I seem to get different answers from different dealers for ordering a C8 convertible. The most promising is BILL SPENCER CHEVROLET LTD. in Cobourg who said I should have one by June 2021 if ordering now. They claim to be one of the largest Vette dealers in Ontario, any thoughts?

 

There are so many factors, and I hear variations from different dealers, but I'll tell you my experience and where I'm at right now.

I live in Richmond Hill and Wilson Niblett is literally down the street from my house. I have bought several cars through them, albeit fleet vehicles, and have have serviced both my personal and work vehicles at their dealership. They claim to be the highest volume Corvette dealer in Ontario. As soon as the C8 was released in July 2019, I was ready to put my name on the list. Wilson Niblett told me that their wait list was about 70 people deep, and they had no idea what their allocation was going to be. On top of that, they wanted a heavy deposit of $5K to get in line. I reminded them that I had ordered several vehicles through them, and asked if I could cut that deposit in half given that other dealers were asking for $1500-$2000. The answer was a firm no. This just rubbed me the wrong way.

I eventually ended up talking to Brian Cullen in St. Catherines. Don't know how much truth there is to this, but the sales guy told me that they sold more vettes last year than Wilson Niblett by a few units. Either way, I take that as an indication that their allocation should be decent.

I formally submit my order to GM in Feb 2020 and my order has been stuck in 3000 status since. At one point, I had a tentative production week of Oct-19, but that changed in June to no target date. The dealer has told me that GM has promised that any of their vehicles in 3000 status will be produced this year....but really who knows.

Phone around and see what other dealers are saying. I think (and would hope that) for the most part, most Corvette sales guys are straight shooters. Assuming they can submit your order to GM today, you are probably looking at 10 months. That's just my guess.

Good luck.

 

Stay the **** away from nibblett in Richmond hill. I called 2 days ago and if I remember correctly spoke to a guy named Jeff Brown, absolute dick. And they are NOT the largest corvette dealer in Canada. Humberview or Cullen.

 

The 3 largest volume Corvette dealers in Canada are Wilson Niblett, Brian Cullen and Bill Spencer. Humberview is not even close...I know because I work for a Humberview dealership ( non chevrolet)

I bought from Jeff Moore at Niblett. I ordered it the day after the reveal and picked it up at the beginning of August. I only put down a $1000 deposit as well. Smooth as can be!

Good luck!

 

I wish I had talked to this Jeff Moore guy instead. I literally called the day after the reveal and got a totally different story. All that said, folks at Brian Cullen have been good in the process for far....St. Catherines is just a pain to get out to.

 

Chevrolet issues stop-sale for Corvette C8 over braking issue

Brake-by-wire booster could fail if electrical contacts get contaminated

https://driving.ca/chevrolet/auto-ne...ction%20Center.

 

Yikes! Honestly, these 'recalls' surprise me. I used to own a Corvette, but switched to a 4-seater for my lapping days when my son was born. I've been itching to get back into a 2-seater now that he's older. I thought it would be a C7 Z06 when it first came out, but the car was plagued with overheating issues at the track. Not sure how GM let that happen to what is supposed to be the model's track version???

Now with the C8 they have had a few head scratching issues, like the popping frunk and now the brakes??? It's such a beautiful car and I can't wait to see the other versions when they become available. I know I will probably take a lot of heat for this, but I think GM has **** the bed yet again...

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by slickpete83 View Post

Chevrolet issues stop-sale for Corvette C8 over braking issue

Brake-by-wire booster could fail if electrical contacts get contaminated

https://driving.ca/chevrolet/auto-ne...ction%20Center.
Yikes! Honestly, these 'recalls' surprise me. I used to own a Corvette, but switched to a 4-seater for my lapping days when my son was born. I've been itching to get back into a 2-seater now that he's older. I thought it would be a C7 Z06 when it first came out, but the car was plagued with overheating issues at the track. Not sure how GM let that happen to what is supposed to be the model's track version???

Now with the C8 they have had a few head scratching issues, like the popping frunk and now the brakes??? It's such a beautiful car and I can't wait to see the other versions when they become available. I know I will probably take a lot of heat for this, but I think GM has **** the bed yet again...

Nothing new really. There is ALWAYS issues with a brand new model. One of the reasons why I never even attempt to get the first year. Let them get the kinks out as they always do. My 4th model year C6 has been VERY reliable and it gets driven alot.

 

What do you expect. First model year of a completely new platform with that being mid engine. Yes there will be issues. I did however put a deposit down on a C8Z...I’m sure by then the issues will be resolved with the c8 but there may be issues directly related to the C8Z for a couple years kinda like 2015-2016 C7Z and then they tweaked the 2017 models.

 

Finally - My order status is 3300 today. Don't know the target production week, but hoping this means that I'll get the car in a month or so. Just in time to park it before winter LOL.

 

CALGARY AREA CORVETTE ORDERS

I’m a Corvette owner and just started to work at a brand new GM Dealership called Cochrane GM.
It’s about 14 minutes NW of Calgary in Cochrane, Alberta.



I also manage and run a Cruise Club!


We just opened on Saturday and are still filling the lot with everything GM except Cadillac.
When we can access them, we will have Corvettes too.

I/we also have access to our sister dealership’s stock at Shaganappi GM and can do dealer trades elsewhere if or when needed.

I'm just learning the ropes on the sales of Corvettes - the Boss says we are waiting like everyone else and will eventually get ours too. So if you’re in the area and want to get onto my news list in this regard let me know via private message and I’ll be glad to help as we confirm the information.

As a fellow Corvette owner/enthusiast and hot rod guy from a way back, I promise never any pressure or crap just the straight goods, the rest is up to you! Cheers!
PS: I hope I’m allowed to post this message in response here, just want to help with fellow Corvette enthusiasts to sift thru the BS and get to the truth!

 

True, but I would expect (relatively) minor issues with first year models. I experienced some unique ones with my C5. With the C7, having the 'track' edition overheat was just bad engineering...

And GM has been making cars for 100+ years. Hoods that don't pop open on their own and brakes that don't work are table stakes for any car, mid-engine or not, even a $15K entry-level sub-compact.

 

Well, thought I would try Wilson Niblett again for my Z06 deposit. They said they have about 15 people on the wait list, and they want $5K for the deposit. I said that Jeff Moore was mentioned allowing $1000 deposits on the forum, instead of the $5K....they wouldn't budge and said they have never taken less then $5k on a C8. Oh well. It's a bit of a drive, but I guess I'll keep going to Brian Cullen.

 

I'm not certain why anyone's surprised.

Every first year gen Corvette has it's issues. C5, C6 and the C7.

I've learned though experience you always wait for 2nd or better yet, 3rd year production runs.

If you buy first year productions of these Vettes, then you'll just have to accept that they're gonna have their issues.

 

I’ve got 5000kms on mine and have not had a single quality issue. I think everyone focuses on the few cars with issues and not the majority that have no issues. I love this car!

 

All cars have issues.

My '07 Z06 had the rocker arm issue, and GM replaced the LS7 under warranty almost 5 years later.

My '17 Macan GTS had a check engine light that kept coming back, so Porsche replaced the entire engine too.

I won't even begin to list the crap that's gone wrong with my '73 Camaro.

Drive it, enjoy it, and if waiting 3 years into production will help you sleep better at night, then so be it.

That said, just got the email today that my C8 has been produced. Still debating if I flip it or keep it. Not sure if the +$25K over MSRP market is there.

 

Buy a Grand Sport man trans coupe for a great unhindered reliable experience while waiting for the bugs to be worked out in the C8. I am 18 months and its who knows when.Latest maybe July 21..

 

I easily had the worst dealership experience of my life with Wilson Niblett. Was looking to order an Admiral Blue Grand Sport manual, and they pissed me off so thoroughly that I will never go back there again. Avoid the arrogant bastards at all costs.

 

I gave up , have had the order in for a 18 months with Carter Burnaby, BC .I, was # 12 at the time( in writing) and as they get about 5-7 a year it suited me fine as I wanted a ' 21 mag susp without Z51. . Got a note on Dec 23 saying I was moving up , now # 20 , I called them. Told whats the problem, you originally were # 30. Didn't matter what I was told , even in writing. Told them return my deposit. More hassle with that but I got it.
I had bought a 015 C7 and 016 Cad ATS V from Carters and sent clients to their sales and service dept at both locations. This was the final straw after enduring the 8 spd Cad trans disasters/law suits . .It was true game playing by their returning General manager because my contract was at MSRP, obvious that they were now taking orders with 20-30 K markup. . .So no C8 in my future or any new GMs either .Sad cause Carters they have a great service manager.
I immediately ordered a K code track ready 2021 Mach 1, June delivery, with a dealer I trust . My wife now drives a new Escape and I will replace the Silverado with a F150 Electric next year. Will keep the 011 GS as it is a fab car with all the changes I have made to it. Other vette is for sale.. Goodbye General Motors and Mary whats her name..