Do you pass on first year models
#21
Race Director
2001 z06. Came out with 385 HP. Next year it was bumped to 405. And the 01 gained the rep as an oil burner.
So when people asked what C5 z06 to buy the answer was almost always get an 02-04. So yeah sometimes a first year car ain’t all that.
So when people asked what C5 z06 to buy the answer was almost always get an 02-04. So yeah sometimes a first year car ain’t all that.
#22
Based on the assumption that the intro model will have the LT1 engine, I would pass on it. To me, its not enough of an upgrade if you own a C7 with LT1 currently. The 50HP increase give or take is not enough of an improvement for me & the only real difference is the ME layout.
I would wait for the 2nd or 3rd year of the 4.2 or 5.5 Turbo engines which means I'm looking at possibly 4+ yrs from now, and that's ok with me. I still enjoy my C7 and I think the C8 will be a 8+ year generation.
As good as technology is nowadays, I would bet that the Turbo engines will have somewhat a period where they work out the kinks.
I would wait for the 2nd or 3rd year of the 4.2 or 5.5 Turbo engines which means I'm looking at possibly 4+ yrs from now, and that's ok with me. I still enjoy my C7 and I think the C8 will be a 8+ year generation.
As good as technology is nowadays, I would bet that the Turbo engines will have somewhat a period where they work out the kinks.
Last edited by GOC; 12-08-2018 at 08:04 PM.
#23
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Dec 2004
Location: AZ
Posts: 5,754
Received 536 Likes
on
279 Posts
St. Jude Donor '06-'08-'10-'11-'12-'13 '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
With something like the ME, a first attempt at a performance ME (discounting the Fiero from 30 years ago), Yes, I will pass on the first year car and read EVERY review I can find and the ME forum here when it finally comes online.
#24
Pro
Knowing Chevrolet's history, I would wait. I purchased a 2014 Stingray. Should have waited for the 15, when the 8-speed auto, PDR and better infotainment features were available. Chevy carried over the 6-speed auto from the C6 to shrink inventory. I don't know what they'll carry over from the C7 (can't imagine much), but if history is a guide, the 2021 C8 will have a lot of early buyers saying "I should have waited."
#25
Burning Brakes
I bought a new first year C3 (1968) and a new first year C4 (1984). Both were 'crap'.
My first year C5, C6 and C7 were perfect. They know how to do it now. Also note that the price was increased several thousand dollars over the course of the first year C7 (2014). I laughed at my friends that bragged about getting $2000 off sticker on their 2015's. They were still a couple hundred over what my 2014 cost and I had a year of fun to boot.
I'm on the list for an early C8. I have no concerns at all......
My first year C5, C6 and C7 were perfect. They know how to do it now. Also note that the price was increased several thousand dollars over the course of the first year C7 (2014). I laughed at my friends that bragged about getting $2000 off sticker on their 2015's. They were still a couple hundred over what my 2014 cost and I had a year of fun to boot.
I'm on the list for an early C8. I have no concerns at all......
#26
Le Mans Master
I bought a new first year C3 (1968) and a new first year C4 (1984). Both were 'crap'.
My first year C5, C6 and C7 were perfect. They know how to do it now. Also note that the price was increased several thousand dollars over the course of the first year C7 (2014). I laughed at my friends that bragged about getting $2000 off sticker on their 2015's. They were still a couple hundred over what my 2014 cost and I had a year of fun to boot.
I'm on the list for an early C8. I have no concerns at all......
My first year C5, C6 and C7 were perfect. They know how to do it now. Also note that the price was increased several thousand dollars over the course of the first year C7 (2014). I laughed at my friends that bragged about getting $2000 off sticker on their 2015's. They were still a couple hundred over what my 2014 cost and I had a year of fun to boot.
I'm on the list for an early C8. I have no concerns at all......
#28
Racer
In September 1967 I traded my 1966 Coupe in on the first '68 to hit my hometown. Took it home and the heater would not shut off, driver's window would not roll back up and the windshield wipers hit each other and several panels had "pilot job" stamped in white. Notwithstanding all of the above the car was fantastic, would cause people to come close to crashing as they tried to get a closer look on the road, and after parked for awhile would have more fingerprints on it than an FBI lab. Great memories!!! So...bottom line...I would not hesitate buying the first C8 that came available and I am sure they have learned how to construct them better in 50 years.
#29
Banned Scam/Spammer
Member Since: May 2007
Location: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
Posts: 15,685
Received 1,319 Likes
on
788 Posts
My 01z burns oil, also the LT1 and also LS7 because I run the ever loving **** out of them when it's time to enjoy.
All of them require 2 quarts added before a 4k mile oil change. I think some of that maybe the 01 piston rings, some of that because it was the first publicized to be run hard which uncovered GM's crappy PCV system that to this day hasn't been perfected.
#30
You almost have to compare responses against age of respondent.
When I was younger I would buy and drive something older and depreciated while I waiting the bugs and depreciation to happen on new cars.
Now in my 70's.... it's give it to me NOW. I can afford it and can deal with any issues.
When I was younger I would buy and drive something older and depreciated while I waiting the bugs and depreciation to happen on new cars.
Now in my 70's.... it's give it to me NOW. I can afford it and can deal with any issues.
#31
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Dec 2015
Location: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Posts: 1,184
Received 388 Likes
on
199 Posts
I have always tried to be the 1st in my area to get a new model and/or generation.
For me, it was always a thrill to have the first. Always made for great conversations and the feeling of pride and accomplishment for hard work.
So who cares if it has any issues, if you trade regular enough, you are going to always deal with depreciation anyway, it is just the cost to have the first.
Honestly, in today's world, the cars have been tested,ran through the mill so many times, the percentages are with the buyers side. For me it has not been an issue. Yes, some cars will have issues, it is going to happen, nothing is perfect 100% of the time.But being first still outweighs always wanting.... Who knows, that day may never come, so why have regret?
For me, it was always a thrill to have the first. Always made for great conversations and the feeling of pride and accomplishment for hard work.
So who cares if it has any issues, if you trade regular enough, you are going to always deal with depreciation anyway, it is just the cost to have the first.
Honestly, in today's world, the cars have been tested,ran through the mill so many times, the percentages are with the buyers side. For me it has not been an issue. Yes, some cars will have issues, it is going to happen, nothing is perfect 100% of the time.But being first still outweighs always wanting.... Who knows, that day may never come, so why have regret?
Last edited by Bajaholic; 12-09-2018 at 01:03 AM.
#32
Safety Car
I'll pass on 1st year model only if is an Alfa Romeo, Joking aside, there's no more issues with 1st year models than future year models. My preference is always to buy the Tuesday morning car vs. the Friday afternoon car
#33
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Thanks for your views, much appreciated.
#34
Melting Slicks
Is it Risky getting the first year car that GM has not produced, SURE. This is a drastic change from the previous generation C5,C6,C7. In the end I want the car and I am not willing to wait any longer since I been on the wait list since 1/15 so I am taking the risk.
#35
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Jul 2014
Location: Bonita Springs Florida
Posts: 2,195
Received 478 Likes
on
283 Posts
Wish I'd have bought a 2014 vs. the 2015. Waited because of the rumored A8. F* Me! I have an M240i (first year w/ the B58 motor), car is flawless.
No, I'd have no issue w/ a FY buy from a competent manufacturer.. Also, you don't see yourself coming and going when you're out for a drive.
No, I'd have no issue w/ a FY buy from a competent manufacturer.. Also, you don't see yourself coming and going when you're out for a drive.
#36
No. And the drama involved trying to get a highly demanded vehicle makes it easier to wait.
#37
Burning Brakes
Other than that, it was certainly an attention getter. The later years were clearly much more refined and better performers. Our '93 40th Anniversary ZR-1 was the absolute best!
#38
Race Director
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Cape Cod, Mass.
Posts: 18,760
Received 4,543 Likes
on
2,159 Posts
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
I bought a very early C6. It was a 2005 I purchased in the summer of 2004. It was an electrical nightmare and had several other issues including the clutch, fuel tank, dead battery syndrome etc etc. Ultimately, GM bought the car back. I then bought a 2006 Z06 (2nd year of the C6 platform/1st year of the C6 Z06). Not 1 issue in 6 years. Waited on the C7 and bought a 2016 Z06. Zero issues. I will not buy a first year of a new generation. I prefer the higher horse variants that come out in the second year anyway. The platform is generally sorted out by then.
#39
Le Mans Master
The issues were 'fit and finish' as well as electrical. That 'instrument panel' wasn't right for a year.
Other than that, it was certainly an attention getter. The later years were clearly much more refined and better performers. Our '93 40th Anniversary ZR-1 was the absolute best!
Other than that, it was certainly an attention getter. The later years were clearly much more refined and better performers. Our '93 40th Anniversary ZR-1 was the absolute best!
The ZR-1, imo currently has the best engine GM ever put into the corvette to date. (I am actively looking for a reasonably priced one because they are damn cool cars that you generally don't see anymore because people chose not to drive them.) As good as the LS was the gen II LT-5 was rumored to have been pushing close to 500 hp before it was killed, ultimately due to price. Could you imagine if the C5 rolled off the line with that as an option?