Is the 2014 C7 Corvette Stingray a performance BARGAIN or BUST? - Raiti's Rides

[@chrisnevergrowold330]

TBH I can't tell the difference between most corvettes. That 2014 looks as good as any I've seen driving around my town. Nice Color, and it looks fast as hell. If I'm lucky one day I'll get to try one.

[@RaitisRides]

One day I hope to be at a Corvette show where I can feature each generation ad then you can be an expert! I hope you make it happen! I know you can!

[@DennisMurphey]

I had owned C2 thru C6 Corvettes, so when I sold the 2007 Ron Fellows Z06 I wanted to get the C7. I had a hard time finding the one i wanted. Finally 3 hours north in Pennsylvania at a Toyoda Dealer they had just received a 2014 Corvette. This was in 2019. I wanted White, Z51 Mag Shocked and I needed the A6 due to aging legs and my Ron Fellows being a 6 Speed I knew could not drive a stick every day. I asked for photos because the listing shows up no photos. I had to beg the salesman to go out in the rain and get me some photos. OMG! It was perfect, White Z51, 3LT, Mag Shocks and A6. Plus Red Leather and Carbon Fiber Roof Oh Yes. My 1st Vette was a 1964 Vert, 327b 365 HP, 4 speed, Both Tops and Chome Hub caps. I bought the car and drove it home, It had 5,000 miles and looked new. So Happy. D

[@akediord]

I got in on the C7 in early 2014. None of my local dealers could promise an allocation, so I went waaaay out of state to MT and ordered one custom to my specs. Cyber Grey, 2LT, Z51, 7MT, black wheels, yellow calipers, mag ride, performance exhaust, Competition seats and the CF dash surround. All-in just shy of $70K. Took possession in April ‘14 at a local dealer via “courtesy delivery” which was an immediate turn off. They basically PDI’d the car and handed me the keys. No walkthrough, no “have fun”, just get the fuck out of here. There are a lot of things right with the C7, the drivetrain is fantastic and the LT1 is a wonderful power plant, the handling with the mag ride is other worldly. Turn all of the nannies off in this car and it WILL try to kill you and that’s exciting. The way I configured it made it a neck-breaker everywhere I went which is a good, or bad thing depending upon how much attention you like. As a sports car, it’s very hard to beat unless you spend a LOT more money. The bad, well, the bad was more than I was willing to commit to. First, a lot of Chevy dealers are awful, staffed by terrible, mouth-breathing knuckle draggers who are used to trying to sell budget shit boxes to poor WT with 530 credit scores, not the typical person looking to spend corvette money. If you don’t get the one and only corvette tech to work on your car (if that’s even an option), GOOD LUCK! For about a year after the deliveries started, a lot of the dealers couldn’t figure out the dry sump Z51 oil change and were over-filling the cars causing a pressurization event that blew oil out the intake and all over the engine bay. As a weekender, it took a long time for me to hit 3500 miles, and when I did, I went to an independent vette shop and paid $300 for a Motul change (forgoing my free changes from Chevrolet) because I was so terrified of going to the dealer. In the first six months of ownership, I had a notchy shifter that would occasionally grind going into third, the material was wearing off of my shift knob and my $2500 option Comp seats were starting to show signs of delamination on the seat bottoms, but no, I wouldn’t go to a dealer and just lived with it. Second, corvette “culture” is just awful. If you’re an independent, free thinker that doesn’t default to the kind of dumb, conspiracy-laden shit that rubes and ‘MURICANS get into, forget it. Avoid the forums at all cost unless you need some tech advice and FFS, stay out of off-topic. Enough said. I got out of mine 15 months later right before the secondary-market prices started to fall and didn’t lose a lot of money and basically rented it for five grand over that time period. If I had a large stable of cars, I’d definitely consider one again, but as a second car, it was just too much of a hassle to constantly be worrying about what I imagined was going to happen and how I would deal with it. Like I said, amazing engine, amazing driving experience, just not for me in the long run.

[@RaitisRides]

Brad thank you so much for sharing such a detailed description of your experience! This is exactly what I want for our family here on Raiti's Rides. People helping others and sharing their experiences with different cars. I totally agree with you especially when it comes to Chevy dealership customer service and expertise!

[@benedictdonald4338]

Best comments ever.

[@petercarey6883]

Glad to see you reviewing the Vette Joe. When the C7 was brought out in '14 I thought GM hit a home run. Then when they brought out the ZO6 in '15, man, they hit it out of the park. If you look at the steering wheel, yeah, I don't like the plastic inlays, but the Stingray design has been captured there as well. Plus, for those just starting out, (Hope you're watching and listening Spencer. lol) a used C7 can be had at pretty decent price. Plus, there are now so many aesthetic add-ons that you can personalize it with, like doing away with the factory grill and replacing it with a ZO6 grill, one can truly make their "own" one-of-one Corvette. As to the tail lights, I'm not hearing the bashing as much as early on, but I am "old school" and they never were a deal breaker for me. Hey, the only time you'd see them is maybe when you'd go out to the garage to take it for ride, and even then there's a solution. Just back the Vette into the garage so the next morning you don't see them. LOL As always, Save the Wave.

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you liked this one! I need to goto Corvettes at Carlisle and do some reviews there! I would have footage for the next 2 years! I love Corvettes, always have and always will. The new C7 is a performance icon! Good solution for the tail lights! Yes, we need to save that wave! What would be your dream Corvette?

[@petercarey6883]

Yes Joe, you absolutely, positively, without a doubt, HAVE to go to Corvettes at Carlisle. I'm saying that also that you go regardless of the weather, rain or shine. First off, I think you should also bring Lori. Sorry Tom, you'll still be training. lol I say to include in Lori in that if she should need a break from the Corvette environment, there are historic places to visit when in Pa. I know you're time is not unlimited, so maybe your first visit would have to be a whirl-wind type of visit where you fly up to just spend the official four days of the event. Eventually I think you and Lori could plan to do a two-week, or longer, driving vacation up to Pa. Traveling North, each state has a host of places you could stop at, both car and non-car related. If Lori needed a break from being behind the camera while at Carlisle, I'd be happy to fill in. If I needed a break from being your camera man, I'd show you the autocross track and loan you my Grand Sport. Yes, in case you're wondering, it's a stick with an MGW short-throw shifter. If you hit 30k subscribers before you come, I'll even let throw a set of coil-overs my way and have them installed for you. You'd have a blast, even without the coil-overs! As for me, well, that would give me time to spend at the Grandstand with the Kerbeck girls while you're on the track. lol Hey, going to Carlisle is not just about Corvettes you know. :-) Plus, after a couple of hours of me filming and interviewing the Kerbeck girls, your channel would probably explode to a couple hundred thousand subscribers. It just might make for the ultimate Rait's Rides mini-series. LOL As to your question, no one has really ever asked me what my "dream Corvette" would be. I actually do have a "dream Corvette" for almost every generation. C1 - a 1962 Fueiie w/HT. C2 - a 1966 427 Big Block coupe w/Knock Offs and side-pipes. (Yeah, I bet you thought I'd say a '67 BB, but I happen to like the tear-drop hood of the '66) C3 - a 1970 LT-1 Convertible w/HT and side-pipes. C4 - a 1990 ZR1. C5 - a 2004 ZO6. C6 - a 2013 Anniversary Edition ZR1. C7 - Now my true dream Corvette bar none, without doubt or reservation is a 2018 Carbon 65 Edition ZO6. Hard to believe, but I have actually "dreamed" about it. Now I'll never get any sleep tonight. lol Well, I'm almost out of ink, so The Flowing Fountain Pen is out. Save the Wave and Save the Dream.

[@alphazoomii9408]

Favorite Vette design by far is the C7 for me since the first C5.

[@RaitisRides]

I love the C7 Vettes, but I would love a C4 Grand Sport!

[@alphazoomii9408]

Yea the C4 GS was nice looking as was the Indy 500 colorway. The C4 ZR1 wasn't too shabby either.

[@longrider50]

Thx for the update. Personally, the Stingray is the vette I'd purchase.

[@RaitisRides]

You are very welcome and you can't go wrong!

[@KpopNiDontStop]

I am not crazy about those rims either that is the first thing I would swap out.

[@RaitisRides]

There are tons of options so that is a good thing!

[@derekdenton5137]

Fantastic review,pity it would be worth $100,000 plus in Australia just like similar Camaros,lucky USA drivers

[@RaitisRides]

We do have so benefits of driving in the USA, but there have been many cars that have not been available here in the USA.

[@eyesofisabelofficial]

Each to his own.....I'm loving that chrome !

[@RaitisRides]

You are so correct! It does really work with this shade of blue really well!

[@KpopNiDontStop]

Oh definitely a bargain of the century!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@Tonyromeo1970]

I think any Vette you can get at a good price is a bargain. I love Corvette's! It has been a dream car of mine since I was a kid. My dad had a 1974 Corvette Yellow stingray that with today's standards is a dog! (175HP) But the look and feel of a Vette is iconic!! And we had a blast with that car. Everyone knows what it is, and you automatically become special driving in a Vette because everyone is staring at you. While they often get hit hard for the blah plastic interior, (because it's compare to Porsche, Ferrari, etc) people have to remember that your getting a super car for 50-65k. Not 100K and up. Now while you can option a Vette for over 6 figures now a days. It's still the best bang for your buck super car around. And made right here in the good old U.S.A. And yes the base model Vette would still be considered a super car IMO.

[@RaitisRides]

Very well said and you really hit the nail on the head! I will always have a special place in my heart for all Corvettes! Thank you for sharing some of your past experience on here. I always love learning more about the people behind the cars!

[@davidm5298]

Great review! Considering the C7 as my next purchase.

[@RaitisRides]

You would love one. Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@AJ-mq5df]

Great review.! Very detailed. Thank you

[@tbnobs]

Have owned a few vettes but my c7 is by far the best. power handling gas mileage all wrapped up in a beautiful looking car

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right about that!

[@MP422ownz]

If i fall out of love with my RS I'm going c7 corvette.... I don't care what my wife says lol.... Great content Joe thx.

[@RaitisRides]

The Corvette is a really awesome car and would be a great choice! You need to get your wife in one!

[@amill1563]

Corvette with a targa roof. Gotta love it.

[@RaitisRides]

The targa roof is much easier to take off with the C7 Corvette than compared to the C4 Corvette.

[@amill1563]

It's funny though, Jay Leno says the last 20+ years of the automobile has seen more change than all the years prior to it. So, I can't help but think I'll want the next one just as much as I wanted this one. At least I'll see you review the next one too.

[@RaitisRides]

amill1563 I totally agree! They just keep upping their game. I am curious what the C8 will be like. Fingers cross they get it right!

[@linchester8464]

seems like someone got sick of his Corvette and traded it in for a STi maybe?

[@RaitisRides]

Lin Chester possibly? I personally would stick with the Corvette, all though I would go with a manual transmission!

[@metaljew4456]

A HUGE CONGRATS 🎉🎊🎈🍾 to you Joe for hitting that 10K mark! Nice milestone to hit for the hardest working man in show business. Keep it going brother! Ok, now a comment about the Vette. I love the C7 Corvette with the 7 Speed ONLY! This Vette with an automatic is a waste of time. The asking price of $38,000 is laughable 😂😂😂. It’s a base model C7. Very base! You can buy one of these new for only 10K more! What is the mileage on this overpriced neutered I mean automatic slop box car? It better not have more than 10K on it and the price is still WAY to high. $23K would seem more in line if the mileage is low.

[@RaitisRides]

Philip Rosenthale thank you Philip! I appreciate your super kind words. Thank you for always noticing my hard work. I love doing these reviews. I’m sorry but t I had a misplaced finger. They were asking $28k for this car. You are right though. I saw these listed new after qualifying rebates for $49k brand new. PS stay tuned for my 10k celebration video because I gave you a shoutout!😊👍🏻

[@340Jeff]

I really would like to purchase one of these in the near future

[@kgthegreatone943]

Was it what do you think of that mid-engine Corvette coming out soon

[@RaitisRides]

I am holding my judgement until I see more of it without the camo! To me a Corvette is about having the engine up front, but I know when it comes to the race track there is no substitute for mid-engine balance. It should be interesting to say the least.

[@kgthegreatone943]

@@RaitisRides yeah I don't know quite what to think yet either I think it'll make the Corvette more of a supercar and the Europeans probably will be more interested in it

[@RaitisRides]

kg the great one it will definitely be interesting. PS stay tuned for my 10k subs video I gave you a shout out!👍🏻

[@kgthegreatone943]

@@RaitisRides what!? Thank you so much i really appreciate that ! 😃😎

[@RaitisRides]

Of course it is the least I can do!

[@ttcookn8246]

How much were they asking for that 14 stingray?

[@RaitisRides]

$28k was the price. Thanks for watching!

[@metaljew4456]

Raiti's Rides Absolutely absurd!!! $38K please...... That’s a pipe dream. Joe, what do you think the price should be? I say $ 23-25K with low miles on her.

[@RaitisRides]

Philip Rosenthale I fixed that typo, sorry about that. Is that sir a little better with you? Traditionally Corvettes hold their value pretty well.

[@henrirttabrowm5808]

He didn't say why it was a bargain or bust

[@RaitisRides]

That is for the viewer to decide! I am just sharing y passion for cars with you! Thanks for watching!

[@scottneilson8470]

Good video for standard info. Just doesn't really seem to discuss any major drawbacks. Just a spec and feature video.

[@anshupadhyay3781]

Any idea how much one of these will sell for in 2019?

[@RaitisRides]

With incentives I have seen them for around $54k. Thank you for watching!

[@anshupadhyay3781]

Raiti's Rides really? Iv seen them online for around 38k. Maybe you meant I asked how much the new 2019 will cost haha. How about a 2014 model in 2019?

[@RaitisRides]

Yes, I totally misread that, sorry about that! The best that I have seen is one for $36k.

[@zmagg1126]

Hey man I really enjoyed your content😊 I would love if you could do a review on the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta Sport 👍😎

[@RaitisRides]

That is so awesome of you to say! I really appreciate your support! I will get one together for you! Please stay tuned!

[@zmagg1126]

@@RaitisRides You're welcome and thank you ❤️

[@RaitisRides]

z M A G G of course no problem!

[@AntLive29]

how does it drive?

[@LordDeadSpider]

I wanted to buy one... My head was against roof and hardly had any room above my legs and dash. Corvettes are for short people :(

[@RaitisRides]

I'm just curious, how tall are you? I am 6ft and fit fine.

[@LordDeadSpider]

Raiti's Rides 6’ 4” with a long torso. The sales lady tried adjusting the seat all kinds of ways then she suggested I get a different vehicle with more headroom or a convertible.

[@RaitisRides]

LordDeadSpider that would be a problem. Sorry you can’t fit. What else would you want?

[@LordDeadSpider]

Raiti's Rides The vette has always been my dream car... I checked out and test drove the Camaro SS 1LE, Mustang GT, Challenger T/A and Daytona Charger. I loved the Camaro but I felt the Mustang was a much better fit for my build. Did not care too much for the Challenger (love the look though) and wish the Charger offered a manual.

[@Supaswol]

Why is this guy always holding a rolled up pair of gym socks on every video?

[@RaitisRides]

Supaswol you crack me up! 😂. I live in Florida and right now it’s 95 degrees with 100% humidity so I’m prone to sweat. It’s a hand towel my man. Thanks for watching.

[@JoseGutierrez-hp6mt]

What a great channle Raiti Rides

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks man! I try to keep bringing the variety!

[@JoseGutierrez-hp6mt]

@@RaitisRides ok thank you so much

[@RaitisRides]

Jose Gutierrez you’re the best!

[@JoseGutierrez-hp6mt]

@@RaitisRides i really appreciate you

[@RaitisRides]

Jose Gutierrez that means a lot!

[@lashad75]

Is this the 8speed automatic transmission

[@RaitisRides]

Yes sir that is the gearbox in this Stingray.

[@g8joe]

2014 had the 6 speed , 2015 as switch over to 8sp auto..6sp still heavy duty and with last and can mod via TCU tune and higher stall.convertor

[@thefitnesslife4988]

460 hp

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you for the extra info and for watching!

[@flowmagic5]

dream car

[@sobewilson3]

Stop putting your fingers on the paint. Drove me nuts the first half of the video

[@bigdogbulldog9912]

I dig the Corvette and the interior but think the steering wheel is hideous

[@RaitisRides]

Bigdog Bulldog I’m sure that will be changed for the C8 Corvette! Thanks for sharing your input!

[@TecDLogic]

Raiti's Rides do you own a corvette?

[@RaitisRides]

ILogic 1 I use to many years ago. I still love them to this day!

[@TecDLogic]

Raiti's Rides I love mustang sir even though I don’t own one but hopefully

[@edwardgarcia6105]

I want to buy a wrc Subaru

[@RaitisRides]

So would I man!

[@kylieg609]

Hi

[@RaitisRides]

Lyrical Legend hi, how is your weekend?

[@kylieg609]

Good

[@kylieg609]

Raiti's Rides how is you weekend going

[@RaitisRides]

I'm happy to hear!

[@RaitisRides]

It is really good especially since we hit 10K subscriber!

[@michaelcondon5456]

More vettes

[@cristhosanchez5050]

First

[@RaitisRides]

Cristho Sanchez you are on it!😊👍🏻🏆

[@julianjhingree8171]

too unappreciating ..... talk too much

[@RaitisRides]

LOL