When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
For me, it would be the 2014 - but I may be biased since I have a 2014. If you are going with Carvava, there are a number of Vettes for sale that have a lot less mileage for around the same cost. Condition may be the same or better, I don’t know.
Thanks for your input. Beautiful car you have there. I don't need the connectivity, I use XM radio for music and the car has navigation and I usually just drive around town,
I don't use the navigation if I am driving to known areas but like a gun, I'd rather carry one and not need it than need it and not have it. Same with 2 girls, etc, etc. You get the picture. Seriously, my last 2 MBs have had navigation and I hated it. First off, it is less intuitive than Garmin Nuvi. Second, it updates every so often UNTIL IT DOESN'T. You see, MB phased out that system and thus, the map updates. So now we have it work but it isn't really reliable. Unfortunately, the W216 and the C7 suck for a GPS unit attachment to the glass so you have to somehow clip it the car. I find it easier to view at the infotainment center so I have to wire it to Android Auto. I am waiting for AA Auto to come out where I can wirelessly run it to the infotainment center. Bottom line, I didn't know how much I would like Android Auto till I got it. Also, my car will see all kinds of driving and not just around town so navigation will be better. Another thing is that it has the camera so I don't hit those parking concrete things that they have in parking lots.
I'm glad I posted my question on the CF, I'm learning some stuff. I think I heard something about the 3LT dash issue but didn't give it much thought. Sounds like it is really an issue
It’s an issue on a relatively small number of cars. Nobody starts a thread about how their 3LT dash has no problems. My 3LT 2014 has no issues with the dash.
It’s an issue on a relatively small number of cars. Nobody starts a thread about how their 3LT dash has no problems. My 3LT 2014 has no issues with the dash.
You are spot on. But there are a lot of 3LT cars with the peeling leather for sale. I’ve seen many pictures of sale postings where they don’t show good pics of the dash but I’m able to see the problem because of knowledge of the issue. It’s only a risk if you buy the car sight unseen, something I would NEVER do. it is really obvious if you go see the car in person so the issue just becomes a point to inspect as you go see it in person. Here is what I’d look for.
1. The leather in the recess of the HUD is supposed to be smooth like the rest of the interior leather. This one is kinda subtle, not easily noticed because the batwing and dash surrounding it will stop it from peeling up.
2. Inspect all seams in the leather for raised edges. On a lot of cars it is obvious but I’m assuming it has to start somewhere and it will be small at first.
3. inspect the doors above the armrest for a bubble of leather debonded from the panel.
If you see any of these things I’d ask for at least $3k off the posted price if it’s just on the dash, more if the doors are impacted as well.
When the dash was replaced, was it done with something new and better or was it replaced with more of the same? If it is the former, sure. If it is the latter, maybe not so good.
my car never had the problem, not sure what / who you’re asking
Anybody. I'm curious about those with dash issues. If we replace it with "more of the same", it is a ticking time bomb. If we replace it with something better, I might buy it and replace it since I know I won't encounter the same problems again.
If you buy a new 3LT dash you’d think your problems are over BUT there are more than a few threads here that show that is not the case and they ended up installing new 2LT dash on the 3rd attempted fix. If my dash starts to debond, I’m going for a 2LT replacement.
If the color combo is important, I think the '14 is the car for you!
2LT has 90 percent of the 3LT's goodies, and as others have mentioned, no worries of potential leather debonding. As with Random Dan, my '14 is a 3LT and the leather is in great condition and ought to stay that way in its SoCal garage habitat (when it's not being driven, of course!).
I wouldn't be too concerned about getting Mag Ride, as ride quality of base FE1 suspension is downright plush. A little too soft for me, actually, so Z51 shocks were a very affordable ($400) upgrade. If I bought my C7 just for cruisin' around, I might've kept the stock shocks. NPP exhaust is wonderful, though.
I bought mine through Carvana, and condition was excellent as described. Look carefully at each photo and zoom in as far as you can, all over the car.
I hope you can pull the trigger soon. Good luck!!
Thanks, nice to see your purchase from Carvana was excellent. I've studied the photos best I can and see no major imperfections. Car is still being prepped and inspected so hopefully soon will see better photos or have a better idea of what options the car has.
I'd be satisfied with the 2lt trim. Yes, this car will be for cruising around town, so I don't need many high-performance options. I do have performance exhaust on my 2012 GS...love the sound.
A couple other things to consider.... You want the NPP and also the Mag Ride. The lower profile Z51 wheels drive / ride much better with Mag Ride
I agree. Waiting to find out what options this car actually has. The VIN just tells me it is a 2LT but I can see it has Z51 wheels. Can you identify the mag ride by studying the interior? I have performance exhaust on my '12 GS and can tell by the looks (as well as that sweet sound).
At $51,000, the 2014 should be in near perfect condition. Unless you are in a particular hurry to get into a C7, I'd keep looking.
When you get over the $50,000 range (even in today's inflated market) you should be able to find an immaculate '14 garage queen with 10,000>15,000 miles on it if you are patient.
Are you primarily searching for C7s at dealers/re-sellers or also including individual sellers on Hemmings, Auto Trader, forums etc?
I'm looking at dealers mostly through online search engines. I have a trade and sales tax, etc...it seemed easier this way. Three must-haves are a convertible, 7MT, and 2LT. I see many nice cars but they are missing one of the three.
I have a 3LT and no issues. My feeling is that it may be more prevalent on cars that sit outside for extended periods of time, especially in sunny hot weather.
I don't use the navigation if I am driving to known areas but like a gun, I'd rather carry one and not need it than need it and not have it. Same with 2 girls, etc, etc. You get the picture. Seriously, my last 2 MBs have had navigation and I hated it. First off, it is less intuitive than Garmin Nuvi. Second, it updates every so often UNTIL IT DOESN'T. You see, MB phased out that system and thus, the map updates. So now we have it work but it isn't really reliable. Unfortunately, the W216 and the C7 suck for a GPS unit attachment to the glass so you have to somehow clip it the car. I find it easier to view at the infotainment center so I have to wire it to Android Auto. I am waiting for AA Auto to come out where I can wirelessly run it to the infotainment center. Bottom line, I didn't know how much I would like Android Auto till I got it. Also, my car will see all kinds of driving and not just around town so navigation will be better. Another thing is that it has the camera so I don't hit those parking concrete things that they have in parking lots.
I hated the nav in my '17MB. I have a smartphone to use in a pinch if I leave town
I have a 3LT and no issues. My feeling is that it may be more prevalent on cars that sit outside for extended periods of time, especially in sunny hot weather.
For me, it would be the 2014 - but I may be biased since I have a 2014. If you are going with Carvava, there are a number of Vettes for sale that have a lot less mileage for around the same cost. Condition may be the same or better, I don’t know.
Many of the cars on Carvana (and other sites) don't have the three things I want, convertible, 7MT, and 2LT. There are two other cars on Carvana but they have some imperfections and the colors would be around my third choice.
It’s an issue on a relatively small number of cars. Nobody starts a thread about how their 3LT dash has no problems. My 3LT 2014 has no issues with the dash.
I had this issue on '14 Boxster. The door panels were separating from the door. Thankfully it was CPO and Porsche replaced the at no charge to me. So maybe the issue is not unique to Corvettes.
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.
