ImBatman

Thanks guys! I can safely afford 50k so it sounds like a z51 or 2017 GS are my options.

Kevin A Jones

You've created like 20 threads here related to purchasing a C7. No one can ever say you purchased on impulse or didn't do your homework prior to purchase. Good luck to you on whatever you decide.

orca1946

The G S is 4 years newer = buy it!

dan1495

I like it a lot. This is my 16th Corvette (I’m old) and put off buying a C7 because of the A8 transmission issue. I found my 15 equipped the way I wanted with Z/51 and mag ride and had a friend of mine that is the service manager of a Chevy dealer check the service history. It was clean and showed the triple flush of the transmission had recently been done. The transmission shifts great (unlike several others I have driven in the past) and so far I’m really enjoying it. I probably should have bought a 2018 or 2019 but this one was local and easy to check out. I could have spent the extra money but since it is just a toy spending $15,000 less just made sense to me. I also have a 1972 LT-1 that all of a sudden I’m not driving much. I know most don’t agree but I also bought a GM extended warranty.

Vetteman Jack

Spot on.

ED HEISER

The Stingray is actually the model type, Z51 is the performance option. and LT is the trim level. So it's Stingray vs GS you are considering. Even after owning many Corvettes over the years, these distinctions took me a bit of learning, most non Corvette people don't have a clue. In any case. all Corvettes are cool to me, but a lot of money to spend if you are on a tight budget.
Add to that the DMV, insurance, tires and wheels and all the goodies you'll lust after after you get one make it a big decision financially.
My advise is to buy a new car you can afford comfortably. Used sports cars out of warranty aren't always a good financial decision, and can be money pits. Racing or tracking a car is for those with deep pockets. And to add insult to injury, GM doesn't warranty broken wheels under their bumper to bumper coverage .I'd be pretty pissed to find this out the hard way. I didn't know this when I bought my new Stingray (which doesn't have this problem. just wide body cars with wider wheels), I just lucked out I guess. And I don't think I've ever encountered anyone who didn't think the Stingray was a stunning car.
And I wouldn't dismiss buying a C6 Corvette if you are buying used. I had a 2005 that was a wonderful car to own for 14 years. They are a real bargain now, and again, a stunning car.
Best of luck with your purchase.

Gearhead Jim

OP-
It depends on how you plan to use the car.
We use ours as a DD, road tripper, and autocrosser.
None of those uses get any advantage from the GS, because in NCCC autocross the Z51 and GS are in different classes.
The cost of an equivalent GS compared to a Z51 isn't huge, but it's something and you have the GS wheels issue and tire cost to contend with.
After considering everything, we bought a Z51. A friend bought a GS about the same time, and a year later he said "You bought the better car for what we do with them."

If you are a track rat, then the GS is definitely the better car.

OTOH, a Corvette isn't really a rational decision. Probably 90% of the GS owners I know, never track the car or get any advantage from the GS differences. But they like the appearance better and it's worth it to them

1FINE99

I was thinking the same thing !!

Kevin A Jones

I agree, it's not just about use as so many (perhaps even most) who choose the GS over the Stingray do so solely because they prefer the looks of the wide-body.

Aero98

I represent this remark. If I ever decide to track the car, there is very little for me to do. For the time being, I enjoy how sexy the car looks, and I get a lot of positive comments when I'm out and about.

jcsperson

GS

DALE#3

If you don't purchase a GS...You'll be wishing you did after checking them out driving by you.There is a difference.You gotta pay to play.
FAT IS WHERE IT'S AT?

edspec

I bought my 2019 GS 2LT last May. While driving it home from the dealer in upstate NY don't count cuz as a first time Corvette user I was too nervous to enjoy her Since then Ive been on a 700 mile road trim to VA to see my daughter. It has all that the Z06 has sans the turbo charged monster. She is my DD and I really have no need for all that horsepower. The 4 inches in width makes her look truly impressive. In my humble opinion the 2019 2LT GS is the apex of Corvette-dom. In NYC there was no difference in insurance between the Stingray and the GS so If you can comfortably afford it Id go with the newer GS.

gpotski

Sweet car, Edspec.
I have a 2015 Z51 coupe, and it is a very solid car. I can't drive it in the winter (OH), but try to get as many miles/year as able.
To the OP, you can't go wrong with either car.

449er

???

roadbike56

Yes, it's already been pointed out that Rabbi made a mistake. The LT-1 in the GS is the same as the LT-1 in the Z51.

Grand Slam

The GS comes with options that you would pay extra for on a Stingray. In late 2016 the difference in price if you were to order all the options was only $2K:

Z51 equivalent suspension ($5000 on Stingray)
Magnetic Ride ($1,795)
Dual Exhaust (part of Z51 package)
Side skirts ($700) and
Mud flaps ($500).
Total: $7,995

So Grand Sport added about $2,000 to the similarly optioned Stingray.

Ignoring the great looks, handling and newer model year, if you're comparing prices you should consider which options may not be on the Stingray that will be on the GS. (BTW, I consider side skirts and wider after-market mud flaps to be essential to protecting the side of your car).

ImBatman

I found a 2017 GS about 50 miles from me. They are wanting almost 58k for it. It is a black 2LT. I thought about offering 53 out the door. Thoughts??

ANGST_VA

Remember to factor in an extra $4000 for forged wheels too on the grandsport

village idiot

It's not the GS package you're paying for. The GS is 4 years newer and presumably with lower miles and a factory warranty remaining. 2019 also had upgrades from 2015 with everything from carplay/andoid auto, mag ride suspension tuning (I think), extra heat exchanger and a thicker radiator. I'm sure there are a few other little upgrades.

I've had both, and the performance of a GS is substantially higher. The average person probably doesn't know the difference between the models, but the GS looks a hell of a lot better imo with the aero packages, wider body, bigger brakes, bigger wheels/tires, scoops over the rear inlets, etc.

edit: I have a 2017 1LT (but I added homelink and carbon dash) w/ 22k miles I'll be putting up for sale if anyone is interested. Warranty through ~111k miles and some point in 2025, new pads and tires. Comes with the "must have" mods for C7GS: forged wheels, window tint and ceramic pads. So that will save you $4-5k right there.