USAA. Been with them almost 40 years and it would take dynamite to make me change. Years ago, I got an unsolicited call (back before caller ID) wanting to quote on my auto insurance. The caller asked who I was with. When I told them USAA, he said "never mind" and hung up. Over those 40 years, their service has been outstanding and I doubt very seriously I could save more than a few shillings if I changed and doubt anyone can match their service.

In their defense, when I was getting quotes, the C7 was still relatively new and the the person giving me the quote might have confused the Z51 with the Z06 which was still even newer if I recall. I was already leaning toward the base in the decision process and this was just the final tip of the scale.

 

If you are just looking for the C7 styling and cruise around the street then they base is fine and as mentioned you can add some Z51 sway bars to firm up the suspension a bit. However, if you plan to track the car or are just the type of person who enjoys the extra performance/track hardware then definitely get the Z51 package or step up to the Grand Sport. The argument is that for the price delta ($3200) between a Stingray with Z51 and a Grand Sport, the money is better spent on the Grand Sport. To many, the Grand Sport is a specific model represents the sweet spot in the C7 lineup. It offers the look and handling feel of the wide body Z06 without the supercharged engine. The Z06 for another $14k or so on top of Grand Sport gets you the extra power but I would argue that it is a lot of extra coin for power that is tough to use on the street. I can only use the base 460hp engine performance in short bursts as it is.

I own a 2017 base Stingray now, great car. I like the simplicity if offers over some of the higher end models. One thing I didn't care for though is that I thought the suspension was a little too soft for a Corvette. The base suspension lacks a rear sway bar and when I would take a sharp turn the back end would wallow around a bit too much for my taste. Easy fix is to install the Z51 sway bars and bushings for $350, which I did and it is a nice improvement. The base shock are a little floaty but make for a nice ride on the street without the need for Mag ride. I really enjoyed the C7 so much that I put an order in for a Grand Sport Convertible. I want to snag a C7 manual convertible in fear they may stop making them. I am not interested in the mid-engine C8 at this point but I am sure that will change in a few years.

 

I've been with USAA for 49 years and had the same experience with a State Farm agent who cold-called me. "Well, I can't beat their prices, so thanks for your time." I went from a base 2015 C7 to a 2017 GS and my rates only went up slightly, <$20 IIRC.

 

you mentioned in a previous post you have a ceiling of 60k. and already have a DD first tier hardtop muscle car. as Monty would say, and now for something completely different, forgoe the Z51 and put that money into a c7 convertible. if you can get a deeply discounted last year's model next spring with both vert and z51 at your price, I woudn't say no, but put vert first. another sports coupe is just more of what you already got.

 

Thanks for all the replies everyone. So much to think about. So many options.

My current ride and DD is a 2016 Charger SRT 392. It was a factory order, but once you choose the model, there are no more performance options. Only thing I really had to decide was sunroof, nav, leather and upgraded stereo and I just got everything. I will be keeping this car and adding the C7, not replacing the SRT with it.

With the C7 there's a LOT of things to consider with the different trims levels and performance options. Never had that before on any factory order.

Yes, my original ceiling was $60k for a used C7, but then I started looking at buying new and considered increasing my budget....not sure a convertible would be a good choice for me...

I see so many 2014/15 Stingrays selling used for close to MSRP so I started just looking at new, then I got overwhelmed with all the options.

 

 

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Talk a little more about your thoughts on the e-diff.


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LimeRay (and anyone else that would like to chime in)
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Talk a little more about your thoughts on the e-diff.


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The Z51 was the only way to go for me. I ordered a new Z51 back in 2013 and got an early production 2014 model in October. The Z51 has the e-diff, better cooling, larger wheels and tires, dry sump, and combined with the mag ride is totally awesome. I can turn it down to ride softer when my wife is in the car, and open it up when it's just me. I wanted a sports car, not a boulevard cruiser. Well worth int he money IMO.

 

That's all that counts.

 

Electronic Limited-Slip Differential

The job of the smart electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) included in the Z51 Performance Package is to constantly make the most of the torque split between the rear wheels. The system utilizes a hydraulically-actuated clutch that is capable of varying clutch engagement, being able to respond from open to full engagement in tenths of a second.

The eLSD distributes torque based on a unique algorithm that takes into account vehicle speed, steering input, and throttle position to improve steering feel, handling balance, and traction. In addition, the functionality of the eLSD is adjusted with the selection of the Driver Mode Selector. By changing the rate at which the limited slip engages to balance between steering response and stability in different driving conditions, the eLSD provides more aggressive performance in Sport and Track modes.



Read more: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/02/...#ixzz5RYuaoHqC

 

For me ,the Z51 pkg was worth the extra $2800.I ordered mine('17) because there were few Z51's w/M7 on the lot's.

Also, I prefer the "slim" body over the "wide" body.I don't track my personal cars,But I do enjoy the handling of the '51 pkg better.

\db2

 

If you are trying to keep the price of the car to a minimum and you do not intend to track the car....the base suspension will be fine! I would suggest however, having the Z51 sway bars installed. This kit sells for around $330 and really makes a difference in the handling of the base suspension. The base car will give you the best ride of all the C7 Vettes, little or no brake dust and the most cost efficient of all. I just bought a '19 Stingray Convertible with the base suspension (added Z51 sway bars) and am completely happy with the great ride, handling.

 

 

if you are going to track the car then go Z51, if not the base will be fine. Most of the Z51 benefits would only become apparent when pushing the car way harder then is possible or even close to safe on the street.

Now with that said... I do feel the MSRC is worth the extra cost and that requires the Z51 package

 

Last winter, I spent a lot of time on this site researching the differing opinions on the benefits of Z51. My conclusion was that Z51 provides some awesome performance hardware for the dollar, but also comes with some added complexity. My decision was to go with a base Stingray. The performance is incredible, and it handles better than I can drive it. Rides really nice on an 1.5 hour drive. No regrets.

 

We passed on the Z51 option. We would never realize the benefit. And spent that money plus some on HRE's upgraded to Z51 19x20 specs. Which we see everyday.

 

Thanks for all the insight everyone.

So far looking online is difficult because most of the listings don't specify if the car has 1LT, 2LT or 3LT and/or if it has the Z51 package. Which is probably why there's so much variation in the prices.

As I get closer to the purchase date I'll get more serious and start making some calls. I'm about 6 months out from purchasing so no point wasting anyone's time that is selling now.

I looked at the Grand Sport and I think that's kind of out of my budget range. Not that I couldn't afford it, just that I don't want to. Kids are grown up now and Mrs Flex and I like to travel so I don't want all my expendable cash going to my car.

If I can find a low mileage used car with the Z51 package and 2LT or 3LT for a good price I'll grab it. If I end up buying new I will have to agonize some more over this. I've got a few bonuses coming up so if any of that is left over after the SRT is paid off then that will certainly influence my decision. Seems to me the Z51 package costs about twice as much in Canada....

 

To the OP, I wouldn't agonize. If possible go drive the cars you are contemplating especially since you have time on your side. It took me a year to find the used car that was right for me and in the process ended up test driving several different models to best understand what would be right for me and how I will most enjoy the car.

Everyone is different and no two people use these cars in exactly the same way. One person's "must have's" are another person's "no big deal" options. The best part of the Corvette buying experience is that there are so many different models to pick and choose from that there is a very good chance that one will come very close to being the right car at the right price. It seems you are willing to be patient. I took my time did not get excited about the first car I looked at and eventually landed on what is the version the best met all of my requirements.

 

LMAO not really. I just need until probably at least January and maybe into March to pay off my current car loan before I buy the Vette, and I likely wouldn't put a Corvette on the road up here until at least April due to weather. So the situation is affording me the time. I have no patience at all.