DTOM

My rule of thumb is if I am already questing it, it's probably a bad idea.

SounderMN

Actually with Corvette's I have found a few that had engines replaced under warranty. It seems there was a manufacturing problem at some point where metal shavings were in the engine and caused catastrophic damage. That, by itself, didn't worry me as much as the other issues on top of it. I have walked away from this deal. There are others out there.

dbirdhouse1

Seems like a hard luck or hard driven example, reminds me of the classic missing dog ad; "missing dog, has one eye, three legs, missing a piece of one ear and coughs constantly, answers to the name of "Lucky""

vbb

At least you have that history so that you can make an informed decision! There are absolutely cars on the market that have had the same or similar histories that aren't being reported. Often the first time the new owner discovers that something major like an engine replacement or a total electrical system overhaul has been done is after they have already owned the car and take it in for service or maintenance. So many cars hit the wholesale market without any records that we just don't know what has been done.

Even though I agree with the others that have suggested you pass (seems to be the unanimous feeling), I would also suggest that as continue your search you factor in another couple hundred for a PPI and you consider purchasing a comprehensive warranty on anything that you do buy.

Skid Row Joe

Sounds like a good car to me. Cared for in the repairs done. Yah, warranty would be a good idea. What's the asking price?

Action Andy

I'm with a lot of the guys above, take a pass on this one. Take your time and look around, you'll find a good deal with less issues.. Good Luck!!

SounderMN

it has about 42k miles and the ask is $47k. 2LT, Z51, mag ride.

aklim

I'm not sold on the mag ride but I'd go with a 2LT from 16 and up for a bit more.

raff

This one looks to be in your area -- location and price
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...20620/FEATURED

Several more:
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...#resultsPage=1


Good luck with your search

aklim

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...321992988/NONE

Bill Dearborn

It more than likely had one cooling system problem and the mechanic couldn't figure out what was causing it and threw parts at the car until the real problem caused the engine to fail. I don't think there is an issue with the car as you have a 2 year and 13K mile history to work with. The big issue would be with using the same mechanic.

Bill

SounderMN

Thanks for the links to cars posted! I'm being just a little picky... Manual, not black interior, not black exterior, coupe. That seems to narrow things quite a bit.

Why do people say to avoid 2014 and 2015?

SounderMN

This is what I thought at first, too. But, then the issues seemed to pile on, and most recent was the Mag Ride, which became apparent on my test drive.

Jud Chapin

Yeah, I agree that you'd be buying problems with this one.

aklim

16 and up gives better electronic stuff lie cameras and Android Auto so I don't have to hold the phone or buy a holder, etc.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c7-general-discussion/4241925-c7-yearly-differences.html

Catfish4818

All 2016s have the steering wheel with the flat on the bottom. Also, I believe these two items are correct, that all 16s had a rear hatch pull-down motor, and all 16s had a forward facing curb camera.

Not that any of that is reason to avoid 14s and 15s; just something that might make 16-plus more attractive.

Apologies if I'm wrong on those last two bits. If I am, I know others will correct the record.

aklim

14s have the "hand me down" transmission from the C6. A couple less gears. Maybe the C7 transmission wasn't ready or they need to deplete stock?

SounderMN

Thanks. I know that's true about the 'hand me down' automatic, and the replacement A8. But, I think the manual (my preference) is the same for all years, right? The electronic goodies are nice, but sounds like it's more important to find the right car, I think. I'm looking for a less-common car (not black or red and not automatic), so I think the car is harder to find than a specific year.

Thanks all for the awesome input!

raff

One of the rarest --- Lime Rock Green -- only available in 2014
as a bonus --Kalahari interior.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...322856361/NONE

SounderMN

I drove it yesterday. It's really nice! Never thought I'd like a green car, but it was really nice looking. I was almost ready to pull the trigger. But, when we pulled it out of the delivery area, there was a small puddle of antifreeze under it. The test drive revealed the smell of hot antifreeze, but it seems like a drip, rather than a major issue. The car did not overheat.

And, the PO apparently took the mats and the cargo covers for his new car instead of leaving them, and they won't budge on price or give me a set of mats and covers. What do you think of the price? 24k miles, LRG over Kalahari, 2LT. $48.5k. I think it's a few thousand too high... thoughts?