C7 General Discussion General C7 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Purchasing a C7

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 29, 2024 | 12:47 PM
  #21  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,768
Likes: 24,895
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 '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default

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.
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2024 | 12:51 PM
  #22  
aklim's Avatar
aklim
Team Owner
Active Streak: 60 Days
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,522
Likes: 3,312
From: Hartford WI
Default

Originally Posted by fentrai
I believe it is the 1LT trim. I do not have the money for anything higher unless I find a good deal near me. Do you think a range disabler would be a good idea to stop the car from going into V4 mode?
I don't know that the 2LT trim is going to be that much higher personality.

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.
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2024 | 03:00 PM
  #23  
fentrai's Avatar
fentrai
Thread Starter
Advanced
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 86
Likes: 4
From: New Jersey
Default

Originally Posted by Power Hawk
Don't let the 1LT trim turn you off. My 2016 Stingray is a 1LT that is highly optioned with NPP exhaust, auto tranny, color matching brake rotors, magnetic ride control, etc. I am very pleased with it. Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.
Hi, I am thinking about a 2018 Stingray Base LT1. Do you have a Z51 package or did you do add all the stuff?
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2024 | 03:07 PM
  #24  
aklim's Avatar
aklim
Team Owner
Active Streak: 60 Days
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,522
Likes: 3,312
From: Hartford WI
Default

Originally Posted by fentrai
Hi, I am thinking about a 2018 Stingray Base LT1. Do you have a Z51 package or did you do add all the stuff?
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
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2024 | 03:11 PM
  #25  
fentrai's Avatar
fentrai
Thread Starter
Advanced
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 86
Likes: 4
From: New Jersey
Default

Originally Posted by aklim
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
That's valid, I'll take a look at some LT2 or LT3 models near me too.
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2024 | 03:19 PM
  #26  
B-17/B-25 CC's Avatar
B-17/B-25 CC
Burning Brakes
Veteran: Army
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 618
From: Houston Texas
Default

Originally Posted by fentrai
That's valid, I'll take a look at some LT2 or LT3 models near me too.
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.
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2024 | 03:21 PM
  #27  
fentrai's Avatar
fentrai
Thread Starter
Advanced
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 86
Likes: 4
From: New Jersey
Default

Originally Posted by B-17/B-25 CC
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.
Got it, I'll definitely ask about that at the dealership then.
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2024 | 04:46 PM
  #28  
RonC7's Avatar
RonC7
Safety Car
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,877
Likes: 1,878
From: St. Louis Metro East IL
Default

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
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Corvettes to Drive Before You Die!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Corvette & Porsche 911: How Two Icons Conquered the Last 25 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 First Look: Everything You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
Old Sep 29, 2024 | 05:50 PM
  #29  
aklim's Avatar
aklim
Team Owner
Active Streak: 60 Days
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,522
Likes: 3,312
From: Hartford WI
Default

Originally Posted by RonC7
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
I don't know if they give you the RPO codes by VIN for free. I went to the dealer got it.
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2024 | 05:55 PM
  #30  
fentrai's Avatar
fentrai
Thread Starter
Advanced
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 86
Likes: 4
From: New Jersey
Default

Originally Posted by aklim
I don't know if they give you the RPO codes by VIN for free. I went to the dealer got it.
I'll ask them for it. Btw, I luckily found a 2016 Z51 LT3 model near me. I will be contacting the dealership tomorrow and hopefully will get to test drive it on Thursday.
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2024 | 06:17 PM
  #31  
aklim's Avatar
aklim
Team Owner
Active Streak: 60 Days
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,522
Likes: 3,312
From: Hartford WI
Default

Originally Posted by fentrai
I'll ask them for it. Btw, I luckily found a 2016 Z51 LT3 model near me. I will be contacting the dealership tomorrow and hopefully will get to test drive it on Thursday.
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.
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2024 | 06:18 PM
  #32  
fentrai's Avatar
fentrai
Thread Starter
Advanced
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 86
Likes: 4
From: New Jersey
Default

Originally Posted by aklim
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.
Yeah I'm definitely going to try and negotiate a warranty for the car too.
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2024 | 06:25 PM
  #33  
aklim's Avatar
aklim
Team Owner
Active Streak: 60 Days
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,522
Likes: 3,312
From: Hartford WI
Default

Originally Posted by fentrai
Yeah I'm definitely going to try and negotiate a warranty for the car too.
Short one of say 3 months is enough for me. Figure out who you are getting as a Certified Corvette tech would be Job 1. You will need him sooner or later. I don't slap rhe keys on the service advisor and let him pick the lucky winners to work on my car. I choose the tech or no deal.

Last edited by aklim; Sep 29, 2024 at 07:17 PM.
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:55 PM.

story-0
10 Corvettes to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: 10 Corvettes to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-23 08:31:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
Corvette & Porsche 911: How Two Icons Conquered the Last 25 Years

Slideshow: Corvette and Porsche 911, how two icons conquered the last 25 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-23 08:18:33


VIEW MORE
story-2
2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 First Look: Everything You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Is the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 the best Silverado yet?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-16 08:01:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers

Slideshow: 5 best and 5 worst Corvette daily drivers

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 10:32:13


VIEW MORE
story-4
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained

Slideshow: The headlights of every Corvette generation explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 10:17:14


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-7
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE