C7 Selection Help
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Joined: Aug 2024
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From: New Jersey
C7 Selection Help
Hello, I want to buy an automatic C7 between 2018 or 2019. However, I am not willing to spend over 40k on the car. I would prefer to buy an automatic coupe preferably in black or white and without any damage. Is this a possible target? I am open to a 2020 C8 as well, but I believe it is extremely unlikely that I will find one within my budget. I appreciate all help, this is my first time ever buying a car myself and I have always loved corvettes as a child. When checking the reports for issues with the car, I noticed that 2017 models and older tended to have many more issues, which is why I am discouraged from purchasing something older than 2018. Furthermore, if I waited to purchase this car in December, how much do you estimate the value of the car would go down to? Thank you very much for all help!
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You might want to consider adding $10,000 or more to your budget if you want to get something nice in those two years.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2018
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From: Clermont, Florida
I think you can find a C7 1LT Stingray base with little to no options for $40,000. Definitely will not find a C8 for $40,000 unless it was wrecked. As far as the prices going down in December I can't find my crystal ball to check that for you. Good luck with your search.
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Joined: Feb 2015
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Recently was shopping for a c7 but 40k-50k is what the going rate is which I think is crazy. I then looked at the grand sport and found them +/- the price of a Z06.
In the end, I bought a 2017 Z06 1LZ m7 with 58k miles 1 owner with great Carfax and in good condition for $51,000. I would of been interested in a base c7 in the 30k range but that’s just me
edit- noticed you want a 18+. Those seem to be the higher value ones.
In the end, I bought a 2017 Z06 1LZ m7 with 58k miles 1 owner with great Carfax and in good condition for $51,000. I would of been interested in a base c7 in the 30k range but that’s just me
edit- noticed you want a 18+. Those seem to be the higher value ones.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2024
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From: Central Florida
Agreed I think you are not budgeting enough. 19 GS M7 14K were 69-72K in Jan. They have gone up for nice ones from good brokers. Other things to look at with the 15-18 (I Believe) in the A8 is the Triple Flush on the Transmission, is it done? Tires on these year cars are aged out if original. Lots of other factors as well, LT1 VS LT2 VS LT3 Wheels may also need to be replaced for forged ones. On and on and on Good luck. Be diligent do your homework on the cars and don't get rushed. She will find you
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Lagrange KY
Not sure where you read that the 2017 and older models were problematic. Like any car, ALL the model years are subject to some potential problem's. I had some problems with a 2016 A8 3LT coupe and eventually sold it before buying my current 2014 Z51 2LT coupe, which has been trouble free. It has the A6 automatic transmission, thus none of the pesky A8 issues. Also, it’s not a GS, so no issues with cracked wheels. And if you stick with the 1or 2LT trim levels you’ll avoid potential problems with bubbling dashboards. If you find a nice and well cared for 2014 model, and it fills all your squares for color, options, mileage etc, I would highly recommend you consider it. It has a pretty good reputation for reliability and I think you’ll find a nice selection available in your price range. Good luck with your search.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2024
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From: New Jersey
Not sure where you read that the 2017 and older models were problematic. Like any car, ALL the model years are subject to some potential problem's. I had some problems with a 2016 A8 3LT coupe and eventually sold it before buying my current 2014 Z51 2LT coupe, which has been trouble free. It has the A6 automatic transmission, thus none of the pesky A8 issues. Also, it’s not a GS, so no issues with cracked wheels. And if you stick with the 1or 2LT trim levels you’ll avoid potential problems with bubbling dashboards. If you find a nice and well cared for 2014 model, and it fills all your squares for color, options, mileage etc, I would highly recommend you consider it. It has a pretty good reputation for reliability and I think you’ll find a nice selection available in your price range. Good luck with your search.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2024
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From: New Jersey
Agreed I think you are not budgeting enough. 19 GS M7 14K were 69-72K in Jan. They have gone up for nice ones from good brokers. Other things to look at with the 15-18 (I Believe) in the A8 is the Triple Flush on the Transmission, is it done? Tires on these year cars are aged out if original. Lots of other factors as well, LT1 VS LT2 VS LT3 Wheels may also need to be replaced for forged ones. On and on and on Good luck. Be diligent do your homework on the cars and don't get rushed. She will find you
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I agree with Squeaky Wheel - don’t discount the 2014 model even though it has an A6 rather than A8. The A6 has been pretty much rock solid. The newer models have extra features (front cameras in 2016, PDR, etc.) so it depends on what you want in the car. Your budget is low right now for a pristine C7 but shop around - never know what’s out there. Just be patient and when you find one that peaks your interest, be sure to have it thoroughly checked out by a good Corvette tech.
Best of luck with your search.
Best of luck with your search.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2024
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From: New Jersey
I agree with Squeaky Wheel - don’t discount the 2014 model even though it has an A6 rather than A8. The A6 has been pretty much rock solid. The newer models have extra features (front cameras in 2016, PDR, etc.) so it depends on what you want in the car. Your budget is low right now for a pristine C7 but shop around - never know what’s out there. Just be patient and when you find one that peaks your interest, be sure to have it thoroughly checked out by a good Corvette tech.
Best of luck with your search.
Best of luck with your search.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Lagrange KY
I’d be open to any model year. Other than the auto transmission, there is very little substantial difference between the 2014 and all the follow on years. The front camera and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay became available in 2016 I believe, and the wide body GS made its debut in 2017 I think. All wide body GS and Z06 models have had issues with the OEM wheels cracking. Most issues I’m familiar with are associated with the A8 transmission and driveline shudder and the 3LT leather trimmed dashboard. The A8 transmission with associated shudder has a fix by triple flushing the transmission fluid and replacing it with a revised formula. That applies to all A8’s until mid way into the 2019 production run. The dashboard bubbling continues to be reported on the 3LT trim even into the C8 model. A 2014 A6 with the 1 or 2LT trim should eliminate most of those concerns. It would also be more in line with your stated price range. Plan about $1000 for a triple flush if needed and possibly $2000 to replace cracked wheels. And good luck getting a bubbled dash repaired.
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I think the C7 is one of the rare exceptions were all the model years were good. They just had various improvements.
I also recall that the 2018 had the lowest production numbers due to various reasons, and that might have something to do with price.
I have had a 2016 since around 2020 and have just done fluids and various upgrades and updates. Just get the year that has the options you want at the right price!
I also recall that the 2018 had the lowest production numbers due to various reasons, and that might have something to do with price.
I have had a 2016 since around 2020 and have just done fluids and various upgrades and updates. Just get the year that has the options you want at the right price!
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You will not get a nice, clean 2018 or 19 C7 for $40k, look into the C6 generation
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Lagrange KY
I think the C7 is one of the rare exceptions were all the model years were good. They just had various improvements.
I also recall that the 2018 had the lowest production numbers due to various reasons, and that might have something to do with price.
I have had a 2016 since around 2020 and have just done fluids and various upgrades and updates. Just get the year that has the options you want at the right price!
I also recall that the 2018 had the lowest production numbers due to various reasons, and that might have something to do with price.
I have had a 2016 since around 2020 and have just done fluids and various upgrades and updates. Just get the year that has the options you want at the right price!
Wasn’t there also a strike that year? And maybe something to do with a change at the painting facility? Both leading to some prolonged factory inactivity? 
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Joined: Oct 2022
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From: Phoenix, Arizona
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I agree with Squeaky Wheel - don’t discount the 2014 model even though it has an A6 rather than A8. The A6 has been pretty much rock solid. The newer models have extra features (front cameras in 2016, PDR, etc.) so it depends on what you want in the car. Your budget is low right now for a pristine C7 but shop around - never know what’s out there. Just be patient and when you find one that peaks your interest, be sure to have it thoroughly checked out by a good Corvette tech.
Best of luck with your search.
Best of luck with your search.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 86
Likes: 4
From: New Jersey
I think the C7 is one of the rare exceptions were all the model years were good. They just had various improvements.
I also recall that the 2018 had the lowest production numbers due to various reasons, and that might have something to do with price.
I have had a 2016 since around 2020 and have just done fluids and various upgrades and updates. Just get the year that has the options you want at the right price!
I also recall that the 2018 had the lowest production numbers due to various reasons, and that might have something to do with price.
I have had a 2016 since around 2020 and have just done fluids and various upgrades and updates. Just get the year that has the options you want at the right price!
