jimmyb

I imposed a budget on myself for my C7 convertible (around $63K), so it seems I have 2 ways to go. Here are the plusses and minuses (as I see it) of both options (note that this will be a 7 speed manual car and more than likely Cyber Grey). This will be a weekend, spirited driving car, no tracking (obviously) so some of the Z51 stuff (bigger brakes/coolers/edif) probably won't make much difference so I didn't list them in the +/- categories

Option One:
Base Stingray convertible with 2LT: $62,400
This is 2LT and NPP
Plusses:
All the gadgets, that said, the only one I really WANT is heated/vented seats, I could care less about heads up/memory/etc.
Less expensive tires when replacement time comes (I assume)
Less expensive oil changes (no dry sump)
Availability of Kalahari interior (which I want)
No Z51 spoiler!!!

Minuses:
Probably a little slower because of gearing
Handling (an unknown at this point, I'm sure it's great, just how much of a drop off is it from Z51?)
No FE4 availability

Option Two:
Z51 Convertible: $62,785
This is 1LT with NPP and FE4
Plusses:
Probably quicker
Better handling (But HOW much better)
FE4 (I swore I would never get another Corvette without Mag Ride)

Minuses:
No Heated/vented seats
No Kalahari interior
More expensive tires
More expensive oil changes
Z51 Spoiler

Have at it boys, I think I have 3 - 4 months before convertibles can be ordered.

Jimmy

Stingray23

If you allow yourself another $1k, you can have Z51 and 2LT

jimmyb

True, but I would have to get rid of NPP and FE4 to make your number. A Z51/2LT convertible would be $64,005 ($1,020 more than my Z51 1LT/NPP/FE4). If I keep NPP/FE4 and ADD 2LT, then we are at $66,995!!!! So, then it boils down to what I want more (whatever level of frugality I have just won't let me go option crazy)....which is why this is a HAPPY thread.

Jimmy

Stingray23

Jimmy,

You said you like the kalahari interior. You cant get it without 2LT. It also has the heated/ventilated seats. You said you REALLY want those options. I think 2LT is a must for you based on those 2 points. Now, how important is the NPP to you? Me, I wouldnt mind having it, but not at the expense of 2 major options.
Z51 and 2LT.
I think you'll be happier knowing you got the interior color you wanted and the heated/ventilated seats, and the handling pkge which includes upgraded rims and tires. You can always get an the exhaust. Besides, its not like the vette doesnt already have a nice sounding stock exhaust note.

Trackaholic

I am in agreement with Stingray23 in terms of how you are explaining your priorities and therefore what seems to be the best match.

Of course, when you are already spending over $60,000 on a car that you may own for the next 10 years, it may be worth it to splurge and also get the exhaust. I only mention this because if you end up saving $1000 at the outset, but then are disappointed with the car because you are always wondering what could have been, then you've actually wasted the entire $60,000 as well as the joy you would have been having with the car.

Don't know what is limiting your budget, but if there is a way to stretch and thereby get all the options you consider important, that may turn out to be the best overall value because you won't have regrets every time you get behind the wheel.

-T

jkcam6017

Over option, rather than under option. For me, it is much easier to not use something I have than to wish I had something that I don't have. Some things, ie; Navigation, upgraded sound system, I could care less about, and know I would never miss it, but a performance option, a little tougher to say no to.

If in doubt, stretch your budget $1000-3000 and get what you want. Life is short. Enjoy.

MikeyTX

? There is no NPP for the C7. Check the now on line options list.

C6FirstVette

I agree with many comments above:

When you are sitting in the car (which will be your first impression) what would you WANT to see or feel...that is important since last thing you want is to be sitting there going 'damn I wish I had [fill in blanks]'

For the price of the Z51 items you will pay a lot more after-market (not even allowing that coolers would be off the chart expensive to add) and better tires are always the best investment...those four little patches of rubber is all that stands between your car and the road and wells to make them the best

NPP...looks like the availability of that is open question BUT if it was available and option I would hold... I think too many folks immediately assume they need a louder exhaust and would notice a 5 hp gain (it took me about 2 years before I went with a Corsa Sport...) so try the standard exhaust and if you REALLY want after trying things a bit then that is an easy upgrade.

The new FE4 sounds great and you should put that on the must list...

Cyber gray with Kalahari interior will be a stunner....

Remember... tried and true 'penny wise and pound foolish'

BlueOx

C'mon, man! Work this thing! Get the dealer who will do the bottom dollar for you. Get it all because it sounds great!



Then sell it to me used at a huge drop off in two years!

-CM-

If you want to definitely stick to your budget but still want the goodies, something has to give. I would go with your option 1, and add the 5ZU Rear Spoiler option.

RockIT9

You've got 5 months to earn that extra $4k and get the two options. Time is ticking

jimmyb

Suggest you do the same, it's the 7th item down in the options list:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c7-g...y-pricing.html

Jimmy

jimmyb

NPP is not an "open question", it is on the options list for the C7, it costs $1,195.

Jimmy

BBBOOMR

My 06 z51 vert had a MSRP of $62,700. The c7 I want to order prices out at $68,900, similerly equiped. Spend the extra money and be happy!

capecodvette

NPP is offered on the C7. Check the recently released ordering guide.

ArcticC7

Why the hell are you worried about the cost of an oil change? Repeat after me...I will always use mobil-1 in my corvette no matter what GM pours into it at the factory or what it says in the owners manual. I will in fact at 500 miles go to my Dealer and get that NASTY blended oil out of my Corvettes engine!

JoesC5

From reading your post, I think you will be happier choosing option #1.

AORoads

I guess when I read your list of minuses, you need choice 1. Leaves out a lot of things I'd want, but it's your money, your car and the things in the car that would be out in choice 2. Do it the way you can afford it while getting the most of the good things you want.

flange

option one, for two reasons. first the heated/vented seats let you extend top down season by a bit. on a cool morning, top down with heated seats and heat on, it can be really nice. second, you interior choice. In addition, for a weekend car, the standard ride will be ample, and the lower cost to maintain(tires, oil as mentioned) wont hurt your feelings either and its still a really nice car i would be happy to own.

sshu

I don't know if you will really appreciate the benefits of the Z51 unless you hit the track. Only maybe 5% of us can actually extract the max performance out of this car.

I would go for the MSRC, it is a must have option IMO and if it's too expensive drop the NPP exhaust. Also heated/cooled seats is important for a vert.