Hello everyone and welcome back to Brink of Speed! Today I will be going over my tips and rules to buying a C7 Corvette successfully. I hope this helps anyone out there looking to purchase a C7 Corvette! I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of your weekend and I'll see you out on the road!
@@BrinkofSpeed dang. Got one of your cards from Corvette World. They had a high mileage Zo6 for 49k at Corvette Warehouse. It definitely wasn't in tip top shape but they have a restoration process supposedly before being sold.
I have owned several Corvettes and Porsche 911's. I have NEVER treated them as investments because after all more are made everyday and aren't particularly rare. I have used them all as daily drivers and usually put up to 150 k on them before selling or trading them. Life is too short to have a garage queen that you seldom drive hoping it will appreciate....
Agree. Doubt you’ll ever talk to a 95 yr old guy in the hospital and him say, “my one regret is I wish I would have left my Corvette in the garage more.” Had a neighbor that only drove his corvette 2 or 3 times a year. Never understood this mentality. I drove my corvette every decent weather day I could. Probably had more miles driven with the top down than up.
I disagree with you on one point, and that’s when it comes to the amount of owners, you stated that no one should buy one from anyone other than a one owner, let me explain, I have a 2019 GrandSport I bought from a one owner the car had 4400 miles on it, the car now has 4700 miles on it a year later, if I were going to sell the car which I am not, someone would still be getting a very special car from a second owner, I’m sure you get my point and I do understand your ! 😊
I would negotiate price before I mentioned I was financed. I would get finance or cashiers check 5-10 grand less than asking price. Then negotiate from there.They will not let u walk out but u have to be willing to walk out. Always create sense of urgency Tell them u have a appt in 3 hours or u have to pick up the children. Don’t feel bad about lying. Remember these are not ur friends. Their job is to take the most amount of money out of your pocket your job is to keep the most amount of money in your pocket
Another great Vlog Mike! People always ask me why I didn't purchase the Z06, and my answer is always the same.. "I knew for a fact that I would not use all that power. Years ago, sure without a doubt. Now I just wanna cruise with my Wifey!" I have the look I wanted, and a Special Car to boot, and the Grand Sport is more than enough power to have fun spiriting driving lol. General Lee Out!
General Lee Thank you General! Yep, the Z06 is a blast, but GS is more practical in a non practical scenario lol! Your car is absolutely gorgeous and I’m so happy you guys love it! 😊
“Corvette World will only buy cars that are immaculate.” And then “I had nothing but trouble with my (2009) Z06 and Corvette World took care of me (when I traded it in).” 😬
Glad I'm not the only one who noticed this. Maybe they bought it with the intention of correcting everything before reselling or something but yeah this was an odd statement 😂
you mentioned not buying a car with mult owners but Corvette World sells C7's with multiple owners. So not sure if they get the cream of the crop like you say.
Theclassiccarnut that is correct, and it really depends on what you’re willing to go with as far as miles and age of car. I just wouldn’t recommend buying a one or two-year-old car with three or four owners. Don’t get me wrong, the car can still be a very clean and beautiful car but there might be a reason that it has had so many owners in such little time.
This is probably the best C7 buyers guide out there I would love to see you do a video on the options one LT two LT and three LT but for buying purposes only you cannot beat this video thank you Michael
Came here after the “how to buy c8” video🏎 sadly there’s not much room for negotiation on those they’re just too much demand. Before C8 would buy a 5.0 Mustang over a corvette they just didn’t look that good to me, the C8 though I’m in love with
I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used Corvette with multiple owners IF the car has been taken care of....look the car over carefully & you can tell if has or hasn't been taken care of
Very good point about power you can handle. Take a look at corvette forum--there are always a large number of Z06's for sale because people "had to have the power" and found out it is more than they can handle (similar to snowmobiles--you see a ton of 850cc and few 600's. An 850 is 165 hp on a 500# machine--3#'s per horsepower! A 600 is 125 hp and plenty of power for most people). Prices finally coming down on used C7's--shop wisely and enjoy!
Some decent tips . Definitely know what you want before you purchase your corvette . As far as buying a modded Vette . Roots style blowers that Callaway or Lingenfelter offers. If installed by reputable dealer . I don’t see this as a problem . Most of the time guys don’t even track these cars . Plus the potential future buyer is getting extra goodies that are high valued for less . Just make sure the seller has all the documented work. Not exactly fair to use your past C6 Z06 as an example like that .
I have been waiting for the c 8. as a previous 30 year 1 owner c4 always garaged i finally let it go to a youngster. With No chance yet on getting the c 8 I searched and found a local 16k mile c7 z06 in top notch condition with every color combo and option i wanted. and then some. I got him down after a month or so to 60k. He was the short term second owner. The first that bought it and then traded in for a audi supercar. This car is a beast and beautiful as well. car fax was cleaner then the windshield that is virtually perfect. Thank you for all your car talk on the C7. Keep it up.
I'm still trying to understand why people are afraid of buying a Corvette that was "hot rodded" or tracked. These cars are designed for the track. They are designed to go fast and stop fast. If a car is being driven the way it was designed to be driven what's the issue?? They weren't made to be babied and stored in a garage to look at. A good friend of mine use to work at the GM proving grounds here in AZ. His words..... These cars were designed to "take it". I guess I just don't get it. You're not going to "hurt" the Corvette by driving it the way it was intended.
"corvette world bought my issue-prone C6 z06" "corvette world won't buy a corvette that isn't pristine and without issue" You have some conflicting statements there.
I can definitely see why you would say this. Me being a non-mechanical type, let most things that went wrong with my car bother me big time. Corvette world knew that they had fixed everything on my car and that there wouldn't be any more issues with it for a long time but, I couldn't wrap my head around that. Keep in mind, I really wanted a C7 Z06 and it was an easy decision to give up that car for something that was like brand new, with a warranty!
I have driven everyone of my Corvette’s before I bought them and I’ve also driven plenty of them that I didn’t buy. If you’re dealing with a dealership that won’t let you drive before you buy, it’s the wrong dealership!
#1 NEVER talk payments at a dealership! They always want to talk payments because when you do, they know they've got you. ALWAYS talk price, especially OTD price. #2 There's nothing wrong with some mileage on the car. A garage Queen with low mileage might fail the 1st time it's used as designed. A little mileage with all the maintenance records is better than a garage Queen that's been sitting most of its life. #3 Corvettes are one of those kind of cars that tend to go through owners rapidly. Having multiple owners is not a big issue if the car has been well taken care of and properly maintained. If all of the maintenance records have been passed along with the vehicle and everything is accounted for that should have been done, then it's probably still a good vehicle. Remember these cars are largely known for their reliability and low maintenance. If the car has been maintained properly, they can last for a long long time. I'm no expert, but I personally don't agree with most of what this guy is saying. There are many experts who would disagree with what he says. Get information from multiple sources, not from just one person. 😉👍
I bought local with the Lamborghini. Mainly because of the low miles and condition. Corvette I bought new. Great thing with new is Ron Fellows school is discounted. You may mention that I just haven't made it through the vid all the way yet.
Front Seat Driver Yep and I totally agree with that decision. It’s a little nerve racking, thinking about buying such and expensive car that isn’t local. I actually didn’t mention Ron Fellows, but I should have for sure! Thanks for another great tip Jason! 😊
Very nice tips, One should always have a game plan and be willing to walk away if it just doesn't feel right to you, their will always be others, again very nice tips...
I'm sorry man, but I disagree with the meat of this video (who's going to disagree with "do your research" and "be prepared with your own financing"?) That applies to all car shopping. Now, if money is unlimited then of course I'd buy a one-owner super low mile car. But that's not the case for many people. So what you're saying is really just "you need to make/have more money" you plebeian. #1: I've only ever had enough money to buy high mile used (sports cars) cars. I'm 47 and have only ever bought 3 cars (I've owned at least 12 cars) when they had less than 100,000 miles (yes, 100,000). I have worked on my own everything all of my life so this is partly why I'm just not afraid. I've NEVER had issues with my cars except standard stuff you'd expect on older cars (alternator, a water pump etc). What's far more important to me is the overall condition of the car. The WHOLE car. That tells you a lot about how well it's been taken care of. My former car ('99 Z3) I bought with 135,000 miles on it and it drives like it's a couple years old at most. My current Z4 M I bought with 100,000 miles and it drives like new. #2: multi owner cars? C'mon man, again, if you have the money then just buy a new or one-owner car. But when I sell my '07 Z4 M Coupe with 120,000 miles it will have had multiple owners (3 or more, can't remember) but this thing is unbelievably reliable and burns NO oil in 7,000 miles or so. Again, overall condition of the car. #3: modified? Like what man? Supercharger? Maybe, but if I can see the car and the paperwork then maybe no big deal. I put coilovers and a cat-back on my Z4 M and that means nothing. This car is clean and reliable. You're saying to someone don't buy my car? Not everyone can just "make more money". I guess it's not that what you're saying is technically wrong, but what you're mostly saying is "make more money" so you can get lower mile, newer cars. Great, thanks. Maybe what you're saying is more appropriate for people that don't/can't work on their own cars? Yeah, I suppose. So for them? Yeah, "make more money you loser". That's not helpful.
As far as buying a corvette that’s been modified, I found this C7 in my town that’s got some simple transmission issues it locks out of 3rd and sometimes grinds in 3rd but my dads got a transmission shop that he can help fix it up. As far as modifications, it just has some pretty bad after market wheels everything else I believe is stock. Would you steer away from that?
Most car dealerships won’t take your preapproved financing so don’t bother with that nonsense. They are going to milk you for every point of interest they can and make you use their lenders. Otherwise just get a cashiers check from your bank and buy the car. Mike’s a little bit older and maybe doesn’t understand how things work these days.
"Find a dealership you trust." First rule of buying any car, don't trust the dealership EVER, even if you've done business with them before and are "comfortable" with them.
EXCELLENT VIDEO! Chock full of Corvette information. At first I held my breath thinking this is going to be more trivia but it wasn’t. I learned a lot. Great salesmanship! I want power and the ZR 1, if I understood properly, has top availability of power on board. Also I’m a big fan of the wider base chassis and field stance. I love all the corvettes. I would be delighted to have any of them. I know all of them are fast cars and deliver more than enough power for every day usage.
No dealer would stay in business if they were as picky to buy cars as you make it seem. Im sure they re-condition them, clean wash polish them add new tires etc to make them look brand new. There isnt enough top condition vetts out there like you make it seem
Sorry to tell you, but low miles does NOT mean the car was not abused. I know guys who buy only new corvette zo6 then they only drive them on track so the car is low miles, then when they are ready they trade them in for new ones. A car that has only been tracked may have low miles and you think it is new, but 5000 track miles are way worse than 20,000 highway miles.
What if i want to turn the car into a Drift car. Im really getting into drifting. And im really considering this car or an S550 Mustang. And yesbi already had a crappy car just looking for a 3rd car project.
Paraphrasing Corvette World gave me a good deal on my broken down z06. "Corvette World won't buy Corvettes unless they are in excellent condition." I think someone is lying.
Great info. I totally agree with the advice to not buy if dealer will not let you drive. However, the C8 is limited in that aspect because nobody has them. I do disagree somewhat on the mods. I did a stage three build through Vengeance Racing that added 130 RWHP to my Z06. It is now a monster and I have much more confidence in the car with traction control off because they are my inputs. Everything was bolt on without going into the engine with heads, cam, etc. Your videos are awesome.
Don’t buy run flats! To much noise, rough ride and for all that trouble you can only run it 30 miles flat and probably ruin the wheel. Run regular performance tires, be a member of AAA and keep a couple cans fo aerosols for tire stop leaks. I know people that have sold their Vette because of rough high noise rides. They did not realize the problem was just the tires!
I am glad I bought new, but I probably could have gotten a few more options buying used. I am happy with 19 2LZ. I would have liked the Comp seats, but am happy with the cast iron brakes on the track. Just get a reliable alignment from someone who knows how to set Caster in the rear. I have only added some aero bits, mostly for protection, like rock guards. The Lt1 is really great in a Camaro SS 1LE, a great motor.
Wait, Corvette World only buys quality Corvettes, yet they purchased your 2009 Z06, which you said was nothing but problems? Now how can I take whatever else you say to heart?
I feel that same way on modified cars too, but it’s sept/oct 2019 and there is a 3 owner 2014 Z51 3LT 49,000 miles rounded up clean title that’s been pro charged and maybe few bolt on’s. What’s the take on that . Price is very very reasonable too. Considering it’s time for the new model (C8) and fall/winter season basicly here now.
Mike, Mike, Mike. You don't need any of those "Tips." Just find a good friend who's great at researching, loves Corvettes and will work for a six pack of Boostane and spell out the criteria for him. lol Mike, I'd like the following; 1. 2018 Carbon65 Edition, ZO6 Coupe, w7-speed manual. 2. New, or original owner w/low miles. 3. Must be a 3LZ, w/ZO7 performance and aero package and competition seats. Thanks Mike. Boostane is on ice. Get back to me ASAP. I've gotta run now. I'm catching up on Jay Leno's garage videos. Save the Wave.
Consider it done. I'm just reviewing the contract he sent me that you'll have to sign upon entering his garage. Evidently, and I have this on good authority from my cousin's husband whose 2nd cousin, twice removed, who is married to a woman whose brother is the floor sweeper in his garage, that Jay and his team are working on two C8 Test Mules that broke down and GM can't solve the problem. Don't worry though, I'm working on amending your contract so that you'll be the first to video these Test Mules and drive one if they can get it running. You'll just have to swear that you're not related to Mark Reuss before he lets you get behind the wheel. 😊
Peter Carey lol, awesome! Now that is a crazy deep family tree hook-up! I’ll easily sign that paper and as soon as they see me drive, they’ll know for a fact that I’m definitely not related to Mark Reuss! 😜
Whew, that's good to know Mike. My reputation and my whole family tree's reputation is on the line with Jay. I don't want him taking a chain saw and cutting my roots out from under me. 😊 Save the Wave.
My one and only advice: BUY A VEHICLE THAT YOU CAN AFFORD!!!!! Remember that majority of Corvette owners are in their 40's with a wife and kid(s). Keep in mind that you still have to pay for the wife and kid's vehicles too. Also, the wife expect you to treat her the same BEFORE and AFTER you purchase the Vette: like going out to dinner on the weekend and 2 vacation a year. She could careless about your monthly Corvette payments. If you slack off due to the Vette, you might end up in divorce court.
Looking. This is late in the game but your Corvette World Dallas inventory shows get my desire going. At some point I may have to make that visit. Some beauties on last night from 2 weeks ago. Thanks for the details and tips
Furious Fiesta ST Because there is a huge difference. Most people don’t drive their cars hard at the track because they don’t have the skill to, however anyone that modifies there car usually does so because they don’t think it has enough power. Before and After they modify it, they abuse it big time.
Brink of Speed I think it’s a case by case basis sorry you had a bad experience with it. I bought a modified Dodge Viper and it lasted me well into the 60,000 before I sold it and the guy who bought it hasn’t had any issues. These cars are literally made to be driven hard. It’s a shame people look at these cars as investments and let them sit and never go above 4K revs. What is they modify that trash shifter and the exhaust just as tasteful mods? So many factors is all I’m saying. Also really against garage queens but good video m8 got me thinking.
Furious Fiesta ST You are correct, it is a case by case scenario for sure. Yeah, I’m totally out on having a garage queen for sure. Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😊
There's good hot rodding and then there's bad hot rodding. If you just putter a corvette all over town every time you take it out, your just building up carbon deposits. You need to open it up sometimes to give it its "exercise". The best race cars made are the ones that broke down numerous times and upgraded each time.
Never buy a modded corvette? Mabie clarify this. There are many simple and useful mods that are actually a big plus, such as ceramic pads, sill guards, floor mats, tinting etc that are big pluses.
This isn't easy to answer. You have to make sure you are comparing apples to apples here. When comparing used to new, make sure they are basically the same car, for example. A 1LT or 2LT or 3LT. Are they both auto's or manuals? How much older is the used car? How many miles are on the car? Convertible or Targa? Like I said, just make sure you are comparing apples to apples with the cars and then try to figure out why the used one is 4-5k difference in price, my guess is simple, depreciation and miles.
Thanks for the video but I feel like the fact they took your car with nothing but problems contradicts the line idea that they only buy perfect cars at auction
wow..guess i missed watching this vid..your vids. are very informative...we thanc-you!!earlier this year i traded my 16 gt-350 in 4 a 18 blac on blac gr.sport -2lt with the autom...orig. owner -n chev.dealer..6500mi.love it...my quest. is when i do sell it;should i remove the double x pipe i put on me self..n i also had the mufflers proff. removed..it still has the orig tips n the electr. butterfly valves hooked-up/+ i put on an afe cold air intake..will these things go against me when i eventually sell it???oh n i will make sure it has a tranfer. warranty.
Bought my 2016 C7.R from Corvette World and have been VERY happy with the car. Had 2 friends check it out for me and they said mine was great, as was every other one in stock.
Mike I am thinking about joining the Corvette Family and looking for a better deal than a 2016 c7 for $37,000 base model coupe lt1if you have found anything better or know any one individual or dealer with a better buy please let me know. I am in the Riverview Tampa area. I am flexible to transmission type convertible or coupe Targa top. Just looking for something reliable well maintained no more than one owner or no owners 0 to 30,000 miles whichever is best. Hit me up on this. May be buying between 2 weeks and by the end of the year. keeping my supercharger off because I don't trust the poor quality of work Toyota and this dealer has put into this car or just the engine sucks to modified even conservatively. I lost trust in the Courtesy Toyota of Brandon Florida.
Ideally $34-37K Maybe a dealer is having trouble selling a perfectly fine c7 automatic or convertible because of location or other legit reasons@@BrinkofSpeed
Corvette World only buys perfect cars. They gave me a great deal to trade in my corvette I had nothing but problems with. WTF? Way to lose all credibility
