Ordering vs buying one on the lot

[ddgermann]

Just to chime in on Spring Mountain after calling them last week. We're considering going in December.... A few comments:

-as Derek mentioned you are matched to the car you purchased. But in the case of GS's you have to book sooner as there is limited availability of this car
-yes the gal mentioned you need to provide your VIN as Canadian cars are not in their database to confirm. They in turn call their GM contact.
-looks like the $1K fee includes a nite at the facility hotel. Can add a second ( only BEFORE) the school for $120
-they mentioned something about $10K liability on the car if it gets damaged ( maybe someone can explain details).
-The cost of the school for non-owners is $2,500.00 for the Stingray class, and $3,695.00 for the Grand Sport and Z06 class.
Looks like a fun fun experience!

Yes you can buy out the deductible for the insurance for $US 400.00.
This only applies to the Stingray. The GS and Z06 has no option for this so crashing is expensive as you have to pay the shot. I think it’s minimum US $2000.00.
Not sure about the ZR1 but likely the same with bigger numbers applied.
However that being said.... they say this has only happened once In the school history and it was due to a medical problem with the driver... not the car or his competence as a driver.
I was freaked out somewhat about crashing but in the first few minutes that went away completely. They have a very good learning system there and you are not pushed to do any more that your own comfortable pace. What you will find out is just how fast and far your comfort zone will increase in just 2 days. By the end of the course crashing was the last thing on my mind as I was having a blast driving a Z06 close to, and at times at its limits. The connection with you and the car is simply impossible to explain unless you have experienced this school or track your car. I hazard to guess that this school; even the entry level course; will make tracking the Corvette a much more pleasurable experience as well.

 

[Pilotgirl59]

Benefit is that those fully loaded cars see very deep discounts at year end and you end up scoring fully loaded 3LT's at the price of base model. But, you are also buying a Corvette in the middle of winter so you need to store it and test your own patience

Personally I found a car with every option I wanted on the lot--I would have spec'd it no differently. This may not work for everyone. In the end these cars are not cheap in December or July--so just be sure to get what you want.

I found exactly what I wanted on the lot. Was describing my must haves and the dealer said, s**t it’s sitting out side. Done deal.

 

[ddgermann]

I found exactly what I wanted on the lot. Was describing my must haves and the dealer said, s**t it’s sitting out side. Done deal.

I find that If you’re patient and a bit flexible the cars on the lots can be had for really good prices right now. loaded 19 Z06s for 119K. Sans Z07 mind you.
If you are not flexible and want specific configuration for the best price then ordering is the way to go. If there is a car configured exactly to your specs on a lot somewhere... first off your bargaining power is pretty much gone and you will be paying sticker and transportation costs.
I’m not patient and happily did this with my 17Z. Only 2 in Canada with what I wanted and of course they were both in Ontario.
So I wasn’t as lucky as you finding the perfect car at your dealership Pilotgirl. It’s fantastic that you did though.
I’m going to try and control myself and order the next new one.... at least try.
One thing I’m expecting is some amazing factory and dealership bargains on the C7s till they are announced as being over and production stops. Then there might be a little land rush to get one that drives the prices.
We will see...