# Chevrolet Corvette (C7) buying guide

[Home](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/) › [Buying guides](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides) › Chevrolet Corvette (C7)

> Markdown copy of https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/chevrolet/corvette-c7 for AI agents and assistants. Link and cite that URL, not this one.

Buying guide · 2014 to 2019 · Updated Oct 1, 2026

Buy a 2017 or 2018 C7 Z06 if you can: the 2015 and 2016 cars are reported to overheat on track, and the eight-speed automatic can shudder.

**Median asking price: $75,394** (Across 390 live listings)

- Asking prices: $48,995 to $289,925, middle half $69k to $85k
- For sale: 390
- Lowest price: $48,995
- Model years: 2014 to 2019
- Versions for sale: 2

## The C7 Corvette as a used buy

A used C7 Corvette Z06 is best bought as a 2017 or 2018 car, the years [HotCars](https://www.hotcars.com/chevrolet-c7-corvette-specs-trims-prices-and-buying-guide/) rates highest, while it names the 2015 Z06 as a year to avoid. The early cars are also the ones with the documented track-heat complaint, covered below.

The Chevrolet Corvette (C7) ran 2014 to 2019 and is the last front-engine Corvette. The Z06 carries the supercharged 6.2 L LT4 with 650 hp. The ZR1, offered for 2019 only, moves up to the supercharged LT5 with 755 hp and 715 lb-ft of torque. [Hagerty](https://www.hagerty.com/media/market-trends/hagerty-insider/as-the-c8-ups-the-ante-the-2014-19-c7-corvette-remains-a-great-bet/) notes that these two were the first of their kind offered with an automatic, and that the aluminum frame under them is 57 percent stiffer than the C6's.

This guide covers the Z06 and the ZR1. If you want the whole range, there are [used C7 Corvettes for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/chevrolet/corvette/c7), and the neighboring generations have their own pages: our [C6 guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/chevrolet/corvette-c6) and our [C8 guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/chevrolet/corvette-c8).

## C7 Corvette years and versions

The Z06 was built from 2015 to 2019, and the ZR1 only for 2019, according to [CorvSport](https://www.corvsport.com/the-c7-corvette-buyers-guide/). Transmissions are a Tremec seven-speed manual with Active Rev Match or, from 2015, an 8L90 eight-speed automatic. The six-speed automatic used in 2014 came before either car.

On 2015 and 2016 Z06s, [VetteFacts](https://vettefacts.com/C7/Tips) and [Squeezed](https://squeezed.app/blog/2014-2019-chevrolet-corvette-c7-used-buyers-guide) both report heat soak or differential overheating in sustained track use, with fixes arriving in later years. That is why HotCars points buyers at 2017 and 2018. If an early car has had a track life, ask what was done about it.

The 2016 Z06 C7.R Edition is the special edition within the Z06 line. On the ZR1, the optional ZTK package adds a much larger wing with winglets, so check build data to see whether a car has it. Our [Z06 market page](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06) and [ZR1 market page](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-zr1) show what each looks like for sale.

The Grand Sport is a different car: the Z06's wide body and chassis with the naturally aspirated LT1. Hagerty and HotCars say many enthusiasts name it as their pick of the C7 line, and Squeezed calls a 2017 Grand Sport with the manual the best of the generation. The valve spring and lifter reports below concern LT1 engines, so they apply to the Grand Sport and not to the supercharged cars.

## C7 Corvette versions for sale now

Every version in our latest scan, most listed first. Each links to its own page with deal analysis and market history.

| Version | Model years | For sale | Median price |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [C7 Corvette Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06) | 2015-2019 | 344 | $74,365 |
| [C7 Corvette ZR1](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-zr1) | 2019 | 46 | $172,783 |

## Common C7 Corvette problems

Some reports below name the LT1 or the Grand Sport rather than the Z06 or ZR1, and the text says where.

### Eight-speed shudder

Many 2015-2019 cars with the 8L90 automatic shudder when you ease onto the throttle, and [Hemmings](https://www.hemmings.com/stories/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-c7-corvette-stingray/) says the cure is a fluid flush using Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP. The gearbox is also the target of class action suits alleging slipping, bucking and harsh shifting.

### Torque tube and driveshaft

Worn driveshaft bearings in the torque tube and failed rubber couplers have become common as C7s age. You hear scraping or rattling, or feel vibration through the driveline.

### Early Z06 overheating

Heat soak or differential overheating has been reported on 2015 and 2016 Z06s during sustained track use. Later years carry fixes.

### Cracking wheels

Cast-aluminum wheels on the Z06 and Grand Sport were known to develop fatigue cracks, and two class-action lawsuits followed. Wheels are also the biggest group in NHTSA's owner complaints.

### LT1 valve springs and lifters

A GM service bulletin covers trouble codes on 2014-2019 LT1 engines that can mean a broken valve spring, and a spring that breaks can drop a valve and wreck the engine. Separately, LT1 Active Fuel Management lifters can collapse, causing misfires or ticking, and some bent a pushrod.

### Touchscreen blackouts

The screen can glitch and go dark because of a loose connector behind the driver's kick panel, per HotCars.

### Battery drain

A car left a few days can come back with a flat battery, because of a parasitic draw that [AutoTrader.ca](https://www.autotrader.ca/editorial/expert-reviews/chevrolet/corvette/used-vehicle-review-chevrolet-corvette-2014-2018/) reports.

## What to check on a used C7 Corvette

- Ask for service records showing the transmission fluid was changed on any eight-speed car, then drive it and feel for shudder under light throttle and for harsh shifts.
- Ask whether the torque tube work has been done, especially on a high-mileage car.
- Listen for scraping or rattling from under the car at steady speeds, and feel for vibration through the seat.
- Check each wheel rim edge for bends and cracks, and read the tire date codes.
- Verify options such as Z51, MR and NPP against the window sticker or build data.
- Ask to see Performance Data Recorder clips and any track records, particularly on a 2015 or 2016 Z06.
- Check the carbon-fiber roof panel for peeling, bubbling or fading paint.
- Work the trunk release, then run through every display, including the backup camera, and watch for the touchscreen blacking out.

## C7 Corvette running costs

[PistonHeads](https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-buying-guides/chevrolet-corvette-c7--ph-used-buying-guide/46433) gives the service interval as every 7,500 miles. Squeezed puts tires at $1,200 to $2,000 per set and brake pads at $300 to $800 per axle, so a car with a track history may need both soon.

Driveline work is the larger bill. Hemmings says a complete driveshaft assembly costs about $2,000 in parts, and the Z06 torque tube is nearly $4,000. Squeezed budgets $1,000 to $1,800 for an AC compressor replacement and system flush.

## C7 Corvette recalls and complaints

NHTSA records 11 recall campaigns for 2014 to 2019 Corvettes. Most are air bag related, among them a sensing module that can fault and leave the bags and pretensioners deactivated (including one campaign for 2019 ZR1s), a driver air bag back plate on some 2015 cars and sport seats on some 2014 cars. Two steering campaigns cover electric power steering assist that may fail on 2017 and 2018 cars.

The rest are build-specific: a rear shock weld on some 2014 cars, a rear toe link ball joint and parking brake cables on some 2015 cars. A campaign filed for a model year does not mean every car of that year was affected, so run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before you buy.

Owners have filed 689 complaints with NHTSA, 467 of them about wheels, with power train at 53 and fuel/propulsion system at 40. They also include reports of 13 crashes, 2 fires, 15 injuries and 1 death. These are owner reports, not proven faults.

## NHTSA recalls for the C7 Corvette

Every recall campaign the carmaker filed with NHTSA for the 2014 to 2019 model years, newest first, as of Oct 31, 2026. Not every car of a listed year was affected: check a car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | What can happen |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 25V175000 | Mar 20, 2025 | 2017 to 2018 | Steering | A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V086000 | Feb 7, 2019 | 2017 | Steering | Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash. |
| 18V360000 | May 31, 2018 | 2019 | Air bags | In the event of a crash, if the air bags do not deploy as designed, the occupants have an increased risk of injury. |
| 17V437000 | Jul 10, 2017 | 2014 to 2017 | Air bags | A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger. |
| 16V651000 | Sep 8, 2016 | 2014 to 2017 | Air bags | A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger. |
| 15V031000 | Jan 26, 2015 | 2015 | Suspension | A toe link separation can result in a reduction in vehicle stability and steering control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. |
| 14V570000 | Sep 19, 2014 | 2015 | Air bags | An air bag that separates from the steering wheel may increase the risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash. |
| 14V568000 | Sep 17, 2014 | 2015 | Parking brake | If the parking brake cable isn't fully seated and engaged on both of the rear park brake drums, the vehicle may roll away if parked on a steep gradient, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 14V377000 | Jun 26, 2014 | 2014 | Suspension | A sudden change in vehicle handling increases the risk of a crash. |
| 14V342000 | Jun 19, 2014 | 2014 | Air bags | In the event of a crash necessitating side impact air bag deployment, an unbelted young child may be at an increased risk of neck injury. |
| 14V299000 | Jun 6, 2014 | 2014 | Air bags | If the SDM short circuits, the air bags may not deploy and the seat belt pretensioners may not activate in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. |

## Owner complaints to NHTSA about the C7 Corvette

Owners filed 689 complaints with NHTSA for the 2014 to 2019 model years (13 crashes and 2 fires reported). A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. A complaint can name more than one component.

| Component | Complaints |
| --- | --- |
| Wheels | 467 |
| Power train | 53 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 40 |
| Steering | 34 |
| Electrical system | 26 |
| Engine | 26 |
| Unknown or other | 23 |
| Air bags | 9 |

## Best C7 Corvette deals right now

63 deals priced below market right now, the best by about $36,799. Members get the VIN, dealer, listing link and a ready-to-send negotiation email for each one.

- 2019 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 ZR1: asking $140,683 · $37k below market · 3,923 mi · Willowbrook, IL · deal score 100 of 100
- 2018 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06: asking $64,693 · $11k below market · 24,925 mi · Honolulu, HI · deal score 100 of 100
- 2017 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06: asking $60,898 · $10k below market · 45,878 mi · Huntersville, NC · deal score 99 of 100
- 2017 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06: asking $57,952 · $8k below market · 37,362 mi · Tampa, FL · deal score 99 of 100
- 2019 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 ZR1: asking $150,075 · $29k below market · 3,390 mi · Clovis, CA · deal score 98 of 100
- 2016 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06: asking $53,981 · $7k below market · 51,807 mi · Bristol, PA · deal score 98 of 100

[Unlock all 63 deals](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/upgrade). Members see every deal's VIN, dealer and listing link, plus a negotiation email.

## C7 Corvette prices by model year

Median asking price for each model year in our latest scan, with the number of cars listed and their price range.

- [2019](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/chevrolet/corvette/2019): $135,900 (90 for sale · $61,527 to $289,925 · median 14,003 mi)
- [2018](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/chevrolet/corvette/2018): $75,474 (20 for sale · $64,353 to $145,447 · median 17,576 mi)
- [2017](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/chevrolet/corvette/2017): $75,830 (62 for sale · $53,149 to $111,389 · median 21,419 mi)
- [2016](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/chevrolet/corvette/2016): $72,220 (146 for sale · $48,995 to $124,896 · median 25,521 mi)
- [2015](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/chevrolet/corvette/2015): $70,620 (72 for sale · $50,268 to $93,361 · median 21,862 mi)

[Corvette price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/chevrolet/corvette)

## C7 Corvette fair values by trim and year

Our fair value is what comparable cars, same trim and model year with typical miles, are listed at in our latest market data. A car well under it is worth a close look; a car well over it needs a reason.

| Trim | Model year | Fair value | Typical miles |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Z06 | 2019 | $78,891 | 19,300 |
| Z06 | 2017 | $74,903 | 23,100 |
| Z06 | 2016 | $73,048 | 24,100 |
| Z06 | 2015 | $70,428 | 22,100 |
| ZR1 | 2019 | $171,048 | 6,100 |

## C7 Corvette for sale now

- [2015 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $57,349 · 57,172 mi · Dallas, GA
- [2017 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $57,989 · 40,121 mi · Decatur, GA
- [2016 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $63,385 · 77,270 mi · Kenner, LA
- [2017 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $68,694 · 29,285 mi · Charlotte, NC
- [2016 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $69,112 · 41,711 mi · Colma, CA
- [2017 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $79,550 · 29,185 mi · Naples, FL
- [2019 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $92,597 · 25,000 mi · Phoenix, AZ
- [2016 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $68,227 · 50,630 mi · Sycamore, IL
- [2017 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $70,050 · 35,922 mi · Lubbock, TX
- [2018 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $75,181 · 19,199 mi · Oklahoma City, OK
- [2017 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $75,388 · 37,557 mi · Beavercreek Township, OH
- [2017 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $77,216 · 50,310 mi · Dallas, TX
- [2017 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $78,362 · 22,241 mi · West Chicago, IL
- [2015 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $84,500 · 10,025 mi · Knoxville, TN
- [2017 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $89,947 · 17,388 mi · Boerne, TX
- [2016 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $124,896 · 17,243 mi · Fremont, CA
- [2019 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $67,216 · 64,361 mi · Mc Kinney, TX
- [2015 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $72,800 · 6,790 mi · Clarksville, MD
- [2015 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $73,999 · 29,831 mi · Brea, CA
- [2016 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $74,699 · 10,925 mi · Morganton, NC
- [2017 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $75,215 · 24,517 mi · Houston, TX
- [2019 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $76,677 · 27,915 mi · Tigard, OR
- [2016 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $64,694 · 40,204 mi · Wagoner, OK
- [2015 Chevrolet Corvette, C7 Z06](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/chevrolet-corvette-c7-z06): $68,966 · 35,575 mi · LaGrange, GA

[Every used Corvette](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/chevrolet/corvette)

## Our verdict

Buy a 2017 or 2018 Z06. Those are the years HotCars rates best, and they are not the years named in the overheating reports. Choose a manual, which sidesteps the 8L90 shudder issue, or an automatic with a documented fluid flush. For the ZR1, which came in one model year only, condition and the ZTK aero package decide the choice. Our [Z06 listings](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/chevrolet/corvette/z06) are the place to start.

AutoTrader.ca judges that few of the alarming-looking problems come up often enough to worry about. Even so, skip the 2015 Z06, and don't accept a vague answer about the torque tube: ask for the work in writing and listen for scraping on the test drive.

## Sources

We read these pages and checked every fact in this guide against them. The words are ours. Researched Oct 31, 2026.

- [Chevrolet C7 Corvette: Specs, Trims, Prices, And Buying Guide](https://www.hotcars.com/chevrolet-c7-corvette-specs-trims-prices-and-buying-guide/) (HotCars)
- [C7 Corvette Buying Guide, Tips and Resources (2014-2019)](https://vettefacts.com/C7/Tips) (VetteFacts.com)
- [What to Look For When Buying a C7 Corvette Stingray](https://www.hemmings.com/stories/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-c7-corvette-stingray/) (Hemmings)
- [As the C8 Ups the Ante, the 2014–19 C7 Corvette Remains a Great Bet](https://www.hagerty.com/media/market-trends/hagerty-insider/as-the-c8-ups-the-ante-the-2014-19-c7-corvette-remains-a-great-bet/) (Hagerty)
- [Chevrolet Corvette (C7) Buyer's Guide: AFM, Transmission Shudder, and What to Watch For (2014-2019)](https://squeezed.app/blog/2014-2019-chevrolet-corvette-c7-used-buyers-guide) (Squeezed)
- [The C7 Corvette Buyer's Guide](https://www.corvsport.com/the-c7-corvette-buyers-guide/) (CorvSport)
- [Corvette by Model Year: A Used Buyer's Guide for Weekend Drivers Near Winnsboro](https://www.wilsonchevy.com/blog/corvette-by-model-year-a-used-buyers-guide-for-weekend-drivers-near-winnsboro) (Wilson Chevrolet)
- [2014–2018 Chevrolet Corvette Used Vehicle Review](https://www.autotrader.ca/editorial/expert-reviews/chevrolet/corvette/used-vehicle-review-chevrolet-corvette-2014-2018/) (AutoTrader.ca)
- [Chevrolet Corvette C7 | PH Used Buying Guide](https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-buying-guides/chevrolet-corvette-c7--ph-used-buying-guide/46433) (PistonHeads)
- [Recalls and owner complaints for the C7 Corvette](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) (NHTSA)

## Shop the C7 Corvette

- [Used Chevrolet Corvette for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/chevrolet/corvette) (3,252)
- [Used C7 Corvette for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/chevrolet/corvette/c7) (390)
- [Chevrolet Corvette price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/chevrolet/corvette)
- [Cheapest Chevrolet Corvette for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cheapest/chevrolet/corvette)
- [Used Chevrolet for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/chevrolet) (3,272)

## More Chevrolet buying guides

- [Chevrolet Corvette (C6) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/chevrolet/corvette-c6) (2005 to 2013)
- [Chevrolet Corvette (C8) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/chevrolet/corvette-c8) (2020 on)
- [Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (sixth generation) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/chevrolet/camaro-zl1) (2017 to 2024)
- [All buying guides](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides)

## Latest Chevrolet Corvette news

- [Used Chevrolet market is almost all Corvette, and 981 cars are rated deals](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news/chevrolet-market-report-october-2026) (Oct 31, 2026): The 20 Camaros are a hot market with no recent price cuts, while the far larger Corvette market is only warm, and trim sets the price.

[All car news](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news)

## C7 Corvette: common questions

### What is the best C7 Corvette to buy?

A 2017 or 2018 Z06 is the pick, since HotCars rates those the best C7 years. Avoid the 2015 Z06, and prefer a manual or an automatic with a documented fluid flush.

### What goes wrong with the C7 Corvette?

The main reports are 8L90 automatic shudder, worn torque tube and driveshaft parts, early Z06 overheating on track and cracked cast wheels. Touchscreen blackouts and battery drain also turn up.

### Is the C7 Corvette reliable?

Reasonably, with caveats. AutoTrader.ca says few of the alarming-looking problems come up often enough to worry about, but the 8L90 automatic has a known shudder and class action suits, and NHTSA holds 689 owner complaints, 467 of them about wheels.

### How much does it cost to run a C7 Corvette?

PistonHeads gives a 7,500-mile service interval, and Squeezed puts tires at $1,200 to $2,000 per set. Hemmings says a driveshaft assembly is about $2,000 in parts and a Z06 torque tube nearly $4,000.

### How much is a used C7 Corvette?

Asking prices for the 390 cars we track for sale right now run from $48,995 to $289,925, with a median of $75,394. Model year, version, mileage and history move the price most; the prices by model year and fair values on this page show where a car should sit.

### Has the C7 Corvette been recalled?

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns filed for the 2014 to 2019 model years as of Oct 31, 2026, the latest for steering. Not every car was affected, so check the VIN of any car you're considering at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

---

Source: Luxury Car Deals, https://www.luxurycardeals.com/. Prices are live asking prices from US dealer listings in our latest scan, not sale prices. Cite as "Chevrolet Corvette (C7) buying guide", Luxury Car Deals, https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/chevrolet/corvette-c7 (updated Oct 1, 2026). Site map for assistants: https://www.luxurycardeals.com/llms.txt.