Double Down?

[DW Ruby]

Seemingly, a great deal of you have far better insights than I do into this 'lists' and 'allocations' ordeal.
I decided to 'reward' myself with a nice shinny sports car for retirement.
After much research, I have chosen to go 'top of the line' corvette.
Specifically, I would like it to be the E-Ray.
I have put myself onto a 'list' (Mar. 3/23) with my local dealer (Finch-Cadillac, London, Ontario) and was told I am #24 for an E-Ray.
Retirement is not until March 31, 2027, giving 4 full years.
Based on the minimal reading I have done, and the limited information made available, I'm actually wondering if this will happen.
Should I be placing myself on multiple lists, as in with more than 1 dealer?
I would also consider a Z06 (hardly 'settling') - Should I also then have a second list for this alternate?
Any feedback offered would be truly appreciated.

 

[Murray20c8]

Seemingly, a great deal of you have far better insights than I do into this 'lists' and 'allocations' ordeal.
I decided to 'reward' myself with a nice shinny sports car for retirement.
After much research, I have chosen to go 'top of the line' corvette.
Specifically, I would like it to be the E-Ray.
I have put myself onto a 'list' (Mar. 3/23) with my local dealer (Finch-Cadillac, London, Ontario) and was told I am #24 for an E-Ray.
Retirement is not until March 31, 2027, giving 4 full years.
Based on the minimal reading I have done, and the limited information made available, I'm actually wondering if this will happen.
Should I be placing myself on multiple lists, as in with more than 1 dealer?
I would also consider a Z06 (hardly 'settling') - Should I also then have a second list for this alternate?
Any feedback offered would be truly appreciated.

If you wanted a Stingray, then yes, you'd certainly get one by '27. An Eray? Might never happen! They have not been able to produce 40,000 Corvettes per year yet. Stingrays are still in high demand. THey have given Canadian allocations to RHD purchasers and now muddy the numbers with Z06's and E-rays! That's a lot of demand to be that high on a lesser dealers list.
Given all that, I'd add yourself to other lists, but call around. Ask for their numbers and expected allocations. Being an educated consumer is giving yourself the best chance.

 

[DenisC8]

Seemingly, a great deal of you have far better insights than I do into this 'lists' and 'allocations' ordeal.
I decided to 'reward' myself with a nice shinny sports car for retirement.
After much research, I have chosen to go 'top of the line' corvette.
Specifically, I would like it to be the E-Ray.
I have put myself onto a 'list' (Mar. 3/23) with my local dealer (Finch-Cadillac, London, Ontario) and was told I am #24 for an E-Ray.
Retirement is not until March 31, 2027, giving 4 full years.
Based on the minimal reading I have done, and the limited information made available, I'm actually wondering if this will happen.
Should I be placing myself on multiple lists, as in with more than 1 dealer?
I would also consider a Z06 (hardly 'settling') - Should I also then have a second list for this alternate?
Any feedback offered would be truly appreciated.

I think you have a chance to get an E-Ray from Finch by March 31, 2027, but it would not hurt to improve your chances by getting on the list with the number 1 Corvette dealer by allocations (Brian Cullen in St. Catharines, ON). As far as I know number 2 dealer by allocations Bill Spencer is not taking any more orders.

all lists for Z06s are very long, I would not even bother trying unless Z06 is the car you truly want then get on the list with Cullen.

 

[Murray20c8]

I think you have a chance to get an E-Ray from Finch by March 31, 2027

Really? You think Finch could get about 7 E-rays a year? I think that is doubtful

 

[DenisC8]

Really? You think Finch could get about 7 E-rays a year? I think that is doubtful

they got 1 z06s this year, so if they continue getting 25% of what Cullen gets there is a chance. Worse case he gets an E-Ray from one of them and gets a refund from the other.

 

[Murray20c8]

they got 1 z06s this year, so if they continue getting 25% of what Cullen gets there is a chance. Worse case he gets an E-Ray from one of them and gets a refund from the other.

When does the E-ray go into production? WHat percentage will be E-rays? Since it's a LT2 they might be higher % than Z06's. So at best they will get 3 or 4 a year IMO.
He is 24th on the E-ray list! IF (HUGE IF) they get 7 per year it will still be very close. If he is 24th on the Finch list he'll be a lot higher on another list or low number on a low volume dealer.
Just trying to be realistic here. IMO He will be extremely lucky to get an E-ray at all by 2027.

 

[gone]

Never hurts to be on multiple lists, as long as you can afford plunking down the deposits. I agree that your chances of getting an E-Ray are better than a Z06, so if that's your preferred Corvette, I'd stick with the E-Ray. And don't focus only on larger dealers who get more allocations. We've had stories on these Forums of people who get on a list with a smaller dealer and get an allocation sooner. It all depends upon where you'd be on the list, compared to the allocations the dealer gets. And don't shy away from getting on a list with a dealer that's far away...it's easy to ship a vehicle and worth the cost, if it puts you behind the wheel sooner. Finally, make sure you're comfortable with whatever dealership/salesman you deal with: you're kept informed, they've confirmed in writing they'll sell you an E-Ray at MSRP and they don't have a reputation of taking allocations for the dealership, then turning around and selling for more than MSRP...so your spot on their list doesn't move or moves ++ slowly because of that. Good luck and welcome to the Forums!

 

[DW Ruby]

I wish I had more details on productions and percentages, but I do not.

So, basically what I am hearing so far is that my chances of seeing the E-Ray (or a Z06) are 'marginal', at best.
Time for Plan 'B' - Plunk down another $1,000.00 to get on that 'list' for a Z06, lengthy as it may be.
In hindsight, I probably should have done this right away.
Perhaps I will also consider another dealership and do the same routine.

Food for thought:
I think it's probably of good certainty that a 'new and improved' corvette will come out for their 75th anniversary (2008).
At the very least, there will be another 'special edition'.
Perhaps it will be an all electric 1,000 HP Zora, with artificially induced exhaust sounds (a must).
This experience has left me wondering if the dealership would accept a deposit (bribe) now.
Just saying.

 

[Jeffer2013]

go buy a used GW bettle and drive it for 10 years
then your car will be ready

 

[DW Ruby]

Well, I'm hoping for something 'nice' in the driveway Mar. 31/27.
I'll be sure to give the VW bug idea all the consideration it deserves.

 

[DW Ruby]

Signed up for a Z06 this afternoon (in addition to the E-Ray).
At #64 on the list it doesn't look overly promising for this one either.
We will see what happens over the next couple of years - things can change.

 

[Jeffer2013]

Well, I'm hoping for something 'nice' in the driveway Mar. 31/27.
I'll be sure to give the VW bug idea all the consideration it deserves.

was hoping for a much more blunt response but ok

you might want to tell us if you have even owned a c5 c6 c7 c8 and how many miles you have driven

U will not get a electric within 6 years unless those in front of you go away at that dealership

a c6 to drive for 4 years and see if you like the experience and how much going forward

an electric is not the answer in my opinion,
U will pay 20 over at least to get it before 5 years, the dealership will sell to those with money

dont know what you do but a medium term answer and discussion as well as planning for a downside risk should be part of your thinking

this will not end well for you and sooooooo
I might be the only guy who has the courage to tell you to re-think your plans as they will not work and grief is in your future

am I wrong, NO just ask the guys who have waited 2 or more years for a c8 nothing speical

that is why the bettle comment,
made to get under your skin and think why would he say that and not
‘I will give it the consideration it deserves (meaning get stuffed)

trust me you need to become part of the corvette family before then, tommorow is promised to no one

please reconsider your path forward as it is fraught with disappointment

 

[Rruuff Day]

The voice of ............ What?

 

[DenisC8]

was hoping for a much more blunt response but ok

you might want to tell us if you have even owned a c5 c6 c7 c8 and how many miles you have driven

U will not get a electric within 6 years unless those in front of you go away at that dealership

a c6 to drive for 4 years and see if you like the experience and how much going forward

an electric is not the answer in my opinion,
U will pay 20 over at least to get it before 5 years, the dealership will sell to those with money

dont know what you do but a medium term answer and discussion as well as planning for a downside risk should be part of your thinking

this will not end well for you and sooooooo
I might be the only guy who has the courage to tell you to re-think your plans as they will not work and grief is in your future

am I wrong, NO just ask the guys who have waited 2 or more years for a c8 nothing speical

that is why the bettle comment,
made to get under your skin and think why would he say that and not
‘I will give it the consideration it deserves (meaning get stuffed)

trust me you need to become part of the corvette family before then, tommorow is promised to no one

please reconsider your path forward as it is fraught with disappointment

OP is a grown man, he is entitled to make his own mistakes even after we told him what to do

 

[DW Ruby]

No corvettes in my personal history, sorry.
My 'early days' of driving were filled with the 'muscle cars' of the late 60's/70's. GTO's, Camaro's, 442's - but never enough money for a decent corvette.
Everything in the past few years has been built by Mercedes (AMG C63, AMG E53, AMG GLE 63, GLE 450).
Driving? Sure, I guess. We've crossed Canada 3 times, and travelled up to the Yukon, always in the Winter.
We own a 25 ft Mercedes/Airstream Class 'B' RV that presents itself as a kite on a windy day - this definitely requires 'driving'.
Racing? Nope. Closest I've gotten to that is on the track in Vegas in a Lamborghini, but that hardly counts.
If riding gets points, I also have a Harley Breakout (114 in3).

In the short term, I will probably place a few more deposits with some of the recommended dealers, thank you.
My 'medium term solution' is that I may pick up a slightly used C8, however, I'm not in a rush. I'm also a bit tight for space right now.
Long term - If I thought that a $20,000.00 (or more) 'gratuity' would guarantee my timelines with the dealer, I could certainly cover it, but I would not.
What I would do is send the dealership, and GM, a 'friendly' note, together with pictures of my Mercedes AMG SL 63 'replacement'.
A lot of hard working people wait far too long for a system like this to be compromised, just because someone has a few extra bucks to throw around.

Guys, at the end of the day, I'm only trying to buy a really nice car.

 

[Hanko_]

I wish I had more details on productions and percentages, but I do not.

So, basically what I am hearing so far is that my chances of seeing the E-Ray (or a Z06) are 'marginal', at best.
Time for Plan 'B' - Plunk down another $1,000.00 to get on that 'list' for a Z06, lengthy as it may be.
In hindsight, I probably should have done this right away.
Perhaps I will also consider another dealership and do the same routine.

Food for thought:
I think it's probably of good certainty that a 'new and improved' corvette will come out for their 75th anniversary (2008).
At the very least, there will be another 'special edition'.
Perhaps it will be an all electric 1,000 HP Zora, with artificially induced exhaust sounds (a must).
This experience has left me wondering if the dealership would accept a deposit (bribe) now.
Just saying.

$1,000 is what many "smaller" dealers ask. The larger ones will say $2,500.

 

[DW Ruby]

Good to know, thanks.
If you don't mind filling me in:
Are these dealers, or GM, aware of the multiple deposits?
Do they cause any grief in returning the deposit money when the car is bought elsewhere?
Has anyone had any issues with local service on a vehicle purchased elsewhere?
Any thoughts on the actual time differences (what number were you still at with the 1st dealer when the 2nd dealer came through?)

The way things are set up makes it tough for the small dealers to ever catch up, right?
They don't get the larger allocation because they don't sell enough cars.
They can't sell enough cars because they are limited by their allocations.
If everyone went with the larger volume dealers, the small ones would soon be gone.
That said, while I do prefer to buy locally, that sentiment can only be carried so far.

 

[Hanko_]

Good to know, thanks.
If you don't mind filling me in:
Are these dealers, or GM, aware of the multiple deposits?
Do they cause any grief in returning the deposit money when the car is bought elsewhere?
Has anyone had any issues with local service on a vehicle purchased elsewhere?
Any thoughts on the actual time differences (what number were you still at with the 1st dealer when the 2nd dealer came through?)

The way things are set up makes it tough for the small dealers to ever catch up, right?
They don't get the larger allocation because they don't sell enough cars.
They can't sell enough cars because they are limited by their allocations.
If everyone went with the larger volume dealers, the small ones would soon be gone.
That said, while I do prefer to buy locally, that sentiment can only be carried so far.

Allocations are primarily based on previous year's sales. I'm not aware of any dealer balking at returning a deposit. When someone cancels, everyone else moves up the list.
I'd love to have 125 people leave me a $2500 deposit, so I can earn $15,625 (5%) interest a year for doing basically nothing.
As for time difference, my 1st order from Feb, 2020 at a "small" dealer took 25 months. My order at 1 of the "big 3" has been 23 months so far. It almost went in last month except for C8 constraints, (no Z51).
I'm sure the sales reps are aware of some customers making multiple deposits, to see who comes through first. It was after waiting 15 months at status 1100 with 1 dealer, that I placed a 2nd deposit.

 

[Murray20c8]

Good to know, thanks.
If you don't mind filling me in:
Are these dealers, or GM, aware of the multiple deposits?
Do they cause any grief in returning the deposit money when the car is bought elsewhere?
Has anyone had any issues with local service on a vehicle purchased elsewhere?
Any thoughts on the actual time differences (what number were you still at with the 1st dealer when the 2nd dealer came through?)

The way things are set up makes it tough for the small dealers to ever catch up, right?
They don't get the larger allocation because they don't sell enough cars.
They can't sell enough cars because they are limited by their allocations.
If everyone went with the larger volume dealers, the small ones would soon be gone.
That said, while I do prefer to buy locally, that sentiment can only be carried so far.

This has been a sore spot with me for several years.
Many dealers will not enter an order into the Workbench software (GM's ordering software) until they get an allocation to match the order.
I was a computer specialist at a College and can tell you emphatically that EVERYONE I've ever heard of is always querying their database for information that varies as widely as their imagination. I would be absolutely stunned if GM doesn't have hooks into their Workbench database to gain insight as to what the customer is looking for. Remember that allocations are assigned with constraints in mind. Their must be dealers that can not assign an allocation to an order because they just don't have the customer base that others do. So GM MUST be aware of what dealers require. They also must let their suppliers know what to expect in the coming year and not just the coming 2 months.
I'm sure they want to know what percentage of orders are for Stingrays and what are Z06's. They don't want to lose customers by creating 2 year waits on either model if they can help it.
Perhaps large dealers can get away with not entering orders into Workbench, but how can a smaller dealer not enter the order just in case GM is looking and like I said, they absolutely must be looking. It just makes no sense not to look.

Anyway, the way a dealer gets allocations is by Corvette sales. Spencers, for example, bought Corvettes from other dealers just to increase their own Corvette sales. They are stock that haven't sold from as far away as NFLD. So if a smaller dealer wants to get into the game that is what they have to do. I'd also recommend that they enter all their orders into Workbench so that GM would know, if they indeed ever looked.

You can buy locally, but it's a crap shoot. Like I said you must educate yourself by asking the questions from the dealer. How many allocations do they expect? How many allocations did they receive previously and how many are on their list and how do they order their lists. (by Z06 SR or E-ray etc.)

 

[Hanko_]

This has been a sore spot with me for several years.
Many dealers will not enter an order into the Workbench software (GM's ordering software) until they get an allocation to match the order.
I was a computer specialist at a College and can tell you emphatically that EVERYONE I've ever heard of is always querying their database for information that varies as widely as their imagination. I would be absolutely stunned if GM doesn't have hooks into their Workbench database to gain insight as to what the customer is looking for. Remember that allocations are assigned with constraints in mind. Their must be dealers that can not assign an allocation to an order because they just don't have the customer base that others do. So GM MUST be aware of what dealers require. They also must let their suppliers know what to expect in the coming year and not just the coming 2 months.
I'm sure they want to know what percentage of orders are for Stingrays and what are Z06's. They don't want to lose customers by creating 2 year waits on either model if they can help it.
Perhaps large dealers can get away with not entering orders into Workbench, but how can a smaller dealer not enter the order just in case GM is looking and like I said, they absolutely must be looking. It just makes no sense not to look.

Anyway, the way a dealer gets allocations is by Corvette sales. Spencers, for example, bought Corvettes from other dealers just to increase their own Corvette sales. They are stock that haven't sold from as far away as NFLD. So if a smaller dealer wants to get into the game that is what they have to do. I'd also recommend that they enter all their orders into Workbench so that GM would know, if they indeed ever looked.

You can buy locally, but it's a crap shoot. Like I said you must educate yourself by asking the questions from the dealer. How many allocations do they expect? How many allocations did they receive previously and how many are on their list and how do they order their lists. (by Z06 SR or E-ray etc.)

That's fine, IF the dealer chooses to be transparent. My 1st dealer was fairly evasive when I asked. Best I got was, "I'm 4th or 5th on their list". I was totally in the dark at 1100 (Order placed at dealership), from Feb 2020 til Jan, 2022, when I finally got notification that it went to 3000. (Order accepted by production control)