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I'm seriously thinking of "upgrading" from a C5 to a C7. Is there anything in particular I should be concerned with or look out for? Thanks in advance.
Ok buy what floats your boat trim level if you like HUD memory, heated and cooled seats go with 2LT, 3lt adds some other goodies but check the top of the dash for the leather bubbling up under the windshield I prefer manual and they have less problems than the auto. Check for good operation of the auto you can read many threads here on the auto. I went from a C6 to a C7 and it was amazing the difference in performance and technology and overall comfort. I couldnt be happier
Last edited by Jmhornz71; Nov 3, 2018 at 11:13 PM.
No. The C7 is the first Corvette worth buying since 1978 C3. Just be sure you don't get stuck with a 1LT.
Originally Posted by z06inVB
Hardly. 😂
Sad Joe cant go a thread with out putting owners of a 1LT down. I am sure for many Very Happy Corvette owners, the 1LT was what enabled them to buy a corvette, and have money left over to enjoy it.
I hope your facial skin is elastic enough to handle all of the smiling LOL!
I've owned a few C5's, and a few C7's. I love, LOVE the C5 (truly). Would happily drive on daily again, but the C7 is a tremendous difference.
Do you have a C5 Z06 or coupe (or vert)? Do you prefer ultimate handling over creature comforts? Auto or stick preference?
I ask these because there are different considerations depending.
Thanks for your reply. I'm looking for a vert with a stick. Not worried about creature comforts, although I plan to take the occasional road trip. Going in the caravan next year to the Museum...in the C5 if I don't sell it or a C7 if I get one. Thanks again.
get at least a 2LT. 16up have front cameras and apple carplay/android auto..
Flat bottom steering wheels started on the 15's iirc. but at that point the addition of the carplay and adroid auto alone even on a 1LT would make me buy a 16 over a 15
2LT (i own a 16 3LZ coming from a 3LT C6 with mag ride and NPP) has the right features for anyone's wants. 3LT/LZ has better Leather and upper sueded microfiber / alcantara trim.
make sure you get magnetic ride. it's a game changer was so on my C6 and even more on my C7..
Its really sad when people say the C7 is the only corvette worth buying. Sure, if you had a brand new zero mile example of every generation to pick from, the C7 would be the choice. But back in the day when each generation was fresh and new they were all great cars. I had a 86, 99, 05, and now a 2014. I loved every one of them. Sure they all had their quirks, the C5 the least, but I had that one the shortest amount of time.
My only real complaint was GMs silly anti-theft steering/ignition lock systems.
Flat bottom steering wheels started on the 15's iirc. but at that point the addition of the carplay and adroid auto alone even on a 1LT would make me buy a 16 over a 15
Much like the OP, I too have been planning on going from a C5 (my very first Corvette) to a C7. I even have everything pretty much picked out, down to those "must have" accessories. Lately, however, I have been having second thoughts:
1. I really love my C5. And it doesn't appear to be just me. I have read many others (including devnul on this thread) extol its virtues. I have never even sat in a C6, but if one were to draw a conclusion from our forum, the C6 seems to have been a slight step down in the "fun factor," though certainly not when it comes to technology. I just love my C5.
2. It is paid for. I do not consider myself wealthy, and though I have been saving and can afford pretty much any C7, GS and below, a new C7 is a chunk of money that my conservative brain is saying would be better served being invested toward retirement. My impetus for getting a C7 now has been the thought that with the C8 coming out, there may be deep discounts this winter. But with all the talk of the C7 and C8 being produced concurrently, this is just speculation. Bottom line: Will the purchase of a new C7 provide an experience that much above and beyond my C5 to justify that amount of cash?
3. I don't worry about it. My C5 is 14 years old. It is in perfect condition, but it is not brand-spanking-new. I don't worry about bent or broken wheels (hello GS ownership), or slight door dings, or any of the other things I know I will be sweating with a brand new C7. The value of the entire car is about $17,000 according to KBB. It is worth way more than that to me. I know this anxiety will fade over time, but I also know myself, and it will be a factor for a while.
4. I worry about being too flashy. I am a pretty low-key guy. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the looks of the C7. It is a work of art. But I much prefer turning fewer heads, rather than more. My C5, with its pop up headlights, already has the nostalgic vibe, as opposed to the OH MY GOD vibe of a C7.
5. My unique situation is that my C5 has sentimental value. It was my father-in-law's frolic and detour. He is about as straight-laced and conservative as they come, but he snapped a little in 2004 and bought the last of the C5 model year. The last few years, he couldn't get in and out of it, so he asked me if I wanted it. Stupid question. I would keep both in a heartbeat except for the fact that we only have a 2 car garage, and I can't imagine going the garage lift route would make me use the upper car very much, though it is a possibility. I suspect the inconvenient car would just sit.
Sooooo...
Talk me back into getting a C7 this winter. Be convincing. Pull no punches. Fight dirty if you have to.
Much like the OP, I too have been planning on going from a C5 (my very first Corvette) to a C7. I even have everything pretty much picked out, down to those "must have" accessories. Lately, however, I have been having second thoughts:
1. I really love my C5. And it doesn't appear to be just me. I have read many others (including devnul on this thread) extol its virtues. I have never even sat in a C6, but if one were to draw a conclusion from our forum, the C6 seems to have been a slight step down in the "fun factor," though certainly not when it comes to technology. I just love my C5.
2. It is paid for. I do not consider myself wealthy, and though I have been saving and can afford pretty much any C7, GS and below, a new C7 is a chunk of money that my conservative brain is saying would be better served being invested toward retirement. My impetus for getting a C7 now has been the thought that with the C8 coming out, there may be deep discounts this winter. But with all the talk of the C7 and C8 being produced concurrently, this is just speculation. Bottom line: Will the purchase of a new C7 provide an experience that much above and beyond my C5 to justify that amount of cash?
3. I don't worry about it. My C5 is 14 years old. It is in perfect condition, but it is not brand-spanking-new. I don't worry about bent or broken wheels (hello GS ownership), or slight door dings, or any of the other things I know I will be sweating with a brand new C7. The value of the entire car is about $17,000 according to KBB. It is worth way more than that to me. I know this anxiety will fade over time, but I also know myself, and it will be a factor for a while.
4. I worry about being too flashy. I am a pretty low-key guy. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the looks of the C7. It is a work of art. But I much prefer turning fewer heads, rather than more. My C5, with its pop up headlights, already has the nostalgic vibe, as opposed to the OH MY GOD vibe of a C7.
5. My unique situation is that my C5 has sentimental value. It was my father-in-law's frolic and detour. He is about as straight-laced and conservative as they come, but he snapped a little in 2004 and bought the last of the C5 model year. The last few years, he couldn't get in and out of it, so he asked me if I wanted it. Stupid question. I would keep both in a heartbeat except for the fact that we only have a 2 car garage, and I can't imagine going the garage lift route would make me use the upper car very much, though it is a possibility. I suspect the inconvenient car would just sit.
Sooooo...
Talk me back into getting a C7 this winter. Be convincing. Pull no punches. Fight dirty if you have to.
HV
I went through a few of these thoughts as well. My C6 had almost 120K on it and was my daily driver. The clutch was going to need to be changed in a few. And while doing that, the fuel pumps should be changed as well. And it was going to need tires. So I could see 5K of maintenance in the next year or two. Not insurmountable, but after having spent all those funds I wouldn't be able to get them back if I sold or traded it in. So I traded it in and got a used 2014 3LT Z51 7M. What a completely different car it is compared to the C6.
Yes it is flashy, opulent, extreme, whatever you want to call it. My C6 was torch red, the C7 is lime rock green metallic. If you want less flashy, I'd go with a darker color instead of red/yellow/white.
I was concerned about spending the cash (I would need a loan anyway). I hadn't looked at the zillow value of my house for a year or two, so I did. I live in the SF Bay Area. The value went up almost 200K, and I owe less than that. I got the car and didn't look back
Our old C5, manual vert on left, the new 7-speed, 2LT Stringray on the right the day we sold the C5. Only thing we missed was the trunk space in the 5 when top down, the 7 is quite a bit smaller. Otherwise, quite an upgrade. You will be glad you made the switch.
Last edited by jdsaengine; Nov 4, 2018 at 10:17 AM.
Went from a 2004 Z06 to a 2019 Grand Sport 1LT and it was a very nice transition. More power, better suspension, way better tires, way better interior. I wish the weight was the same but you can't have everything.
Thing with 1LT is. If that is what you want, super. Just don't get "tricked" in buying one thinking it is something else. Configuration is in the vin, so simple. Also camera not included in 2LT as stated somewhere above.
Thing with 1LT is. If that is what you want, super. Just don't get "tricked" in buying one thinking it is something else. Configuration is in the vin, so simple. Also camera not included in 2LT as stated somewhere above.
In all my other GM cars, inside the glove compartment was the options sticker. Not so in my C7. Is it hiding somewhere else? I do have the original window sticker so I have a pretty good idea of what it is already.
In all my other GM cars, inside the glove compartment was the options sticker. Not so in my C7. Is it hiding somewhere else? I do have the original window sticker so I have a pretty good idea of what it is already.
Looking to upgrade
