Hi all,

New to the C8 section but a daily lurker on the C2 forum.
Anyway, at 16, I bought my first Corvette {a 1960}. Since then I've owned a 63, 77, 2011. Currently I am without a Corvette {have a 2006 Mustang GT Conv and a 1950 Ford F2 truck}. My wife bought me the 2011 for my 60th. Kept it for a year or so and sold it with 5000 miles. The reason I'm mentioning this is because I sold it primarily due to the fact that I had trouble getting in and out of it {achy back}. Currently my back is in better shape but was just wondering {for those who are older geezers like me}, if getting in and out of the C8 is an issue at all for those who might have lost some of the elasticity that they had in their youth.
Also, would you know if placing an order this month, when would one expect to take delivery.
Thanks.
Best regards,
Dan, NJ

 

Its not that low and the seats are wider than most sports cars making it easier than most to get in and out off. But the only way to really tell is for you to try to get in and out of one.

In general I think very few of us have complained about back issues preventing owning one. Then again, its not an SUV.

 

I don't have my C8 yet but did sit in one at the dealership when the C8 was on tour. . I think it's easier getting in and out of than my C7. Not bad at all. I'm 65 and know what you mean about the back issues.
Lately my back goes out more than I do!!!

 

Definitely not easier than a C7 to get out of. I am quite tall, though. I have a C8 HTC with GT2 seats, if that helps.

 

 

At 71 years old and 240 I had the same concerns. I sold my 2011 Grand Sport a few years back for the same reasons. I just bought a 2020 and have no problems now that I know the secret. I tried entering feet first which is not the correct way for us big or older guys. I Googled it and found a great way. If you back up and plant your butt in first, then swing in your legs it is comfortable and much easier.

 

The C8 side frame members are lower compared to the C7. It relies on a large center backbone structure.

That said, it is a big help IF you have memory seats and have them set for entry and exit as high as possible front and rear and fully back. The steering wheel should be fully forward and up. They automatically go in that position when you open the door with the engine stopped. Occasionally I get the mail from our box in front of the house and exit with the engine running. Harder to get out then back with my seat in the driving position (i.e. rear of seat down and back tilted quite a bit.) Not as hard as my C7's (had 2, since September 2013) but much easier with the seat and steering wheel in exit position,

YEP OLD
As far as an "old geezer," I'm 78 but been exercising 7 days a week for 35+ years. On "Back Day" do 3 sets of 10 pull-downs on my weight machine and 3 sets of 10 Pull-ups. I have several stretches I do 1st every day prior and end with 35 minutes on the treadmill. Suggest you get some advice on the stretches you should use. Yep 78 but turn 19 when I get in the Vette!

 

Dan, if you're heading to Monmouth Cty on any weekend, you are welcome to test the seating position using my C8.

 

I believe your size and attitude play a combined role in the situation, with motivation determining the ultimate outcome. I’m nearing 77, and if I were to consider the infirmities that accompany my age, I could justify not having a C8. However, the C8 motivates me to ignore the negatives and just drive the car. It’ll provide the atmosphere to ignore the aches and pains, and put a smile on your face. As for ingress/egress, I’ve had two C6’s (Stingray w/ automatic and GS with a manual), and a C7 (Z06/auto), and I’d say the difference getting in/out is about the same for the C8.

HOWEVER, once you’re in the C8, it’s a whole new experience! It has a cockpit! The ergonomics are an improvement. Do I need to mention performance?! The C8 Stingray is quicker than the C7 Z06 to 60 mph and reaches the 1/4 mile mark in the same time (11.2 seconds). Then there’s the handling. I autocross and had a ‘13 GS. What an incredibly balanced car for AX’ing! Then, I stepped into the C7 Z06. A very big disappointment. It was cumbersome and didn’t “talk” to me in a timely manner. (Yes, I’m 77) Then there was it lack of linear power when the supercharger came on. The C8 handles INCREDIBLY, right outta the box. My benchmark was my C6 GS, but my C8, after 8 autocrosses is on par, or beyond, the GS. There are so many improvements in the C8; the list goes on and on.

If I were you, I would make a C8 work for you. It’ll shave decades off your age, figuratively speaking, of course. It’s not quite the car Marty (Back to the Future) drove, but....... I guess that’s what a Zora will be.

Good luck with your decision.

PS: A friend of mine sold his C6 in January, 2019, and purchased a new C7, Z06. He had been on the fence about waiting for a C8. I took delivery of my C8 in early April, and he was the first friend to drive it. Of course, he liked it. Fast forward to last September and he decided to order a C8! It’ll arrive next summer.

 

The automatic seat exit position feature makes it much easier to get out when my back is tight.

 

The door sill is a little wider than the C5/6/7, but nothing objectionable. I'm 39, but can opine that there are 2 general ways to get in the car:

1. Right foot first - Put your right foot on the floor board, pivot your body to the left, and sit down and in the car then pick up your left foot. This minimizes abuse to the seat cover by twisting w/ all your weight on it.

2. Sit down method - Put your right hand on the seat or sill and sit down on the seat, then swing your legs into the car.

My father is 73 and uses #2.

 

To answer your second question, since you live in NJ call Kerbeck Corvette.

 

I have the GT2 seats and it isn't the easiest car to get out of. It takes a little practice but I figure its part of the experience. My wife has some back issues and after an hour on the road her back aches.... I don't think she will be coming on long drives with me but I am ok with that 😉...

 

Curious about getting in/out of C8 versus C6. I have a C6 and am having no problem (will be 81 in July). Have no apparent physical problems ... yet Oh, wait is too large of an EGO a physical problem?

 

40 + years owning corvettes - They all have been hard to get in and out of! At any age! Harder now then 40 years ago, but never like a Cadillac if we are being honest with ourselves. 🥃🥃

 

My 91 yr old father finds it easier to get in and out of the C8 Vs my Mercedes sedan believe it or not... And no! It’s not because he is more excited. Then again maybe the adrenaline makes his muscles more flexible and fired up. Being lower and the wide opening in the door, he does not need to bend his knee as much.