cal45

I have begun seriously looking at the C8 and came across a few 2020 C8's with under 6000 miles at local dealers lots.
One that I am interested in has under 1000 miles on it, loaded 3LT w/Z51 - looks new.....but it is not being offered as a GM Certified car.

Have not read all of the 149 pages on the C8 problems sticky but am aware there were DCT issues early on.
Am I crazy for considering buying this one? The dealer also has another 2020 with the same options but has over 4000 miles but still not offered as a GM Certified.

Bottom line, when buying a used C8 off a dealers lot - should I only look at ones that have the "Certified" label with a warranty?

AORoads

Besides the usual cautions, I'd say ask why not CPO. And then ask and carefully consider any GM plan available for the car. In which case, I'd also call the two dealers listed for their advice as well---MacMulkin and Dennis Fichtner at Laurel Chev (I think that's his most recent spot). I don't recall and could be wrong, but it's possible a used C8 doesn't qualify for many/all of the genuine GM extended plans.

Found it: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1606869658

Here's a germane thread I found it on: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...confusing.html

Phil1098

It costs the dealers about $1,300+ to certify a car, with prices going the other direction, some may not want to throw fuel on the fire. The biggest concern by most is the DCT, and it's covered under 5/60 so it's still under warranty for a while.

cal45

Appreciate the links.
I will ask them that if I decide to go further. I have found a few that are listed as Certified at different local dealers but have higher mileage (under 15,000, which may not be a bad thing) but no Z51 option which I would prefer.

Carnut1

I bought my 2020 coupe in January of this year with a little over 3k miles not from a GM dealer so no CPO. Like the post above states I contacted Dennis and bought the platinum warranty. I have learned over the years (with almost 500 personal cars owned) that any car new or used could have issues but if I am not mistaken the C8 does have a 5 year power train warranty. Different brands have different rules and costs about what cars are eligible for CPO it is possible that the dealerships either don’t want to pay the costs or they don’t have what it takes on site to do it. I wish you luck OP the C8 is a great ride.

tadda

If you're going to purchase a 2020 from a Dealer, I would make sure they throw in an extended warranty!

Red C8 of Jax

I would have no problem purchasing a 2020 as long as there is some 3/36 warranty left. If you have GM warranty left you can purchase a GM extended warranty to extend your manufactures warranty. You still have the 5/60K powertrain warranty but these cars have to many electronics that can be very expensive to replace. No warranty left no purchase. If you still want the car, you can get any dealer to run the maintenance records.

pltmgr

I would have the dealer check the service records. Trans fluid has to come out after three years regardless of mileage and a ta cost of $1000+. I would also get an extended warranty.. The problem with buying a used C8, and I bought one myself, is that you cant determine if break in procedures were followed, how many launches occurred, or how may times it did quarter mile runs.

5632

What is GM Certified?

Vetteman Jack

Having an uncertain past history, I think I would want the ability to purchase an extended warranty for the car - as stated, lots of high tech items on the car as well as the DCT issues in the early models. Good luck, hope your quest for a C8 works out for you.

Ron_Attleboro_MA

Two things that matter, Price and lack of latest updates.
Prices have dropping and will continue, especially during winter. So a 2020 is now 4 years old. You should take off $10k from the original MSRP.
As mentioned, a Extended Platinum Warranty would be great. 7yr/56k !!
The 2 issues that could cost you in the future: 1) the DCT transmission but not likely, 2) the 3LT dash delamination.

If you could stretch a little on money. Get a new 2LT! There are many available for immediate purchase. Many now $500 to $3000 under MSRP.
A new 2024 or a 2023 would get you the latest updates. If you never track, race, and not going to be a canyon carving junky, a non-Z51 will save you even more.
For my understanding, you may need the front-lift to deal with how Florida has those ditches in front of driveways.

Sorry, I say go new, 2LT, Front-Lift, Performance exhaust at a minimum.
And if money allows, a HTC rather than the Z51.

But whatever we all suggest, get what YOU want, what you like, what you can afford.
Best wishes;

1 STING

Getting its service record from a GM/Chevrolet source would be a good start, followed by searching for its general history (which is not always reliable) to see if any physical damage has been reported. Perhaps having an inspection by a body shop or a professional might provide peace of mind.

IMO it is always best to buy from the original owner which usually have better prices as opposed to buying from a dealer. The one drawback is the time it takes to find what you are looking for. There have been plenty of 1 owner cars listed on the C8 Corvettes for Sale forum. Best of luck.


George

Red rag

If only there was a device to look things up.

https://www.gmcertified.com/certified-vs-used

BADBIRDCAGE

Been more publicized DCT issues with 23’s than 20’s.

1 STING

It would be interesting to know the ratio of DCT problems for each production year to determine if the reliability and quality have improved or gotten worst.

Ken_C8

I had a 2020 3LT for 3 years and just sold it to Carmax. 15k miles. No trans issues, no dash delamination but also no more factory warranty.

BADBIRDCAGE

My 2020 turned three in November. 18,000 zero defect miles. Purchased GMEPP Platinum plan in September for additional seven years 56,000 miles. Car isn’t going anywhere without me in it.

davidredburn

I will have had my 2020 for four years in March and have enjoyed it for 34,000 trouble free miles. The issues you may read about have been well sorted and aren’t really things that are ticking time bombs. Most have been addressed as part of a recall or would have appeared early in the life of the car. Personally that is why I don’t like buying low mileage cars that have sat around for years. Give me something that has a few miles on it and was maintained correctly over a garage queen any day. I once bought a very low mileage ZR1 and it was a nightmare to get sorted.

Phil1098

Ron, that's kind of a blanket statement and I'm not sure it fits across the board. May be trim dependent. I'm pretty sure I can get more than $53,280 for this? Maybe not, but I'd be surprised.

RiptideHTC

$10k off the original MSRP is more than fair.
If a buyer isn't getting that, why wouldn't they just buy new and get the benefit of lemon law, peace of mind, and a new car?