The Chevrolet brand is not one typically associated with luxury but the automobile landscape has never been more convoluted as premium luxury brands introduce entry level sub $30,000.00 models, and brands of the everyday people introduce $100,000.00 plus models.  Consider the high performing Corvette representative of the latter statement as their top of the line C7 Corvette Z06 nicely equipped will cost you over $100,000.00 for the right to say you are the owner.

Let me be clear for the hip impaired.  My C7 reference is about the seventh generation of America’s iconic sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette!  In 2014 Chevy introduced their latest iteration of the Corvette and they knew they had a winner, as this was the first “Vet” in quite some time that they dubbed the “Stingray”. That nickname has been only reserved for special “Vets”. The base model Corvette starts at an MSRP of $55,450.00 and options, taxes, and dealer prep (depending on what state you live in) can easily have you financing or writing a check for over $75,000.00.  You have officially arrived in the “luxury zone”. It should be noted thanks in part to a Facebook Corvette fan that the Z06 didn't launch until the 2015 model year. This guide is based on the base model. It is unquestionable that the Z06 Corvette MSRP is in the luxury zone and delivers the luxury of super performance.

MSRP Range New: $55,450.00 - $79,000.00 (base model to nicely equipped)

PMPR (Poor Man Price Range): $39,000.00 - $45,000.00

Current Min Savings Against MSRP New: 30%

Current Body Style: Yes, not slated to change for at least another 24 months

Total Listed Nationally: 605

For: One of the most iconic cars in the world and now capable of performance on par with any of the luxury imports. Street performance that will nearly match a Porsche 911S and faster than a base model 911. Looks to match performance and as comfortable as a two seater gets with a removable hard top.

Against: This is a knit pick but there are still those not in the know that conjure up negative images of an American built performance car. Take them for a ride or ask them to follow you and see if they can keep up.

Single Poor Man POV: Be prepared for some fun and drive it like a rock star. Buy a radar detector to save your driver’s license and get some track time and learn how to drive it to save your life!

Married Poor Man POV: Your wife will think you are going through a mid life crisis or getting ready to have an affair. Take the top off, take her for a ride and when she sees the joy on your face she will be officially put on notice that the new chick in your life is named Corvette and offers almost unconditional love. Her only conditions are keep gas in the tank and do the scheduled maintenance.  

Divorced Poor Man POV: If you still see your ex wife she’ll see you have moved on and having fun.  If you don’t see her every time you turn the key in the ignition and put the car in drive you will thank yourself for the separation and be reminded about how much fun life is again! 

Curb Appeal: 9 with the trendy black 20” wheels and 8 with 19” chrome ones

Bottom Line: This Corvette now competes with some of the best performance cars in the world, no excuses and no apologies, period! Newly designed for 2014 this car has been upgraded in every sense of the word from the engine to the exterior and interior. If you are a fan of driving this car will put smiles on your face with it’s roaring V8 power. If you want a car for power or looks, street appeal or whatever floats your boat this is the ticket.

Corvette C7 Online Forum:

Chevrolet Certified Program Details:

  • Powertrain Limited Warranty to 6 years or 100,000 miles.

  • Be within current plus-5 model years

  • Be within a maximum of 75,000 vehicle miles

  • Have a clean title and pass a Vehicle History Report (free CARFAX® for Chevrolet CPO vehicles listed on gmcertified.com)

Did You Know?

  • GM new car warranty is 3 years or 36,000 miles, which ever comes first.

  • 2014 is the first model year of the current body style but it’s the 7h generation Corvette and a special one as Chevrolet brought back the “Stingray” name for this generation.

  • Faster 0-60 than a base model Porsche 911 and faster than Porsche’s Cayman or Boxster S!

  • Available in both an automatic or seven speed manual shifter.

  • The Coupe is essentially a Targa as they all come with a removable top that can be stored.

Other Poor Man Options In Same Price Range:

  • Acura: 2016 TSX (New)

  • Audi: 2014 S5

  • BMW: 2013 M3 Convertible

  • Cadillac: 2014 CTS-Vsport Premium Sedan

  • Jaguar: 2013 XF

  • Maserati: 2014 Ghibli S

Poor Man Options Slightly Outside Price Range Of A 2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette Coupe:

  • Aston Martin: 2009 Vantage V8 Roadster

  • Porsche: 2013 Panamera S