Purchasing a C7
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,075
Likes: 24,732
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Best of luck with your decision. One thing I would definitely do is have a certified Corvette tech thoroughly check the car over before you sign on the dotted line - you want to know if something is a problem area and what it might cost to repair.
If you are pleased with the equipment on a 1LT, that is fine. The 2LT does offer some good bang for the buck options (heated/ventilated seats, HUD, more stereo speakers, etc), but only you can say whether or not those mean enough to you to shell out the extra cash for them.
Finding a car with the factory NPP is a plus as it really is a good sounding exhaust system - can save the expense of an aftermarket one which is not cheap.
If you are pleased with the equipment on a 1LT, that is fine. The 2LT does offer some good bang for the buck options (heated/ventilated seats, HUD, more stereo speakers, etc), but only you can say whether or not those mean enough to you to shell out the extra cash for them.
Finding a car with the factory NPP is a plus as it really is a good sounding exhaust system - can save the expense of an aftermarket one which is not cheap.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,430
Likes: 3,279
From: Hartford WI
I had a range. I kept kicking it out. I want the pork open and didn't want to have to let it drive for a while every year removed because of emissions testing so I went to Diablo. Emissions monitors are always in readiness, nothing to kick and I can have a better tip in for the throttle and alrer shifts. Bit the bullet and sold it for half what I paid for it and never looked back.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 86
Likes: 4
From: New Jersey
Hi, I am thinking about a 2018 Stingray Base LT1. Do you have a Z51 package or did you do add all the stuff?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,430
Likes: 3,279
From: Hartford WI
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 86
Likes: 4
From: New Jersey
I would highly advise against adding stuff. Tends to be a PITA and it never works as well as OEM. I could get a 1LT and add cameras, for example. It will be a ROYAL PAIN IN THE *** to make it work as stock works. Might not be easy as plug in the camera and go on. I figured it was easier to get at least a 2LT than a slightly cheaper 1LT, standard with regret and either try to make it an 1.5LT or kick myself in the *** every time I drive it wishing I had trunk pull down, cameras, Android auto, etc
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 617
From: Houston Texas
On the 3LT models, look carefully at the dash for "bubbling" or the trim separating at the HUD and/or defroster vents. "Bubbling" often repaired by injecting glue and reattaching for minimal cost. Replacement for the dash is north of $3K.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 86
Likes: 4
From: New Jersey
Got it, I'll definitely ask about that at the dealership then.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 1,856
From: St. Louis Metro East IL
You can find the VIN decoders at the top of this thread in C7 General | Sticky Threads. I would take a copy with your shopping. You can determine trim level 1LT, 2LT, 3LT and Z51 or not from the VIN on the dash - just check against the decoder.
Ron
Ron
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,430
Likes: 3,279
From: Hartford WI
I don't know if they give you the RPO codes by VIN for free. I went to the dealer got it.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 86
Likes: 4
From: New Jersey
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,430
Likes: 3,279
From: Hartford WI
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 86
Likes: 4
From: New Jersey
3LT. IDK of the is an LT3 engine. I'd be more worried about what the warranty is than the traditional test drive. If you have a short warranty, you can go home and get a Certified Corvette tech who has forgotten more about the car that you know to do a PDI on his rack. I gave up on the traditional test drive, staring at the engine pretending like I know what I am doing.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,430
Likes: 3,279
From: Hartford WI
Last edited by aklim; Sep 29, 2024 at 07:17 PM.