Considering a C7
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 800
Likes: 353
Buy the newest one you can find in the best condition with the lowest miles. At least that’s what I would do. The newer the year the more improvements it will have had from gm.
Last edited by Shokwav; Feb 11, 2024 at 04:30 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,040
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From: Bonney Lake Washington
Believe it or not the first year/2014 has not only been one of the most trouble free but one of the most trouble free year intros of all time. From there the Corvette rather than the GS or Z06 has caused fewer problems because it lacks those areas where the other two caused some statistical grief; cracking wheels, transmission shuddering (8 speed auto) and overheating (on the track with the Z06). But even these are still statistically rare and the condition of the individual ones you look at will be a far greater variable. Good luck
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,855
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From: Lagrange KY
If you want an automatic, and don’t care about a front camera or Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, I’d look for a nice 2014 with the 2LT trim. And if you want a few more track oriented options, a Z51. Makes for a pretty nice and reliable package at a reasonable price IMO. I may be a little biased though since that’s what I bought after selling a 2016 3LT coupe with the A8 transmission.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2023
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From: FL
Race Director
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From: Home of the VOLS ! Knoxville, TN. Tennessee
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You are just one of the lucky ones, so far.
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From: Maryland
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,855
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From: Lagrange KY
Is yours a 2014 with the A6? First I’ve heard of that with the A6. Have you been able to eliminate it? If so, what was the remedy? Triple flush of the tranny fluid with the new improved version?
Anyone else had a shudder problem with the A6?
Anyone else had a shudder problem with the A6?
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I have not had any problems with transmission shudder on my 2014 A6. I will agree that the first year C7 has been a very reliable car with just a few exceptions. Mine had an infotainment screen that needed replacing and recently a belt tensioner, but that is it. If you want newer, just be sure to have it thoroughly checked over by a good Vette tech, as you should do with any year that you are considering. Good luck - the C7 is a very good car and a blast to drive.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 910
Likes: 430
From: MN
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.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 694
From: Lagrange KY
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.
@C7GSM7VERT
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: S.F. Bay Area,CA
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 2LT seems to be the most sorted out of the C7s. GS is the least expensive wide bodied Corvette, if that is your thing. Getting rid of the OEM wheels (GS/Z06) is the price of admission. M7 avoids AFM, if that is your thing as well.