jtranger

I am over here from the C-1- C-2 forum. Getting the itch to get more modern with a newer Vette, maybe a 2015-16. Wanted to get advice from members on best way to go with an auto or manual. I will be doing mostly around town cruising with the occasional short road trip. Like the 4 speeds in my early cars but I plan to drive the newer one more.

Any advice on going with the rag top or t roof? Not sure I want the maintenance of a soft top? All advice appreciated

Flame Red

Do a search of for A8 in this section, and there is a sticky at the top. You would be well advised getting a M7!

vbdenny

Well, seeing as how you're in California and if it is your DD, theautomatic is an easy choice. If the Corvette is your toy, then maybe a stick. Convertible or coupe is really up to the individual. Do you have a garage, will you park it in other places, does your dermatologist approve? All kinds of things

I have the automatic coupe and love it. I have the windows tinted dark and keep the AC on LO and use the heated seats if I get cold. Had a convertible for a few years and decided too much sun and wind and I'm too old to look cool.

scottjays

I orig had a 15 A8, very nice paddle shift fun but I knew the M7 was the way I should've gone...traded 'UP' to a M7...would not go back

dvilin

M7 and Convertible both the best, transmission is excellent and the Convertible top up and down in 28 seconds.

Acenines3

I have an M7 Rag Top and I loveeeee it!

Rsaodom

I've had 3 C7's including a base A8, Z51 M7, and now a Z06 A8. Enjoyed them all, but the wife likes the A8 more. Smoother trans for cruising with less jolting for her. I kinda like to row the gears, but have to admit the A8 in more enjoyable for me overall imho. All of mine have been coupes with the removable targa tops. Now also have dual roofs, a solid and a transparent one. So have 3 options: solid top, transparent top, or go without. I like the look of the coupe all the time, and the vert when the top is down...so get what you will enjoy best. You didn't ask about magride, but I will chime in anyway. In the base model, magride wasn't needed for me as it has a softer ride, but in the other trims I find magride really makes the ride better for everyday driving. Good luck in your search!

onyx_z71

I took into account the 40 or 50 A8 complaints on this forum when I traded my '14 A6 Z51 in June on a new A8 GS. I figured that out of the 70,000 or so A8 Corvettes built since 2015, the transmission must be pretty good.

The 6L80 didn't have a flawless beginning either, but GM fixed them too.

Hopper12

Hi jtranger. Welcome to the C7 forum! If you haven't lurked much here, allow me to get a few things out of the way that will surely be said on the M7 vs. A8 threads:
* Only real sports cars have manuals.
* Autos are slushboxes and only driven by wimps.
* Get a '14 because they have the 'bullet proof' A6.
* You want an A8 because they're faster.
* I got a (____) and you should too.
* Etc. Etc.

Since you asked, my thoughts would be:
* Decide how you will use the car, and if others (like a spouse) will be using. Which type of trans would give you more pleasure?
* Some have had issues with the A8, and it's been really annoying for a few. We have 4 A8s (2 in C7s) with lots of miles and no problems at all. If one of them barfs, our dealer will fix it.
* Both our C7s have been coupes with removable panel - we have painted and transparent tops. Really like the trans top. Almost bought a vert because they're very slick and have 10 cf of luggage space. But in the end, the 15 cf in the coupe tipped the scales because we take long road trips and it was just better for us.
* No matter what you get, you're going to love a C7. Hope you get one!

mpuzach

A couple of thoughts...

• Obviously, the driving experience with a manual transmission is VERY different from that with an automatic. I recommend buying the one that you enjoy driving more.
• If you haven't already, you will hear about the automatic being a tenth or two quicker 0-60 and in the quarter mile. Only you can decide how much that tenth or two of a second matters to you.
• The coupe vs. convertible question is IMO a tough one to answer. Before the C7 was introduced I told myself that if I was ever fortunate enough to afford another Corvette it HAD to be a convertible, for all the reasons people buy convertibles. All of that changed the moment I got my first in-person glimpse of a C7 coupe. The thing was so beautiful it just about knocked me over. You can guess what's in my garage. It was based solely on looks and I have zero regrets (which I believe I'd have had with the convertible).
• As great as the C7 coupe is, its experience IS NOT the same as the convertible's. While removing the coupe's top is an easy thing for one person to do, it's not as easy as pushing a button. A coupe with the roof off doesn't feel the same as a convertible with the top down. Don't get me wrong - a topless coupe is great but it's not the same as a convertible. Only you can decide which is better for you.

JNess

My last car was a convertible, and I felt all future cars would also be a vert.

Honestly... When I saw a convertible vette, top up and down, I just didn't like the lines. It looks 'off' to me.

The coupe with the removable targa was a no brainer for me. Open air experience, while still keeping that awesome side profile.

As to manual vs. auto.... I chose the M7. I like the pure sportscar experience of manually shifting.

Everything discussed in this thread is purely subjective, and you should follow your own wants and needs.

jtranger

Keep the advice coming! Thanks for the info on the A8 Problems.

JonMN

Just one other suggestion to add--if you do test drive both, play around with the A8 in M mode too. Over the last year I went from mostly A to almost exclusively M. It does, in my opinion, have favorite shift points depending upon how spirited you are driving at the moment. Personally, when cornering I downshift myself but when I know i'm coming to a stop I let the transmission downshift. [My sports car history went M,M,M,DCT,M8]

Kevin A Jones

I agree, we probably hear about most all A8 complaints here, don't hear about the thousands of them that work great.
Also, if you decide/need to sell down the road you will most likely have a larger market for an auto, as many these days can't drive a stick.

I prefer convertibles myself, but that mostly just a preference thing.
The C7 vert tops are vastly improved from the old C1-2-3s.

rob62

My money's on you getting an A8. Finding a stick vert with the color/options you want is like hitting lotto. At least for me it has.

SK360

I die a little inside every time I see a Corvette with a shifter that only moves on one axis.

Save the manual.

DALE#3

No Brainer..A8 Versatility.You wanna hold your dog or wifes hand,paw.Leave Tranny in A.
You wanna sip on your ice coffee while changing tunes.Leave tranny in A
You Wanna cruz downtown while picking your Nose? Use letter A
Ya wanna Show off that Mustang at the Light with Babes Watching?Use letter M and you select your rpm to shift...
Wanna plant that Rear and Hook up? Paddleshift the bitch..No missing gears and the left leg is parked.
VERT would be the Winn..Up and down 1 switch.No Locks.Starts raining..Bang Closed..Quieter too if that matters?
The small top looks great on the C7..If you pick the right color

jtranger

Any difference in body styling from 2014, if I go the auto A6 route? Is the 2014 essentially the same car? Lot of low mileage 2014's

roadbike56

Visually it's almost impossible to tell the difference. Some newer models have cameras in the front, there are some changes to the infotainment system and, of course, the A8 transmission. Also, if you want a wide body, you'll have to buy a 2015 or newer. Otherwise, the 2014 is identical and has an excellent track record. However, always check the GM service record before buying a used C7. Buying a GM certified car would be the best advice.

TEXHAWK0

Went from C5 Z06 with 6 speed manual to 2014 Stingray 7 speed. Never even considered an automatic.