It’s hard to believe the C7 Corvette is pushing four years old. In fact, Chevy’s latest ‘Vette is already due for a mid-cycle refresh with niche models like the recently introduced Grand Sport dispatched to keep sales on the boil. The good news is, the superstar C7 is now plentiful enough on the resale market that a gently used example is attainable for less dinero than new.

The latest C7’s popularity is such that a used new era ‘Vette ain’t much less than a brand new one but at least the former owner can take a bit of the deprecation hit instead of you.

In its short life we have seen the addition of the convertible, the Z06 in both coupe and convertible forms and multiple special editions.

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Chevrolet has mixed it up with multiple special edition versions of it's C7 'Vette.

The best part of the C7 is it lays to rest most, if not all, of the objections of non-Corvette fans. It’s always something with the press and Corvette detractors. Gripes about seats, build quality, even the steering wheel are now laid to rest with the new C7. This seventh-gen model was arguably the first “no-excuse,” Corvette.

So with that in mind, here’s Corvette Online’s cheat sheet when shopping for a C7 Corvette

Check for Accident Damage – C7s retained the C6’s drivable chassis with non-structural SMC panels bonded to a underlying structure. It’s not like earlier Corvettes where the body simply bolted to a ladder steel frame. Check for mismatched paint, narrow or wide gaps in body panels and overspray in the wheel wells. Put the car on a lift and do a visual check for scrapes (all ‘Vettes have such scars) damage, corrosion, etc. While the car is up in the air, check and see if any bonding material is a different color, indicating a repair.

Check the AutoFax, CarFax or Research Insurance Claim History – The C7 Corvette is a late model car so take advantage of data services like CarFax. For a nominal fee, a background checkup and owner history can be quickly generated and be invaluable for a prospective buyer. We suggest stepping up and getting your own report as opposed to relying on a seller generated report. It could be incomplete or not up to date, potentially obscuring an accurate picture of the car’s history.

Check Recall Data – Loads of information for a perspective buyer here too. Theoretically, any recall work should have been handled by seller via an authorized GM dealership. The federal government requires all recalled cars be brought up to spec. Asking the seller for any info regarding recalls and work performed would be helpful.

Change Your Oil! – There has been a small number of LT4s that have self-destructed and garnered a lot of attention, especially from certain car mags and more specifically, Corvette critics. GM issued a bulletin reminding Corvette owners to change their oil at 500 miles. GM has a good powertrain warranty for Corvette, so be sure and check out the details straight from Chevrolet and see what’s left of the coverage.

Tires, Brakes and Peripherals – The C7 is a high performance car and demands a lot from its sticky performance shoes. Anticipate a new set at roughly 15-20 thousand miles, smokey, rubber stripes not included. Always check tires for remaining tread and overall condition. High performance tires are expensive, not to mention other peripheral systems like tire pressure monitors that need maintenance as well. Most sellers will conveniently put the car up for sale before buying new rubber, leaving the buyer to re-tire the car. It is generally acknowledged that inflatable tires ride better, are quieter and last longer than the run flats. Check brakes and rotors, especially on models equipped with ceramic discs.

Get A Used Car Check – Ask a Chevy dealer to do a used car check. If the car was serviced by a local dealer or shop favored by the seller, go there and ask for records. C7s are complicated, computer controlled wonders and a complete electronic diagnostic of the vehicle by a mechanic knowledgeable about Corvettes is a must. If there is a “check engine light” on, get a diagnostic to investigate any code that was “thrown” by the engine’s computer.

Do A Test Drive – Turn off stereo and keep your ears open during test drive. Listen for clunks, rattles, whines or anything that sounds junky. Check if the car tracks true or pulls left or right under braking.  Does car hesitate or stumble under acceleration? Any smoke or smells should be investigated as well. Check all lights, blinkers, power accessories, seats, windows etc. Check for functionality of adjustable suspension too.

Anticipate Ownership Costs – You’ve got to store, insure, and maintain a complex, late model performance car. Create a tally of what your monthly costs will be to participate in the Corvette hobby without going broke.

Well Served By Aftermarket – Check out Zip, Corvette Central, and Mid America Motorworks for an extensive selection of parts and mods for C7 Corvettes.

Do your Research – This guide is intended as a brief overview. We have researched many Corvette bibles that will assist you in a “deep dive” regarding VINs, rare colors, options, and low production models.

Also, check out internet resources like C7 forums and fan sites.

Take Your Time – Chevrolet made roughly 75,000 C7 Corvettes. They are plentiful with many to choose from. Don’t buy the first one you see!

A Brief Overview Of Changes During the C7’s Model Run, So Far

Model Year 2014 – After eight long years and a bankruptcy that threatened the very existence of General Motors, the new C7 debuted in January of 2013 after a three year delay. Production began in September of the same year. The convertible became available at the end of 2013 as well.

Although the RWD, rear transaxle blueprint and drivable chassis were retained, everything else was heavily massaged.

Styling wise, the car now had rear side quarter windows for the first time since 1962, fully functioning airflow management vents all over the car and a controversial taillight design.  After the smoke cleared, we think the new body style has gotten better with age and the taillight controversy is a thing of the past.  Change is hard, we get it, especially after decades with four round taillights.

The biggest news mechanically was the debut of the 455 hp, 6.2L, LT1 motor with 460 foot-pounds of torque and a multi-material chassis. The Gen Five, LT1 is the latest evolution of the LS small-block family and brought with it direct fuel injection, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), and continuously variable valve timing. Two transmissions were offered at launch, a 7-speed Tremec manual and a Turbo-Hydromatic 6L80, 6-speed automatic with paddle shift.

Inside, the C7 might have seen the biggest improvement.  Finally, Corvette has an interior with no excuses. The instrument panel had a big info screen in the center of the dash with configurable electronic gauges.

The C6’s hydro formed, all aluminum chassis was updated in favor of combination of aluminum and magnesium, custom tailored to sections of the chassis that required additional rigidity.

The body added more lightweight material and continue where the C6 left off. The hood is carbon fiber as well as the removable roof panel. Its fenders, doors, and rear quarter panels remain sheet molded compound (SMC,) with Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) for bumper covers.

MSRP was around $51,995.00 and went up from there. The 2014 C7 reversed years of Corvette sales and was a big hit with 37,244 produced. Remarkably, the low end 1LT is the rarest model with 4,736 made.

Model Year 2015

The big news for 2015 was the introduction of a supercharged Z06 model, a new Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a Performance Data Recorder (PDR). It debuted at the 2014 North American International Auto Show and went on sale in January 2015 with a base price of $78,995.00.

The Z06 came with a new 6.2L, supercharged, intercooled motor dubbed the “ LT4.” With its thin-as-a-pancake, 1.7L Eaton R1740 TVS supercharger, it cranks out 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque and a 189 mph top speed. It also boasts hi-po aluminum cylinder heads, a seven-speed Tremec manual with rev-matching technology and aforementioned 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters. It was also decked out with unique front and rear suspension tuning, standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control dampers, a standard smart electronic limited-slip and Michelin Pilot Sport P285/30ZR19 front and 335/25ZR20 rear tires.

Styling wise, the car utilized every airflow management trick learned from the winning Corvette Racing Team. The fenders are extended by 56 mm in the front and 80 mm in the rear with front splitter spats around the front wheel openings. A unique carbon-fiber hood with a larger vent, and a larger unique rear spoiler grace the front and back. A redesigned mesh pattern on the front fascia allows for dedicated brake-cooling intakes and revised grille outlets on the bottom of the bumper cover round out the aerodynamic performance machine.

All this is capped off with 19×10-inch front and 20×12-inch rear spin-cast aluminum wheels, Brembo brakes with two-piece steel brake discs, and aluminum six-piston front and four-piston rear fixed calipers.

The Performance Data Recorder debuted as well with the ability to capture data and video of your hot laps in your new ‘Vette.  The PDR vehicle data can be opened in the included “Cosworth Toolbox” software, which combines Cosworth’s professional-level motorsport data analysis with an easy-to-use graphic interface. The Cosworth Toolbox application overlays recorded laps on a Bing-enabled satellite map of the track, and features an easy-to-use interface to compare selected laps in detail, for any requested point on the drive. Comparisons include corner traces, vehicle speed, and cornering force to help drivers improve their driving consistency, and ultimately lap times.

Also, the Z07 package debuted, with Michelin Sport Cup P285/30ZR19 front and 335/25ZR20 rear tires, 394x36mm front and 388x33mm rear carbon ceramic-matrix brake discs, a larger winglet to the front splitter, and an adjustable see-through center section on the rear spoiler.

The eight-speed automatic and PDR are good reasons to look at a 2015 model. Chevy sold 34,240 units in 2015 with the rarest model being the Z06 Convertible.

Model Year 2016

After a gangbuster 2015, Chevrolet was content with just a slight refresh of new colors and options for 2016. Most notably was a road going version of the C7 racer debuted, christened Z06 C7.R Edition

Available only with 3LZ trim, the C7.R interior features Jet Black leather trim and suede wrapped interior, competition sport seats, a suede wrapped steering wheel and shifter, Yellow contrast stitching, a carbon fiber interior package, C7.R Limited-Edition interior plaque and Corvette Racing sill plates.

Additionally, the C7.R includes black Z06 Wheels with yellow stripe, yellow brake calipers, Corvette Racing wheel center caps, carbon fiber package, visible carbon fiber hood insert, Spectra Gray grille and vents, and carbon ceramic brakes. It is available in black or yellow exterior colors; only 500 will be produced.

What Are These Cars Worth?

Used C7’s are running at roughly 10-20% off MSRP. A quick perusal of Craigslist, Hemmings, AutoTrader, and other publications reveals no shortage of low-mileage, new-era ‘Vettes out there.

The strong resale prices are a result of the quality of the C7 and buying new is a viable option. Because of GM’s relentless improvement of the Corvette with multiple models, special edition packages and serious mechanical upgrades, current owners who can afford to play the late model Corvette game, might entertain a low-ball retail offer as opposed to a good wholesale offer from a dealership when they trade up to the latest and greatest C7.

Also, there might be some synergy in assuming remainder of lease or loan, per bank approval. These scenarios are usually from an owner who is “buried” in the car and has to get out from under payments. We don’t like chasing ambulances or preying on distressed parties, but in the long run, you might get a good deal and help the owner with a new start.

As a general rule, a low mileage, unmolested example is what you’re looking for. A high mileage car with some battle scars might make a good weekend track car so don’t overlook a well used example or one with a crappy CarFax history.

Take your time and don’t buy the first car you see. Happy C7 hunting!