Looking at a C7
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,357
Likes: 3,253
From: Hartford WI
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 209
Likes: 7
I have owned C3s, C4s, C5s and now a C7. The difference between the previous cars and the one I have now is like night and day. I liked every Corvette I have had (10 in all), but the C7 just puts it all together in a beautiful package. I never had a C6 but did drive one for about 1500 miles back in 2007 and while it was OK, it was not as comfortable as the C7 and the quality, especially the interior, was a huge improvement. The 2014, as an introductory year model for the new generation, was really very reliable. It does come with the A6 transmission verses the A8 in newer models, but it performs well and has not had the problems associated with the A8.
As far as pricing, all the used car prices are incredibly high right now - but I am not sure there would be a $10-20K difference between a C6 and 2014 C7 unless the range of model years is considerable.
My car has the 2LT package on it - which I consider the sweet spot in terms of options on the car. But if you can live without items like the HUD, heated/ventilated seats and upgraded stereo, the 1LT could save you some money.
I would agree that if you can find a used C7 on a dealer lot, go in and see about a test drive. You don't have to say whether you will buy the car right then, just tell them you are considering a C7.
I have absolutely no regrets with my C7. Depending on where you live, coming into winter months is usually when prices tend to moderate a bit, so check around. But as I said, prices are high so there may not be that much of a difference in pricing.
As far as pricing, all the used car prices are incredibly high right now - but I am not sure there would be a $10-20K difference between a C6 and 2014 C7 unless the range of model years is considerable.
My car has the 2LT package on it - which I consider the sweet spot in terms of options on the car. But if you can live without items like the HUD, heated/ventilated seats and upgraded stereo, the 1LT could save you some money.
I would agree that if you can find a used C7 on a dealer lot, go in and see about a test drive. You don't have to say whether you will buy the car right then, just tell them you are considering a C7.
I have absolutely no regrets with my C7. Depending on where you live, coming into winter months is usually when prices tend to moderate a bit, so check around. But as I said, prices are high so there may not be that much of a difference in pricing.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,910
Likes: 6,702
From: Bonneville Salt Flats
When I bought my new C7 I kept my longtime owned C5. The C6 is an evolutionary change from the C5. Though I still like my C5 (obviously) my C7 is much superior in many ways. I can recommend such if you can find a good one you like. I recommend an M7 with minimal mods and the simplest version possible (LT1, best when getting used if one expects to keep it). All the best. 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 209
Likes: 7
When I bought my new C7 I kept my longtime owned C5. The C6 is an evolutionary change from the C5. Though I still like my C5 (obviously) my C7 is much superior in many ways. I can recommend such if you can find a good one you like. I recommend an M7 with minimal mods and the simplest version possible (LT1, best when getting used if one expects to keep it). All the best.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 209
Likes: 7
Here's kind of the one I've been most interested in, biggest plus is the mileage is real low, biggest con is its quite a ways from me. If the link works, what do you guys think of the price?
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/1G1YB2D7XE5130094
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/1G1YB2D7XE5130094
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,357
Likes: 3,253
From: Hartford WI
The 1LT has been attractive to me because it has less bells and whistles and costs less usually so it's kind of a win/win. I was kind of unsure about the quality the base model interior might be but it sounds like all that commented had good things to say. I am kind of holding off just a little longer to see what the winter does to prices. I've been watching these same corvettes all year, they haven't sold and haven't reduced their prices, so maybe I go in mid-winter and try and negotiate a better deal. I have an enclosed trailer I can bring it home in if the roads have been snowed on and salted.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 25,105
Likes: 3,155
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Having owned my 07 C6 from new, and now have a 16 C7 parked next to it, I can say the C7 is a pretty big step up.
For long weekend trips the C7 is more comfortable to me, hands down.
I bought my C7 without ever having sat in a C7.
Not the best approach but I knew enough about the C7 to be confident I would be comfortable.
Had 10 days to check it over. Had a local dealership give it a PPI and it all checked out good.
Is there a Carmax near you? They will let you drive any car your interested in.
Personally I had to have a 2LT and did not look at any other trim levels.
For long weekend trips the C7 is more comfortable to me, hands down.
I bought my C7 without ever having sat in a C7.
Not the best approach but I knew enough about the C7 to be confident I would be comfortable.
Had 10 days to check it over. Had a local dealership give it a PPI and it all checked out good.
Is there a Carmax near you? They will let you drive any car your interested in.
Personally I had to have a 2LT and did not look at any other trim levels.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,382
Likes: 3,500
From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
The convertible is quieter. I have ridden along with a couple of friends the have the c7 rag tops and with the top up it is significantly quieter than a coupe. The coupes hatch area enhances the road noise from the tires. The luggage space in the convertible is 60% of what the coupe has.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,357
Likes: 3,253
From: Hartford WI
The convertible is quieter. I have ridden along with a couple of friends the have the c7 rag tops and with the top up it is significantly quieter than a coupe. The coupes hatch area enhances the road noise from the tires. The luggage space in the convertible is 60% of what the coupe has.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 273
Likes: 50
From: Bellingham WA
C6, 2 C7's
I owned a 2012 vert, then a 2015 Z51 vert, then my current 2019 GS. The C7 is a lot better car than the C6. More comfortable, more features, better performance. The vert is actually quieter than the Targa top with the roof up. The cargo room in the verts is adequate for road trips if you pack carefully and use soft luggage. The GS is the best for luggage room,, but only with the top installed. The top stowed in the cargo area eliminates nearly all the cargo room.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 209
Likes: 7
The convertible is quieter. I have ridden along with a couple of friends the have the c7 rag tops and with the top up it is significantly quieter than a coupe. The coupes hatch area enhances the road noise from the tires. The luggage space in the convertible is 60% of what the coupe has.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,186
Likes: 1,792
From: Stafford Springs CT
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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The convertible is quieter. I have ridden along with a couple of friends the have the c7 rag tops and with the top up it is significantly quieter than a coupe. The coupes hatch area enhances the road noise from the tires. The luggage space in the convertible is 60% of what the coupe has.
Trim level will be very personal. Some like bare bones while others have to have every option offered. Check out the videos above for the differences.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,035
Likes: 931
From: Bonney Lake Washington
If you like the option.....
The convertible is quieter. I have ridden along with a couple of friends the have the c7 rag tops and with the top up it is significantly quieter than a coupe. The coupes hatch area enhances the road noise from the tires. The luggage space in the convertible is 60% of what the coupe has.
Throw in C6's, which I've owned three and the C7 drives much more like a smaller sports car, the C6 feels more cruiser in comparison.
Enjoy the process and enjoy your final decision/purchase.....
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 209
Likes: 7
With the convertible... do you lose space in trunk when it's stored? Or does it have it's own dedicated space? I was wondering if a guy had the coupe but had luggage in the back if that would quiet down the road noise a little, but might not help if just going out for a cruise...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,798
Likes: 314
From: Santa Fe Tx
Buying is personal choice and for me this is what was important, after owning 1965 Coupe 4 spd no air electric windows, 2006 Coupe 3LT 6 spd, 2007 Zo6 Coupe 2Lz 6 spd, 2013 Z06 Coupe 60th aniversary 4LZ 6spd really nice, 2016 Z51 3LT 8spd:
My last Vette so color important- Yellow with Black
High options 3LT- HUD
Non-Black Wheels
Wide Body, don't need 650hp
under 30k miles
no accidents
no big mods
Automatic
Year not too important, but 2017 or above
I bought a 2017 GS 3LT, Yellow Blacke chrome wheels
Mods
Aftermarket better Wheels
Sound Deadening in back
Remove Paint protection and replace with better paint protection
Soler TB- really made difference
Range Device
Hood Strip
Engine dressup?
Coupe- I do not like Convertables
Things I like
- Overall nice balance
- great looking fun to drive
- Apple Car Play
- My wheel/tire sellection
- Corvette Forum
- Front/Rear Camers - Helps me drive onto my Lift
- Driving it
Things I don't Like
- Fixing Dash Leather
- OEM Wheel Quality
- A8 Transmission Problems
- AFM
- Exhaust Sound( My 2020 Mustang GT sounds so much better)
- People expecting me to wash it all the time
- Most Corvette Clubs
- Stupid car people trying to create road challenges
- Parking anywhere
-
My last Vette so color important- Yellow with Black
High options 3LT- HUD
Non-Black Wheels
Wide Body, don't need 650hp
under 30k miles
no accidents
no big mods
Automatic
Year not too important, but 2017 or above
I bought a 2017 GS 3LT, Yellow Blacke chrome wheels
Mods
Aftermarket better Wheels
Sound Deadening in back
Remove Paint protection and replace with better paint protection
Soler TB- really made difference
Range Device
Hood Strip
Engine dressup?
Coupe- I do not like Convertables
Things I like
- Overall nice balance
- great looking fun to drive
- Apple Car Play
- My wheel/tire sellection
- Corvette Forum
- Front/Rear Camers - Helps me drive onto my Lift
- Driving it
Things I don't Like
- Fixing Dash Leather
- OEM Wheel Quality
- A8 Transmission Problems
- AFM
- Exhaust Sound( My 2020 Mustang GT sounds so much better)
- People expecting me to wash it all the time
- Most Corvette Clubs
- Stupid car people trying to create road challenges
- Parking anywhere
-
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,357
Likes: 3,253
From: Hartford WI
Things I don't Like
- Fixing Dash Leather
- A8 Transmission Problems
- AFM
- Exhaust Sound( My 2020 Mustang GT sounds so much better)
- People expecting me to wash it all the time
- Most Corvette Clubs
- Stupid car people trying to create road challenges
- Parking anywhere
-
- Fixing Dash Leather
- A8 Transmission Problems
- AFM
- Exhaust Sound( My 2020 Mustang GT sounds so much better)
- People expecting me to wash it all the time
- Most Corvette Clubs
- Stupid car people trying to create road challenges
- Parking anywhere
-
Doesn't the triple flush usually solve it?
Reprogram the ECM?
I believe they plumb in much of the engine noise these days.
Soon as they pay for it or do it for me, I'd care. Till then, why bother?
I don't join them.
Don't take the bait.
Sounds like a personal problem. Do you have a problem parking another car? If so, perhaps Uber?