Any daily drivers here?
05-09-2019, 02:24 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Any daily drivers here?
Hey gang, somewhat longtime lurker, first time poster here. This is definitely a great forum you folks have, and there's definitely a huge amount of information here! Right now, I am looking hard at C7 Corvettes and am wondering how well they do being driven on a daily basis. Many of the cars on my area's local used market are ultra low, four digit miles (even the 2015s!) and while that's definitely interesting, I'm wondering if it's just because people like to trade into newer cars before they get many miles on theirs? I have driven hot rods of various flavors for the past 20 or so years, but I've never had a Corvette. I've driven and ridden in plenty of C5s and C6s, but never a C7. For the past several years, I've been on the Blue Oval side of things (Boooo!!! Hiss!!!!!) where I've been dailying a mildly modified '12 car. I HAVE enjoyed driving what amounts to a nearly 580RWHP GT500. However, standard maintenance parts are starting to get scarce because of how few of them were made, and I'm also coming to a point where I just want to be able to throw the car around some of the backroads where I live. I'm becoming less of a hammer guy and more of a scalpel guy. I don't intend to track the car, for what it's worth.
I'm going to look at a really nice standard Stingray with the Z51 and the 3LT at a dealer near here tomorrow, so if you have any things I should watch out for, I'm all ears! For those of you who get out and drive these cars regularly, what are the pros and cons as you see them? I appreciate any input you all may have.
I'm going to look at a really nice standard Stingray with the Z51 and the 3LT at a dealer near here tomorrow, so if you have any things I should watch out for, I'm all ears! For those of you who get out and drive these cars regularly, what are the pros and cons as you see them? I appreciate any input you all may have.
05-09-2019, 02:31 PM
#2
Moderator
I've been daily driving Vettes since 1998 (C5, C6 and C7). Only con I have is that the summer performance tires are not good in cold weather. I put Michelin A/S 3+ ZPs when I need new tires, and now I have no cons.
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05-09-2019, 02:39 PM
#3
<deleted>
Last edited by rogue3standingby; 07-27-2021 at 09:22 AM.
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05-09-2019, 02:45 PM
#4
Racer
Thread Starter
I've done both the daily driver and garage queen thing with the C7. I've owned both the auto and now the manual.
Whether you can live with it as a daily has everything to do with your life. If you have kids or pets you cart around, or frequently carry cargo, that's probably your biggest concern. The C7 actually has a really good sized rear cargo area for general use like groceries and things, but the height/depth is a limiting factor. If you got by daily driving a Mustang without any issue, you'll probably be fine.
If you're a big guy (I'm 6'4") the Corvette can be a bit of a chore to constantly get in and out of. First world problems, sure, but its there. I've also daily driven a 2014 Mustang GT, and this is much lower and tighter by comparison.
Granted, its not a Lamborghini, but the Corvette also rides very low. You'll have to go slow and angle in to places that wouldn't come close to scraping in your Mustang.
BEFORE YOU BUY ONE, do your research on the problems with the A8 transmission. There's tons of discussions, sticky threads tracking the issue, etc. People will say its a vocal minority, but that doesn't change the fact that the trans was pulled from my 2015 SIX times, with three torque converter replacements before I dumped it. Want to know something else awesome? My GF had a C7 before we met. Turns out she had similar woes, and ended up dumper her car for a considerable loss too. Not sure its that the problems are super rare, rather than many Corvette owners don't daily them, and the problems likely won't manifest until the car is bestowed on its unlucky 2nd or 3rd owner down the line.
Whether you can live with it as a daily has everything to do with your life. If you have kids or pets you cart around, or frequently carry cargo, that's probably your biggest concern. The C7 actually has a really good sized rear cargo area for general use like groceries and things, but the height/depth is a limiting factor. If you got by daily driving a Mustang without any issue, you'll probably be fine.
If you're a big guy (I'm 6'4") the Corvette can be a bit of a chore to constantly get in and out of. First world problems, sure, but its there. I've also daily driven a 2014 Mustang GT, and this is much lower and tighter by comparison.
Granted, its not a Lamborghini, but the Corvette also rides very low. You'll have to go slow and angle in to places that wouldn't come close to scraping in your Mustang.
BEFORE YOU BUY ONE, do your research on the problems with the A8 transmission. There's tons of discussions, sticky threads tracking the issue, etc. People will say its a vocal minority, but that doesn't change the fact that the trans was pulled from my 2015 SIX times, with three torque converter replacements before I dumped it. Want to know something else awesome? My GF had a C7 before we met. Turns out she had similar woes, and ended up dumper her car for a considerable loss too. Not sure its that the problems are super rare, rather than many Corvette owners don't daily them, and the problems likely won't manifest until the car is bestowed on its unlucky 2nd or 3rd owner down the line.
I appreciate the response! This is the kind of info I was looking for, even better that you've also got experiences with Mustangs. I have gotten into and out of previous generations of Corvettes, although not recently. Also, a back seat isn't a necessity as we aren't parents. I am definitely looking forward to the test drive to see whether I'll "fit". I'm roughly 6'3, and a little on the broad side, so I guess we'll see! I HAVE seen some of the discussion about an issue with the auto cars, but given that I'll be buying a manual (I only drive sticks),looks like I'll be sidestepping the whole possibility of being affected by that completely. I had a 2005 GTO that I loved, all except for the trunk, so seeing how large the cargo area of these cars are, it's pretty amazing. I have read a bunch of threads where guys took them on roadtrips with great interest. I'll definitely want to do that as well.
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05-09-2019, 03:27 PM
#7
Advanced
Daily drive my 2015 Stingray 3LT, love it, no issues, just make sure when you park you have enough room to open the door so it's not to difficult to get in and out of the thing.
05-09-2019, 03:43 PM
#9
Racer
Thread Starter
Man, this is great to hear. I definitely will be putting miles on this car, and am glad to hear of others enjoying theirs in similar fashion. Certainly nothing against folks who keep theirs aside as a weekend toy only, I'm just used to driving exciting cars and just can't see ever see myself in something that's...well, pedestrian.
05-09-2019, 03:44 PM
#10
Racer
Thread Starter
Gotta say, not too sure why all of my responses to my own thread are having to be moderated. Thank you to those who have responded, I'm apparently not able to respond to any of you without having my comments preapproved by moderators first.
Last edited by Quietbreaker; 05-09-2019 at 03:45 PM.
05-09-2019, 03:48 PM
#11
Moderator
Forum spam filters can be a little aggressive with new members.
05-09-2019, 03:53 PM
#12
Racer
Thread Starter
Ah, I suppose that would make sense. I'm active on a few other forums, but have been active for years, so I'm far past the "new guy" days. I'm genuinely excited to go test drive this C7 tomorrow and hopefully bring it home. I've been putting off Corvette ownership long enough.
05-09-2019, 03:56 PM
#13
Safety Car
Every day since '93. C4,C5,C6 and two C7's
Miles of smiles.
Miles of smiles.
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05-09-2019, 04:49 PM
#14
Race Director
I Love Corvettes, have owned dozens over the years, but to be perfectly honest, I prefer driving/enjoying them when I want, not when I have to for lack of having a truck or more practical vehicle for everyday tasks.
05-09-2019, 05:12 PM
#15
Pro
6'4" 270#, Daily drive the '17 I bought new. 19 months, 30K miles. Switches to AS 3+ ZPs when I put new tires on at 28K
Previous C6 I bought used and put on 35K miles in 16 months.
FWIW, I also have a Suburban I use if the snow is on the ground or I need to load something that wouldn't fit in the Vette.
Previous C6 I bought used and put on 35K miles in 16 months.
FWIW, I also have a Suburban I use if the snow is on the ground or I need to load something that wouldn't fit in the Vette.
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Quietbreaker (05-09-2019)
05-09-2019, 05:15 PM
#16
Instructor
I fair weather drive. So, 70% of the time. Rest of the time I drive my older V8 Caddy. I don't drive in the rain because I don't wanna wash the car constantly. I also don't drive in the very cold because the tires handle like crap in the cold. I'm approaching 50 too, so occasionally I am sore and just not in the mood to climb down into the vette. But, if you don't mind dirty car and live down south, you'd be fine.
I have the same car you are looking at (you didn't say year, mines 2014). Great car, zero issues coming up on 20,000 miles.
I have fords, Chevy's, and even a dodge in my fleet. Can say chevy has been the best to me overall. Ford second. Dodge third. Frikkin dodge, lol, anywho.
I have the same car you are looking at (you didn't say year, mines 2014). Great car, zero issues coming up on 20,000 miles.
I have fords, Chevy's, and even a dodge in my fleet. Can say chevy has been the best to me overall. Ford second. Dodge third. Frikkin dodge, lol, anywho.
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Quietbreaker (05-09-2019)
05-09-2019, 05:25 PM
#17
I’ve put 23,000 miles on my 2018 Stingray over 1 year. I love my car. I’ve only changed the oil and air filter as maintenance. Absolutely zero problems with my A8. I bought the car with the sole intention of it being my impractical daily driver.
I was was torn between a Mustang GT perf pack and a Charger Scat Pack. I just happened to look at a Corvette, found Kerbeck online, and then purchased without even test driving. Did I say that I love my car?
I’ve upgraded the sway bars, shocks, and added side skirts and rear quarter panel vents. A Vitesse throttle controller really woke up the throttle response. I wouldn’t change anything else.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one tomorrow. The plan was to drive this one and upgrade 2 years into the C8 run. I should have somewhere near 75K on the odometer by then.
I was was torn between a Mustang GT perf pack and a Charger Scat Pack. I just happened to look at a Corvette, found Kerbeck online, and then purchased without even test driving. Did I say that I love my car?
I’ve upgraded the sway bars, shocks, and added side skirts and rear quarter panel vents. A Vitesse throttle controller really woke up the throttle response. I wouldn’t change anything else.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one tomorrow. The plan was to drive this one and upgrade 2 years into the C8 run. I should have somewhere near 75K on the odometer by then.
05-09-2019, 05:32 PM
#18
Burning Brakes
My 2015 C7 convertible is my daily driver (and my only car). I use the SmartTop module to lower the top before getting in the car- I'm about 6'3. Much easier to slide in that way.
Only bummer is the fuel economy. I do mostly city driving and lots of sitting at long traffic lights- only average 15 mpg.
Only bummer is the fuel economy. I do mostly city driving and lots of sitting at long traffic lights- only average 15 mpg.
05-09-2019, 05:54 PM
#19
My 14 C7 Stingray vert has 78K+ miles and is my daily driver. I have jobs all over Southern California and beyond. I own and operate an environmental services company. I think I had it for three days before I turned it into a work truck.
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arbitrator (07-20-2020)
05-09-2019, 06:01 PM
#20
Team Owner
Member Since: Mar 2012
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St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
My 14 vert has been my DD since I bought it 5 years ago. It’s way too much fun to drive and it’s depreciating in value whether it’s being driven or it’s sitting in the garage. I’m not saving it for the next owner.
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