The Chevrolet Corvette is a moniker that is quite synonymous with its brute performance and the capable handling that too in a body that looks exquisite. With the passing of many initial generations that took forward the ethos very well, the C7 generation of the Corvette became one of the most sought-after offerings of its time owing to a lot of advancements it came within multiple areas. Even though the Chevrolet Corvette C7 has stopped production and the C8 is currently available for sale, many gearheads still lust for a used example of the Corvette C7.
Launched in 2013, the Chevrolet Corvette C7 retained the legendary LS V8 engine putting out 455 hp in the lower trims. The Z06 package was available for the folks who wanted more grunt and handling, and the ZR1 turned out to be the ultimate trim of the lot. The luxurious cabin and comfortable seating made it a preferred choice over many of its rivals. With prices increasing rapidly in the used market, is it the right time to get a Chevrolet Corvette C7? Here are 10 things you need to know before buying a used Chevrolet Corvette C7.
10 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Comes With The Legendary LS V8 Engine
The Chevrolet Corvette C7 comes with the 6.2-liter naturally aspirated pushrod V8 engine code-named LT1. The lower trims give an output of 455 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The power goes through the rear wheels, and it comes with either a manual or an automatic transmission.
The 0-60 MPH comes in around the 4-second mark with the seven-speed manual transmission. However, the 8-speed torque converter automatic helped the Corvette C7 to achieve a slighter better 0-60 MPH time of 3.7 seconds. In comparison, the Porsche 718 Boxster GTS could do the same 0-60 MPH in a higher 4.3 second.
9 There Is A Chevrolet Corvette C7 For Everyone
Coming with multiple trims and configurations similar to that of the older Corvette C6, there is a Chevrolet Corvette C7 for everyone. The Corvette Stingray can be had in either coupe or convertible form factor and that makes it more versatile than many of the segment rivals.
The Z51 performance package means that the Chevrolet Corvette C7 comes with a long list of performance upgrades including close-ratio gearing, transmission cooling system, dry sump lubrication, better braking, and many chassis and suspension upgrades. Apart from that, the Z06 and ZR1 packages are impressive too.
8 The C7 Chevrolet Corvette's Interior Is Superior To The C6 Corvette
One of the biggest gripes of the Chevrolet Corvette C6 was the low-rent interior it came with. The entire interior came with hard plastics and many of the owners from the Corvette forums have complained about it. In comparison, the Corvette C7 came with a much more luxurious cabin.
The dashboard and door cards of the Chevrolet Corvette C7 offered leather with contrast stitching for the most part. If you get the carbon fiber package, the area near the center console gets the carbon fiber insert. The driver-centric design, flat bottom steering with leather, and the Recaro sports seats look perfect as well.
7 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Is Feature-Packed
The Chevrolet Corvette C7 is in a league of its own when it comes to the number of features that are present as standard. The interior of the Corvette C7 offered many features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control system, sports seats, Milan leather upholstery, and Bose audio system.
The exterior features such as LED headlights with LED DRLs, LED taillights, 5-spoke 18" alloy wheels, heated & powered side mirrors, and carbon fiber exterior bits are available. A long list of safety features is onboard the Chevrolet Corvette C7 too. All of these make it a better daily driver than the Dodge Viper VX.
6 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Is Pretty Reliable
The top-notch reliability of the LS engine makes the Chevrolet Corvette C7 a perfect choice in the used sports car market. These pushrod V8 engines are famous for their bulletproof reliability and what makes them even better is the easy availability of parts and their cheap cost.
As a result, maintaining a Chevrolet Corvette C7 isn't as time-consuming or expensive as some of the other offerings from the European stables. However, the buyers have reported issues related to alloy wheel cracking, radiator problems, interior fitment & quality issues, and torque converter problems. But, many of these issues haven't cropped up in the later model years.
5 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Has Massive Brake Rotors
The regular Chevrolet Corvette C7 comes with large 12.6" front rotors and 13.3" rear rotors. This helped the sports car that weighs close to 3,298 lbs to come to a halt with very less drama. The 60-0 MPH braking comes in around the 100 feet mark making it one of the best of the segment in the braking front.
The braking features on offer include an anti-lock braking system, brake assist, and ventilated rotors. The braking performance turned out to be slightly superior to the rivals such as the Porsche 911 Carrera and Jaguar F-Type.
4 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Holds Its Value Pretty Well
Used car prices have been rising quite rapidly ever since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it still is on the rise. Even though the Chevrolet Corvette C7 hasn't really shot up in value such as some of the older generations of the Corvette, it is still a preferred choice for enthusiasts who want a powerful moniker for not a lot of money.
The Chevrolet Corvette C7 traded for an average of close to $90,000 according to classic.com and the prices hovered around the same mark till the start of 2021. However, the price has been increasing with the current market average close to $100,000. Nevertheless, you can still get a running and driving example with higher-than-average mileage for as low as $40,000.
3 Chevrolet Corvette C7 ZR1 Is The One To Get
If you want the best of the best in the Corvette C7 lineup, the Corvette C7 ZR1 is the one to get. Coming with the same 6.2-liter V8 engine with a supercharger, this moniker managed to punch out an impressive 755 hp and 715 lb-ft of torque. The 7-speed manual and the RWD drivetrain remain identical to the regular Corvette.
This helped the Chevrolet Corvette C7 ZR1 to do the 0-60 MPH in just 3 seconds, making it one of the fastest sports cars in 2019. The upgraded brakes mean that the stopping power was superior, and it also had many exterior upgrades helping it to come out with superior downforce. The suspension and chassis also see changes to make it more capable on racetracks.
2 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06 Was Cheaper Than ZR1
If you don't want the insanely capable Chevrolet Corvette C7 ZR1, we would highly recommend you get the Z06 trim. It is also going to be much cheaper than the ZR1 in the used car market and quite a lot of examples are present as well. You could lay your hands on a clean example of the Corvette Z06 for around $105,000, making it quite an enticing deal.
Coming with the same LT V8 engine with the supercharger, it puts out a slightly lower performance number of 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque when compared to the ZR1. However, the acceleration is still fierce and the optional Z07 performance package adds a lot of goodies to the list including Michelin Pilot Sport tires, many exterior bits for aerodynamics, upgraded suspension, and better brakes.
1 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Has Exceptional Mod Potential
Like any generation of the Chevrolet Corvette, this seventh-generation avatar is no different when it comes to mod potential. The most common powertrain mods for the Corvette C7 include an upgraded throttle body, cold air intake, short shifters, superchargers, and full system exhausts.
There are many companies that make exterior bits such as carbon fiber body parts, body kits, wings, splitters, and air diffusers for the Chevrolet Corvette C7. They are much cheaper than the mods offered to the rivals from Porsche and BMW. The LT V8 engine is also quite famous for making more than 1,000 hp with ease, and they are often found in drag strips.