looking for purchase advice
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 22
Likes: 12
looking for purchase advice
Hello all, I just joined the forum. I'm on a hunt for a 2017-2019 corvette convertible. Looking for advice from other C7 owners on what to watch out for. I'm ok with auto or manual. Looking for stingray LT1 or 2. Not going to be racing it so need the most comfortabe suspension for road trips. Colors I really wnat is the long island red or blue. Would appreciate any advice
Thank you
Thank you
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 694
From: Lagrange KY
For the most comfortable ride, I think most will suggest you go for a base Stingray as opposed to a Z51, a GS or Z06. Unless they have the Mag Ride shocks. Be aware of potential hard shift or shudder issues with the A8 automatic transmission, which “might” be mitigated with a triple flush of the older version of the problematic transmission fluid and replacement with a newer improved version. The 2014 model with the A6 hasn’t had quite as many issues wrt that. Also pay close attention to bubbles on the dashboard leather for models with the 3LT trim option. The 2LT trim should avoid that problem. Good luck with your search.
Added info…..The larger wheels on the GS and Z06 have also been prone to bending and cracking. Will manifest itself with vibration on the road or tire pressure loss. The smaller wheels on the base Stingray should provide a softer ride.
Added info…..The larger wheels on the GS and Z06 have also been prone to bending and cracking. Will manifest itself with vibration on the road or tire pressure loss. The smaller wheels on the base Stingray should provide a softer ride.
Last edited by Squeaky Wheel; Aug 16, 2025 at 05:35 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,490
Likes: 257
From: Lake Tapps WA.
Go look at them and drive different packages. 1LT is very basic 2LT gives you some very desirable options that I didn't want to be without. My 17 GS 2LT drives and rides great. Again try as many variations as you can to see what you like.
Roadster Madness. 😠
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,292
Likes: 2,362
From: Ventura Co Ca
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St. Jude Donor '13, '20-'21
Since, you are looking for a C7, you might confuse some people with some of the terms you are using.
"The Corvette has featured the LT1 engine in two generations: the 4th generation (C4) in 1992-1997 and the 7th generation (C7) from 2014-2019, according to Hot Rod and Wikipedia. The C4 LT1 was a Gen II small-block, while the C7 LT1 was a Gen V small-block.
The LT2 is the engine in the C8 GS and Stingray.
The 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, and 4LT.are trim levels. Z06 has the same Trim Levels with LZ.
Good hunting!
"The Corvette has featured the LT1 engine in two generations: the 4th generation (C4) in 1992-1997 and the 7th generation (C7) from 2014-2019, according to Hot Rod and Wikipedia. The C4 LT1 was a Gen II small-block, while the C7 LT1 was a Gen V small-block.
The LT2 is the engine in the C8 GS and Stingray.
The 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, and 4LT.are trim levels. Z06 has the same Trim Levels with LZ.
Good hunting!
Last edited by Vette Jockey; Aug 17, 2025 at 02:45 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 694
From: Lagrange KY
Yes, the bubbles and/or the pulling away of the dash covering around the defroster vents and HUD ( heads up display if unfamiliar) is due to issues with the leather or glue under it. It is primarily an issue with the 3LT “trim” or option package, as the 1 & 2 LT “trim” or option packages use vinyl for the dashboard cover. When you mention LT1, that refers to the engine. I know the terminology it’s confusing, but be sure you understand the difference between the two.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 2,190
From: Loveland
I have a 2014 3LT with the leather dash. My dash is still good. I have been trying to figure out,,, 1. Is the dash delamination caused by the owner slathering something on it, or leaving it in the sun? 2. If the dash is good after 10 years will it stay good?
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 209
Likes: 51
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Spend some time on YouTube. Plenty of information there. And LT1 is the motor. 1LT or 2LT (or 3LT) is the interior. Videos on those comparisons too. Good luck and be very patient. Don’t buy a model or trim until you understand why you won’t want to buy the other variants.
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 22
Likes: 12
Thank you for all the responses. Yes I menat to write 1LT and 2LT as in trim packages. For those who own the convirtables, anything to look out for on the top bsidides the obvious damage
Also if some one from Florida can answer, I'm looking at 2 cars and both dealers are charging electronic filing fee of around $500 and $1300 in delaer fees. Is this common in Florida? I'm in Ohio and we dont pay any electronic filing fees and max I have paid in dealr fee is 175
Also if some one from Florida can answer, I'm looking at 2 cars and both dealers are charging electronic filing fee of around $500 and $1300 in delaer fees. Is this common in Florida? I'm in Ohio and we dont pay any electronic filing fees and max I have paid in dealr fee is 175
Pro
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 578
Likes: 426
From: Bay Area
Sounds like you pretty much already know what you’re looking for. Sounds like a good choice to me. My advice would be…
If you want to be able to just cruise and have the radio going etc. I would go with the automatic. If you want to be forced to engage with the car on a more physical and mental level, then get the manual. I’ve had both and they are two entirely different driving experiences.
I would also definitely opt for a 2LT model. You don’t want a stripped version Corvette unless you’re going to race it.
Get the creature comforts.
Better to maybe have something with that option package you don’t need then to wish you had something that you didn’t get later on.
They definitely make one to suit your needs… Make sure you are aware of what those are when you go looking, and you’ll be happy with what you get.
If you want to be able to just cruise and have the radio going etc. I would go with the automatic. If you want to be forced to engage with the car on a more physical and mental level, then get the manual. I’ve had both and they are two entirely different driving experiences.
I would also definitely opt for a 2LT model. You don’t want a stripped version Corvette unless you’re going to race it.
Get the creature comforts.
Better to maybe have something with that option package you don’t need then to wish you had something that you didn’t get later on.
They definitely make one to suit your needs… Make sure you are aware of what those are when you go looking, and you’ll be happy with what you get.
Last edited by RobertCorvette; Aug 17, 2025 at 11:31 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,472
Likes: 3,290
From: Hartford WI
Hello all, I just joined the forum. I'm on a hunt for a 2017-2019 corvette convertible. Looking for advice from other C7 owners on what to watch out for. I'm ok with auto or manual. Looking for stingray LT1 or 2. Not going to be racing it so need the most comfortabe suspension for road trips. Colors I really wnat is the long island red or blue. Would appreciate any advice
Thank you
Thank you
From 2016 to 2019, the C7's are, beyond color options, essentially the same - 2018 brought a slightly higher resolution back-up camera and the reintroduction of HD radio (previously available in 2014 & 2015).
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 694
From: Lagrange KY
If you can do without a front camera and Apple Car Play, and just want to cruise and listen to some music (like me) I’d look for a nice 2014 2LT with the A6 tranny. That’s what I have. Believe me, you won’t regret it. You’ll save a little money and still have a wonderful car that allows you to enjoy the Corvette experience. Keep us posted and once you find “the one”, don’t forget to wave. 
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,472
Likes: 3,290
From: Hartford WI
If you can do without a front camera and Apple Car Play, and just want to cruise and listen to some music (like me) I’d look for a nice 2014 2LT with the A6 tranny. That’s what I have. Believe me, you won’t regret it. You’ll save a little money and still have a wonderful car that allows you to enjoy the Corvette experience. Keep us posted and once you find “the one”, don’t forget to wave.
Having had a car with front cameras, NFW would I buy another without. Such a car would last till I got fed up with the inconvenience, sell it and buy something better and curse myself for deliberately putting myself through the hassles.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,002
Likes: 2,679
Yes, the bubbles and/or the pulling away of the dash covering around the defroster vents and HUD ( heads up display if unfamiliar) is due to issues with the leather or glue under it. It is primarily an issue with the 3LT “trim” or option package, as the 1 & 2 LT “trim” or option packages use vinyl for the dashboard cover. When you mention LT1, that refers to the engine. I know the terminology it’s confusing, but be sure you understand the difference between the two.
Root cause is unknown, I do know that when the car gets super hot (leave it outside on a 90+ sunny day, if you wipe it down with a wet rag you can cause the glue to "let go" the good news is in that case you can wait until it cools and push it back down. Mine is stuck back down but you can see the black is a different shade of color where the glue is weaker. See this picture for what I mean (two copies, one unedited, the second with squares to show you where to look)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 2,190
From: Loveland
I do have some delamination along the upper edge of the larger section, but like you, I am reluctant to mess with it. You can't really see it. I purchased the syringe and the glue for the fix but haven't tried it yet. I am afraid it will look worse.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 694
From: Lagrange KY
Sounds like an excellent choice. The 2LT trim and option package represent the sweet spot IMO. Is it an automatic or manual transmission? A base Stingray or a Z51, GS or Z06? You mentioned wanting comfort. The base Stingray will probably be your best choice, especially for highway cruising. And the convertible with the top up will actually be quieter on the highway. Wishing you all the best and will be anxious to see pictures of what you end up purchasing.