Considering a C7 (first Vette)
 

Hi,

Been looking at a getting a new C7, have owned a few other sports cars but never a Corvette. The discounts seem to be fairly robust right now, so I decided to take one for a test drive. I've been impressed with the manual and auto, just need to decide what trim to get for daily drive use here in Colorado. Not looking to track, mostly for short (ish) commutes and weekend fun in the mountains during nice weather. Look forward to getting some information here! Any recommendation for option/dealers welcome!

:cheers:

I just bought one for same use. Would highly recommend M7 and Z06 if u can swing it, if not GS. Also I went ragtop which has been incredible. good luck and expect at least 12% off on a new one

I'm going to move this over to the C7 General section of the forum - there are helpful members that that can give you answers to your question.

Get the most you can afford, it will be worth it! Good luck! :thumbs:

Start with a M7 Convertible Stingray 2lt trim with NPP exhaust, then if your budget is right checkout the GS and Z06 in the same trim.

Right now, if you want a full featured car, the best bet at minimum is a 2LT GS. That gets you all of the performance features like selectable exhaust, dry sump oiling, electronic Diff, performance brakes, and magnetic ride, plus the fun luxury items like HUD and heated/cooled seats.

That said, even a Stingray with the 1LT interior and none of the aforementioned performance features is a blast to drive. It all comes down to how much you want to pay.

Honestly if your not going to track it you don’t need a Z. There is plenty of HP in every car for street use. You can save lot of money getting a base model if you like that body style. Your choice is a GS or base car depending on the wide body vrs base.

Money saved can can be used for the 3 series package which when you drive the car you will enjoy and use.

Its a choice between the body styles. I’ve had both and loved each. Of course color defines the overall looks of the car.

Not sure your timeline but if you can wait until fall, assuming the C8 is within sight, maybe bigger discounts. Even wo a new model, corvette sales slow up in the fall especially in the north.

Good luck.

Thanks everyone for the replies and to Vetteman for moving it

I've driven a base 1LT manual and a 3LT z51 with auto with were fun to drive.
Hadn't considered the Grand Sport as I thought they were more track focused than the base, guessing I have that wrong? Seemed like everything I read was the best combo overall for light track duty.
I'm thinking a 2 LT would would have most of the creature comforts (hearted states, HUD) etc that would make it more enjoyable as a DD, 3lt would be nice but I think out of my budget. Trying to keep it under 60K if possible, since we've got a big family trip out of the country and a bathroom remodel this year.

Timeline is open but I'd prefer to get one sooner rather than later to enjoy the best driving season out here.

Thanks again!!

Depends what features you enjoy. 2LT is the sweet spot but some people take 1LT because they don't want any of the features. If you want the car to feel like the interior is a real competitor to rivals I'd suggest 3LT and maybe the suede package.

Which model were you looking at? A base Stingray Is more then enough car for the street. I'd consider a Grand Sport if you were looking at optioning out a Stingray with all the bells and whistles as the price difference between the two is minimal at that point. If you want the best bang for the buck HP wise get the Z06.

As for A8 vs M7 its entirely up to you. If your fine with a manual in your daily commute get the stick. A8 is good when left to its own devices but I'd argue you'd get more enjoyment on a mountain road and weekend drives in the manual.

Looking at a base, as you indicated- more than enough power for my needs. the 3lt I drove was fairly optioned out and really nice inside but the price was pushing my budget. The A8 was fine and I would certainly not turn one down based on that alone but the M7 wold be my preference. Seems like most of the 2lt's and higher I've seen are optioned with the A8 however

Still plenty of them out there. As you stated, the 2LT has the features you want. Keep looking, you’ll find it in a manual.
Don’t comprises!

If you don't care enough to get the Z51 package then I'd get a base Stingray, 2LT, M7 with mag ride and performance exhaust. It will more then enough for your needs and the best combo for a daily driver/weekend warrior. Add whatever aesthetic options you need. Don't forget you can replace all the chrome on the exterior including the chrome bar across the grill with black for only $120 bucks so if you hate chrome make sure the car has the Carbon Flash badge package.

^^^^
This is a good combo based on OP's needs.

It is pretty hard to find many Z51 Stingrays in stock, and it appears because the price almost overlaps a base GS. I preferred the aggressive look of the GS, and for the few extra sheckles the 2LT gives u the extra accessories. Criswell gave me a 14% discount, which brought the price to $65k pre tax. I am happy I decided to go GS. If you are spending the $$$ make sure you get theone you really want if you plan on keeping it awhile.

Spot on. Mag-ride and performance exhaust are must haves in my book. The Z51 adds track focused items that tend to complicate matters like the dry sump oil system and brakes that dust too much. 3LT dashes have peeling issues so the 2LT package appears to be the sweet spot. Grand Sport has wider wheels that crack / bend. M7 has proven to be more reliable then A8.

hmm.. had not considered the Mag ride. That would certainly make sense for my needs. 2Lt M7 with Mag/exhaust would certainly fall in my budget too. Trick is finding one with that spec, with a preferred color combo I would think. Suppose I could order one that way too. thanks!

I think you have zeroed in on it, and very similar to me. I will order one next week. 2LT Stingray Convertible, Manual, Magride, Performance Exhaust, and a few other goodies I want, in color combos I like. I want a convertible because it is quieter and I will use it more than removing the top. The GS is 4 inches wider and my garage is already tight. The GS is also louder - more tire noise - and more $$$. I've been looking nationwide, and manuals are rare. I want a manual because it is my fun car. 2LTs are rare with the equipment listed. And I specifically wanted something other than a plain black interior. Mine will have Grey leather, sueded inserts, and two tone (Grey w Black inserts) seats. (I'm just really tired of black interiors.) Factory order will take 6-8 weeks to build. I'm also opting for the Museum Delivery - Wife and I will make a trip of it and have a great experience. Another nice benefit of buying new is you can attend the driving school in Vegas for $1000. I'm told this is all worth your time and money - even if you have no plans to track/race. (I certainly don't, but will attend the driving school).

Order what you want, and best of luck to you.

Yeah, can't find any convertibles to my liking with a stick and tired of the plain black interiors.. I'd really like a red interior - always wanted a red interior and told myself that if I get one it will have a red interior. Discounts still pretty good on special orders?

I love the look of the Grand sport and 2LT adds almost everything I want. If you can get it now to enjoy this summer!

I purchased the GS 2LT. The only regret that I have is that it doesn't have the Performance Data Recorder.