I think you're splitting hairs. You'll have better results selecting your C7 based on features, not reliability by year.

 

This, it's pretty dumb.
You're comparing them like different cars entirely when there is probably only a tiny percent of variance between the non 2014 models.
I bought my 2016 because it was a good deal.

 

I've been excluding mods, accidents, and multiple owners with service records that includes things like "electrical system checked" for every owner. I've seen a couple with under 8000 miles and 5 owners.

 

This article is the basis:
https://carscounsel.com/corvette-c7-years-to-avoid/

 

Guilty as charged, but I don't want to acquire known avoidable problems.

 

About post #24-
The article talks about front end lift at high speeds.
GM is very careful about their aerodynamic design and testing, all C7s are set up to have neutral handling or a slight bias toward understeer even at high speeds.
I rank that article somewhere between "useless" and "worse than useless".

 

Frankly that's a horrible article that makes zero sense from a critical thinking perspective in terms of odd and even years when there was no real model change other than the addition of the GS and Z06. It sounds like it was written by AI or an 8th grade kid with just a bunch of generic terms and zero factual data tossed in to make it appear to be believable. But if anybody reads it and is naive enough to base their buying choices on it, I'm glad I have a 2016

 

X 2.
Worthless article that reeks of AI, getting basic information incorrect and draws similarly flawed conclusions.
- Cracked and warped wheels have nothing to do with MY and everything to do with whether the car is a widebody. It affects GS and Z06 across all MYs more than Stingray (due to narrower wheels) or even ZR1 (that upgraded from cast to flow-formed, but still not fully forged) wheels.
- GM updated the paint process in 2017, indicating paint differences are more likely be seen between the 2014-2016 and 2017-2019 MYs.
- I've heard/read anecdotal reports of electrical issues across all MYs, but I've never experienced any and don't know any owner who has.
- If front-end lift was an issue, it would likely affect all MYs similarly, as I don't recall any major changes in aero throughtout the C7 build years. Anecdotally, I've had mine Z06 over 170MPH (south of the border, or course) and experienced ZERO front-end lift.
- Overheating is an issue primarily experienced by 2015 and 2016 Z06s. The supercharger/intercooler design was updated in 2017 to address it.
- GM upgraded from the 6L80 automatic transmission (used in 2014) to the GM 8L90 automatic transmission in 2015, indicating performance/reliability differences (if any) are more likely to be seen between 2014 and all subsequent MYs. A "design flaw" in the 8L90 and "vibrations at highway speeds... due to transmission issues" in 2017 would likely affect 2015-2019 MYs similarly.

 

But wait, it's on the internet, so it must be true!

OP would have saved some time by posting the referenced article in the beginning.

 

OP is relatively new here, I'm sure that next time he uses an outside article he'll do more vetting.
Unless he's like me and never makes a mistake...

 

I'm doing my article vetting by asking for opinions here, from real world users. What I was looking for is a "Don't ever buy a 20XX, nothing but trouble", but it doesn't appear there is one.
Since I'm after a Grand Sport I'll include 2017-2019 based on all of your input here. Seeking a manual really narrows the field.

 

Thanks for forwarding the link. As others have said, this article is worse than useless. No data to back anything up. And claiming design issues result in say, 2015 and 2017 model issues even though same design 2014-2019.
Buy for the features/colors you want. Which is sounds like you're doing and yes the year does not matter in your case of a GS. Condition and maintenance will be factors for your search. Good luck!!

 

the a8 in the 2015 certainly fits your description of a 1st year problem child but in reality, you don't/didn't hear any complaints about the bulletproof a6 in the 2014!!

 

It's a myth that the final production year is any less reliable than a previous year. Rather, yearly improvements and running changes often to improve the reliability.

 

As with every other brand on this planet. There is not a 100% guarantee that any car can't or won't break down at any given point in time.

 

 

Sorry... double post!

 

Thanks everyone for the valuable input, the search continues.....

 

I don't see anything that I posted that describes any reliability issues.
I commented on the parts bin being used up.
And, believe it or not, that issue exists.
When the Defense Dept. exhausted a contract for military helicopters, the Material Review Board (MRB)
engineering requests skyrocketed. A MRB reviews changes to parts that are necessary to make them fit/work in the assembly.
Each request has to be reviewed by engineers to determine feasibility and effect on the product as a whole.
The manufacturer was going to use as many if not all the parts left in the bins after years of production.
So, yes it does exist.

 

Whatever experience you may have in defense contractors does not apply to automobile manufacturing. Other than super low volume (handbuilt/botique) automakers, everyone else uses what is called “just-in-time” manufacturing.

You can google the definition of it if you want. But the long story short is there is no room full of unused/defective headlights or whatever at Bowling Green that goes in the final year of a Corvette generation because they’re done and retooling for the new model production.

I’ve been to quite a few auto plants in my career, and let me assure you, the parts they have on hand are barely enough to keep the line moving for maybe two days at the most.

So in regards to Corvette, no it does not exist. Stop spreading misinformation.