Talk me out of a C7 Z06
 

I've been a long time dreamer when it comes to the idea of owning a C6 ZR1, to the point that it boarderline Jade's my car buying experience. After a lot of overtime and some serious saving, it's finally time to get my "dream car" and my mind was set.... Right up untilI saw that the (now heavily) depreciated C7 Z06s are shockingly in my price range.

I always adored the look of the C6 and still prefer it to the C7, but my dumb *** went and drove a used C7Z thinking it would just reassure me in buying a ZR1, instead i was absolutely blown away by the interior and tech inside.

I own a base model C6 right now, so I certainly whole heartedly understand how "aged" the C6 interior is....

So here I am, hoping to hear from some people who have been fortunate enough to own both.... And maybe if I'm lucky they will prefer the ZR1 and sway me back!

Thanks for the read y'all!

I currently have a C6 Z06 and have been considering trading for a C7 Z06. I've heard how much better the interior is and the performance is significantly better than my current car. I just can't get over all the problems owners are having with the C7 Z06's. Overheating when tracking, alignment problems, side grills digging into the paint. I still hear about owners talking about paint issues. I love the fact the top comes out and that is a big interest for me. I just don't know if I can give somebody my car and $40k to have a new Z06, I've not driven a new one and that might push me over the edge but for now I just don't want to have to deal with all the problems I've seen reported.

Best of luck to you on your decision. Either way you are going to end up with with a screaming monster. :cheers:

I've certainly read about the dreaded limp mode, and the alignment issues absolutely destroying people's tyres, but I've got to admit. This is the first I've heard of paint issues.

Thanks buddy! I'll keep my eyes peeled!

I have a Z06 and you can correct me if I'm wrong but the interior and tech of the C6 is the downside of the ZR1. If tech is important to you then buy the Z06 or upgrade the ZR1 stereo ect. I've already ripped out the outdated Nav on mine. Now I'm looking at changing out the seats. If I had the cash though I'd probably get the C7. Sorry for not making the case for the ZR1.

drive a c6 zr1 and go from there... i'd much rather have the LS9, and fixed roof...

As much as I'd love to do just that, it's no easy task finding someone or a dealer to let me, a dudes who's 26 (but looks a solid 19) drive one of thier showroom cars. Haha.

Thanks for the response, and I'll keep trying to test drive a ZR1!

I"m biased since I just bought my C6, bit I don't think its dated at all. Classic sports car. No, it does not have 8 inch LCD screens all over the place, but I like simplicity. I've sat in C7's at auto shows, and it is certainly nice and I may own one down the road... Keep in mind I came from a S2000 which is even more spartan!! and I loved that interior too.
Hard to pick if you can't drive them both... that is the default recommendation - hard for us to tell you what you like.

Do yourself a favor, find a nice C6 ZR1 and do a loooong test drive. For overall capability it is without peer in my mind. C7 certainly has more bells and whistle and I bow to the electronic rear differential but it also has a 15% tighter cockpit and way too much weight at some 230lbs heavier. Even with the 12 extra horsepower it results in a 5.48 lb/ hp vs 5.22 for the C6 ZR1. Add a 1.7 litre supercharger packed closer to the V in the engine vs 2.3 litre for the LS9 and some of the heat issues start to make sense for the C7. It is still a great car but I love my C6 ZR1 and will wait for something more exciting before I thing of switching.

Either way good luck with your choice. Hard to go wrong between the two.
Keith

​​​​​​Wonderful insight. Thank you!
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C7 is overweight, ugly rear end and overheats. Interior is smaller and I believe the visibility is not as good as on the C6 Z or ZR1. The advantage is the tech, nicer interior and probably ride. From what I understand it has gobs of torque down low, but it seems to fall a bit flat up top. That is where the C6 Z shines - up top. I have also read on the Forum that quite few owners having problems with the A8 transmissions. I would get a C6 ZR1. But good idea to drive them both and compare before making a decision.

I went through the C7Z vs C6 ZR1 struggle as well. Now I have a 2013 ZR1 in my garage so that tells you what I decided.

C7Z is a cool car, but they flat out made way too many of them for the car to be special.

If you get a 3ZR (most of them are) then the interior probably won't bother you. Does it have as much tech as a C7? No... but it's still a nice interior.

I bought and sold a C6 Z06, loved the car. Only vette I've owned. If I get another one it will be a C6 ZR1 over C7Z for sure. Lighter, faster, more rare and just seems more special IMO.

Supercharged. Just doesn't do it for me......

close 2nd, the C7 just doesn't look the part to me. I have been to the dealer many times to look at anything in Admiral Blue and I just cannot get past that back end.....doors back.......

I've had numerous C6 Z06's and my 2015 C7 Z06 was totaled recently; was on the first build lot, got it December 2014. Both cars have their own personalities. Put 36k miles on the C7 Z06 with numerous CT to FL trips and felt it was more comfortable even with the competition seats. Enjoyed popping off the top and cruising around with it as well. Low end is fun for stop light enjoyment in the C7, where the C6 has the top end pull and higher revs. Prices are dropping pretty good on the earlier C7's now as well. I will probably pick up another C7Z once the winter months bring the prices down even more, but will def still hold on to the C6Z as well. Both fun cars.

I have a 13' C6ZR1 since 12/13. I also work for a Chevy store so have full access to C7Z06's. Have drove several. They are really nice cars. The interior is nicer no doubt. I still have my C6ZR1. Since they came out in 2009 I have only seen about 3 others on the road in the Tampa area. While the Z06 might be more techy it will never be more exclusive. The C6ZR1 is a bad beast in itself. Pretty much bullet proof. Will probably hold it's value a lot better as well. The only way the ZR1 leaves is if I decide I want a C7ZR1 next year when the new wears off.

It just depends on what is important to you. I have seen many C7 Z's at car gatherings and sat in them and they are very nice! What was important to me was this:
- Yes the roof comes off the C7 Z, but I live in Frisco, it is 93 degrees today and it is almost Oct, LOL. The removable top is nice, my first C6 could, but it is not important to me.
- If all you are going to do is drive on the street the C7 Z should never have heating issues. On the track.....well you know. I enjoy going to the track a few times a year (larger blower, bullet proof LS9).
- The tech inside the C7 Z is nice but I just upgraded the stereo in my ZR1 and I am very happy. Plus I have the Centennial edition, I love my suede accents and interior look.
- There are 10's of thousands of C7 Z's on the road. They only ever made 206 of my C6 Centennial ZR1. Only ~4600 C6 ZR1's ever. I wanted the exclusivity.
- Weight. Yes the C7 Z has more power, but how much more? 12 HP? 46 Pound Feet? But how heavier is it? 250 pounds give or take?

Good luck! The AWESOME thing is.....you have options! Keep us up to date with what you do. Cannot go wrong either way. But C6 ZR1 for me and it wasn't even close.

^^^^ YUP

and if you need help.....just look at a c7z from the back.....that says it all.

Steering feel of the C7 is worlds better than the C6. Does that make a difference to you? It would for me.