Would love to get opinions and advice as I look for a used C8.
$70k budget, at least a 2LT. Seeing plenty from dealers within driving distance for $67,000-70,000.

My questions

1. Are the DTC issues I'm reading about happening only early on(sub 5k miles) or should I be constantly paranoid about the trans if I find a C8 out of warranty?
2. I put 12k miles+ on my cars each year. Is the C8 more of a maintenance hog than previous generations?
3. Any advice or things to look for? I see that people say the DCT filter needs to be replaced @ 7500 miles but is there anything else I need to confirm before buying a used one?

I realize a lot of these things have been answered previously but sorting through it all is overwhelming, so I appreciate your answers and insight.

 

Anything else? Just the usual, oil changes, tire wear, interior wear, engine noise, body panels that have been painted.
Yes, there have been some DCT issues, we don't really know how many or what percent. But when it does happen, it is a major problem.

I have 8K miles on my 23 and it has been trouble free. The DCT performs like magic. It is always in the right gear for any occasion.
The shifts are flawless and it is a fun part of the driving experience.

 

Why don't you pick up a leftover new '24 from a desperate dealer with a good discount?

 

Most of the new ones I've seen for 70k or under are 1LT.
I've seen multiple 2020-2021 model year 3LT convertibles with sub 15k miles for under $70k.

Pay less and get exactly what I want sans warranty? or pay more and get less than I hoped but be worry free for a few years?
That's the internal debate.

 

This is JMO. I just got a '21 3LT Z51, 4800 miles. The original owner traded it to a Ford dealer. That's where I saw it. They put $69,750 on it and I bit. The only regret I have is that I'm out in the cold as far as a warranty goes. If I had a do over, I'd have to take less content to get into a car with a warranty, and I'm not so sure I'd go that route. Time will tell, but I'm taking my chances.

Tom

 

I almost bought a ‘22 2LT HTC with 4k miles for $77k, but the dealer was trying to add in all kinds of worthless window and tire protection for thousands more. When I caught it in the contract, I walked and told them I never buy from them or recommend them.

But to your point, I think you can find a low mileage 2LT coupe for your price range. Just look carefully at the sales contract.

i found a ‘24 with the build I wanted for less than msrp. In almost 5k miles it’s been bulletproof.

If peace of mind is important to you, get one with even a year warranty remaining, This way before the warranty expires, you can purchase an extended protection plan. Good luck!

 

Buy new, pay a little more. Prices are great right now with 100's in inventory.

 

One thing you can do is down load the owners manual from the Chevrolet website and read the maintenance requirements. I have never complained about it on this forum, but I will say the required maintenance is more pricey than either my 2017 Suburban or my 2017 Ford F-150. A lot more pricey.

One thing that is only clear in the 2024 manual, but applies to all years is this - the DCT external canister filter must be changed between 7000-8000 miles regardless if changed earlier. Then at 22,500 miles, then every 22,500 miles after. Or every 24 hours of track use. Or when the filter life monitor (if the car has one) says so, Whichever is first. The rest of the requirements are, in my opinion, are clear, but scattered around, and you must look at just about every page to find them all and put it together.

Engine Oil/filter - whenever the oil life monitor says so, or at least once a year. The OLM will never go beyond 7,500 miles, so you want to see an oil change at least every year or every 7500 miles in the record.

Transmission fluid - whenever the fluid life monitor says, or at least every three years, or every 450000 miles, or every 24 hours of track use. You want to see a change at least every three years in the record if the car has less than 45000 miles.

I would also be looking for availability of an extended warranty, specifically the Chevrolet Platinum Protection Plan which you can buy from one of the two forum vendors (someone can provide their contact info). It can be had if the car is still under the 3/36 Bumper to Bumper warranty - 30 days and I think but not sure - 1000 miles before it expires. Best if the car has under 24000 miles. Someone will have to confirm it can purchased by the second owner - I do not know. I know if it has one already, it can be transferred.

 

I purchase a used '20

1. on a used vette u maybe close to the 3 year required transmission fluid change by Gm to maintain warranty. Cost about $900-$1400

2. estimated cost to maintain a c7 about $300 a year (had a '14 & '19) and a c8 about $900

3. would not own a C8 without N extended warranty!!!!!

C8's have 5 cameras, 28 modules, sensors, solonids snd the DCT.



The two go to people for warranties on the forum are Dennis Fichtner at Laurel Chevy and Todd Sutherland at MacMulkin Chevy. If you decide to get an extended warranty, send them your vin and ask for a quote; see what they can do and betting they will be at least half of a dealer quote.

I have the Platium Zero deductible 7 years 56,000 miles.



Warranties can be transferred if sold to a private party or a refund obtained on the unused portion if cancelled



I believe it must be purchased 30 days before your factory warranty expires (or before 35,000 miles) , I thinkwhichever comes first



Keep in mind there are price increases every year and the price goes up as the mileage increases. Also as the time goes on you maybe denied coverage because of mileage or repair history



Dennis Fichtner

Warranty Specialist

Laurel Chevrolet

Online Quote: https://www.laurelchevyprotectionpla...otection-plan/

Phone: 406-698-6355

dfichtner@laurelchevy.com



Todd Sutherland = (978) 660-8045 or todds@thompsonauto.net

 

Given all the deep discounts (up to $10k off MSRP) currently available why would anyone buy used?! I never purchase someone else's problems!

 

I actually thought about a Maserati MC20 for a bit. Figured I would like the Vette more. I think i made the right choice! Those complaining about maintenance costs should go look how much the MC 20 costs. 3K the 1st year and 5K the 2nd! Neither are a Subaru or a Ford F150!

 

There have been several examples of buy backs on this forum. Some because it took too long to get a part. But some because there was a persistent problem that could not be resolved. Where do those cars end up. Can someone considering a pre-owned Corvette determine if it was a "buy-back" car? If that is possible, I would be looking for and avoiding those.

 

Are these vehicles that unreliable that a used car with sub 20k miles is considered a problem?
@ "I wouldn't buy someone elses problem"

@ Extended warranty.
Thank you for the references, will reach out to them once I find the right C8.

 

My 23 has been great, zero issues, same for the 22. I have never been a believer in extended service plans - for anything, but I don't think I'd own a C8 without coverage, mostly because a transmission replacement is over 20k. I know in the big picture, DCT failures only happen on a small percentage of cars, but it's a big hit if it happens and anything that has to be done on a mid-engine car is more expensive.
I have a C7 and a 21 Sierra both out of warranty but repair costs don't worry me on them.

 

I think the idea is that if a Corvette is traded in for low mileage, there may have been an issue with it. That's why I mentioned buybacks, some of which were because of a persistent problem that could not be solve, or all of which spent a lot of time in the shop waiting for a part or not being easy to fix. I would try to avoid a buyback car if there is a way to tell. I do not know if there it one.

The "buying someone else's problems" comment is not new, not unique to C8, and has been around for at least 60 years. My father almost always bought used cars. I can recall other bragging about their new car and how they didn't want someone else's problems. Of course, you had to actually be able to afford a new car - and then you still had to prioritize it with other goals - such as saving money and becoming wealthy - putting kids through college (I'm not saying I did either one).

But in this instance, they may have a point. The price difference between a new C8, and a low mileage used one might be small, so its worth checking out.

 

Its probably easier to be brave until you have to pay 25k for a transmission replacement and wait two months or more for the arrival and installation......




op buy new unless you get certified or can get extended warranty....good luck

 

Personally, I've had great experience buying used cars. I do believe a dealer has to notify if a car is a BB due to warranty issues. It's not hard to sus up most used cars. My last used car purchase was a 2014 Subaru Outback 3.6. The last made with a real tranny instead of a rubber band tranny which I did not want! I could have bought a new 4 banger for what I paid for my 3 owner used car with 29,000 miles on the clock. Seems like most here would run from it! 8 years on and the only thing I've done to it other than normal maintenance was rear wheel bearings at 80,000 miles which is normal. About to turn 90!

 

Do not buy a used C8 without a warranty, a new dct transmission is $20k replacement at a dealership

 

Buy a new 1LT. You don’t need all that crap on a car to injoy the ride. Just more to go wrong with the add on gadgets. I purchased a 1LT HTC IN 2021. Car looks the same as a 3LT only less complicated and well worth the price

 

Appreciate it but I've had a 2SS camaro before and the extras were totally worth it.