Does anybody recognize this lemon?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,742
Likes: 1,862
From: Myrtle Beach SC/Charlotte NC
I do tend to keep my cars for a long time and would plan to do so with this one as well - as a point of reference this would be replacing a 2006 z51 that I bought in 2009 and put 130k miles. It's only got 540 miles, and only about 10 of those since the motor was pulled and the front seal was replaced. It is discounted ~35k relative to similar mileage & equally spec'd car. It's just really hard to tell how much a lemon branded title hurts the value, I guess that's because it depends on the buyer. It doesn't help that the car is 800 miles away from me so I can't even put my own eyes on it.
1. What if any warranty comes with the car
2. Is it being sold by a Chevy dealer
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 127
Likes: 92
Anything can be fixed given enough time and money, and I don't doubt that GM fixed the root cause on that particular car. The branded title would be a no-go for me though.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,428
Likes: 8,231
From: Napa Valley California
Give Chris Harding a call at Abel Chevrolet in Rio Vista CA.
I was there last week and they had six new and used C8’s sitting in their showroom and at least six used C7’s and C8’s in front.
Abel is the #1 Corvette dealership in CA. for sales and service.
They have been family owned for decades.
Rio Vista is a big retirement community.
Guys will typically buy a new Corvette, drive it for a season then sell them back to Abel during the winter and buy a new one in the spring.
Chris is totally honest and will tell you whether or not the one in Dublin is a good deal or not.
They recently had a 2026 ERay that was a GM buyback because the radio had a problem and they couldn’t get a new replacement.
After 30 days GM repurchased the ERay and when the radio components were available Abel made the repair and offered the ERay at $40k off MSRP.
I was there last week and they had six new and used C8’s sitting in their showroom and at least six used C7’s and C8’s in front.
Abel is the #1 Corvette dealership in CA. for sales and service.
They have been family owned for decades.
Rio Vista is a big retirement community.
Guys will typically buy a new Corvette, drive it for a season then sell them back to Abel during the winter and buy a new one in the spring.
Chris is totally honest and will tell you whether or not the one in Dublin is a good deal or not.
They recently had a 2026 ERay that was a GM buyback because the radio had a problem and they couldn’t get a new replacement.
After 30 days GM repurchased the ERay and when the radio components were available Abel made the repair and offered the ERay at $40k off MSRP.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 499
Likes: 257
From: Pacific Northwest
I would think that a repaired oil leak would be something entirely different than a complex car with inherent unfixable electrical issues.
Even if the leak reoccurs, you treat it by adding oil.
It does not effect the functionality.
So, it might be in your interest to take a chance on it.
Go to the dealer with a piece of cardboard. Leave it under the car for a night.
A relative in the UK bought a new, top of the line Mercedes CLS...four door coupe in the S-class.
It had so many unsolvable electrical issues when new that Mercedes gave him a new car.
Even if the leak reoccurs, you treat it by adding oil.
It does not effect the functionality.
So, it might be in your interest to take a chance on it.
Go to the dealer with a piece of cardboard. Leave it under the car for a night.
A relative in the UK bought a new, top of the line Mercedes CLS...four door coupe in the S-class.
It had so many unsolvable electrical issues when new that Mercedes gave him a new car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 1,187
From: Northern Illinois
Just to note some DMVs don’t brand titles as lemons. Your home state may not once the title is transferred. Check with your DMV.
Last edited by Rapid One; Jun 3, 2026 at 01:18 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 84
Likes: 21
From: Clarkston MI
Thanks for the comments. The car apparently has a deposit on it now so someone is taking the plunge. It's listed for $114k. I've started finding others with more miles listed in the $120k range so ~$35k discount may not have been accurate.
For some background, I've been looking for a C7 Z06 for quite awhile but like everyone else I want the ideal spec (M7, Z07, comp seats, etc.) and those have been really hard to find. Growing tired and frustrated with not finding any I started looking at C8 Z06s expecting that what I wanted would be out of my price range, then I came across this one which was a stretch but I could talk myself into it because it was perfect. But if it seems too good to be true then it probably is. So here I am, now with the appetite for a C8 Z06/Z07 and the budget for a C7 Z06/Z07.
For some background, I've been looking for a C7 Z06 for quite awhile but like everyone else I want the ideal spec (M7, Z07, comp seats, etc.) and those have been really hard to find. Growing tired and frustrated with not finding any I started looking at C8 Z06s expecting that what I wanted would be out of my price range, then I came across this one which was a stretch but I could talk myself into it because it was perfect. But if it seems too good to be true then it probably is. So here I am, now with the appetite for a C8 Z06/Z07 and the budget for a C7 Z06/Z07.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 251
From: Baltimore Maryland
PS . . . . the current Mercedes SL GT had major electrical and software issues, so much so that almost half their initial vehicles ended up as manufacturer buybacks. Mercedes supposedly fixed the issues but now the market is flooded with $200k low mileage cars selling for $80-$90k. Even though its not a Z06, If you want more advice and information about manufacturer buybacks look up some of those stories.
Good luck.
Last edited by csf; Jun 3, 2026 at 02:42 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 142
Likes: 48
From: North Carolina
Branded! 50% Drop
No, it was not a total loss but that Branded Title can't be washed. Why don't you suggest a lease for 36 months and then give it back to them. Make them quote you a guaranteed residual value. See if they will put it in writing. Then buy it after months.
Pro
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 656
Likes: 311
From: About an hour north west of Albany, NY
Thanks for the comments. The car apparently has a deposit on it now so someone is taking the plunge. It's listed for $114k. I've started finding others with more miles listed in the $120k range so ~$35k discount may not have been accurate.
For some background, I've been looking for a C7 Z06 for quite awhile but like everyone else I want the ideal spec (M7, Z07, comp seats, etc.) and those have been really hard to find. Growing tired and frustrated with not finding any I started looking at C8 Z06s expecting that what I wanted would be out of my price range, then I came across this one which was a stretch but I could talk myself into it because it was perfect. But if it seems too good to be true then it probably is. So here I am, now with the appetite for a C8 Z06/Z07 and the budget for a C7 Z06/Z07.
For some background, I've been looking for a C7 Z06 for quite awhile but like everyone else I want the ideal spec (M7, Z07, comp seats, etc.) and those have been really hard to find. Growing tired and frustrated with not finding any I started looking at C8 Z06s expecting that what I wanted would be out of my price range, then I came across this one which was a stretch but I could talk myself into it because it was perfect. But if it seems too good to be true then it probably is. So here I am, now with the appetite for a C8 Z06/Z07 and the budget for a C7 Z06/Z07.
Last edited by Revmanii; Jun 3, 2026 at 08:16 PM.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 18
Likes: 6
From: Kent Wa, Tucson AZ
Revmanii is right on the money.
I was in much the same place as you. I was out looking for a C7 convertible. I came across a 2LT base SR. Blue with a tan interior, and tan is a big deal to me. I called a friend with lots of experience. Vette’s, 2 Ferrari’s, and a vintage Winston Cup race car. 180 mph on short straights coming into turns.
He said buy the C8. He was right. I’ve only got the Rapid Blue and front lift as options. Theses cars are a real joy, even in traffic. I’ve got 30 years in daily’s that would run low 13’s to high 12’s and topped out over 150. Even my base model makes them seem slow. I won’t even mention the handling.
Unless you’re planning on serious track time, and have the experience to use it at the limits, you won’t be disappointed.
I was in much the same place as you. I was out looking for a C7 convertible. I came across a 2LT base SR. Blue with a tan interior, and tan is a big deal to me. I called a friend with lots of experience. Vette’s, 2 Ferrari’s, and a vintage Winston Cup race car. 180 mph on short straights coming into turns.
He said buy the C8. He was right. I’ve only got the Rapid Blue and front lift as options. Theses cars are a real joy, even in traffic. I’ve got 30 years in daily’s that would run low 13’s to high 12’s and topped out over 150. Even my base model makes them seem slow. I won’t even mention the handling.
Unless you’re planning on serious track time, and have the experience to use it at the limits, you won’t be disappointed.
Last edited by miker98038; Jun 3, 2026 at 11:17 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 80
Likes: 56
From: Northern California
In California a vehicle is eligible for a lemon law buyback if it was out of service for 30 days or more. The dealer could have drug their feet or there could have been a parts shortage, and the owner got fed up, especially if the car was new when it happened. And just because the GM bought back the car it doesn't necessarily mean that it was processed through the lemon law. GM can voluntarily repurchase the car without going through the lemon law process.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 499
Likes: 257
From: Pacific Northwest
Mike98038
You're 100% correct.
The base Stingray is a great car...well balanced, very capable and increasingly affordable.
It seems that it sometimes gets overlooked here in favor of the other variants.
In writing about older cars, I spend at lot of time reviewing their performance and history. I marvel that my stock C8 can outperform many of the automotive greats.
You're 100% correct.
The base Stingray is a great car...well balanced, very capable and increasingly affordable.
It seems that it sometimes gets overlooked here in favor of the other variants.
In writing about older cars, I spend at lot of time reviewing their performance and history. I marvel that my stock C8 can outperform many of the automotive greats.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 499
Likes: 257
From: Pacific Northwest
I have been wondering if the California protection laws for lemons and smog equipment would still apply to us here in California if we purchased a car from Macmulkin and had it shipped here via Intercity? Would we still be protected having registered it here or does it go by the state it was purchased in? I live 5 miles from Dublin Chevrolet and will be making the drive to Able for all of my service needs.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 12,841
Likes: 10,252
From: Garden Valley CA
I have been wondering if the California protection laws for lemons and smog equipment would still apply to us here in California if we purchased a car from Macmulkin and had it shipped here via Intercity? Would we still be protected having registered it here or does it go by the state it was purchased in? I live 5 miles from Dublin Chevrolet and will be making the drive to Able for all of my service needs.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 617
Likes: 49
Mike98038
You're 100% correct.
The base Stingray is a great car...well balanced, very capable and increasingly affordable.
It seems that it sometimes gets overlooked here in favor of the other variants.
In writing about older cars, I spend at lot of time reviewing their performance and history. I marvel that my stock C8 can outperform many of the automotive greats.
You're 100% correct.
The base Stingray is a great car...well balanced, very capable and increasingly affordable.
It seems that it sometimes gets overlooked here in favor of the other variants.
In writing about older cars, I spend at lot of time reviewing their performance and history. I marvel that my stock C8 can outperform many of the automotive greats.