Considering a C7
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,066
Likes: 9,834
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
It's not so much the 'years' as it is which options it came with. If you eliminate some of the more troublesome options you'll have the most reliable one, regardless of year.
I would also suggest getting one that has enough miles on it to sus out any issues while under warranty. You don't want something with 2k miles and years out of warranty.
Thus, a non-3LT Stingray with three pedals will be the most reliable.
- 3LT's you risk dash delamination (narrows it down to 1LT or 2LT)
- Automatics spend more time in AFM and increase the risk of lifter and torque tube failure (narrows it down to the M7's)
- If you must go auto, the A6 ('14 and '15) have the least issues, but it seems the A8's issues are solved with a triple-flush.
- GS and Z06 crack wheels.
I would also suggest getting one that has enough miles on it to sus out any issues while under warranty. You don't want something with 2k miles and years out of warranty.
Thus, a non-3LT Stingray with three pedals will be the most reliable.
Bill
C7 HEVN
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 31
Likes: 23
From: Texas
Pick up the latest issue or go on line to Corvette Magazine. They just came out with a buying guide that will answer a lot of your questions. As said above, if you are looking for particular tech, that will determine what year. If you want front cameras, apple car play...2017. I have a 2015, no Apple Car Play, but blue tooth does the trick with the music. You would also need to get map updates if non-Android or Apple Play cars. If that is not a big deal, make sure any automatic that you looks at has had the service bulletin update performed on the transmission fluid. I have not had issues, but had it done as a precaution. Only thing I have had to replace, other than the battery on my 2015 was a belt tensioner, for under $200. Love this car. Will hate sell it when I get a C8. Definitely get a Z-51 package. 3LT trim has been a pleasure. For a few percentage points on the price, you will be happy. Being my 1st Vette, I did not want to start out with a Z06 until I knew what I was doing. 460HP with the Z51, you still gotta respect the gas pedal. If looking at Grand Sports, beware of rim cracks. Probably entire threads out there on that topic. Remember, this is the pinnacle of the front engine format for the Vette. C7 definitely does not disaapoint
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 114
Likes: 83
From: Central Florida
Last edited by VMace21; Mar 13, 2024 at 03:12 PM. Reason: add details
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2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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I will say what a lot of people here have already said but try to say it in the easiest possible way:
The two "biggest" issues with the C7 are:
1. The A8 automatic transmission (all autos from 2015- Early 2019) causing a shudder (which can be fixed by a transmission fluid flush to a better fluid)
2. Grand Sport / Z06 wheel cracking (which can be fixed by getting FORGED wheels and not CASTED wheels like the OEM.)
So two easily (can cost $) fixable things.
Only C7's that would not be AS PRONE to those issues would be:
Any 2014 Stingray
Any 2019 Stingray manufactured after Feb 1st 2019
2015-2019 Manual transmission Stingray
The two "biggest" issues with the C7 are:
1. The A8 automatic transmission (all autos from 2015- Early 2019) causing a shudder (which can be fixed by a transmission fluid flush to a better fluid)
2. Grand Sport / Z06 wheel cracking (which can be fixed by getting FORGED wheels and not CASTED wheels like the OEM.)
So two easily (can cost $) fixable things.
Only C7's that would not be AS PRONE to those issues would be:
Any 2014 Stingray
Any 2019 Stingray manufactured after Feb 1st 2019
2015-2019 Manual transmission Stingray
Last edited by MosEspa; Mar 13, 2024 at 05:11 PM.
