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I happily chose a two year old used Z51 2LT over a brand new base 1LT. I would make that same decision again today.Find a lightly used one and let someone else take that initial hit on depreciation for you.
I went two years old used (certified) to get Z51/2LT/ Mag Ride instead of new base, 1LT. Now, three years later no regrets at all, in fact I'm glad I did. As time goes on, the sacrifice of one or two years becomes almost meaningless but passing on toys that you want may bother you and take away from your enjoyment of the car.
I would take brand new and 1LT over a used 2LT and Z51 any day of the week (in fact that's exactly what I did back in the fall of 2017) I'm still perfectly happy with my 1LT base model, I have 10,450 miles on it and I don't regret a thing. To each his own. What matters is what options you feel you really need and what options you can live without. Having brand new (unscratched and unblemished) and being the one to break it in and treat it perfectly right from day one is something that some people might find important.
I have bought nothing but used Corvettes in the past and letting the previous owner take the depreciation hit was always nice, but owning brand new is something I always wanted, especially since this car is one I intend to keep forever (so depreciation isn't a factor whatsoever for me) There are a lot of great used cars out there but there are also a lot of lemons that people dump on the used market too.
edit-after I posted this I realized the OP might not be talking about buying a used 2LT/Z51 at all, but simply a new one that's a 2018 vs a 2019 1LT. That does change things slightly, in that case the 2LT/Z51 might be the better choice.
Plake - I would take a step back and decide what features are of value to you. Do you want the extras that come with the 2LT? Do you need the Z51 package for track purposes?
Truthfully, my GS will be the last "new" car I will buy. Especially in a sports car setting. 80% of Vette owners really take care of their ride. You can get a nice discount on a used car vs new. And within a year the new car will loose more value vs buying used.
What changed in that one year? Any must have feature? How much mileage on the older one?
2LT Z51 would be my pick regardless. I'd rather have a nicer car then a newer car. New-ness wears off very quickly especially in terms of depreciation.
Please disregard folks that say the Z51 package is for track only, unless you truly granny your car. The Z51 package is probably one the best value deals on the Vette. The upgraded brakes, suspension, rear diff, etc. will make the car much sharper in everyday driving even at legal speeds. Search the forum for base car owners upgrading to Z51 suspension after the fact to tighten it up.
One downside to the Z51 package is the dry sump which requires different oil change procedures. Some Chevy dealers don't seem to understand it, much less your typical quick lube place.
I'll answer this objectively. If you are going to track the car a Z51 should be your choice. If not a base would be fine. Then figure out what options you want or need and get the 1LT or 2LT. No one can determine the option package you need but you.
Some owners like the racing options just to have them, even though they will never go to the track or drive the car anywhere close to its potential, and that is great! It all comes down to what your pleasure is.
Please disregard folks that say the Z51 package is for track only, unless you truly granny your car. The Z51 package is probably one the best value deals on the Vette. The upgraded brakes, suspension, rear diff, etc. will make the car much sharper in everyday driving even at legal speeds. Search the forum for base car owners upgrading to Z51 suspension after the fact to tighten it up.
totally agree !
all you guys saying only get a z51 and GS if your going to “track” it is complete garbage . So annoying to see this said time and time again.
A bsae c7 is a neutered version of a C7. If you disagree you probably have never driven a z51 and don’t know any better. Or refuse to believe the facts.
Or maybe it’s the other way around ..... your first C7 is a grand sport or z51 and you’ve never driven a base c7.
Last edited by 65fastback; 04-25-2019 at 12:47 PM.
04-25-2019, 07:30 AM
2LT Z51 or 1LT year newer
