I am new to the corvette world. I am hoping to get a used C8 stingray convertible that I can afford; perhaps a 2020 or 2021; my preference is a 2LT; but I am open to 1LT and 3LT too. I am trying to understand what I am getting myself into in terms of cost of ownership. Regarding insurance and gas I can figure that out easily; it is maintenance and repairs what I would like your opinion on.

According to Consumer Reports reliability is as follows:
2020 - NA - I guess not enough data available, which I find it weird.
2021 - 5/5 - This is the year to get
2022 - 2/5 - It doesn't look good
2023 - 2/5 - It doesn't look good
2024 - 3/5 - Hmmm
Do you guys agree? Anyone with a 2020 willing to share their experience?


Regarding actual costs caredge.com provides the table below; reference here:

Chevrolet Corvette Maintenance Costs

Year 1 Major Repair Probability 2.10%, Annual Costs $397
Year 2 Major Repair Probability 3.48%, Annual Costs $447
Year 3 Major Repair Probability 3.91%, Annual Costs $527
Year 4 Major Repair Probability 6.90%, Annual Costs $656
Year 5 Major Repair Probability 9.89%, Annual Costs $763
Year 6 Major Repair Probability 11.12%, Annual Costs $930
Year 7 Major Repair Probability 12.00%, Annual Costs $1,060
Year 8 Major Repair Probability 15.51%, Annual Costs $1,110
Year 9 Major Repair Probability 17.14%, Annual Costs $1,144
Year 10 Major Repair Probability 20.36%, Annual Costs $1,189
Year 11 Major Repair Probability 31.54%, Annual Costs $1,255
Year 12 Major Repair Probability 39.23%, Annual Costs $1,358
Do you guys agree?

I appreciate your guidance on this.


 

Modified MY21 w/24k miles here, owned it since new (July 2021) and began modifying it right away. It's been the most reliable car I've ever owned with the fewest warranty issues.

 

I can't imagine those model years being vastly different in reliability. I think it's just lack of data on Consumer Reports' end. In other words, I don't think a '23 model would be much different than '21 model in terms of reliability.

There were some updates in '24, namely the infotainment system as well as crash avoidance aids. They might skew the results a bit, but I'd definitely think newer is better for prior MYs. Case in point, late '23 models and '24 models also switched to the improved transmission casing for all C8s (adopted from the improvement on Z06s) that no longer requires additional 2 quarts of fluid for track use. Even with that in mind alone, I'd go for '24 to be honest, but if you don't plan on using the car at the track, it's likely a moot point : )

 

I would disregard the Consumer Reports nonsense. If you are that concerned about unknown cost buy one that still has the 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. Then purchase an extended warranty from GM before 3/36,000 expires.

 

That is good to know that the 2021 has been very reliable, I’m glad.

I was surprised about the reliability difference shown by CR in consecutive years w/o re-design in between.

Getting an extended warranty is probably the way to go, it makes sense on an expensive car like the C8.

thanks all

 

I have a 2021 2LT convertible. I just got my car back from 12 days at the dealer for a valve body replacement. Transmission decided to skip the even gears. My car has approximately 13,000 miles. It's never been hard launched or tracked. All street driving. I have spent close to $1500 out of pocket in maintenance costs during my three years of ownership. Most of that cost has gone to maintaining the transmission per Chevy's requirements.

My C8 has the two-tone adrenaline red/black interior. The other day I noticed the red dye has worn off the edge of the driver's seat bolster from getting in and out of the car. Very disappointing.

From my experience and from what I've noticed here on this forum, the transmission is the least reliable part of the car for any model year. Also be prepared to spend $1000 plus every three years to maintain the transmission thanks to the fluid change requirement.

As others have said, an extended warranty is a MUST with this car.

 

I have owned a 22 a 23 and a 24. The 24 is the only one I had any issues with at all, and it was the dreaded transmission issues. 8 weeks in shop with no parts in sight... Otherwise, not a single issue with the 22 (40K+ miles) or the 23 (11K+ miles)

 

Own a 23', 10k miles.......car has been perfect/flawless, not a single hiccup, ever...........

 

Just traded in my 2015 Z06 A8 convertible on a 2021 3LT Z51 convertible, drove it 300 miles and now has spent the last 10 days at the dealer to replace the valve body on the tranny........with 12,540 miles.....
hmmmmmm


Never had a single issue with the C7 and it was modded...

 

Sounds like someone traded in the car when they started running into an issue.. : (

 

2023 1LT w/ 8500 and no issues. Did the engine and trans oil/filter at 2500 myself, dealer did the freebie at 7500. Nicest car I have ever owned, no issues. Rides like a Lexus, goes like a rocket!

 

Same. Even the mileage at oil and filter changes are the same....I also track my car. 7 events this year. Perhaps 8 hours of hard accel and braking. So far, just have changed brake pads.

 

2021 3LT Z51 coming up on 10K miles, have had zero issues.

 

2023 with 7k miles. Not a problem at all. But, in the back of my mind I always fear a breakdown of some kind while I'm using the car. Never while driving my Lexus or Toyotas. The warranty is up in June of 2025, and I'm pretty sure it will be gone before that. Looking for a 23 2LT Z51, send me a PM.

 

Bought new 2021 coupe, 2LT, Z51, mag ride with 10,000+ miles and ZERO issues.

 

2021, 24k miles, heavily modified, rock solid reliability. Most reliable car I've ever owned, actually.

 

Why would the model year make a difference? I think basically the same car up to this point?

 

Consumer Reports is not always right. I have seen some real blunders with their ratings for cars and car insurance companies.

For most of us, we buy a Corvette because we appreciate the style and performance. Parts and maintenance may cost more than your average car, but a Corvette is not an average car.
E.G..You are probably not going to be burning the tires off your Toyota daily driver, but that seems to happen in a Corvette. Tires, brakes, whatever you run hard will wear out eventually.

The best thing you can do to save cost is to buy some tools and books, learn how to change oil, replace parts. In the long run, that will save you tons of money.

 

Like @Kracka, I immediately modified my car with headers, intake, TB, and test pipes (de-catted). Only issue I've run into is I have a key fob issue where my doors won't open unless I unlock using the fob. Granted I only have 4K miles on the car.....

 

The reliability data isn't based on what CR thinks, but on what actual car owners report in terms of numbers and types of problems. If CR reports that certain MYs had more problems, it's because owners of those MYs reported having more problems.