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How long can it last.....

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Old Dec 8, 2022 | 12:17 PM
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Default How long can it last.....

Guys -

I know this is a weird question, I really like my 2017 C7 Corvette. I bought it new, and it has about 38K miles on it. To me, its a real keeper.

What is going to wear out? Engine, transmission, electronics (my guess)?

Just for reference, I have owned my C3 for over 40 years. Can my C7 make it 40 years?

Ken
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Dec 8, 2022, 12:19 PM
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c6 GS here 146k modded abuse filled miles and still ticking... you'll be fine, just keep up on maintenance... remember, more miles more smiles.
Old Dec 8, 2022 | 12:19 PM
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c6 GS here 146k modded abuse filled miles and still ticking... you'll be fine, just keep up on maintenance... remember, more miles more smiles.
Old Dec 8, 2022 | 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Ken_4fun
Guys -

I know this is a weird question, I really like my 2017 C7 Corvette. I bought it new, and it has about 38K miles on it. To me, its a real keeper.

What is going to wear out? Engine, transmission, electronics (my guess)?

Just for reference, I have owned my C3 for over 40 years. Can my C7 make it 40 years?

Ken
Sorry to be the "glass half empty" on this one, but I think your focus would be better served on you making it for another 40 years, not the Corvette! Me too!
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Old Dec 8, 2022 | 12:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Ken_4fun
Guys -

I know this is a weird question, I really like my 2017 C7 Corvette. I bought it new, and it has about 38K miles on it. To me, its a real keeper.

What is going to wear out? Engine, transmission, electronics (my guess)?

Just for reference, I have owned my C3 for over 40 years. Can my C7 make it 40 years?

Ken
Yeah.. mine would last 40 years... Yours? I don't know.
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Old Dec 8, 2022 | 12:57 PM
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No one can say for sure what will happen with your car. As long as you keep the maintenance up to date and drive it in a reasonable manner, your chances of having a problem are greatly decreased.
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Old Dec 8, 2022 | 02:34 PM
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The answer is 3 licks.
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Old Dec 8, 2022 | 03:33 PM
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Hell, everything I own now will outlast me, even my motorcycle boots and jacket. It kind of puts everything into perspective. I even question buying new clothes. lol.
Old Dec 8, 2022 | 04:33 PM
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I had my C6 for 14 years and 50K miles. I thought that I was going to keep it for ever; but I eventually got the itch for something different. I didn't have to repair a single thing on it.

I love my C7 Z06; but I envision myself driving a C1 or C2 when I get into my 70's.....which is only 10 years from now.
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Old Dec 8, 2022 | 04:52 PM
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As several have said, take care of it, don't abuse it, maintain it properly, and it will last a long time.
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Old Dec 8, 2022 | 05:29 PM
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As long as you can get replacement parts.
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Old Dec 8, 2022 | 06:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Ken_4fun
Guys -

I know this is a weird question, I really like my 2017 C7 Corvette. I bought it new, and it has about 38K miles on it. To me, its a real keeper.

What is going to wear out? Engine, transmission, electronics (my guess)?

Just for reference, I have owned my C3 for over 40 years. Can my C7 make it 40 years?

Ken
Which brings up an interesting question,
Given all the electronics , 15 or 20 years out, does a modern corvette doing all maintenance driven 5000 miles or less per year and stored during winter months fare better then one driven twice or three times more and driven all year ?
I am in the first catagory but I have heard both ways.
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Old Dec 8, 2022 | 06:44 PM
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OP:

The Bureau of Transportation indicates that the average age across the board for vehicles still on the road is just over 11 years according to Autotrader, and the average may be approaching 12 years. Standard cars in this day and age are expected to keep running up to 200,000 miles.

Note: Cars with electric engines are expected to last for up to 300,000 miles.
Source-(Hearst Autos Research-June 11, 2020)


Manty thanks,

Ray
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Old Dec 8, 2022 | 06:44 PM
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The issue I see is the electronics becoming obsolete where you can't fake it to make it run. Unless the patents are lifted and an aftermarket company can reproduce the parts, you are limited to salvaged parts to repair any issues. This would go from the c-4 forward. Keep it maintained and if a common issue starts to manifest on the years you own, it might be in your best interest to source those items for the future if you plan on keeping it long term.
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Old Dec 8, 2022 | 07:39 PM
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I had my C3 and C5 for 21 years each...and am hoping the same or more for my now 3+ year old C7. I read a quote many years ago from an auto writer...that still holds true today...'cars don't wear out...only their parts do'. Basically as long as it's worth the parts & labour cost to replace what wears out, you can keep a vehicle going indefinitely.

I don't drive my Vette's in the winter here with salt on the roads, but for our family vehicles I have them sprayed annually at Rust Check so that the body doesn't wear out prematurely.
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Old Dec 8, 2022 | 08:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Ken_4fun
Guys -

I know this is a weird question, I really like my 2017 C7 Corvette. I bought it new, and it has about 38K miles on it. To me, its a real keeper.

What is going to wear out? Engine, transmission, electronics (my guess)?

Just for reference, I have owned my C3 for over 40 years. Can my C7 make it 40 years?

Ken
Sometimes I wish I had a crystal ball.

Joking aside, since you have been able to keep your C3 for 40 years chances are quite high that you will be able to keep your C7 for quite some time also. Keeping anything for a long period of time has quite a lot to do with how you treat that something. Yes the C7 has quite a bit more bells and whistles than the C3, and so there is more to fail. But I wouldn't worry about it. You obviously enjoy your car, I think the important thing is to enjoy your time you have with the car, no matter how short or long it is. This is especially true for the relationships you have with people too.
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Old Dec 8, 2022 | 09:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Rayland
OP:

The Bureau of Transportation indicates that the average age across the board for vehicles still on the road is just over 11 years according to Autotrader, and the average may be approaching 12 years. Standard cars in this day and age are expected to keep running up to 200,000 miles.

Note: Cars with electric engines are expected to last for up to 300,000 miles.
Source-(Hearst Autos Research-June 11, 2020)


Manty thanks,

Ray
The batteries don't last nearly that long and are the most expensive thing to replace on an electric car, sometimes the car is not worth the cost of a new battery.
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Old Dec 8, 2022 | 10:53 PM
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Until all the computers and wires start degrading and breaking. Don’t expect longevity that the cars of the 50-70’s have these days. Just drive it until you lose interest or it fails and move on. Or judging by all the idiots on the road now you have a better chance of someone crashing into it than it “wearing out”
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Old Dec 9, 2022 | 06:42 AM
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it will last till the corvette goes back to front engine

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Old Dec 9, 2022 | 02:41 PM
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Yeah... Front engine cars....those Corvettes with the it in the proper place, will last that long...... If my car? for sure... Yours? Depends.
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Old Dec 9, 2022 | 08:41 PM
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Originally Posted by speed4tu
Until all the computers and wires start degrading and breaking. Don’t expect longevity that the cars of the 50-70’s have these days. Just drive it until you lose interest or it fails and move on. Or judging by all the idiots on the road now you have a better chance of someone crashing into it than it “wearing out”
You were lucky to get 100,000 miles out of a 50s - 70s car before it was worn out and rusted to death.
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