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.
I bought a lightly preowned 2019 LT1 with 8k miles.
I paid more for the car than it’s original window sticker.. ugh. Those are the current facts if life.
I searched for a manual tranny because I like to be more involved in the dynamics of driving the car.
it’s my thought that a manual trans will be worth more than the equivalent auto tranny even though automatics cost more initially. My reasoning is that Chevy has left the field and no longer offers a rowing machine in favor of the dual clutch set up. I’ve owned such cars in the past and recognize their popularity. I also know that most people today have never driven a stick and find them quirky and old fashioned. Too bad… driving manuals is a pleasure that only needs to be experienced to gain converts.
so, with the absence of new manuals, buyers so inclined to enjoy that particular driving experience will search out manual cars. I could be wrong and all wet but 2019 is the last year of the manuals and therefore are going to be worth more or equal in value with the more expensive auto cars.
I have owned 6 corvettes in my lifetime of driving. Every C Series since C3 to C7. 3 automatics and 3 manuals. I decided that my last car had to be a stick… back to my roots, I guess. I turn 74 in May and most likely this car will be my final Corvette. Glad I’m still able to use my left foot after all these years.
so, what say you guys?
I feel the same way, pretty much all the vintage cars I have owned over the last 50 years have always been manual transmissions. When I bought my first C7, I went to an automatic but missed the experience of shifting gears. If it was my daily driver, I would want an auto but not in my toy that I drive occasionally. I sold the auto and bought a 15 Z06 M7 and do not regret it one bit. That is the reason I cancelled my C8 order and I guess this M7 Z06 will be my last vehicle.
I can only hope you're correct about the value one day. I searched for well over a year to find my 1st Corvette (at 38 years old) and finally found the color and options I was looking for. First priority on that list was the M7!
Congrats Clinck on #6 (or is it #7). I've been watching used car prices too thinking I'd upgrade to a 2018-19 Z06 2LZ M7. I purchased new in Dec 2019 a 2019 GS 3LT A8. I considered purchasing a manual as I've been driving them since age 16 albeit not the sports car variety. At the time, there were plenty of new GS to choose from whether A8 or M7. My wife implored me to at least test drive a manual, but I convinced myself stupidly that the automatic has the paddle shifters and that I didn't want to be driving a manual transmission in dreaded Atlanta traffic. Wrong! A regret. Don't get me wrong, I'm digging my GS automatic just the way it is. Have done some mods and am now less inclined to change unless something falls in lap my so to speak. When people see I have a 2019 and the last year for a manual on a Corvette-- that's the first question they ask is whether it's a manual. Price difference up or down didn't figure into my thinking though. Best of luck.
Last edited by StevieATL; Apr 16, 2022 at 11:55 PM.
I bought a lightly preowned 2019 LT1 with 8k miles.
I paid more for the car than it’s original window sticker.. ugh. Those are the current facts if life.
I searched for a manual tranny because I like to be more involved in the dynamics of driving the car. it’s my thought that a manual trans will be worth more than the equivalent auto tranny even though automatics cost more initially. My reasoning is that Chevy has left the field and no longer offers a rowing machine in favor of the dual clutch set up. I’ve owned such cars in the past and recognize their popularity. I also know that most people today have never driven a stick and find them quirky and old fashioned. Too bad… driving manuals is a pleasure that only needs to be experienced to gain converts.
so, with the absence of new manuals, buyers so inclined to enjoy that particular driving experience will search out manual cars. I could be wrong and all wet but 2019 is the last year of the manuals and therefore are going to be worth more or equal in value with the more expensive auto cars.
I have owned 6 corvettes in my lifetime of driving. Every C Series since C3 to C7. 3 automatics and 3 manuals. I decided that my last car had to be a stick… back to my roots, I guess. I turn 74 in May and most likely this car will be my final Corvette. Glad I’m still able to use my left foot after all these years. so, what say you guys?
I've been buying, selling, investing, collecting Corvettes for 47 years and I can tell you that having a manual trans alone in a C7 is not going to make a significant different in value in the future. A C7 with super low mileage and keep in immaculate condition may see some modest appreciation in 40 years or so, however that would be the same for an auto trans C7.
Get a manual transmission because you love to shift manuals, not because you feel it's going to rise in value. A US News & World Report article several years ago reported that only 18% of American drivers can shift a manual, that # has probably dropped quite a bit since then and will continue to drop significantly. I'm a manual fan as well, and most of my Corvettes have been manual, however in 20 years from now most are not even going remember what a manual trans is must less willing to pay a huge premium for one.
From a financial perspective now is the best time to sell a C7, but the worst time to buy. However, having said that , the C7 is a GREAT sportscar so I would recommend anyone who wants one badly to buy it. However expect to lose $$$ on it when the current inflated markets corrects.
IMO, paying over original sticker price for a '19 with 8,000 is top price and then some, even in this crazy market. It's not unusual these days for C7 owners to sell their C7s for more than they initially paid new, however these cars were typically selling for 12% to 20% off MSRP when new.
I've been buying, selling, investing, collecting Corvettes for 47 years and I can tell you that having a manual trans alone in a C7 is not going to make a significant different in value in the future. A C7 with super low mileage and keep in immaculate condition may see some modest appreciation in 40 years or so, however that would be the same for an auto trans C7.
Get a manual transmission because you love to shift manuals, not because you feel it's going to rise in value. A US News & World Report article several years ago reported that only 18% of American drivers can shift a manual, that # has probably dropped quite a bit since then and will continue to drop significantly. I'm a manual fan as well, and most of my Corvettes have been manual, however in 20 years from now most are not even going remember what a manual trans is must less willing to pay a huge premium for one.
From a financial perspective now is the best time to sell a C7, but the worst time to buy. However, having said that , the C7 is a GREAT sportscar so I would recommend anyone who wants one badly to buy it. However expect to lose $$$ on it when the current inflated markets corrects.
IMO, paying over original sticker price for a '19 with 8,000 is top price and then some, even in this crazy market. It's not unusual these days for C7 owners to sell their C7s for more than they initially paid new, however these cars were typically selling for 12% to 20% off MSRP when new.
There's even more of a basic reason... the OP said he's 74 and presumes that this might be his last sports car. If true, why care about long term value and collectors status? If there was ever a time to live in the present, now would be that time. People looking to invest in cars (which is a thing), should not be looking at mass produced Corvettes anyway.
I am an M7 fan myself and didn't even consider buying an A6 or A8. For me, I prefer my daily drivers to be automatic and my fun sports cars to be manual. For me, the engagement of rowing the gears, rev-matching (I never use the auto rev match function), downshifting, and being able to pop the car in neutral for a quick rev of the engine under an overpass is a HUGE part of the fun of a sports car.
So yes, buy the transmission that suits you the best. There's a Vette for everyone.
it’s my thought that a manual trans will be worth more than the equivalent auto tranny even though automatics cost more initially. My reasoning is that Chevy has left the field and no longer offers a rowing machine in favor of the dual clutch set up. I’ve owned such cars in the past and recognize their popularity. I also know that most people today have never driven a stick and find them quirky and old fashioned. Too bad… driving manuals is a pleasure that only needs to be experienced to gain converts. so, with the absence of new manuals, buyers so inclined to enjoy that particular driving experience will search out manual cars. I could be wrong and all wet but 2019 is the last year of the manuals and therefore are going to be worth more or equal in value with the more expensive auto cars.
Originally Posted by vbb
There's even more of a basic reason... the OP said he's 74 and presumes that this might be his last sports car. If true, why care about long term value and collectors status? If there was ever a time to live in the present, now would be that time. People looking to invest in cars (which is a thing), should not be looking at mass produced Corvettes anyway.
I am an M7 fan myself and didn't even consider buying an A6 or A8. For me, I prefer my daily drivers to be automatic and my fun sports cars to be manual. For me, the engagement of rowing the gears, rev-matching (I never use the auto rev match function), downshifting, and being able to pop the car in neutral for a quick rev of the engine under an overpass is a HUGE part of the fun of a sports car.
So yes, buy the transmission that suits you the best. There's a Vette for everyone.
I addressed the potential for the M7 adding future C7 value specifically because even though 74 the OP mentioned the M7 adding future value multiple times in his opening post. Did you miss that part?
DITTO! I have a bare bones 19 Stingray, pure driving fun even with a left knee replacement and 12 years into retirement .Gear shift and a cane for me
Same here...base 1LT 2019 M7...at 65 this will also be my last sports car...my son will eventually inherit it. My C3 and C5 were also manual's...I did make the mistake of buying an auto years ago and regretted it not long afterwards. Even our 2 family vehicles are manual's...trying to keep that up as long as we can still get them. Price-wise it is crazy right now...I ordered my 2019 from the factory at the very end of the model year...got 20% off the list price and got it in 8 weeks.
For those individuals who enjoy driving a manual for their "toy" car, and also love Corvettes, there is no choice but a C7 if one wants to get the latest generation corvette.
Some people will pay a premium for a C7 manual since they are harder to find, and this will only exacerbate as time passes.
Row row row your gears gently down the road, merrily merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream............
I addressed the potential for the M7 adding future C7 value specifically because even though 74 the OP mentioned the M7 adding future value multiple times in his opening post. Did you miss that part?
Your post was addressing how it was unlikely the manuals would dramatically outpace the autos in value...a point that I wasn't arguing. My point was addressing the fact that the analysis wasn't even necessary at least for the OPs sake, because he isn't planning to be looking at resale anyway. So really, I was agreeing with you that the OP shouldn't be concerned with resale as a reason to get an M7, just for a different reason than you were mentioning.
Most new cars have automatic transmissions because that’s what most buyers want. Two identical C7s, one auto and one manual, will appreciate the same. Maybe in a few decades the manual may be worth a tiny bit more, but the OP won’t be around to know or care. With close to 200,000 C7s made, they’re not rare or collectible. Of those 200,000 C7s, 50,000 have a manual transmission, so they’re not rare either. A C7 is a fun car to be driven, not to save for the next owner, and as investments go, it’s a bad one.
I think my 2019 Z06 M7 Convertible may be worth some nice money way down the road. Too far down the road to give it much thought so I just drive the heck out of it and enjoy it.
I bought a lightly preowned 2019 LT1 with 8k miles.
I paid more for the car than it’s original window sticker.. ugh. Those are the current facts if life.
I searched for a manual tranny because I like to be more involved in the dynamics of driving the car.
it’s my thought that a manual trans will be worth more than the equivalent auto tranny even though automatics cost more initially. My reasoning is that Chevy has left the field and no longer offers a rowing machine in favor of the dual clutch set up. I’ve owned such cars in the past and recognize their popularity. I also know that most people today have never driven a stick and find them quirky and old fashioned. Too bad… driving manuals is a pleasure that only needs to be experienced to gain converts.
so, with the absence of new manuals, buyers so inclined to enjoy that particular driving experience will search out manual cars. I could be wrong and all wet but 2019 is the last year of the manuals and therefore are going to be worth more or equal in value with the more expensive auto cars.
I have owned 6 corvettes in my lifetime of driving. Every C Series since C3 to C7. 3 automatics and 3 manuals. I decided that my last car had to be a stick… back to my roots, I guess. I turn 74 in May and most likely this car will be my final Corvette. Glad I’m still able to use my left foot after all these years.
so, what say you guys?
Everyone that gets a corvette or six has reasons, likes, needs, and opinions.
I'm on my 6th vette and went through similar thinking.
I like wide body- so got a GS
I like Yellow - so I got Yellow
I already had a couple of z06 and don't need excessive power
I've had automatics and manuals- but just had my left hip replaced and so went for automatic
I like a lot of buttons and so got a 3LT
this is likely my last vette and so don't care about value after I have it.
I think buy what you want, drive safe and have fun.
Hell in the near future they want automated driving electric cars.. we will all be the guy going to his Grandfather's farm to Drive our illegal gas cars in the Rush Song. "Red Barchetta" . crazy how our political climate has me remembering that song lately lol
My uncle has a country place, that no-one knows about
He says it used to be a farm, before the Motor Law
Sundays I elude the ‘Eyes’, and hop the Turbine Freight
To far outside the Wire, where my white-haired uncle waits
Jump to the ground
As the Turbo slows to cross the borderline
Run like the wind
As excitement shivers up and down my spine
Down in his barn
My uncle preserved for me an old machine –
For fifty-odd years
To keep it as new has been his dearest dream
I strip away the old debris, that hides a shining car
A brilliant red Barchetta, from a better, vanished time
Fire up the willing engine, responding with a roar!
Tires spitting gravel, I commit my weekly crime…
Wind in my hair –
Shifting and drifting –
Mechanical music
Adrenalin surge –
Well-weathered leather
Hot metal and oil
The scented country air
Sunlight on chrome
The blur of the landscape
Every nerve aware
Suddenly ahead of me, across the mountainside
A gleaming alloy air-car shoots towards me, two lanes wide
I spin around with shrieking tires, to run the deadly race
Go screaming through the valley as another joins the chase
Drive like the wind
Straining the limits of machine and man
Laughing out loud
With fear and hope, I’ve got a desperate plan
At the one-lane bridge
I leave the giants stranded
At the riverside
Race back to the farm
To dream with my uncle
At the fireside…
I bought a lightly preowned 2019 LT1 with 8k miles.
I paid more for the car than it’s original window sticker.. ugh. Those are the current facts if life.
I searched for a manual tranny because I like to be more involved in the dynamics of driving the car.
it’s my thought that a manual trans will be worth more than the equivalent auto tranny even though automatics cost more initially. My reasoning is that Chevy has left the field and no longer offers a rowing machine in favor of the dual clutch set up. I’ve owned such cars in the past and recognize their popularity. I also know that most people today have never driven a stick and find them quirky and old fashioned. Too bad… driving manuals is a pleasure that only needs to be experienced to gain converts.
so, with the absence of new manuals, buyers so inclined to enjoy that particular driving experience will search out manual cars. I could be wrong and all wet but 2019 is the last year of the manuals and therefore are going to be worth more or equal in value with the more expensive auto cars.
I have owned 6 corvettes in my lifetime of driving. Every C Series since C3 to C7. 3 automatics and 3 manuals. I decided that my last car had to be a stick… back to my roots, I guess. I turn 74 in May and most likely this car will be my final Corvette. Glad I’m still able to use my left foot after all these years.
so, what say you guys?
Unless you are in really bad health, don’t count yourself out. I had a friend that passed away last year at 91. When ever a new series Corvette came out he would trade up to the new model. He had a brand new C7 Grandsport when he passed. I am 75 and as long as my health holds out I will try to have a corvette. Maybe not new but a nice Corvette. Manual if possible. The one I have now is my 6th one. So who knows what is possible.
I don’t care if my car goes up in value because it’s a manual trans or not. I bought my c7 to enjoy and I absolutely love rowing my own. Don’t care if the auto is faster. I was fortunate enough to buy my car for sticker with 600mi on it. IMHO I own the greatest front engine corvette ever made in my favorite color. i took it out for a short ride yesterday and it is an absolute hoot to drive. The visual of looking over that big hood, the sound of the exhaust and the feel of shifting gears. Not to mention being able to lay rubber by just pushing down of the gas pedal in any gear at any speed.
Wow, I was impressed with the thoughtful responses.
to be clear… I don’t care about the value of my C7 down the road. It’s irrelevant to me and my security.
my comment was directed to the fact that sticks are in the minority therefore they will bring more money. It’s simple supply and demand. The laws of supply are the same whether it’s apples, oranges or Corvettes.
I’m driving a stick because automatics are boring. I have both iterations since 1967 and there is no auto that can replace the intimate relationship between a driver and his power plant.
we are not entering the golden age of motoring. That’s for sure… I’ll “stick” with my C7 and giggle like a school boy when I blip the throttle and nail that third to second downshift that’s smoother than a baby’s behind. Ahhh, the true pleasure of manuals..
everyone recognizes the superior performance of the new A/T’s… witnessed by the fact the all super cars are A/T’s today.. I get it. My response is drive what floats your boat but if you’re like me and your car is not a traffic clogged daily driver then it’s a simple choice and solution to your choice.
.Gear shift and a cane for me 
It’s Ironic!
