Good Evening!!! I've owned a '77 way back in the day (late '80's), and I currently own a pristine low mileage (25.5k mi) '96 LT4 coupe. I'm thinking of going with a brand new M7 coupe. Not interested in going with a Z51 or GS...streets in NY are rough, and I don't want a stiff ride. Car will be a 3 season, once in a while car. Looking at a 1LT, even though there are a couple of options that I'd like, but aren't available unless I go with the 2LT...not looking to spend a lot. My main question here folks is, how is the C7 overall as a car? Any real issues that still may persist from when they brought it out in '14? Has the C7 proved to be a reliable car thus far? Any major trouble areas? Yes, I know, it'll have a full warranty, and I can get an extended one if I want...just don't want a car to be hanging out at the dealership's service department. Anything at all I should know that may help me make my decision? I like to do my own basic maintenance, such as oil changes, filter replacements, etc. How's the car to do these items on? Thanks in advance!!!

 

The car's great. However, out of warranty? Who knows. Don't buy less than a 2LT trim package. You will regret it.

 

Don't hold back Skid Row Joe, tell us how you really feel about it... again.

LOL


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Base car rides great. Oil changes are simple as any other car. Havent worn brake pads yet but I can see them through the wheels and they look like they will be very easy to replace. C7 have proven to be very reliable, especially with manual transmission.

I wouldnt hesitate with a 1LT trim, its well equipped. The higher level trims just add unnecessary nonsense.

 

It is a phenomenal all round car. From about March until Thanksgiving It is my daily driver. It is so much fun to drive (especially manual)in town and it just purrs along on the highway. I agree with SkidRow Joe, get the 2LT package as it has some must have nice options. But if a 1LT is all you can swing, it beats a sharp stick in the eye!

 

The base car is a great weekend car. In and around NYC, you will appreciate the soft ride compared to the Z51, GS or Z06. I had a 2014 base and now have a 2018 GS - I like the look of the GS, but the base was probably a better car for the touring type driving I do living a little east of you.
I had added the Z51 front and rear stabilizer bars ($300 and about 1.5 hours of labor), which got rid of all of the understeer the car is designed with.
Even if going with a 1LT, the one option you do want to get is the NPP Performance Exhaust - it looks good, sounds great and will make the car easier to sell.
As far as 1LT or 2 LT - it is personal choice. Having had both, the only things in the 2LT I use or would want are the front cameras and HUD.
I know it is a small sample but both my C7's, which have been manual transmissions, have been flawless.

 

Go for it !! Know matter what trim package you decide your going to love this car.

 

Get the car - it puts fun into driving and basic maintenance is not difficult.

 

YES! Very important! The NPP exhaust is so awesome. Its so good I cant believe they make Corvettes without it.

 

Overall nothing really to be concerned with. The C7 is well designed and and fantastic sportscar, the M7 is a smooth gearbox you will love it. As suggested get the NPP exhaust option a must.

 

1LT Base M/T is a very nice car. The maintenance is no different than any of the non-dry sump motors. Get the NPP exhaust and if you want a spoiler get that too because to properly install one later is a pain. You may want to add a rear sway or maybe even a thicker front and rear sway bar. Because the Base model comes with a skinny 27 mm front sway bar and no rear sway bar at all. If you find the ride a bite harsh you can install non-run flats.

 

I just went through this in January and ended up ordering a 2LT (HUD is a must have for me) with red calipers, rear spoiler, full length double stripe and performance exhaust. I have an auto '07 C6 being traded in and went with a manual for my C7 as I miss that from my previously owned '01 Trans Am. Others have spoken to the reliability - good luck with your decision!

 

You don't want to do that. Adding just the rear Z51 sway bar will make the base car oversteer, which is a lot harder for most people to control than the designed in understeer that all C7's have. With the Z51 F&R sway bars and the softer springs of the base car it becomes very neutral and with less body roll. The Z51 front bar is thicker and uses harder bushings than the base car's.

 

Something for the OP to consider. The 2019 has the 19"/20" wheels, same as the Z51. The 2017 and older base cars have 18"/19" wheels. The smaller wheels will make the ride a little more tolerable on those NY streets. Not a huge issue, but if you're deciding between new and used it's something to consider. I left out 2018 because I don't know what wheels the 2018s have.
As was mentioned, you should check out NPP exhaust, especially buying a M7. It's part of the fun. I have 2LT and like it, but some would rather save the money and buy the 1LT, your choice.
As for problems, the 2014 was one of the best years for the C7. The only issue I'm aware of is the screen on the infotainment system failing on some cars (not on mine). I've had only one problem with my C7, the garage door opening button failed. From what I've heard here, I must have the only one that's had that problem.
If you're considering used, get the VIS report from the GM dealer that lists all the repairs and maintenance the car has received. Also get both the Carfax and the Autocheck reports, sometimes one of them misses an issue the other one finds. Don't be afraid to look at used if it's priced correctly as if those three reports are clean and the used C7 is priced right it might be a good way to go, especially if the 3 year, B2B warranty is still in effect. Remember, that B2B warranty can be extended. There's a forum dealer that discounts the extended GM warranty so you can save quite a bit should you go that route.
Hope all this helps.

 

I have a '17 M7 2LT Stingray main transportation vehicle with almost 12000 miles. Best car I have ever owned. Would have been very happy to have bought one several years ago! Styling, performance, quality, fuel economy are top notch.
The only "issues" so far have been a driver's side shoulder harness that locked up unnecessarily, and the pending steering recall.
IMO the 2LT gives the most bang for the option dollar.
While the "Z" and GS cars have great features, other than a wider stance and minor styling changes, their distinguishing features really only are usable on the track, and add weight, complexity and cost to the car...

 

I've just one simple suggestion, stop considering and go get you a C7. My first C7 was a '16 1LT base car, the car rode great, and preformed exceptionally. It took two cross country road trips until I made the mistake of looking at the new Grand Sports. Get you one, you will not be disappointed.

 

Agreed! 1LT is fine. "You will regret it" is a little dramatic. This is my personal thoughts on 2LT/3LT:

All I hear is vented seats don't really vent. The car generates plenty of its own heat, so no need for heated seats. Can't ride when its too cold anyways. Lumber is unnecessary with the fabulous GT seats (and I have had 2 lower disc operations). Front cameras? Nah, never had a problem parking nose in, and neither with the Aero 2 on my Z06 1LZ. You just get a sense for how long the car is in front of you, and don't even think about it.

The HUD...well... there's that, but if you don't have it, you probably won't miss it unless you plan to track the car. HUD is included with my 1LZ, but still could live without it. Memory seating? for whom? I am the only driver. Yeah the exit feature is cool, but I could easily adjust to exiting and entering the car without it.

 

I'm with Joe for lots of reasons:
First getting in and out of the C7 is relatively easy with the seat fully back and front and rear fully up as is the wheel. Occasionally I get the mail in front of the house and get out with the car running and seat in my driving position! PIA!

Depends on one's back. Mine is good but adjustable lumbar support is needed for most comfort.

Would not drive without HUD today! Need to keep my eyes on all those AH's texting or even distracted talking on a cell phone! Have driven in NYC and need to pay a lot of attention! Only enjoyed it when I lived in CT and would visit on the weekend where I could take my CJ5, big tires etc and go off-roading over holes and plates in the street!

Front camera is very useful when pulling into a parking garage etc. Didn't have one on my 2014 3LT and was backing into parking slots, another PIA.

Extra alarms are worth it- especially in NY!

I find the added sub woofer very useful in the noisy C7 Coupe! Did not have one in mt 3LT C6 as it wasn't offered. Adding one with Bose is difficult. It's essential to deal with the tire and road noise, IMO. My sound system is on as soon as I start the car! It plays >1000 songs from a thumb drive in shuffle mode at over 1/2 volume. Janis Joplin singing "Cry Baby" drowns out the road and tire noise.

Other "nice to haves" but the above are "required."

 

To be honest, the front camera, and the extra alarms/sensors are the only things that really caught my attention from the whole 2LT package. As far as I'm concerned everything else is nice "fluff" that won't really affect how I enjoy the car. Thanks to you, and everyone else, for all the input!!! All of which is a nice push toward me pull'n the trigger!

 

I've only had 2LT C7s, so I don't know if the 1LT comes with autodimming rear-view mirrors. C7s are low, any car behind you is going to blind you without auto dimming mirrors. Just a thought.