C7 Corvette Buying Guide: Snag a Supercar Bargain

The C7 generation of America’s sports car offers supercar performance without the six-figure price tag, making it one of the best bargains on the used market. With sharp handling, a thundering V-8, and unmistakable styling, it delivers an exotic driving experience at a fraction of the cost of European rivals. For enthusiasts seeking maximum thrills per dollar, it’s hard to beat.

This guide breaks down everything potential buyers need to know before pulling the trigger. From key model-year updates and performance packages to must-have options, understanding the C7’s variations can help you find the perfect match. We’ll also cover common wear points and maintenance tips so you can shop with confidence.

Whether you’re hunting for a weekend toy or a track-ready weapon, the C7 Corvette remains a standout value. With the right research and a careful eye, you can score a genuine supercar experience without breaking the bank.

C7 Generation Corvettes Aren’t Unreasonably Expensive

Corvettes are special cars and they always have been. They are blue-collar heroes, offering supercars levels of performance but costing tens of thousands of dollars less than its rivals. However, new models are near impossible to get a hold of and still cost a reasonable stack of cash. If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, the C7 generation is the way to go, and it still packs more than a little punch.

Overview of the C7 Corvette

The C7 is, obviously, the seventh generation of the Corvette, running from 2014 to 2019. Back then GM were already considering mid-engine layouts, but they stuck with the engine up front. Purists have been quick to criticize the fact that the newest Corvette features a mid-engine layout, meaning this older model appeals more broadly.

The C7 came in a number of forms, from the Stingray to the ZR1. There were also a number of special edition models available over its lifetime. Deciding which model year suits you best is generally dependant on which model you want and how much you have to spend. For instance, the Grand Sport model only launched for the 2017 model year and the ZR1 only came in at the end of the C7s run.

Average C7 Corvette Pricing

When we talk about the C7 Corvette being reasonably priced, we’re generally referring to the Stingray, with these featuring list prices that are well below what the average American spends on a new car. The Grand Sport and the Z06 may not be super affordable, but you could still argue their value proposition as they deliver excellent performance. The ZR1, however, is a car reserved for wealthy collectors, with its value skyrocketing over the years.

There is an argument to be made for just about every variation of the C7. The Stingray is absurdly affordable considering the level of performance you get. Z06 models used to have a starting price upwards of six figures, making them a steal now. The ZR1 is a near-perfect American sports car and has already proven that it will hold its value, with the average list price sitting above its original MSRP.

The Corvette has a cult following, and the C7 retains the front-engine rear-wheel drive layout that purists crave. This means that while some models have depreciated into bargains right now, we can easily see them becoming classics in the future.

Reliability and Maintenance Costs

• Average Yearly Maintenance: $737 (RepairPal)
• Average Ten-Year Maintenance: $8,332 (CarEdge)
• Reliability Score: 87/100

While people often like to dunk on American automakers for being unreliable, Chevrolet has actually achieved pretty great reliability scores in a number of segments over the last couple of years. The Corvette is particularly impressive as it’s a high-performance sports car. Looking for a model with a good service history and low miles will help maximize its longevity.

In terms of maintenance, the Corvette is actually pretty reasonable. The above figures specifically refer to the Stingray, though, and higher trims with more intricate parts are likely to cost you more. It’s long-term maintenance costs are estimated to be well below the average for popular sports coupes, though.

Chevrolet’s C7 Corvette Delivers Unmatched Performance At This Price

Credit: Chevrolet

While the ZR1 is a mechanical work of art, it is out of the price range of most. There is no reason to dismay, though, because the rest of the Corvette lineup is just as impressive, delivering a ton of power from a roaring V-8 and a level of engagement that is hard to find in any other American sports car.

C7 Corvette Performance Specifications

Every C7 comes with a 6.2-liter V-8 under the hood, which is enough of a reason to buy one by itself. This pairs with a 7-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, though some early models featured a six-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is the only setup, as it should be in a car like this.

The base stingray made 455 horses, but the Z51 package bumper output up to 460 instead. The Grand Sport model got the same tuned-up engine. The Z06 cranks things up quite a bit, putting down a whopping 650 horsepower. The ZR1 is the crème de la crème, though, developing a staggering 755 horsepower.

At its core, the C7 is a fantastically competent sports car. Even on the base Stingray, the chassis tuning and the precision of the steering make it feel like sports cars that cost tens of thousands of dollars more. Obviously, the higher up the trim ladder you go, the more dialed in and responsive it feels. What is most impressive, though, is that you can stick it in Tour mode and its ride quality is brilliant, even in the track-focused ZR1.

Fuel Economy

Hopefully none of you were expecting a five-year-old American sports car with a 6.2-liter V-8 to be particularly efficient. Obviously, its performance takes a pretty heavy toll when it comes to fuel economy, with the ‘Vette being a certified gas-guzzler. What is impressive, though, is how high its efficiency is on the highway, with it doing quite well at cruising speeds.

As you’d expect, the more performance you tack on, the less efficient the sports car is. The ZR1 is one of the least efficient cars out there. At least Chevrolet gave the sports car an 18.5 gallon tank so you don’t have to fill up too regularly.

Chevrolet Imbued the C7 With a Comfortable and Feature-Packed Cabin

Credit: Chevrolet

While it isn’t going to feel comparable to the expensive grand tourers that it beats at the track, the Corvette comes exceptionally well-equipped for its price point, with there being a ton of modern features available. The only downside is that this is the one place where you start to feel Chevy’s cost-cutting techniques at play.

Interior Dimensions and Comfort

The C7 Corvette comes either as a traditional convertible or with a targa-style roof. In either case, you can let the top down and feel the wind in your hair. Tall drivers won’t have to feel cramped in the Chevy, with a reasonable amount of headroom on offer. The low-slung seating position is comfortable and adds to the sporty nature of the coupe. While cargo capacity isn’t generally a priority in this class, the Corvette actually has quite a bit on offer.

Chevrolet definitely kept costs down by skimping on interior materials. While this won’t bother most, it’s important to note how many hard plastics there are on the inside. While luxury features aren’t really on the table, things like dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and power-adjustable leather seats could be had on some models.

Infotainment and Technology

In the center of the dashboard, tilted towards you, is an eight-inch infotainment screen. It is pretty responsive and offers quite a lot in the way of features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a 4G LTE hotspot. Navigation doesn’t come standard and you’ll have to find a model with the optional extra.

There are three USB ports in the C7, allowing you to connect to the infotainment system and charge your phone. A nine-speaker Bose sound system is standard, but a more premium version of the system was also available.