I have been active on this forum for about 1½ years. It has become part of my morning routine, after the news. But, I have conflicting sentiments. On the one hand, I want to be aware of C8 problems and, more importantly, any fixes discovered. I recognize what other members have described as “selection bias” on forums (the tendency of more negative than positive posts). However, at times, the weight of the negatives is downright depressing. I dread when the “C8 Problems” sticky has a new report . . . One more thing to worry about. And, I have empathy for those members who are experiencing the problems. On the other hand (the conflict), I am elated that my car has dodged the bullet(s) so far.

Last weekend, I was talking with my friend Rudy, who owns Auto Armor near the Museum. (He thinks I offer good business advice.) Shane actually introduced us when I asked if the Museum PDI crew could apply PPF and ceramic coating. Rudy told me that he sees many customers who, while thrilled with their just-delivered C8, are waiting for the CEL to pop. (Located about one mile from the Museum, Auto Armor probably works on more C8s than any other installer.) I was in that camp: The only reason I purchased the $100 tow hook was to be able to address a break down on the way home from Bowling Green (about 2,000 miles). Thank goodness that did not happen. And, because I had XPEL PPF and ceramic coating, the worries about rock chips were removed from the list of concerns. Auto Armor did an extraordinary, ‘Over the Top,’ installation; wrapped and tucked edges, the whole nine yards. Rudy is a great businessman with another store on the way. He understands and delivers quality and customer satisfaction.

Waiting for a problem to surface is no way to enjoy this magnificent machine. My new mantra is: “Que sera, sera” (whatever will be, will be). It is liberating and I am finally enjoying my new car (nicknamed “The Ghost” after the CMGM color.) So, put this post in the “POSITIVE” column. The Ghost has performed flawlessly in 4,375 miles (6 months). And, for those members standing in line or being built, relax. The problems are the exception, not the rule.

 

It's much like reading/watching the news... Makes you miserable, depressed, and hating the world. Then, you shut the media (forum) off, open the front door, and take a walk outside (or in this case, a nice drive!). Just like that, the world is right again and turns out the sun actually is still shining and birds chirping. Negativity and fear is addictive and all-consuming.

 

Learned a great life philosophy from my grandmother -1) the things in life you can influence or control get off your butt and get at it! 2) things you can't control leave to the good lord or mother nature! Served me well thru 76 years, 3 careers, 2 tours in combat etc etc

 

Seams to me most of the C8 complaints are just wieners.

 

First off, props to Rudy, he did a great job on the PPF on my 70th. I could care less about people complaining about issues, for every one you hear about on here (or FB, YT, etc), there are probably hundreds or thousands of people with no issues. Beyond that, I think many people are too concerned about CEL, mine popped it right after 500 miles but it cleared after a couple of ignition cycles and hasn't come back. Didn't have my code reader with me, and by the time I got it home I had 2300 miles and it never came back, so I haven't even bothered to pull stored codes and worry about it. Modern cars have so many sensors and thresholds on them that it's not surprising that they get an occasional CEL for something that the computer doesn't like but isn't a real issue.

 

Okay... now that you have posted this, do you hear yourself? Do YOU believe it? It's merely a car, pure and simple. Some such devices have issued, others very seldom, if ever. Now, go for a drive... preferably in the rain, come home and put it away wet! ENJOY!

 

For a long time the norm on the forum is that problems with a car are posted much more often than trouble free experiences. While that does skew the perception of the car's reliability, it also provides valuable symptom and diagnostic information for other owners should problems occur with their car.

If you can keep in mind the real difference between the number of positive and negative experiences, perhaps such conflicted feelings will disappear.

 

I, for one, am happy to hear you have had a good experience. And I hope it continues…..

 

"Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere."

 

Agreed, a vocal minority distorts your view on how common/rare issues really are. I don't expect issues after I get mine but I am prepared for them. The warranty will let me sleep easy either way. It won't be my main mode of transportation so I can stomach extended down times. Down time is not what we want when buying a brand new car for but the alternative for me was the Lotus Emira. The nearest dealer is 2hrs away and parts can take months to make and ship from the UK. Whereas I live single digit miles away from a few Corvette Signature Dealers and parts don't have to cross an ocean or be made by a small operation that's already stretched thin. Given that nightmare, the C8's down time experience and service shop distance/selection are things I'd be grateful for in comparison.

What I'm most concerned about is spending $5.5k on full PPF right after taking delivery at risk of later finding out it's a lemon. I'd rather get PPF done sooner to reduce potential paint knicks rather than waiting to see if it's a lemon and then applying PPF, sealing in any knicks that may have accumulated without the PPF. Hoping insurance can cover it if I tell them I'm getting it installed upfront (not sure if they'd only cover parts or labor also).

 

Ghost 23, congrats on the flawless operation of your C8, here's to many more miles

 

It's mechanical. Things work, they break they get fixed. Nothing is perfect, though we would like everything to be. Like I say in my signature, Vita contin git. Vive com eo! Enjoy the ride.

 

I've got one of the first 2000 C8s produced and never had a single issue and mine has all the options for something to go wrong. Even if I had an issue I wouldn't broadcast it on the internet like others do. Just take it to the dealer and let the warranty cover it. I wouldn't worry about it but that's just how I look at it.

 

If you want to get a really distorted view of the C8, you should check out the Facebook C8 groups. You'll find an unending stream of threads bashing the reliability of the car, making it seem like no C8 can be driven more than a few miles without some major component failing. Every actual repair is magnified a thousand times, GM is incapable of producing a decent car, and anyone with half a brain should stay as far away from this piece of junk as possible. Many of these horror stories are fake, and many of the loudest voices are from people who have never, nor will ever, own a C8.

It's really too bad, and I'm not sure why people seem to take such pleasure in these attacks. Yes, the C8 has had some issues, particularly with the new DCT, but they are certainly not affecting the majority of cars. And, in its own slow and ponderous way, GM has been addressing those issues. Some of us have had problems, most have not. Overall, the C8 has been a reliable and brilliantly designed supercar … and one which brings great pleasure to the vast majority of us who are fortunate enough to own one.

 

And....additional props to Rudy and Kat. Both rock stars in their field! Was lucky enough to employ them to wrap my C8 a bit closer to home here in Nashville. They operate two, not just the one at the track in Bowling Green.

 

the c8 is my 4th new vette. my first was an 06 c6. then a '10 grandsport. followed by a '14 c7 that i still have.
every one of these cars have been trouble free and an absolute joy to own. not to mention, the c7 and c8 are more comfortable than my cadillac ctsv.

you can't go thru life worried that every tree is going to fall on your house.

 

I have trouble agreeing with the selection bias arguments. I understand the argument, but board and club experience with my last three roadsters (BMW Z3, Audi TT and BMW Z4 M40i) says there is more going on. Selection bias should have been the same for all four cars, but problem reports, especially big problems like the transmission, are ten times more prevelent for the C8 than any of the other cars. Hell, I can't even remember seeing a single 'big problem' complaint for any of my previous cars.

Combine the above observation with the fact that repair times seem massively long, my C8 is a necessary daily driver and Chevrolet does not do loaners, the ramification of a problem are scary. I love the C8 but there is a part of me that is saying that I should never have bought it.

Note, my only problems so far are my heated seats do not seem to work properly, and I keep getting rock chips on my windshield (Safelite is doing another visit this afternoon).

 

My biggest worry is the a pillar leaks. No matter what that’s a lifetime of pain. The trans fails etc are easy warranty fixes. Would I buy a low mileage used c8 out of warranty? No chance

 

Well, I've had my more than fair share of C8 problems. Transmission leak, transmission replacement, all 4 stock rims had to be replaced, OTA update that bricked the car and most recently, the DRL went out. Each item was addressed by the dealer and all seems well. Hopefully, that's the end of the problems.

 

You seem to be overwhelmed with a spirit of fear. You need to get past this.