Buy a 2014?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 234
Likes: 12
Buy a 2014?
There are lots of C7 Vettes out there for sale... what about the 2014? I know it was the first year for that model... so what is different about this one... got a deal on a red/black one, 2LT Stingray, 26k for $33k... don't want a hard ride, so a Stingray is good for me... 5 owners...
Then there is the 2015... white/red, 2LT, Z package, 8,800k with a 6 year Assurant warranty for $43k, one owner, garaged...
Lots of difference in miles and owners... and dollars.
Then there is the 2015... white/red, 2LT, Z package, 8,800k with a 6 year Assurant warranty for $43k, one owner, garaged...
Lots of difference in miles and owners... and dollars.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,503
Likes: 2,201
From: Loveland
I purchased a 2014 a few years ago. I love it. The trans seems to have less issues. I personally don't care how many owners it has. Just check it out as you would any used car. Look at the history the best you can. Find the service records. A good test drive. look at coolant temp and oil temp. Once warmed up, the far right gauge, coolant, should be at 220*. The oil temp at about 200*. If the coolant is warmer or cooler that 220* there is an issue.
Fill out your info on this forum, it will help people, help you.
Fill out your info on this forum, it will help people, help you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,037
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From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
I've had both a '14 (Premier Edition) and now a '15 - both M7's and both were/are excellent cars! Drive 'em both and see which one feels better to ya and looks better to ya.
Agreed about filling out some info. If you're up north a coupe would be fine, if you're sown south, I'd highly recommend a vert. GL
Agreed about filling out some info. If you're up north a coupe would be fine, if you're sown south, I'd highly recommend a vert. GL
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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The 2014 has proven to be a really reliable first model year car. I have a 2014 and have no complaints. Yes, later years have more options/standard equipment on them, but I have been satisfied with how mine is equipped.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2021
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From: NE Ohio
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Some thoughts:
- The 2014 6 speed auto and 2015 8 speed auto (if it has had a dealer triple flush of the 2019+ updated trans fluid) are both reliable.
- I would be willing to pay more for lower miles.
- Remember that 2014-15 didn't have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto functionality in the OEM entertainment system. The components can be upgraded but it is a challenging do-it yourself job and the parts will cost you $800-1000.
- Colored interiors (Adrenaline Red, Kalahari, Gray, etc) are desirable and I would prefer one of these over Jet Black. The Jet Black interior is depressing.
- The Z-51 package is worth paying a little more or as a tie breaker, but not needed for casual street use.
- 2LT is the sweet spot for trim level. It comes with memory/heated/ventilated seats, tilt column position memory, and some other nice frills. I chose a 1LT based on my budget at the time and I was willing to do without the amenities. 3LT has a leather covered dash pad that frequently experiences shrinkage and adhesive failure - stay away.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 756
Likes: 328
From: Grand Rapids, MN
I'd suggest driving both if you can see what you think. Both are viable cars 5 owners can be ok but I prefer fewer owners. Of course one bad owner can ruin a car. But a one owner car can be indicative of someone who also cared for it as they planned to keep it for a long time which a one owner '15 is. Of course maintenance records can show the real care taken or not. The '15 I just bought had 3 owners. And clear records for maintenance indicating it was taken care of. Minimal interior wear and exterior wear. By driving them you may get a feel too. Good Luck!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,495
Likes: 3,298
From: Hartford WI
Neither of the above for my money. 2016 that is a 2LT trim. I don't see much in tech that came into the car after that and I don't want a stripped down version of the 2016 so 2LT or 3LT if the price is right.
2016 Changes
2016 Changes
- New exterior colors, both extra cost: Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat and Corvette Racing Yellow Tintcoat
Retired exterior colors: Velocity Yellow Tintcoat and Crystal Red Tintcoat - New seating features: Two-tone seats (Gray or Adrenaline Red with Napa leather or sueded microfiber inserts), Adrenaline Red leather seating surface with sueded microfiber inserts now available on 2LT, 2LZ, 3LT and 3LZ and require two-tone seats option
- Front Curb View parking cameras, included on 2LT, 3LT, 2LZ and 3LZ
- Two new custom leather stitching: Yellow and Red
- Power cinching hatch and trunk, standard
- New packages: Twilight Blue Design Package (3LT/3LZ), Spice Red Design Package (3LT/3LZ), Black Suede Design Package (3LT/3LZ), C7.R Special Edition (3LZ)
- Retired packages: Atlantic Design and Pacific Design
- Brownstone interior seating now available on Z06
- 3LZ interior color break now matches 3LT
- Exposed Carbon Fiber weave hood insert
- Red, White and Blue Full Length Racing Decal Package
- Magnetic Selective Ride Control without Z51
- Carbon Flash Badge Package
- Two new custom floor console lid with Stingray logo: Brownstone and leather-wrapped flat-bottom, now a standard feature
- Two new motorsports aluminum wheels, both 19" front and 20" rear: polished aluminum and Black aluminum
- Two new Z06 10-spoke blade wheels with new designs, both 19" front and 20" rear: Pearl Nickel-painted aluminum, Black-painted aluminum
- Windscreen, LPO
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Capability features. However, only one of their phone brands at any one time can be used
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 73
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From: Cape May, NJ
2014 owner here,
Mines a 14’ Z51 3LT M7 Torch Red over adrenaline.
Personally I wouldn’t buy the stingray without Z51, I don’t find it rough at all. All modes even track are perfectly fine to me, I wanna upgrade to Z06 one day but my 14’ is a driver. I’ve got 60k miles and everything works like it came from the factory. Idc about AirPlay in the slightest. It still has Bluetooth streaming and calls. Plus the heated wheel, seats, infotainment is still going strong too.
I think the 14/15’s offer a lot of value on the right Vette. Obviously some were treated better than others.
Point is, don’t worry on the early years.
M7 is flawless. It’s my favorite manual transmission. Tremec TR6070 which is basically a TR6060 with an extra gear. MPG’s are great and so is the sound.
Good luck looking.
Mines a 14’ Z51 3LT M7 Torch Red over adrenaline.
Personally I wouldn’t buy the stingray without Z51, I don’t find it rough at all. All modes even track are perfectly fine to me, I wanna upgrade to Z06 one day but my 14’ is a driver. I’ve got 60k miles and everything works like it came from the factory. Idc about AirPlay in the slightest. It still has Bluetooth streaming and calls. Plus the heated wheel, seats, infotainment is still going strong too.
I think the 14/15’s offer a lot of value on the right Vette. Obviously some were treated better than others.
Point is, don’t worry on the early years.
M7 is flawless. It’s my favorite manual transmission. Tremec TR6070 which is basically a TR6060 with an extra gear. MPG’s are great and so is the sound.
Good luck looking.
CF Community Team
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The main difference between the two are the transmissions, the 2014 will have a 6 speed & the 2015 will have the 8-speed auto
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,861
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From: Lagrange KY
There are lots of C7 Vettes out there for sale... what about the 2014? I know it was the first year for that model... so what is different about this one... got a deal on a red/black one, 2LT Stingray, 26k for $33k... don't want a hard ride, so a Stingray is good for me... 5 owners...
Then there is the 2015... white/red, 2LT, Z package, 8,800k with a 6 year Assurant warranty for $43k, one owner, garaged...
Lots of difference in miles and owners... and dollars.
Then there is the 2015... white/red, 2LT, Z package, 8,800k with a 6 year Assurant warranty for $43k, one owner, garaged...
Lots of difference in miles and owners... and dollars.
Supporting Lifetime
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The 2014 is pretty much universally acknowledged to be the most trouble-free C7. Having said that, the later years do offer more features if that's important to you.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,495
Likes: 3,298
From: Hartford WI
I'll bet we had this conversation when the first cars rolled onto the street. Personally, I've had so few failures with my gadgets compared to the other stuff wearing out, I would not worry about failure and just enjoy the toys.
Last edited by aklim; Feb 27, 2025 at 10:04 AM.
Melting Slicks
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From: Phoenix, Arizona
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Are the features in the newer years that problematic or is this about eliminating the POSSIBILITY of failure by self deprivation?
I'll bet we had this conversation when the first cars rolled onto the street. Personally, I've had so few failures with my gadgets compared to the other stuff wearing out, I would not worry about failure and just enjoy the toys.
I'll bet we had this conversation when the first cars rolled onto the street. Personally, I've had so few failures with my gadgets compared to the other stuff wearing out, I would not worry about failure and just enjoy the toys.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,495
Likes: 3,298
From: Hartford WI
I know that I don't need a C7. I need basic transportation and the C7 really isn't a practical car so if I am going to pay that kind of money, why would I want to buy it and regret not getting the features that I want?