Diagnostic Report Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 268
Likes: 351
From: NC
Diagnostic Report Question
I am beginning my search for my first Corvette. I know what year/model/spec I want, but am used to a different platform when if comes to requesting PPI materials.
For manual P-cars, I know that I can request and view a DME report highlighting hours, over revs across 6 ranges etc. What is a comparable request for a manual C7?
Thanks in advance for your consideration; I want to be sure to use the right language and understand what’s reasonable to expect before I start speaking with dealers / private sellers.
OpieT
For manual P-cars, I know that I can request and view a DME report highlighting hours, over revs across 6 ranges etc. What is a comparable request for a manual C7?
Thanks in advance for your consideration; I want to be sure to use the right language and understand what’s reasonable to expect before I start speaking with dealers / private sellers.
OpieT
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,002
Likes: 2,679
GM doesn't really have a centralized database. There used to be things called VIS reports that would give you warranty history, but I don't know if they still exist. Buddy of mine was telling me he went to a different dealer than normal with his relatively new GMC truck and they didn't have access to his warranty history. Which to me seems bonkers.
Basically the only way you know that data on a C7 is to look at what the cluster reports. Which is engine hours and lifetime revs. If no one reset one of the trip counters you can also get average speed.
Basically the only way you know that data on a C7 is to look at what the cluster reports. Which is engine hours and lifetime revs. If no one reset one of the trip counters you can also get average speed.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 472
From: Springfield VA
OP - Since you know exactly what C7 you want, your search will be easier and harder. Easy to look for your desired year and model Vette with the options you want, but hard to find exactly what you want that is in good to excellent condition. As stated, the VIS report can provide warranty history, while CARFAX can report service and accident history. If you buy from a private owner, ask for all service history - actual documents, instead of "take his/her word for it." Additionally, once you find your perfect Vette, have a qualified Corvette mechanic do a thorough review of the Vette. This is well worth it in the long run. Also, once you buy your Vette, plan on changing ALL fluids so you are starting fresh (unless the previous owner has documents proving any/all fluids were previously changed per the GM service schedule or sooner. You may want a Vette with very limited mileage, but keep in mind that all vehicles and their components age, regardless if driven or not. For me, I would rather buy a Vette with miles on it with the proper services completed, than a Vette that sat in a garage for years never driven. Good luck in your search and once you buy your first Vette, put pictures on the Forum so we can see what you bought.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,002
Likes: 2,679
Anyway, would be nice to know if they still have the same info, and why some dealers don't seem to have access to them. I don't go to dealers with my C7 so I only know what I hear second hand. The last time I did get a VIS report though it was, ahem, unimpressive.
I know that for Ford's there is a nice superior system which tells you everything you wanted to know about a car, and if it's hooked into the connected vehicle database you even get that. I've seen similar ones for other OEMs. GM, lacks here. No idea why.
CF Community Team
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 14,154
Likes: 7,437
From: Pittsburgh
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I agree with MY04CE, pay for a Carfax if one is not available to you & yes, GMVIS reports are available at a Chevy dealership to see some of the car's history....you also need to inspect the car in person even if that means a plane ride
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 268
Likes: 351
From: NC
OP - Since you know exactly what C7 you want, your search will be easier and harder. Easy to look for your desired year and model Vette with the options you want, but hard to find exactly what you want that is in good to excellent condition. As stated, the VIS report can provide warranty history, while CARFAX can report service and accident history. If you buy from a private owner, ask for all service history - actual documents, instead of "take his/her word for it." Additionally, once you find your perfect Vette, have a qualified Corvette mechanic do a thorough review of the Vette. This is well worth it in the long run. Also, once you buy your Vette, plan on changing ALL fluids so you are starting fresh (unless the previous owner has documents proving any/all fluids were previously changed per the GM service schedule or sooner. You may want a Vette with very limited mileage, but keep in mind that all vehicles and their components age, regardless if driven or not. For me, I would rather buy a Vette with miles on it with the proper services completed, than a Vette that sat in a garage for years never driven. Good luck in your search and once you buy your first Vette, put pictures on the Forum so we can see what you bought.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski