Why do people trade in on essentially the same car?
 

I have a 2015 Z convertible. There's not much in the current car I miss, except maybe Carplay and the speed of the center stack, etc.

I see others that had a 2015 have already traded up to 2017 and some again looking at 2019. What drives that when the cars are SO similar?

Since there's almost nothing about the current car that's very different, why do people absorb that depreciation just to have a newer model year? Maybe if you're running up a ton of mileage, but most are not...

A lot of buyers become excited reading all the hyperbola on the forms. They have a perfectly good car but start hearing about a few things their current rig doesn't have. And if their current Vette is their first one they probably didn't nail down the right options, which is understandable, since they have never had the Corvette experience before. I'm a prime example. I bought a Stingray and after driving it and being able to compare it to my son's Z06 I realize I should have bought that model.

Ez
 

Too much money to spend and so need something to spend it on. Ah were it me!

:ack:

I see this all the time on other forums and I don't get it either. Guys trading one model year for the next even though they're essentially the same car. Maybe a new color or wheels or some new app in the console but otherwise the same car. Seems like a waste of money to me.

davepl;

Excellent question,

Corvette's and other super cars are purchased out of emotions. We have disposable income and choose to be different than others.

Yes, perhaps your right, they are using their cars on a daily bases.

One other possible theory, since car buyers are in large choosing to finance their rides, It is mealy changing the existing contract for another?
Perceived/or real benefits of owning a new and fresh Stingray.

Many thanks,

Ray

Upgrading from a SR to a Z06 is not the same car though. Huge difference. I think OP is talking about people swapping the same model.

Probably trading in for roughly the same car could be as simple as wanting a different color scheme - or maybe because if you spend enough time on this forum you will think you are missing out if you don't have the best and the fastest! Your Base Stingray will no longer seem valid because you read about how much better life would be with a Z51 or wide body track car? Call it peer pressure or just making informed decisions now that you have more knowledge.

These cars are not necessities. A Honda Civic would fulfill the same objective transportation needs.

C7s are entertainment, and everyone has a different approach to that. You see argumentative threads about stuff like silver vs. black vs. chrome wheels, stuff that makes no objective difference. The same thing with trading up by a model year or two. Some people are having a lot of fun planning that transition. Others are having fun reaching for 300,000 miles on their 2014 C7.

:cheers:

It is irrational, but so are high-performance, sports cars for street use looking at it from pure logic standpoint. I traded a flawless '14 C7 Z51 M7 triple black convertible for an identically equipped '18 C7 Z51 convertible primarily because I lusted after Sebring Orange. Upgraded electronics were also a secondary consideration, as was the fact that I wanted a 5 MY newer version of one of the last manual transmission Corvettes GM is likely to produce. I intend to keep it much longer than I generally hold on to cars.

I didn't feel any particular need to justify it because that's what I wanted.

I've wondered the same thing myself and don't really understand it, however I certainly don't need to understand how others spend their money.

Glad my son doesn't have a Z. Don't miss what you don't know. :rock:

And some trade for a newer model to be rid of a problematic car. Say an early A8 that shudders, or has torque converter problems. Along with the early C7's that came with that damnable "warble" noise in the rear diff. that GM would never recognize as a problem. And maybe even something else that the dealer just can't seem to get right.

Corvettes are luxury items, something you don't need but want. After a few years the want may change to, different color, different options. If you can afford it why not? Its an entertainment expense.

I think some people want a car covered under warranty. Its hard to find fault in that logic.

I ordered a new '14 Laguna Blue Z51 in late 2013. Sold it last August and ordered a '19 Grand Sport

Main reason? Elkhart Lake Blue Metallic and wide body. Update electronics, etc were icing on the cake

As we speak, I'm trying to justify upgrading my 15 Stingray for a new z06 - here is my thought process I hope you guys/gals will take some humor in it as I'm sure I will hit some high points that we all think about when we spend 70-130K on a weekend toy:

My Stingray is black and a PIA too keep clean - I bet a silver or white Z will be easier to take care of -- oh hell no, the tires etc. cost a small fortune and don't last long.

The Z is definitely FASTER !!! -- ya but in Michigan the insurance is outrageous on a Z !!

Maybe I'll look at a convertible just for a change -- hmmm how often will I really put the top down in this crappy weather, plus another 5 grand just for the entry fee -- hmmm

The Z is definitely FASTER !!! -- ya I already said that. Although the Stingray is faster than at least 80% of the other cars out there. hmmmmm

I hear the Z (and GS for that matter) have a bent wheel problem -- potholes here in MI will take them out in a hurry -- I'll need to get forged wheels or at a minimum wheel insurance another 4 to 6 grand -- hmmm 40k miles on the Stingray and never a wheel problem -- hmmmm

Maybe I'll look at a GS ?? Hell no, same power train as my Stingray why didn't they add 50+ hp to the GS, it looks badazz, although the Z is FASTER!!

The new corvette yellow is really cool with black stinger and CF mirrors -- wow -- I like it, but so would every cop on I-94 going back and forth to work!! - hmm maybe black!

What's the big deal between a 1LZ and a 3LZ other than 10K? -- hmmm that is a lot, but the 3LZ has lots of things that I like, oh ya, I've already got a 3LT -- hmmm

The Z is faster !!! but it's going to cost me another 50K -- the financial advisor already says I'm a crazy old man -- keep your money working, don't waste it on depreciating value -- ya right, like your service is free -- don't lecture me -- I pay you!! and the Z is faster!! -- he don't know squat!!

and the song plays on
:willy: :willy:

Seems crazy but it sure helps the used market as lots of practically new C7s are available to chose from.
My wallet thanks those that seem to constantly trade in their garage queens. This is my first 'Vette so I've never experienced a market like this before - so many low mileage, well cared for examples out there. With other vehicles your lucky to find 1 out 100 or sometimes 1 in 1,000 that are in truly excellent condition.

:rofl: Ken. I laugh with you, not at you. I think many of us have tried to justify a buy like that also. But, I have done a exhaustive investigation and have found that you will never see an armored car following a hearse. Take away here is, you can't take it with you. Good luck on that decision.