Wanting my first C7
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,065
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From: Kensington PE
Wanting my first C7
I have been shopping around for a used C7 and I just want a base model. [LT1 is fine with me] I have noticed that a 2017 LT1 sells for about the same $$ as a '15 LT3 or a '16 LT2. These 3 cars have about the same mileage and are in fine condition. Is there that much desirability in the higher LT models? In 2 years time will a '17 LT1 be hard to sell? Thanking in advance for any input.
Popular Reply
Feb 1, 2021, 09:21 PM
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
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From: Virginia
Here are the basic differences in the three trim packages if that helps:
1LT Trim/Equipment Package:
A nicely equipped sportscar including 8” touchscreen, Bose AM-FM 9 speaker stereo, 3 month Sirius/XM,MP3, MyLink, OnStar, 4G LTE, 8” HD driver info screen, leather power GT sports seats, power break set/release, power locks/windows, active handling, dual-zone AC, keyless access/start, power tilt/telescopic, leather wrap steering w/flat bottom wheel, cruise control, tire pressure monitor, driver, passenger and side airbags, carbon fiber hood, Bremo 4-piston disc brakes, rear view camera, coup- body color painted carbon fiber roof panels, convertible- power soft-top which can be lowered remotely.
2LT includes (added $4500 to MSRP):
Adds a few necessities including everything found in the 1LT plus: Console and door panels in interior color, Lumbar/wing adjust, Heated/vented seats, Seat emblems, front camera, 10-speaker Bose® premium audio system, Universal Home Remote, Auto-dimming mirrors, Memory Package, Head-Up Display, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with one-year subscription, Enhanced Theft-Deterrent Package, Luggage shade/cargo net
3LT includes (added $9745 to MSRP):
Everything found in the 1LT and 2LT plus: Navigation, PDR, upgraded leather. Keep in mind that there's risk of leather dash peeling/cracking in 3LT C7s resulting in approx $3000 repair.
1LT Trim/Equipment Package:
A nicely equipped sportscar including 8” touchscreen, Bose AM-FM 9 speaker stereo, 3 month Sirius/XM,MP3, MyLink, OnStar, 4G LTE, 8” HD driver info screen, leather power GT sports seats, power break set/release, power locks/windows, active handling, dual-zone AC, keyless access/start, power tilt/telescopic, leather wrap steering w/flat bottom wheel, cruise control, tire pressure monitor, driver, passenger and side airbags, carbon fiber hood, Bremo 4-piston disc brakes, rear view camera, coup- body color painted carbon fiber roof panels, convertible- power soft-top which can be lowered remotely.
2LT includes (added $4500 to MSRP):
Adds a few necessities including everything found in the 1LT plus: Console and door panels in interior color, Lumbar/wing adjust, Heated/vented seats, Seat emblems, front camera, 10-speaker Bose® premium audio system, Universal Home Remote, Auto-dimming mirrors, Memory Package, Head-Up Display, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with one-year subscription, Enhanced Theft-Deterrent Package, Luggage shade/cargo net
3LT includes (added $9745 to MSRP):
Everything found in the 1LT and 2LT plus: Navigation, PDR, upgraded leather. Keep in mind that there's risk of leather dash peeling/cracking in 3LT C7s resulting in approx $3000 repair.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2012
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From: Tempe Arizona
St. Jude Donor '22-'23-'24
It all comes down to deciding what options YOU want or need. Many people prefer the 1LT and that is why they make it. If you don’t need or want the bells and whistles that come with the 2LT or 3LT, then by all means, get the newest version of that car you can find in your price range. As you already know, the C7 is an amazing machine no matter what version, option package and color. So go out there and get one and enjoy the hell out of it.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 13,602
Likes: 12,865
From: Virginia
Here are the basic differences in the three trim packages if that helps:
1LT Trim/Equipment Package:
A nicely equipped sportscar including 8” touchscreen, Bose AM-FM 9 speaker stereo, 3 month Sirius/XM,MP3, MyLink, OnStar, 4G LTE, 8” HD driver info screen, leather power GT sports seats, power break set/release, power locks/windows, active handling, dual-zone AC, keyless access/start, power tilt/telescopic, leather wrap steering w/flat bottom wheel, cruise control, tire pressure monitor, driver, passenger and side airbags, carbon fiber hood, Bremo 4-piston disc brakes, rear view camera, coup- body color painted carbon fiber roof panels, convertible- power soft-top which can be lowered remotely.
2LT includes (added $4500 to MSRP):
Adds a few necessities including everything found in the 1LT plus: Console and door panels in interior color, Lumbar/wing adjust, Heated/vented seats, Seat emblems, front camera, 10-speaker Bose® premium audio system, Universal Home Remote, Auto-dimming mirrors, Memory Package, Head-Up Display, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with one-year subscription, Enhanced Theft-Deterrent Package, Luggage shade/cargo net
3LT includes (added $9745 to MSRP):
Everything found in the 1LT and 2LT plus: Navigation, PDR, upgraded leather. Keep in mind that there's risk of leather dash peeling/cracking in 3LT C7s resulting in approx $3000 repair.
1LT Trim/Equipment Package:
A nicely equipped sportscar including 8” touchscreen, Bose AM-FM 9 speaker stereo, 3 month Sirius/XM,MP3, MyLink, OnStar, 4G LTE, 8” HD driver info screen, leather power GT sports seats, power break set/release, power locks/windows, active handling, dual-zone AC, keyless access/start, power tilt/telescopic, leather wrap steering w/flat bottom wheel, cruise control, tire pressure monitor, driver, passenger and side airbags, carbon fiber hood, Bremo 4-piston disc brakes, rear view camera, coup- body color painted carbon fiber roof panels, convertible- power soft-top which can be lowered remotely.
2LT includes (added $4500 to MSRP):
Adds a few necessities including everything found in the 1LT plus: Console and door panels in interior color, Lumbar/wing adjust, Heated/vented seats, Seat emblems, front camera, 10-speaker Bose® premium audio system, Universal Home Remote, Auto-dimming mirrors, Memory Package, Head-Up Display, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with one-year subscription, Enhanced Theft-Deterrent Package, Luggage shade/cargo net
3LT includes (added $9745 to MSRP):
Everything found in the 1LT and 2LT plus: Navigation, PDR, upgraded leather. Keep in mind that there's risk of leather dash peeling/cracking in 3LT C7s resulting in approx $3000 repair.
Last edited by Kevin A Jones; Feb 1, 2021 at 09:22 PM.
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Even in 1LT trim, the C7 is a well equipped car. So there will be a market for the car regardless of when or if you would want to sell it.
For me, I wanted to go with a 2LT as I did want some of the items that came with that package - specifically the HUD, heated/vented seats, homelink sunvisors and color keyed interior.
For me, I wanted to go with a 2LT as I did want some of the items that came with that package - specifically the HUD, heated/vented seats, homelink sunvisors and color keyed interior.
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2017
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From: Kingston, Ontario
No he wasn't. As per usual, many newcomers refer to the trims as LT1/2/3 instead of 1/2/3LT. It just so happens that GMs engine codes are LT1/2/4/5 so we can spot the difference but the OP is certainly referencing the trim not the engine.
Racer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 356
Likes: 108
From: Chicago
1LT - base model. No HUD, no heated/cooled seats. Typically less options as owners wanted a cheap corvette.
2 and 3LT - nicer finishes, typically equipped with additional options like Navigation/PDR, comp seats, magnetic ride, etc.
What is cool, and also annoying, corvettes can be custom ordered to just about any spec. You need to check them all out and determine what you want in a car. Personally, a 1LT was off the table. I wouldn't even consider it, but I was also willing to pay for the options I want. If you want a bare bones vette, go for the 1LT. As long as you don't expect top dollar on resale, you'll have no problem selling it down the road.
2 and 3LT - nicer finishes, typically equipped with additional options like Navigation/PDR, comp seats, magnetic ride, etc.
What is cool, and also annoying, corvettes can be custom ordered to just about any spec. You need to check them all out and determine what you want in a car. Personally, a 1LT was off the table. I wouldn't even consider it, but I was also willing to pay for the options I want. If you want a bare bones vette, go for the 1LT. As long as you don't expect top dollar on resale, you'll have no problem selling it down the road.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2018
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From: Margate, FL
@Kevin A Jones broke it now perfectly in terms of C7 trim levels.
To me the 2LT is the sweet spot for giving you some nice interior features while avoid the 3LT leather dash problems.
As mentioned the confusing part here is the Corvette engine use "LT" with a number AFTER them to describe engines.
So you have LT1 (C7 455 HP), LT2 (C8 490 HP), LT4 (C7 Z06 650 HP) and LT5 (C7 ZR1 755 HP).
Then to really make your head spin GM used Z instead of T in the Z06 model as the trim indicator
so 1LZ = 1LT
https://www.car-buying-strategies.co...im-levels.html
In the end this makes my C7 a LT1 3LT
...but that doesn't include the never ending rabbit hole of the other RPO codes like Z51 and NPP that can further separate models and various options.
To me the 2LT is the sweet spot for giving you some nice interior features while avoid the 3LT leather dash problems.
As mentioned the confusing part here is the Corvette engine use "LT" with a number AFTER them to describe engines.
So you have LT1 (C7 455 HP), LT2 (C8 490 HP), LT4 (C7 Z06 650 HP) and LT5 (C7 ZR1 755 HP).
Then to really make your head spin GM used Z instead of T in the Z06 model as the trim indicator
so 1LZ = 1LThttps://www.car-buying-strategies.co...im-levels.html
In the end this makes my C7 a LT1 3LT
...but that doesn't include the never ending rabbit hole of the other RPO codes like Z51 and NPP that can further separate models and various options.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,065
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From: Kensington PE
OP here and to clarify, it was the trim codes I was asking about. Although it can get confusing when engine codes are similar. To add to the confusion I was following behind my neighbors beat up Chevy truck the other day. On the rusty tailgate were shiny chrome letters - L T !! Why can't GM make up some new names?
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Rochester, NY
As you can plainly see from Kevin Jones post it is easy to see what the differences are in the trim levels. The 1LT is really all many owners want or need. The npp exhaust option is certainly something you may desire. As far as resale value down the road realistically minimal difference dollar wise and why worry about it. Get what you want and enjoy it.
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@Kevin A Jones broke it now perfectly in terms of C7 trim levels.
To me the 2LT is the sweet spot for giving you some nice interior features while avoid the 3LT leather dash problems.
To me the 2LT is the sweet spot for giving you some nice interior features while avoid the 3LT leather dash problems.
SO MUCH THIS!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,769
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From: Howell N.J
^^^^^^^ that is what I chose when I got my '19 GS, middle of the road. somewhere in between the barren land and the land of plenty, 2LT.
Rich
Rich
Last edited by Vette Ski; Feb 2, 2021 at 10:43 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Bonney Lake Washington
What "base" means sure has changed
In 1992 I bought a brand new Miata BASE; crank windows, manual side mirrors, no stereo, no air conditioning, no diff, steel wheels; 13,995 and I owned it for almost 8 years
Last edited by dbirdhouse1; Feb 2, 2021 at 02:59 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,043
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From: Virginia
From the owner of a 1LT convertible.......
There are two features I really wish my car had.......HUD and heated seats. My C6 Z06 has both of those options and I find them to be quite useful. With that said, I love my C7 convertible and will not sell it for A LONG TIME. However, if I had to do it all over again, this would almost make me want to go for a 2LT if I didn’t have the luxury of having two modern-ish Vettes.
There are two features I really wish my car had.......HUD and heated seats. My C6 Z06 has both of those options and I find them to be quite useful. With that said, I love my C7 convertible and will not sell it for A LONG TIME. However, if I had to do it all over again, this would almost make me want to go for a 2LT if I didn’t have the luxury of having two modern-ish Vettes.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2019
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From: Howell N.J
The Miata was in like new condition. I live in Central NJ and a young man, an official of the Miata club there flew from Ohio. It was a cold day, Dec 20, I jacked up the car and he did a full inspection. He took it for a test ride, I sat shot gun and he drove it. He went through the gears and he had a huge grin from ear to ear., shook his head up and down and shook my hand and paid cash and drove it home .
Rich
Last edited by Vette Ski; Feb 2, 2021 at 03:28 PM.
Race Director
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From: Virginia
My '96 Tacoma (I've driven it 414,000 trouble-free miles) is base/stripped down. Manual windows, manual door locks, manual mirrors, manual transmission, manual seat adjust, am/fm/ 2 speaker radio, it does have heat/AC and 4WD.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2017
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From: Central Commiefornia
As posted, it is as personal a choice as which beer/wine/gin/vodka/whiskey/tequila you like.
IMO for a cruising/GT car the 2LT is the sweet spot, as it has the most creature comfort features for the buck, and later MYs have the front parking cameras that were a must have for me.
If the plan is for a lot of track time, the 1LT makes sense as the 2LT goodies won't be needed.
Also agree that the 3LT adds leather touches and the NAV/PDR but otherwise isn't worth the upsell IMO.
IMO for a cruising/GT car the 2LT is the sweet spot, as it has the most creature comfort features for the buck, and later MYs have the front parking cameras that were a must have for me.
If the plan is for a lot of track time, the 1LT makes sense as the 2LT goodies won't be needed.
Also agree that the 3LT adds leather touches and the NAV/PDR but otherwise isn't worth the upsell IMO.