UofAZCats

My wife and I are looking to take the plunge and buy a 2014 Corvette convertible. I don't know much about the different corvette types (Stingray, Grand Sport, etc). Is there a FAQ that you recommend that I can read through? I looked around a little and didn't see anything obvious. Also any particular issues with the 2014 or convertibles I should be aware of prior to buying? I have some time to look into things as I don't plan to start looking until after Christmas for a gently used Laguna blue corvette. Any input for this newbie is appreciated.

Rebel Yell

There is a lot of information the the "sticky" section at the top of this section. The 2014's have a proven reliability record, having very few problems. Any of those new build problems should have been taken care of on a pre-owned car by now. Just take your time, and do your due diligence when looking for a Corvette. Try to find one that hasn't been modified as you don't want to buy anyone else's problems. There are many "garage queens", and lightly used 14's out there, and with some patience they can be found. And, if you can don't be afraid to travel to get the perfect car for you. If you find something you like post up any questions you have here. There's a ton of knowledge, and experience on this forum. Good luck.

dvilin

No known issue with the year 14, as my Brother Rebel Yell states in his post some very good advice to follow. No problems with the Convertible a great choice with top down very little wind buffeting less than a coupe with the top removed and quieter as well. Many forget the C7 was built as a Convertible first. Good luck with your search.

RicK T

If you are restricting your search to 2014's, the only model available that year was the Stingray. The Z06 arrived in 2015 and the GS in 2017. Makes it easier for you.

Mayor111

I just bought a 2014 Z51...make sure you do the same. Spend the small amount extra to ensure you get a Z51 - its probably the most bang for your buck in terms of performance upgrades. As for options, Corvette's are pretty easy - there are three options:

1LT - least options - least expensive
2LT - seems to be most popular - good amount of options
3LT - most expensive but fully loaded with all the goodies

Again, since you are buying used (very smart by the way), you should look for a Z51, 3LT...why get anything less, because the price will be negligible at best between 2LT and 3LT for a 2014. Not sure if you want manual or automatic...and of course you will see black rims and chrome rims...the jury is 50/50 on that vote when asked here on the forums which color looks better (Im a chrome guy myself).

This is my 2014, Z51, 3LT

JMII

KenHorse

That's a bit misleading. My 2014 Z51 was a 2LT and had both mag ride select and NPP exhaust. Sure they were extra but didn't have to go with a 3LT to get 'em

(by the way, can't believe it's been over 2 1/2 months since I sold it!)

bigblock427

I ordered a '14 in April 2014 and it was delivered in May 2014. I drove 46,000 miles in it over 48 months before selling it to buy a '19 Grand Sport Vette. I never needed to take it in for servicing other than the normal oil and fluid changes. The body panel and paint finish were very good.
My '14 was a 1LT coupe, with Z51, Mag Ride, dual mode exhaust, and 7 speed manual transmission.

Good luck in your search.

UofAZCats

Great advice. A buddy recommended this forum as he said everyone was knowledgeable and helpful. Glad he was right.

Is there a link to what comes with each of the option packages for the 2014's? Are the interior colors tied to option packages? My wife will be driving it also so we will definitely be getting the automatic transmission. Living in Florida I am very interested in cooling seats.

Thanks again everyone.

Steve_R

I bought a '14 vert in April of 2014. It's been absolutely trouble free. Be aware that the seats are vented, but not cooled; big difference.

A320Flyer

Skid Row Joe

There can always be issues with any vehicle you buy. Just find and buy one. 👍

jimmbbo

I suggest not limiting yourself to a '14. There were small changes from year to year, and a newer year might give you something you'd like to have for the same ballpark price.
The trim level (1LT, 2LT, 3LT) is a matter of personal choice. I preferred the 2LT, as it had features I wanted and the 3LT was mostly additional suede and leather that didn't add to the functionality of the car for me.
Additionally, how you plan to use the car can figure into the choice... If you plan to track the car, then getting a "Z" or "GS" vette with their upgraded systems and suspension make sense. If you plan it as a daily driver/touring car, the base Stingray will provide all the performance you can use on the street without the additional parts that can require maintenance/replacement. If you don't need the parts and they ain't on the car, they can't cause down time and additional repair costs... Also, the Z and GS cars are more likely to have been tracked with unknown results...
"Patience, Grasshopper", and good luck finding the car you want!

Dave80C3

Buying a used 2014, I would go for everything as it will not be much more. By that I mean 3LT, Z51, Mag ride and NPP exhaust. That gives you the most options, and the most performance in one package.

Thats what I ordered in Oct of 2013. Just traded it for a GS

Ih2lose

I can tell you as a new C7 owner your in for a treat , Some things to think about when buying a used car.

Your buy ing a used car and may be dealing with the sharks of the industry, When ever we purchase a used GM from a GM dealer we purchase what they call GM certified, They go thru a full list of items, you pay extra but I feel your in a higher quality car. I pay attention to car fax, I don't bother with any that has damage. If not sold at a gm dealer find a friend in a service bay at GM and they can look at the vin history of service.If you see a long list of service visits for gremlins pass on it, You should only see the dealer prep and any recalls found, then simple service Oil changes etc

I see your in north east Fl, I would suggest a trip to The tampa bay area (about 2 hrs and 15 minutes if you by pass orlando) there is a Used corvette dealer in Largo Floridahttps://vettenet.com
Who always has High quality cars , Notice I did not say cheap. It will give you the ability to see allot of C7 in one lot and you will also get to drive them, Check hours before coming over. While your over here also visit Dimmit Chevrolet on 19 they always have some used C7 on the lot. Not sure how long your waiting ,or want to wait ,but soon with the new body style coming out soon, full see the used car market flush with C7 Vettes as most folks always want the newest style. I always say "I am keeping this one fore ever the new ones are ugly " and with in six months I am trying to figure out how to get the new body style

Good Luck and as I have said your in for a treat

Rebel Yell

Check the "build and price" section at www.chevrolet.com. The trim level options for the '19's are basically the same a they were in 2014. And yes, there are interior colors that are trim level specific, i.e. Spice Red. And, the cooled seats come with the 2, and 3 LT trim levels.

dbirdhouse1

….Torch Red 2014 Z51 Conv. 7MT 1LT; have owned it for a little over 2 years; of the 6 Vettes I have owned (and this is the last, retired this year) it has been the most trouble free; as others have
said the year with the fewest problems (especially if you want an auto, '14 was the trouble free 6 speed auto while the newer 8 speed has had more than it's share of faults). If I had it to do again, and could have
afforded it I definitely would have gone with the 2LT but I "suffer" without it. Good luck with your search.

Mr. Peabody

Particularly if this is going to be your first Corvette I recommend investing $20.00 and get yourself a copy of Mike Antonick's Corvette Black Book (google it) it's great in that it gives you 2 or 3 pages on each year Corvette. It makes it very easy to see what colors were available each year, what options were contained in each package, what options were available for order outside of a package and .... what optional equipment came standard in later years.

Best of luck and enjoy the search

JMII

For older cars I can see value there, but for newer vehicles (anything in the last 10 years) everything you need is available online. For example here is the dealership brochure with all the options and colors for the 2014 C7: http://www.autotrends.org/brochures/...e-brochure.pdf

Ih2lose

Excellent resource. Good Idea , I am waiting for the 2018 stats to get published