With the debut of the all-new 2020 Corvette C8, it’s easy to lose the outgoing-generation Corvette C7 in the mix. And that’s a shame, considering just how good the C7 truly is. First landing for the 2014 model year, the C7 is definitely worthy of consideration for buyers interested in picking up a mean sports car with impressive performance, head-turning good looks, and – critically – immediate availability. That said, the Corvette C7 isn’t without its faults. As such, we’re taking a look at five reasons to buy the Corvette C7 right now, and five reasons not to.
5 Reasons To Buy The Corvette C7
1. Big Discounts
Unsurprisingly, Chevrolet and dealers are scrambling to offload remaining C7 inventory to make room for the new Corvette C8 when it launches in December, and the full pricing of which is expected on August 15th. And that means interested buyers can get a great deal on a brand-new C7 right now, with Chevrolet officially offering over $9,000 in discounts and some dealers slashing prices by as much as $15,000. For those buyers who don’t care about having the absolute latest model year, the Corvette C7 is looking like one helluva deal.
2. The Last Front-Engine Vette
With the C8’s transition to a new mid-engine layout, it’s looking like the Corvette C7 will be the very last front-engine Vette ever produced. That’s significant, especially after roughly seven decades of placing the motor in front of the cabin. What’s more, beyond the obvious historical significance, some folks simply prefer the driving dynamics of a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive platform (did someone say “drift it”?).
3. Plenty Of Cargo Space
With as much as 15 cubic-feet of cargo space in the trunk (10 cubic-feet with the Convertible model), the Corvette C7 is outrageously practical for a high-end sports car. For those buyers planning on packing their bags and heading out for a weekend or even those who want to be able to carry lots of stuff to and from the big box store, the C7 is definitely the right choice.
4. Manual Transmission FTW
For those enthusiasts who enjoy having three pedals at their feet, the fact the C8 only offers the new M1L eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is a bit of a downer. No such problems with the late-model Corvette C7, which offers both an eight-speed automatic and seven-speed manual.
5. The C7 Is Simply A Great Car
No bones about it – the Corvette C7 is a truly wonderful automobile. It does everything expected of it and a whole lot more. In fact, our very own Alex Luft currently owns one.
“Whether standing still or going fast, the C7 is incredible in every sense of the word,” says Luft.
5 Reasons Not To Buy The Corvette C7
1. The C7 Is Now Discontinued
The next-gen 2020 Corvette C8 completely replaces the outgoing C7, which means anyone who buys one is essentially picking up an outdated product. And that can really stick in the craw of some.
2. The C8 Is Quicker, More Powerful
With 495 horsepower on tap when equipped with the optional performance exhaust system, the C8 is the most-powerful “base” Corvette ever created. Throw on the the Z51 Performance Package, and it’ll run to 60 mph in less than three seconds. Compared to the base-level Corvette C7, which offers 455 horsepower and a 3.8-second 0-to-60 mph time, the C8 is far and away the better performer.
2020 Corvette C8 interior
3. The C8 Offers More Modern Tech
Not only does the 2020 Corvette offer better performance, it also comes decked out with the latest infotainment gear and active safety features, not to mention the rear camera mirror for better rearward visibility. The C7 is old hat by comparison.
2020 Corvette 6.2L LT2 V8
4. Mid-Engine Performance Is Damn Attractive
There’s a reason the top echelons of motorsport mount the engine in the middle of the car: driving dynamics and handling agility are maximized when most of the weight is centered between the axles, hence the C8’s move to a mid-engine format. Meanwhile, the old-school, front-engine Corvette C7 could look a little archaic by comparison.
2020 Corvette C8
5. All-Season Tires Are Standard With The C8
For the very first time in the history of the Corvette nameplate, the C8 comes standard with all-season tires. For those folks who actually want to drive their vehicle most of the year, this is huge, as the Corvette C7 is only equipped with summer rubber, limiting the conditions in which it can be driven without a tire swap.
Looking to pick up a Corvette C7 for yourself? Or maybe you’re leaning towards a C8 instead? Let us know your reasons to buy (or not to buy) a C7 in the comments section, and don’t forget to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Corvette news, Chevrolet news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
The main reason not to buy a C7 yet is there will be many low mile models on the market in the coming few years that can be had for $20K lor less.
The C7 is a great car but the C8 will make it look and feel old. If you really want one it will make it a very good deal.
The C8 will make all its owners a celebrety for the next few years.
Or for the same money as either right now you can buy a C1 1959-60 and it will go up in value every year forward.
Decisions………..
Gimme C7 Grand Sport with a stick in white like the one in the pictures here. Alex is that yours and if so… you sellin?
Yup it’s mine. Just got it so not selling it. Heck, don’t know if I will ever sell it given that it’s the last Corvette with a stick and with the engine in the front – which are elements I personally appreciate. 1,388 miles on the clock and loving it thus far.
Just bought an Orange one myself. Z51, 7 speed stick… If this is truly the last FR layout corvette, then they went out with a bang. One very impressive car
And…Real Corvettes have the engine up front and manual transmissions! I’ll never sell or trade up my factory ordered ‘17 ZO6 3LZ for any C8. I’ve had Corvettes since I was a Junior in High School starting with a ‘63 Convertible. I’ve been “Livin’ the Dream” for 50 years now and never plan to stop!
Hey Steve: I’ve had 5 Vettes plus my current C8– ALL Automatic.
In California traffic, that’s the only way my wife would/could drive them.
Love them all!.
Here in late 2021 and the low miles C7s are still north of $60K. They are not dropping due to the relative lack of C8 and the insane prices of used cars in general. Who knew there would be a pandemic to upset the supply chain?
Biggest reason not to buy the C7 Corvette is the 2020 C8 Corvette which is a quantum leap forward in performance with the biggest reason to buy the C7 Corvette is nostalgia as the C7 Corvette stays to it’s roots while the C8 Corvette borrows too much from other mid-engine cars (which could be corrected if the C8 Corvette was a bottom feeder and didn’t need the side air scoops to feed air to the engine).
Recent test in Car and Driver showed only a tiny difference in lap times at a major raceway between the C-7 and C-8. I agree the C-8 is going to be an awesome car for tracking and it looks cool, but having sat in several of them at Corvettes at Carlisle, I found the interior to be confining. You can’t just reach behind the seat on a trip to get a drink out of your cooler; you have to pull off the road and access the “frunk” or the rear golf bag area. Also, that goofy cockpit divider with the HVAC controls makes it feel like you have a wall between you and your passenger! I can feel the enthusiasm for the mid-engine layout, but it will really get interesting to read the forums and letters to editors when people start needing to have mechanical work done on that mid-engine! BL for me: after seeing how quickly the price escalates when you add Z51 and magnetic shocks (bringing price to $67K base for just a 1LT), I couldn’t justify it when a C-7 Grand
Sport already has magnetic ride! So instead, I picked up a 2017 2LT Grand Sport coupe off of Carvana, with the Heritage and carbon flash packages, navigation, transparent tinted roof, and several other upgrades, only 4500 miles on the odometer, for $ 56K. It still smells and runs like brand new, has more (and accessible) baggage space, and – for my money- it’ll be a better touring car than the C-8 will ever be. It’s a bargain and I won’t regret blowing all that extra money for a couple of years’ bragging rights just to own a C-8.
You forgot to say that the c8 has a gr8 interior with much better materials.
I’m so tired of people criticizing the C-7’s interior fit, finish, and materials. On all of those points the C-7 is terrific! If it looks like aluminum, it is. The leather heated/cooled seats are great. The contrasting thread accents in the leather are great. I love the C-7’s interior, in case you haven’t noticed!
I’m happy for the brand and I hope the C8 lowers the buyer demo somewhat, BUT…I bought my ’18 GS because I think it’s the sexiest sports car I’ve ever seen and nothing about the C8 changes that. Absolutely zero buyers remorse here.
Exactly why I want to scoop up a white on red GS… if only Alex would sell me his. I think he got the last new manual one in that color combo. The C7 is so sexy. The C8 isn’t bad.. it’s just different but not as sexy as the C7 to me.
I have a 2019 C7 Z51 LT1 and absolutely love its looks and performance. I guess I am “old school” as I want my engine up front and not behind me. I appreciate that the C8 is a fantastic performing Vette, however, sad to say that this mid-engine Vette reminds me of the 80s mid-engine Pontiac Fiero. Being the last year of the C7 Vette, I sense this model will be very collectable in years to come…
I believe the C8 is going to be a sales phenomenon like the VW was in the late ’50s and ’60s. That’s simply because the new ‘Vette gathers many of the more outstanding features of the modern high performance automobile at a very affordable price. I also believe GM doesn’t have to get rid of the C7 platform entirely. They just have to change the skin and call it Camaro whatever or Cadillac what-have-you…
I personally love the C7 proportions. Not that I dislike the c8, I think it’s beautiful. I picked up a 2019 grand sport 2 weeks ago for a steal.
My choice was mainly based on price. Whenever a grand sport comes to the C8 with the beautiful wide fenders it’s going to be a good 10-15K CDN more. That’s not including the 14k I got off the sticker.
The reasons given NOT to buy are extremely weak.
#1: Discontinued? So what? It is hardly outdated. If people seriously worried about that then Mecum and Barrett Jackson would not exist.
#2: Quicker, More Powerful? GM could have easily tweaked the V8 in a mid-cycle update and squeezed 10 more ponies out of it and an MCU would be quicker and more powerful in hte same generation.
#3: Modern Tech? It’s not like the C7 is all of a sudden running a cassette deck in the radio and has crank windows.
#4: Mid-Engine: Different creature with the C8, can’t compare that to the C7. Most drivers out there have never driven a mid-engine before and wouldn’t know the difference.
#5: All-Season Tires? If someone has the money to buy one of these cars brand new, then an extra $2000 thrown on a GoodYear Card for new kicks is not going to be a deterrent. Besides, you wouldn’t want to drive either the C7 or C8 in the winter here in the Great Lakes/NorthEast.
Not a problem, I hope?
2) The car can’t handle the power. Anyone can stuff more power into a vette, but the result is a car crash.
5) I have the money to buy a C8 new and I appreciate the stock all-seasons because I plan to drive mine in rain and cold. I don’t enjoy swapping tires/wheels in a car that doesn’t have space to store a single one of those tires en route to the shop. Also, I’ve seen many a 911 and Cayman out-handle my chevy sedan in the Toronto snow.
Hidden reason 6: The back of the C7 looks better than the back of the C8. Incidentally both designed by the designer of the pontiac aztek.
I’ve got a good reason….if its got an 8 speed automatic(8L90) DO NOT BUY…http://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/04/gm-hit-with-class-action-lawsuit-over-alleged-8-speed-transmission-defect/#comment-838710
the only thing that transmission has in common with the one in the C8 is it is an 8 speed.
As an owner of a 2017 Grand Sport with the 7 speed manual (and also a hardcore Viper fan), part of me says that anyone who would order a car like this with an automatic transmission gets everything they deserve 😀 All kidding aside, there were a good number of shudder issues that shouldn’t have occurred on the 8 speed autos. Wouldn’t own one personally – even without the shudder issues though. These cars are rewarding to drive hard, and far too much fun with a manual.
I firmly believe that a significant number of potential C8 buyers, myself included, will wait until they offer a manual
transmission, which they WILL do! GM may even charge MORE for the stick than the wimpy slush box, and we will pay it! Or, perhaps they will only offer it in future ZO6 and ZR1 editions. With the mid engine, it must be challenging to create the shift linkage for the manual.
I bought a new C7 three months ago. The decision was simple. There are no C8 available today. When I can finally get one, there are no manual transmissions. I don’t think there ever will be because of problems that would make routing the linkage near impossible. You can put a manual in some mid-engine cars if the heads are low enough to route the linkage over the engine. The LT1 sits too high for a mechanical linkage to work. Various methods to get around this problem have limitations that make shifting awkward. If Chevy drops in a different engine, perhaps a horizontally opposed flat engine, you might be able to get a decent linkage. You could also rename it from Stingray to Porsche.
Reason to buy C7: Can’t afford to buy a C8. C7 is heavily discounted now.
Reason not to buy a C7: C8
And for all those who lament the loss of the manual: Did you vote with your wallet? The tribe has spoken!
Yes, I voted with my wallet. I love my 2017 GS 7 speed, and wouldn’t change a thing about it.
That said, I’ll still be figuring out a way to justify purchasing a C8 to the wife. She’ll probably get a new car first, since hers is a 2013 model year.
I don’t like when people make predictions in a comments section, but… (here comes my prediction) I predict the C7 with the manual transmission will have a higher resale value than auto C7s, and be the C7s the collectors are mainly interested in. There are less of them, so the numbers dictate it.
I’d add one more to the why buy a C7…first year model issues in the C8 could be a real problem for GM. It’s bad enough to buy the first model year of any brand new design, but its elevated with the C8 being an all new platform and packaging, along with new tech (lifting nose for example). I hope it does well, but I’d avoid the 1st model year or 2 to make sure the bugs are worked out.
I also agree with the 1st poster, wait another year and the used C7 market will open up some more and there will be great deals on slightly used models far less than new. Since most Corvette owners put very few miles on their cars, buying one with under 40K will not be hard to find.
I’ve had my order in for months now for a Convertible C8 when they come out.
But, the more I look at the T-Top C8 and the preliminary pictures of the C8 Hardtop Convertible
I think I am falling out of love.
The C8 Hardtop Convertible seems nothing more than a T-Top model with an automatic/electric top storage mechanism. The open space available seems no more than the T-Top model.
That’s one of the reasons I never really liked the Lambo.
Anxious to see one in the flesh.
I have a 2019 M7 Z51 Stingray because I still favor a manual transmission and the 7-speed is great; more control more involvement. I don’t care about the lower 0-60 times and slightly better agility of the C8, since I don’t track my car. The 2019 technology is fine and I don’t need additional safety “nannies.”
I saw an article and missed it on why there is no 7 speed on the C8. I love my 7 speed and don’t understand why GM chose not to have this. It is fun to feel the control of the car with the 7 speed. An automatic you just sit there and drive.
If GM Authority could find that article I would appreciate reading it. I want the real reason why there isn’t a 7 speed.
I believe I read the same article and the reason tadge said was the tunnel was designed without a hole in it. Adding a hole for a manual would require changes to the structure and not possible now
There are another two good reasons not to buy a C7. One of then is that it is not a good car for the track. And the other one is that the C7 car is known to overheat. Those are two solid reasons to change to a new platform
To be fair, it was the first couple of years on the Z06 with the C7 overheating problem. Been fixed for a while now.
@Adalberto Burke “…not a good car for the track”??? Step away from the bong ?
Well, you should know those were not my words but the professional driver’s who hot Lap tested a C7 on a Head to Head video program around Laguna Seca slong with other contenders. They were all stock vehicles. Video is available at YouTube. And of course I was not talking about the C7-R version, which has been a consistent winner at IMSA and it has won LeMans as well 2015)
My apologies. Since there was no clarification, I immediately took the C7-R into account and assumed you had been imbibing.
Hey, go out and buy one on those cool C7’s 2019
With the big discounts and find you a 7 speed and put you a performance air filter on it. Has a little Jake for decoration and adds 17 more horse power to that baby. GM was out for a long time but they are back in stock now. You can order it from a dealer and have it installed at the dealer for warranty. Unless you don’t care and put it on yourself. Maybe between 650 and 750 dollars. I think it is cool and nothing wrong with a little more kick under the hood.
One good reason NOT to buy a C8 or C7 is that both engines use the AFM feature which is bad deal for driveabilty and reliabilty
The is a performance air filter you can put on your Z06 that gives it 17 more horsepower. GM was out of stock for a long time and now they are back. With the red Jake on top. Other c7’s Can get it too but discounts the horsepower depending on the year. You can order it through parts now and have it installed at the dealer for warranty or do it yourself. I saw one being put on and didn’t look very hard. Horsepower is horse power. . Can even be put on the ZR1 too with the same addl horsepower. Maybe the cost I’d 650 to 690 but we’ll worh it. They have just recently come back in stock.
Just bought a new ’19 C7 Stingray convertible with an M7. Got a great discount on perhaps the last M7 convertible on the planet. Considered a GS, but the price difference was pretty steep. Someone else grabbed it before I could change my mind. All kinds of folks stop me and comment on how beautiful the car is. I might trade it in for a C8 in the near future but I’d have to try the auto transmission first. My local dealer doesn’t offer test rides. He still has over 300 C7s in stock, few with three pedals.
the show everyday driver claims the auto in the C8 works great. Watch their videos.
Very interesting to see how many contributors are intent on a “New” C7 – now that several months have gone by in this thread, it feels like the real bargains will be in the used C7 market as with the C8 being such a hit, the trade-ins of C7’s will exceed prior year trade in volumes significantly (IMHO) and cause used C7 prices to really fall.
We’ll see – that’s my story and i’m counting on it to buy mine 🙂
well that was not a terrible theory pre-covid and pre C8 production problems – i was certain of the reduced prices of C7 used market… NOW we have a shortage of C7’s due to a lower than expected C8 production rate….
I ended up buying my 2019 C7 w 10k miles in mid April – about 30 days after writing the above… i may have gotten lucky and caught the C7 market low then… Today its amazing how expensive they have gotten…
Looks like 2022 is when they’ll be pushing out the C8’s and we’ll see more used C7’s on the market…
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I bought a new C7 back in May 2020 got The last gray one I’m old-school I like the engine in the front Corvette should always have a long nose just my opinion I’ll wait a few years for the C8 to work at its bugs before I consider buying one it Has to grow on me good luck to all of you that have bought one enjoy !!!!!
I bought a 2014 z-51 stingray lt-3 with 4506 miles on it Arctic white with red and black interior I payed 59k for it but got 10 yr 100k bumper to bumper extended warranty and oil change and rim protection packages too my first corvette I’m a disabled vet always wanted one I pulled the trigger and am loving every minute of it . My biggest recommendation get care care also to seal inside out of car and have the dealer up date electronic drive hardware makes a huge difference off the line have fun everyone and stay safe
It’s a 3 LT package, not an LT3. Your engine is an LT1. You’ve confused the trim level with the engine nomenclature, which is common because they look similar. Congrats. C7 is a great car, and much more practical for touring than a C8.
Congrats. That same car a year later costs $5,000 more.
I bought a 2014 stingray with 8,000 miles, 2lt in dec. 2019. 7 spd, performance exhaust, nav., carbon fiber roof and I love it. If your ego and bank account needs a C8 then go for it. However, if want a great car at a great price look to the C7.
The Used C7s keep going up in price. The Global pandemic ruined everyone’s predictions. I bet there are low miles C7s selling for more than MSRP when they were new.
Can’t wait for C8 supply to exceed demand- (and it will). Then, prices will drop on the C7. Predict late 2023. Then, my search for a 2019 C7 Convertible 7 speed with dual mood exhaust begins in earnest.