Been researching and searching for months for a very specific c8. Is there anything specific about the various model years I should be aware of? I've found some nice 2020 models with low miles. Any reason to avoid this first production year vs any of the subsequent years as I narrow down my decision and focus in on a car? Should I be more concerned about getting the c8 I want and not worry about what the production year is? I know they continually tweak a few things but must haves are the Z51 package, mag ride, and front lift. Anything to worry about on these features over the years?
Thanks for the insight.

 

You say you've been searching for specific C8. Given that, I think despite the few differences and improvements that came along after 2020, you'd probably be fine with a first production year C8, as long as you did your due diligence.

The transmission pan was upgraded during the 2021 MY, and the DCT continues to be upgraded periodically, but the vast majority of 2020 Corvettes have been fine and haven't leaked. There have been a few other improvements during the last three years, but it doesn't sound to me like they would be more important to you than the "very specific C8" you've been looking for "for months."

Now is a good time to buy a used C8 (pricewise), so if you find what you're looking for, you should probably buy it!

 

We've buying new Corvettes since the 1960's. The only 'first year' one that we bought that was a problem was the early 1984 C4. Our first year C5, C6 and C7 were all problem free. Likewise our early 2020 C8 HTC has been flawless. They know how to launch 'em right. Sure there will always be minor improvements but I've seen absolutely no 'deal breakers' over the past 4 model years... although it would sure be nice to have that power pull down 'frunk' that comes with the 2024 model.....

 

Based on my 30 yrs I spent working in an Automotive factory, I would highly recommend staying away for the 1st model year of any Manufacturer if its deemed a Major Model change, which the C8 would be in this case. The main reason is Parts Fit / Finish. During the 1st 6 months (at least) of a Major model launch, suppliers are constantly 'tweaking' parts (adding ribs, adjust clips etc) so the fit / finish of the parts are better. Until the parts are able to be modified permanently, which takes time to adjust the 'dies', you would not believe what the Manufacturer will do to improve the fit / finish of some parts!!! (lots of shims and 2-way tape is used, and the consumer would have no idea this is done unless they dismantled the car) Software updates are also very common, but easily fixed as it's usually just an update that the dealer can do, but still an inconvenience to bring in. Aside from that, I believe the Wireless charger was added after the 1st year (which isn't a must, but convenient to have), and a few other minor items added, but nothing major. Not sure why Z51 and front lifts are a 'must', unless you track the car, but I think the front lift is a waste of $$ as I've had no issues with mine without it (I feel like I've got more clearance with the C8 vs the C7 I had)....Having previously had a coupe in the C7, and now have a HTC in my 23, I'd say the HTC is a must....Its an expensive upgrade, but it's really amazing....I almost never have the roof on, and very rarely had the roof off when I had the coupe.....

 

Well said MikeButson!!

 

The 2020s only have wired Android Auto/CarPlay, not wireless. But there are wireless adapters for ~$100 if that is important to you. Also, the PTM modes can't be linked to the Z-Mode button on 2020s like they can be on later models. And there are some differences in the menu system and displays but nothing significant.

The 2020s haven't had more major problems than other years.

 

My understanding is that the 2020 does not use the slider bar style setting for the different driver modes. And they don't have wireless carplay. If I had one, I would not trade it in for those reasons, but if I were looking for a used one I would not get a 2020. Neither is a performance issue of any sort. They dropped the key access to the rear trunk if the electric latch fails (it has for some) - that was after 2021 - I dont recall when but someone will. Folks debate whether that is important, but if I had a choice I would always want that. However it might not stop me if I found one like that that was otherwise perfect for me.

 

Close, trunk keylock was dropped starting with the 23' model year but they got a Transmission filter life monitor

 

Good to hear you're enjoying the HTC. I'm also making the switch from a C8 coupe to Vert whenever GM gets around to building it

 

I talked to a GM engineer and his experience is just the opposite. After the first year in production and the car testing reviews are in, then the engineers go to work on reducing the cost of the components. Making parts thinner, looking at removing the extra life margin on parts, less expensive materials and of course .. beat up the suppliers. Not sure this is the case for the C8, but other high volume cars for sure.

 

Wait until winter to buy it. Sports cars seem to drop in price when people can’t drive them as much but jump back up with anticipation of the fun days ahead when February and March come along. Sam

 

I would skip the 2020 due to no wireless CarPlay but that’s just a personal opinion. John

 

In my 6 decades of being involved with cars I would say that if this were 20-30 years ago yeah maybe first year models will have some hiccups. Today not so much but like everything else your purpose for this car will likely determine what works best for you. If you want the car for the reasons I bought my used 2020 for which is spirited driving through winding backroads none of the changes will make a difference. If your purposes is a highway cruiser well all that tech stuff might matter to you. I have the adapter in my 2020 that allows for wireless apple car play which is nice but I actually prefer to just plug my phone in and close the console that charger is in a strange and awkward location for my old body. I don’t think you can go wrong as long as the car was treated well by its previous owner or owners that would concern me more than the model year. Good luck

 

I think the 2023 offers the biggest dose of desirability based on the fact it is the 70th anniversary and has that etched into the HTC glass back window. That year is a special year for the heritage of the C8. I don’t think you will pay much of a premium to get a 23 if you look hard enough. As far as the kinks go there are likely much less to worry about in the subsequent MY than the first year. That said, every car is an individual and must be scrutinized before you fall in love with it so pick carefully. You can find excellent examples in any MY.

 

This could be a good or bad thing depending on preference. To me, it's a huge positive: Lightest Weight Model Year C8

 

I have a 2020. 25k miles one minor issue.