I’m currently a ‘10 Camaro SS owner but looking to buy a Corvette. Definitely want the C-7. Been doing lots of research on the car. On a first time Vette purchase any recommendations or insight is encouraged. Doubtful looking to track the car. Not a daily driver , more of a few days a week to work and weekend car show etc. I like to put my foot in it from time to time. Not sure I need to go Z 06. Like the body on the Gran Sport but honestly the Z 51 with some options might be enough to make me happy. Guess I need to drive a few. Must haves, M 7 Manuel , really like the carbon packages. Do the Z 51 have the adj suspension when changing the drivers mode dial? Thanks folks!

 

Welcome moved you here out of introductions, should get answers here.. gl

 

Welcome!

 

Look around a little. I have '14 Z51 7MT 1LT Convertible lightly modded but you've got a model covering six years that evolved into more features/options but the soul is essentially the same. Time to talk budget, features desired and you've already talked about use so start looking.....to answer your one direct question, yes, on some you can get a feature called Mag ride (I don't have it) which controls shocks. My Z51 is rather stiff (which I enjoy). Next decision might be whether you want to go wider body (Grand Sport and Z06) or not....enjoy

 

Best thing to do is browse this section - there are a lot of threads on the C7 and its features. Ask a lot of questions too - there are plenty of answers here.

The C7 is a great car - I came from three C5s before I got my C7 and even though I thoroughly enjoyed each C5, the C7 is just so much better. Hopefully you can test drive one and see for yourself.

 

My advice in buying used performance/sports cars... get the simplest vehicle you can find with the fewest geegaws possible. The less there is to go wrong the less EXPENSIVE crappola you'll have to replace if you are actually going to use the car and keep it any amount of time (e.g., price the notorious leaky electronic shocks). Admittedly, I buy new, but I use the same principle since I tend to keep everything forever, no matter what else I buy. All the best and ENJOY whatever you get!

 

Notoriously leaky? Links?

 

Welcome.

 

The C7 2014 Z51 has a very good track record of being dependable, I am on my 2sd 2014 Z51 there good cars and do good on gas. I wanted to move up to a grand sport, but I really didn't want to spend that much money just for a weekend car.since I have other cars as well good luck to you

 

The Z51 and the Grand Sport have the same driveline. But the GS comes with a few more options than the Z51. Example: the Mag Ride is standard on the GS but is an option on the Z51 Stingray. But you'll find many Z51s' were ordered with Mag Ride.

The 2014 Z51 is of course the least expensive Z51 to get into.

The GS and the Z06 have factory wheel problems. The Z51 wheels are forged and problem free.

Also consider additional options you would like.

Example: if you are interested in the Performance Data Recorder, it was not available in the 2014. The 2015 version was ok but much improved in 2016.

The soft close rear hatch did not return to the C7 until the 2016 model.

And so on, and so on…

Good luck in your search

 

You're going to want it equipped with MSRC, Magnetic Selective Ride Control. You're also going to need at least a Z51 optioned Stingray too.

 

budget will play a pretty big role.
off hand sounds like a m7 grand sport is would be a goo start to look at first specifically. they have a great overall of looks, options and performance.

 

Welcome to the forum, you have come to the right place to ask all questions Corvette related

 

Thank you all for the welcome to the forum and words of wisdom. Found a 14 LT 51 LT3 with low miles one owner for $49,000. Also a ‘16 ZO6 , 10,kkk , also 1 owner but it’s $25 grand more. Going to drive them today hopefully. I like the idea of 1 owner, low miles.

 

While not a long time C7 owner (2 months), I just stepped up from a C6 that I drove for over 10 years and prior to that it was a c5 and before that a C4 and before that a C3, also the first one was a C2 L72 roadster. You can listen to all the recommendation out there, but the bottom line is, first set a budget, then find the newest model with the lowest miles and then look at the options.
You already mentioned you don't plan to track the car, so maybe the Z51 is not all that important. My C6 was a Z51 and I did track it for a few years so that was a nice option. Now saying that I have no experience with the C7 Z51, but I am sure it will be like the C6 which means it is more solid ride as compared to the base suspension.
If you can find someone with the Corvette Black Book look at what come with each Equipment Group and that may help guide you.
Good luck and hope you find the right car for you.

 

Almost any C7 with a manual will do what you are looking for - the trick is finding one you like. A few things to consider...

Once you start looking, color combos will stand out, and you will notice features. I'd look for a 2Lt - the mid level trim. Kind of the sweet spot for features. Z51 is good if you are going to track the car, but if not you probably won't notice it. A non-Z51 Stingray has a softer ride option. A convertible is more quiet experience than the coupe. Two features that were important to me - the magnetic ride control and the performance exhaust. You will enjoy both.

 

You will find that everyone has their own opinion, usually based on what they own, on the 'best' C7. Instead of offering an opinion on specific options or body styles, I offer the following:

1. Given your budget, go for the latest model year you can find tat meets your criteria. The 2014s are the first year, while the 2019s are the last C7 year. By 2019, GM had all of the bugs out (except for the GS and Z06 wheels, but that is another conversation).
2. Wanting a manual limits the number of Vettes available in each year.
3. You need to drive a few Vettes to see what matters the most to you. Is there a Corvette club close to you? Join a club to meet owners, see different models and ask to drive as many different models/years as possible. Ask for owner's opinions and recommendations. Maybe a current club C7 owner is planing to sell their Vette to buy a C8, or they know of someone selling their Vette.
4. Try to find a one-owner Vette and talk to the owner about issues or things they did to their Vette.
5. Once you find a suitable manual C7, have it thoroughly checked over by a good Corvette mechanic and check its background through your local Chevy dealer and online services (CARMAX, etc.).
6. Take your time to know what you want and do not want.
7. Once you find your 'dream' Vette, buy it and never look back.

Good luck and let us know wat you find.

 

I'm sure Manuel (he prefers "Manny") loves to row those gears with a manual 7 speed, and so do I. LOL. It sounds like you would be more than happy with a GranD Sport. Take your time. You did the research so it sounds like some patience and persistence is in order. Search nationwide and don't be afraid to drive it home or use a transport truck. I spent three months nationwide searching before finding one of 236 produced! Hang in there and you will find what you are looking for. Good luck.

 

yes welcome!!

 

To the OP: yes, MSRC is instantly adjustable on-the-fly, with a twist of your wrist. It's a nice option to have