I currently have a 68 ragtop that I will be keeping. Initially I was going to sell it to help pay for a newer vette.
After weeks of researching, I've decided that a C7 convertible is what I want. Looking at one's that have sold, I should be able to get something in the $40k range. Can you folks give me advice on what year, package, and accessories I should get? I will never take the car to a track so I don't think the z51 or mag suspension is needed. But if they help in re-sale down the road I'll look for them. Plus, the older I look, the more reasonable priced those options are. What about the package. I'm pretty sure I want at least a 2LT. 1LT seem too sparse. With the 2LT I won't have to worry about the dash separating. I can go either stick or manual. Stick I'll have the 7 speed regardless of which year C7 and reviews seem pretty good. The auto I've learned will have the 6th speed if I go 14, 8 speed for the other years. It appears the shuttering in the 8 speed was fixed with the new fluid. Might a 14 with the 6 speed be a safer bet seeing many may still think the 8 speed has issues? There really doesn't seem to be any economy or performance gains with either auto.
Lastly, is there a year that seemed to be the best that I should look for, or would any 2014 on up be fine?

Thanks for any guidance

 

This should have been your first line. Your budget will limit you to a 2014 or maybe a 2015.

 

I fixed it. My budget isn't $40k, that's what I'm targeting. I'll spend what I need to for the right car. I've actually seen a couple higher mileage 16's in that price range. Which is another question; what mileage should I target?

 

Correct regarding the Z51 package... however I still recommend the mag-ride just because its so good. The car can be soft for cruising or firm or spirited driving with just a twist of the ****. I would only skip the mag-ride after test driving both options. I am just super impressed with how well mag-ride works, most vehicles are compromised between firm handling and a soft ride - but with mag-ride you can have your cake and eat it too.

Also strongly consider getting the NPP performance exhaust. A C7 just doesn't sound right without it to me and you see most people desire this option. I've heard some Chevy dealers order all C7s with NPP since non-NPP cars are an immediate turn offs to buyers.

As you have already determined the 2LT is the sweat spot for having all the good interior bits without any of draw backs with the 3LT leather dash problems. No comment on the auto as I have the correct transmission... a manual Only real problem with 2014 is the tech is a bit outdated in terms of smart phone connectivity. It can be upgraded for about $1k.

 

+1 on getting MSRC.

I wasnt planning on ordering it but the forum convinced me to. The version on my previous S5 didnt seem to do much. The C7 version is awesome. While it stiffens / softens the suspension, its constantly in milliseconds making adjustments. If you hit a pothole or are on uneven pavement it makes for a much more compliant ride. Good luck with your search.

 

The standard Stingray suspension is biased towards touring while the Z51 is the choice for carving corners. The good news is that installing the Z51 shocks and sway bars can tighten up the Stingray’s touring suspension for less than a $1,000 in parts.

 

1LT is a great choice for a new Corvette, as I think it will lose less of its value over time. (There have been discussions of that here in the forums.)

However, in a used car where someone else has absorbed a lot of the depreciation from new price, I would say that 2LT is the sweet spot. 3LT is nicer inside but I don't think that you'll generally notice the difference from 2LT--unless you get one of the 3LT cars with a peeling dash.

 

Any input on the Brownstone interior Premier Edition?

 

I believe that Cultrag sells the Z51 sway bar kit for $340. Several people have suggested starting with that and then adding the Z51 shocks if you aren't quite satisfied.

https://www.cultragfactoryparts.com/...-kit-c7z51bars

Cheers!

 

You should be able to get a stripped 1lt Stingray 2018 in the range you're quoting, with the best resale. It'll take time to find a convertible though, simply because there's fewer produced.

 

Like this one?
Certified 2017 Chevrolet Corvette For Sale in Medina |Serpentini Chevrolet of Medina (serpentinimedina.com)

 

^^^ Very Nice. But black exterior + black interior = Pure TORTURE !

 

I grabbed a Pristine 3LT 17 vert. Black on black. Gotta love the torture

 

Well, congrats on your new ride. I wish ya many fun miles.

 

Just sayin, if your tracking the car more then street driving it, put coil overs on it, take the GM junk off the car and improve what it will do.

 

PICS, we love pics. Need to see that black beauty.