CharlieBianco

Hello all!

I'm back after a long time...originally a 2000 C5 Coupe owner back in the late 2000s which I sold about a decade ago. Fast forward to today, and I am all about getting a Corvette back in my life again!

That said, I am interested in a C7 Stingray, 2LT (preferring a Z51). After doing some initial research, I'm finding that the A8 has been a real problem with many users and it scares me. The A6 in the '14 gets slightly worse gas mileage, however, does not have the same issue since it's an A6 instead.

The issue I'm having is also the technology...which, I know, is laughable since Corvettes are not known for their tech (speaking more from a safety features standpoint)...but I want the '16 tech, mainly the head unit which enables Android Auto. Among other things that I'm probably forgetting that the '16 gets that the '14 doesn't, is there a way to retrofit a '14 with some of the '16+ updates, etc?

This is going to help me pull the trigger on a Vette! Thank you all in advance and I really appreciate your input. Also, if there's anything I should know before buying a C7, please feel free to add it here. I will be buying a gently used on before the end of the month.

fsvoboda

Android Auto is nice, but not necessary. Just put your phone in a mount of some sort so that it doesn't slide around and you're pretty much good to go with Google Maps navigation and speakerphone.

C7HOORAY

I have had a 14 and a 19...both manuals...A buddy of mine had an automatic 6 speed C7 and they DO NOT have the problems that 15-19 automatics experienced even though I think that flaw is exaggerated. And I agree that Android or Car Play is nice but far from necessary...there are USBs to connect the phones and listen to ANYTHING!

To me a clean used 14 Automatic is a great choice!!!!

moep

Welcome. I did the same thing. I sold my 2003 about two years ago. I just bought a 2015 2LT Z51 automatic with 8000 miles on it. So far love it.

I haven't bought it yet but I am going to get a mount for the phone. Most likely I am going to get this mount: https://coursemotorsports.com/produc...ic-phone-mount

Vette Jockey

I have the 2016 C7 Z51. It has had the Warranty Tranny Flush and the Magnetic Ride upgrade. I would not worry about it if you do the flush!

CharlieBianco

I thank you guys a ton! I'm reading all of the feedback. I am staring at a '14 right now with like 8k miles for about $42k, clean carfax. I'm about to pull the trigger. It's a 2LT non Z51, the non Z51 is weighing on me a bit to be honest.

So you guys really think the Android Auto isn't worth it? I will check a few YouTube videos to see if it's really not worth it. See, when my Note20 Ultra is in Bluetooth mode with the car, I can't hear my notifications and any navigation I am using isn't displayed on screen. Yes, I could get a mount which would take care of that, I suppose...

...but does anyone know if there's an option to retrofit a '16 headunit?

Warpcorps

I have the 2014 M7 Vert - Love it so far! As for phone mounts I ended up getting the angled dash mount from Pro clip with the adjustable iPhone holder. Rock solid and sits out of the way of the stick which is important. Pro-clip is a little more expensive, but the quality is worth it. I have a similar setup in my truck and my previous sportscar - a 2000 Jaguar XK8. Here's a link to the bracket video ​​​​​​​Once you have that you just pick the phone holder that works for your phone and they screw together with 4 small screws. They also have something called a "move kit" which allows you to use the same phone holder between 2 different vehicles.

Jmhornz71

I know folks with later C7's some have problems with the A8 some have not but those that had problems they have been fixed cars working great. Also the later models have other tech items you might like , 15 and on have the PDR, its a recorder built in, 16 on have the availability of front camera for parking assist and the 16 on have the auto pull down for the hatch that the 14 & 15 dont have need to slam the hatch on those years. dont by 3LT cars as they can have problems with the dash leather delaminating. Good Luck you will love it when you get it

CharlieBianco

Oh wow, those are some really good points and things that I definitely are looking for! Thanks for the insight. I think I might take the chance with the 16+...it's tough! It's tough to decide!

CharlieBianco

I appreciate that. I'll check into that holder and will probably wind up getting it .

VTHokie07

You can upgrade the HMI and radio module to get Android Auto / Apple CarPlay on a 2014. Warning, it's not cheap. This makes the radio work just like a 2016+.

https://www.gm-navigation.com/shop/2...actory-system/

Vetteman Jack

I too think that if you get a '15+ car with the A8, as long as the triple flush has been done the chance of a problem is lessened. I have a '14 A6 and have had no problems at all with the tranny - it is very reliable. Are there some things in the newer models I would like to have, yes, especially the front cameras and the PDR, but I do not regret getting my '14.

Frankie2blue

I don’t know, but in doing research on the GM A8 transmission which they used in several platforms, it is pretty much a disaster and is not good. I happen to have the A6 and it’s okay but fairly slow in going about its thing. That being said, I just bought a 2020 Cadillac XT5 Sport with the new 9 speed Transmission ( after hearing this was the cure) and it’s worse than the A8 ever could be. Rough, and can’t decide what gear to be in. I hate it and with only 3100 miles, I’m ready to dump it. Doesn’t feel like a 61000 car to me.

khearon23

My advice would be to GET the car with Android Auto built in. I would NOT buy a car without it. It's not worth paying $899 to retrofit it though. If the aftermarket segment for the C7 was better, I would say ignore it. I really don't understand why GM can't make this available via a firmware/software update and maybe some new USB hardware. Ford does it with ease...or at least it looks easy.

My Automatic car has never given me any issues.. I think it's blown out of proportion. I see a lot of posts about it, but don't personally know anyone who experienced the dreaded shudder. I know a lot of C7 owners. At any rate, before you buy an automatic, have the seller perform the flush at their expense. If it's a Chevy dealer, they should want to do it for you.

If you're not planning to track the car, you can let the Z51 option go...

Lastly, don't say forced into a 2014. At the end of the day, it's not a purchase you have to make. Always shop with that mindset and you will never walk away unhappy.

Best of luck!

Kevin A Jones

While I feel a '14 C7 is a great choice for purchase, a very small % of total A8 owners have had issues. Combine that with the GM triple-flush process that has been very successful in resolving issues for those who have, then adding the range device to keep out of V4 mode and there's really nothing to lose sleep over.

Any and all issues will be blown out of proportion on forums, as that's where most everyone with issues go to report and complain.

Palmetto64

No regrets buying my 14 last year. The Pro Clip phone mount works fantastic and is very convenient for touch access. I thought I would regret not having Car play, but I don't miss it. The phone's touch screen is more sensitive than GM's anyway.
The A6 is one reason why I sought out a 14 model.

Tom73

Check these

https://www.infotainment.com/product...iABEgInHvD_BwE

https://www.gm-navigation.com/shop/2...actory-system/

Kevin A Jones

Same here. I have a lot of friends/acquaintances who own C7s most of which don't do forums and it's surprising that when I ask them if they're aware of the GM triple flush, I typically find they aren't even aware of an A8 issue.

shakinrock

I respectfully disagree with the Z51 comment. I never track my car but drive assertively (not aggressively) on occasion. I've driver both non Z51 and Z51 and there is a very noticeable difference in handling IMO. Also NPP comes with Z51 which is nice. Hard to own a sports car without a sports car sound. In addition to the handling (larger sway bars etc) the spoiler (nice curb appeal and not too overstated), larger wheels, larger tires, larger rotors and more meat on the brake pads, electronic limited-slip differential and differential cooling system. etc

Yes I own a Z51 but as I said I've driven a non Z51. Non I have not priced out the upcharge for a used Z51. Lastly, unless you plan to keep the car mostly in the garage I would not get too hung up on an ultra low millage car.

All my opinion and in my would I am right.

Dcasole

I can't agree more with @kevin jones , nobody talks about the hundreds of thousands A8's that do not have an issue , is the problem number higher than normal, I think so , was GM neglect in producing a car that they new had an issue ....yes...

But I am one if those guys who has an A8 and I even have that dirty old hydroscopic loving fluid still in it at 47,000 and my transmisson has not missed a beat ( I know .. I know , I need to change my fluid ... )

Dave