**
Hello,
This is a NOOB question and I apologize in advance if this has been discussed elsewhere, in which case, Someone please point me to the correct link and close this out.
Thank you.
**

Hi,
I am looking to custom order a C8 with specific colors and options. Does this mean:
1) Can the dealership leverage an existing pre-allocation in the first place based on body type?
2) Will I get a VIN at the time of order?
3) What is the typical deposit amount?
4) Heaven forbid, If I lose a limb (Lost my brain already & fell hopelessly in love when I saw the first 2020 c8 pics ), is there even any way to get my deposit back?

How does this process work in general? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.
--NJExpress

 

You may want to red thru the links here:

C8 Order Info-Allocations/Constraints, Prices, Order Guide, Order Tracking/codes, etc - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion

1) Dealers receive allocations and apply orders to the allocations using whatever policy the dealership uses.
2) No VIN at time of order placement by dealer
3) Deposit vary from $0 to thousands.
4) Dealer policy on refunds of deposits also varies by dealership.

Best to spec your car then read on this forum about experiences people have had with various dealerships then decide on a dealer.

 

Thank you, @bucker2 for the stat response!
Follow up questions:
1) Does the Dealer does have the discretion (besides privilege and policy) to flip an allocation to fulfil a custom order? Meaning, they don't have to wait endlessly to even order a custom build?
2) When do we actually get the VIN? Is that tied to one of the four digit status codes?

Thank you.
--NJExpress

 

^^^^
With your name, sounds like you live in NJ.

I bought 3 from Kerbeck in Atlantic City (all by phone) made just for me in Bowling Green. My 2017 Grand Sport only took a week for them to order and I got a ~15% discount! Had the car in ~6 weeks. However, my C8 was like most, MSRP and long wait. 13 months for my 2020.

Kerbeck was bought by Ciocca but only their Atlantic City location has the very high allocation for Vettes. They sell at MSRP and when you place your order you get a signed contract with the exact price. Any Fees, NJ included are listed.

They get a REFUNDABLE downpayment of a few thousand dollars. There is a long list of what I call "Hold-A-Spot" orders. Means little to GM. BUT about a month before they are getting close to an actual GM allocation, they will ask for a nonrefundable deposit. They and most honest dealers are not going to put you ahead of folks who have been waiting for their C8 and paid that nonrefundable deposit. If you order now you will be put at the end of their "Hold-A-Spot" list.

Great folks to do business with. Call and ask whatever questions.

BTW, Ciocca like most quality dealers are ONLY placing custom orders for customers C8s. Not like the old days where Kerbeck had ~200 Vettes in stock and you could get one in a day. Their prices were always published on their website and what you say is what you paid. No negotiating, no need!

NOT now, GM cannot make enough C8s to keep up with demand. There are a few dealers who have some new cars in stock. One advertises near me in Myrtle Beach. Can walk out with what they have tomorrow at ~$20,000 over MSRP. Some folks do that!

There are dishonest dealers who will do as you request and when they are ready to place an order, when an allocation comes up sell to you for only $20,000 over MSRP!

 

Thanks a ton @JerryU , This was very clear and detailed.
Thank you@bucker2 , I completely missed the link you had shared :-)


I think you folks have given me enough material to go do my research for another 48 hours. I will check back in case of additional questions.
Sincerely,
--NJExpress

 

Yes, I DO live in the great garden state

 

Every order is custom.

 

I'm in NJ as well and went with Ciocca. Just keep in mind that they are very clinical and aren't going to pamper you. If you just want to submit your order, pay, and pick up your car with no nonsense, they are great. If you're looking to get constant updates and be treated like you're at a Lexus/BMW/MB/Porsche dealership, then I would look elsewhere. I actually preferred their way of doing business. Very little contact prior to your order submission with just the right amount of communication from the assigned salesperson once your order is submitted to GM and the car is on the way.

 

^^^^
No need to have them contact you as once you hit 3000, Order Accepted by GM Production Control you can follow your progress on this website.

https://www.cioccacorvette.com/order-update.htm

Now says it's updated automatically every 5 minutes! Looks like currently about 200 folks who can watch as they go thru:
3000 - Order Accepted by Production Control
3100 - Order Available to be Sequenced
3300 - Order Scheduled for Production
3400 - Order Broadcast (Internal Plant Order Produced)
3800 - Vehicle Produced
4000 - Vehicle Available to Ship
4B00 - Bayed
4150 - Vehicle Invoiced
4200 - Vehicle Shipped

 

I actually pulled my status from the Chevy website chatbot once my order was accepted. I didn't even have to contact my salesperson until we were ready for final payment and to schedule pickup.

 

Choose your dealer carefully, put down your deposit and in 6-8 months you will have your dream. Most of us waited a year or more but they are catching up now!

 

Thank you, @Floridasky @scithera and @BPHORSEGUY for the input.

@scithera
Did Ciocca charge any additional dealership fees such as documentation fee or anything else? I am talking anything beyond MSRP PLUS Fees (Tax, title and registration fees) owed to the MVC?

If so, how much?
Cheers.
--njexpress

 

Below is what I paid. So yes, there is a $595 doc fee. I did get a refund on the registration/title fee after it was processed. Your other option is McMulkin up in New Hampshire as I don't believe they charge a doc fee. Criswell (sp?) in Maryland also sells at MSRP, but not sure if they have a doc fee. I didn't mind the fee for the convenience of having the dealer only 1.5 hours away.

 

Whoa!!!
I could not have asked for a more detailed answer! You guys totally rock!
Of all the cyber lurking I have done over the past decade(s), this is the most helpful forum with to the point responses.
Thanks again @scithera . Sincerely...

 

MM charges a DOC fee then refunds it back to you so you end up back at MSRP !

 

And that is a great policy.

 

Oh OK, Let me make sure I get this right: If I order from MacMulkin, they charge a doc fee up front and the reimburse later? Is that right?
Cheers.
--njexpress

 

You never actually pay it so it doesn't get reimbursed. It just shows you paid it then shows it was reimbursed.

 

IIRC I was billed for msrp + doc fee of $595 which varies by state. When I settled up it was msrp -deposit - credit for doc fee . So I was never out of pocket for more then msrp !

 

Nort Jersey or Sout Jersey?