Purchasing a C7
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Joined: Aug 2024
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From: New Jersey
Purchasing a C7
Hello,
I am going to a dealership nearby to go check out a 2018 Corvette Stingray LT1. It's selling for 44k, has 19.3k miles, 0 accidents or damage, and has had 4 prior owners. Is there anything I should know or ask about during the appointment? Thanks for the help!
I am going to a dealership nearby to go check out a 2018 Corvette Stingray LT1. It's selling for 44k, has 19.3k miles, 0 accidents or damage, and has had 4 prior owners. Is there anything I should know or ask about during the appointment? Thanks for the help!
Race Director
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From: SE WI
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: St. Louis Metro East IL
If it is a GM dealer have them print out the maintenance record. If an A8, verify that the auto transmission triple flush has been done or else include that service in any deal. 1LT is a trim level, LT1 is an engine.
Check the tires for wear and that they are the same brand and model. There have been reports of dealers that just slapped on whatever tires they could find.
GL
Ron
Check the tires for wear and that they are the same brand and model. There have been reports of dealers that just slapped on whatever tires they could find.
GL
Ron
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 839
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From: Holiday Island AR
Nothing wrong with a 1LT corvette but it might not have some of the options you’ll later desire. For example, the dual mode exhaust or the front cameras. You might want to familiarize yourself on the options available before completing the deal. Good luck.
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From: New Jersey
Thanks for the response! Should I be worried about the AFM system? I'm watching a couple videos on it and it seems like a large issue. Will I still be able to do exhaust mods such as a muffler delete, installing a new Corsa Exhaust, down pipes, or installing an X-pipe, with AFM on the car?
Last edited by fentrai; Sep 28, 2024 at 10:50 PM.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 303
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From: Maine
Thanks for the response! Should I be worried about the AFM system? I'm watching a couple videos on it and it seems like a large issue. Will I still be able to do exhaust mods such as a muffler delete, installing a new Corsa Exhaust, down pipes, or installing an X-pipe, with AFM on the car?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Bonneville Salt Flats
Go with the base-model if used, every time... typically fewer expensive/back-ordered parts to replace if/when they fail down the road. I do so even when buying new, since I keep everything indefinitely. Also, the more complete history on any used car the better, especially a sports/performance car with multiple owners (always a risk). All the best! 
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Joined: Aug 2024
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From: New Jersey
The easiest solution is to get one of the Range AFM disabler devices which currently go for around $237. This will prevent the car from disabling any cylinders. I just got one myself and it works great. I too have read and heard about the potential problems the AFM can cause over time, so I decided it wasn't worth the risk.
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Joined: Aug 2024
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From: New Jersey
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 86
Likes: 4
From: New Jersey
Go with the base-model if used, every time... typically fewer expensive/back-ordered parts to replace if/when they fail down the road. I do so even when buying new, since I keep everything indefinitely. Also, the more complete history on any used car the better, especially a sports/performance car with multiple owners (always a risk). All the best!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,430
Likes: 3,279
From: Hartford WI
As to the AFM, since you are going to mod, I would go ahead and get a Diablo unit or prepare to buy something like HP Tuners to get rid of the ECM triggering the AFM. Remember, the weak parts are still there.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2021
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From: Tyrone, GA
I bought my 2016 Base 1lt and love it. It has more things on it than I will ever use and it is the best driving car I have ever owned. Don't get caught up in all of the extras that the 2LT comes with. They may be nice but if you are not going to make it a daily driver, most of them will never come into play. I don't have a front camera but I park at strange lots about twice a month so it's no big loss. I ordered a used driver's sunvisor with a garage door opener in it but that was it for upgrades. One more thing to check is the rear differential oil. I went ahead and had mine replaced when I bought my car. The triple flush had already been done. While you are at the dealers have them do a battery check and see if you need a new one. It's a lot easier having them do it than yourself. These are fine cars and you will have fun driving it.
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From: New Jersey
LT1 motor or 1LT trim? I would not want a 1LT trim unless it was so stupid cheap that I could flip it and make money any given day of the week because I know I will hate it in a week for being wanting. I want the 2LT gadgets so either it is 2LT or I would most likely pass other than to flip. 4 owners don't scare me. Unresolved problems do. I would want another dealer with a Corvette certified tech to do a PDI since I don't trust the seller.
As to the AFM, since you are going to mod, I would go ahead and get a Diablo unit or prepare to buy something like HP Tuners to get rid of the ECM triggering the AFM. Remember, the weak parts are still there.
As to the AFM, since you are going to mod, I would go ahead and get a Diablo unit or prepare to buy something like HP Tuners to get rid of the ECM triggering the AFM. Remember, the weak parts are still there.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 86
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From: New Jersey
I bought my 2016 Base 1lt and love it. It has more things on it than I will ever use and it is the best driving car I have ever owned. Don't get caught up in all of the extras that the 2LT comes with. They may be nice but if you are not going to make it a daily driver, most of them will never come into play. I don't have a front camera but I park at strange lots about twice a month so it's no big loss. I ordered a used driver's sunvisor with a garage door opener in it but that was it for upgrades. One more thing to check is the rear differential oil. I went ahead and had mine replaced when I bought my car. The triple flush had already been done. While you are at the dealers have them do a battery check and see if you need a new one. It's a lot easier having them do it than yourself. These are fine cars and you will have fun driving it.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Chester VA
Do you know, or can you get from the dealer's website, the car's VIN? That will tell you if it's a 1, 2 or 3LT trim, and whether or not it has the Z51 package.
Post the VIN here, and we'll tell you what it has.
Post the VIN here, and we'll tell you what it has.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,251
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From: Louisville KY
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.