooling seats are a joke so get over wanting that option. The performance exhaust is a must for me option 1 or 2 if it has npp.
What transmissions do these 3 have?

Thunder22

Considering autos, I would buy new to get warranty coverage.

GWS24

All auto. Option 1 has performance exhaust but not the others

CptCvMan

Based on wanting some of the options of 2LT, get the 2016. Always better to have the options and color you want. What price range you looking to be in?

GWS24

The used one is a certified pre owned, forgot to mention that in my opener

JerryU

Hmm, if I still lived in CT I would look at Kerbeck on the net and see what they had. If not exactly what I wanted would use the phone, call them and get exactly what I want on order and wait ~5 weeks for it to come in! Then I would get a friend to drive me to Atlantic City and pick it up when it came in or rent a car for a one way trip and drive it home!

Heck I did that for my C6, ordered exactly what I wanted flew to Atlantic City and drove it back to SC where I moved from CT (when there was no income tax) in 1985! All of my 5 Vettes have been ordered to my specs, built in Bowling Green.

For my recent Grand Sport, ordered from Kerbeck, and it was delivered from Bowling Green to a small dealer 30 miles away who accepted Courtesy Delivery for $250! Cheaper and easier than flying to Atlantic City and driving back to SC! You'll get about the same discount you'll see on their website! Just click on the ICON near the upper right side of this page! They are the largest Vette dealer in the country selling ~1200 year and are great to do business with! Not the Usual "NYC price haggling!" What you see is what you'll pay!

GWS24

$50k-$55K, but the closer to $50K the better obviously.

dbaker

Get the newest car you can afford that meets your driving needs.

\db2

DALE#3

Best advise..Go see them and be sure.They are a Great Car.Just deciding on your combination of color,calipers,rims.. yada yada.Wouldn't RUSH IT?

Red C8 of Jax

Buying a used sports car can be tricky sometimes because you usually don't know how the previous owner treated the car. You could be left with many problems and the C-7 is expensive to work on and the parts are $$$$. The 2016 you listed probably has warranty left and with 4,000 miles appears to have been a garage queen. I would have no problem purchasing the 2016 if it is clean and appears in excellent condition. You must also consider with the 2017, you will be the only driver and have more warranty. Since they costs about the same, I would probably go with one of the new 2017's and the new car warranty, 3/36K.

GWS24

So the used model is certified pre owned and has had 2 previous owners, but yeah must be a garage queen with only 4100 miles. The car is in Florida and if I decide to buy it will be doing so sight unseen. Another reason to pick one of the newer models.

Phanni

Unlike some of the others here, I see no problem with a ' GM certified' used car with only 4000 miles on the clock (check the service history) . If the car fax shows no problems, it is something you like, and it fits in your budget. There is little difference in the model years, however the 2LT does have some nice 'extras' such as HUD. See if you can find out why it was traded in, some folks simply didn't get what they wanted the first time, and the upgraded. For instance I bought my 2014 (several years ago) used from a friend that simply wanted a convertible. Once you buy a new car, it immediately becomes a used car.

JerryU

Just looked at Kerbeck for you:

Several 2019 Corvettes listed. this one is an A8 2dr 1LT, Arctic White, Adrenaline Red, Automatic, List ~$58K their price: $51,988. I would not by a used Vette (accept mine! )

There are a number of manual 2019s for $50K.

The stuff you read about MRC is fine for a HD suspension Z51, GE or Z06, if you Track etc! In my opinion it is way over hyped by GM and many folks on the forum! I had a 2014 Z51 without MRC and it was fine. In fact with my Grand Sport that comes with it was not a significantly softer ride on our good roads. For a base car you will see many folks say not worth the price!

NPP is OK, have had on my C6 Z51, my 2014 Z51 and now my Grand Sport! However it does NOT sound as good as a Borla or other performance exhaust but it is cheaper! Can always add a performance exhaust later and save money now!

PS: Get a manual, with rev match you'll learn to love it, while saving money! In my case I would NOT own an automatic. Afraid I'll be stuck with a computer operated manual with a C8! Will be my fist daily driver in ~60 years without a third pedal!

Just looked at another! If I was limited to your budget this would be for me!
2LT Coupe, Arctic White, Adrenaline Red, Manual, List = $61,540 Kerbeck Price = $55,364

If you need a Vert best price they have is $56,000 for a 1LT automatic!

RFZ

i would go with the 2016. 2lt options are well worth it. heck i use my heated seats in tucson, i am sure you would use them where you live. all in all 2lt much nicer package.

Thunder22

he doesn't know how to drive a stick.

Internets_Ninja

Personally I would keep waiting for a 2017 that has 2LT + Performance Exhaust. Even a lightly used 2016 with these options would be a great buy, especially if it is a GM Certified Used car. The certified cars come with an extra year of GM Factory warranty which would make it the same length warranty of a new 2017.

MRC is optional. If you're concerned about a harsh ride then wait for an MRC car but you will likely need to go used 2016 to fit that in your budget on a 2LT.