Long term ownership review: C8 Stingray Z51, 3 years, 15k miles
Posted by Carbosuchus@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 85 comments
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Posted by Carbosuchus@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 85 comments
[removed]
_galaga_@reddit
As silly as it may sound adding ACC to the C8 would make it pretty much perfect as a sightseeing road tripper GT. I’ve always appreciated that the convertible the top can operate without affecting what’s in the trunk, too. The Z4 hardtop convertible I’ve been driving lately has a moveable mechanism in the trunk that limits space to allow the top to go down but it’s finicky and majorly cuts into space for stuff. No such issues with the C8 design. Needing to get something out of the trunk of the C8 doesn’t require closing the top which is a dance you sometimes have to do with the Z4.
466rudy@reddit
ACC?
ChuckFinley_is4Ever@reddit
Prob means Adaptive Cruise Control
myCarAccount--@reddit
Oh weird I thought adaptive chassis control
466rudy@reddit
Ah got it. I really liked that feature in a rental 2025 Camry I had. It was very intelligent.
ChuckFinley_is4Ever@reddit
I wasn’t a fan of it the few times I’ve used it (all times were in Toyotas).
466rudy@reddit
Me too but they seem to have improved it a lot now.
_galaga_@reddit
It reduces fatigue on long drives in my experience. It takes a little bit of time for me to develop trust in a system but once I’m confident I know where the sensors are pointing you can really eat up miles with it.
I bring this up with the C8 in part because GM’s Super Cruise system is known to be one of the best and yet it’s absent from the C8.
SoloPorUnBeso@reddit
I'm kinda surprised it doesn't have it, even as an option.
cookingboy@reddit
ACC is just great when implemented well. I was just stuck in traffic for a bit in my Artura and I put on ACC + EV only mode and the whole thing was as comfortable as my daily i4.
Content_Godzilla@reddit
Cries in FWD sports sedan.
spiketeam@reddit
I was strongly considering the c8, the performance for dollar is simply unmatched. However 2 things held me back-
It’s too big(mainly width) for back roads. It also barely fit in a regular 2 car garage with another car. The v8 is too quiet. For a mid engined car with a v8 next to you it’s far too insulated inside the car.
ChuckFinley_is4Ever@reddit
2 is how I feel about my Blackwing. I still enjoy it, but I wish it was louder inside the cabin, it’s loud enough outside.
spiketeam@reddit
It’s a funny coincidence that you brought up your blackwing. That was the car when I started considering the c8.
Mine was the 4 though but yeah same complaint- too quiet inside. It’s more than loud enough outside.
ChuckFinley_is4Ever@reddit
Every time I’ve brought that “complaint” up to anyone they suggest I modify the exhaust. My answer is always that it already wakes the dead from outside. I just want to enjoy it more while inside where I drive it from.
How is your GTS btw? My wife wants a CPO Taycan, but I’m (unsuccessfully!) trying to talk her into a 718 GTS 4.0 instead (lower depreciation)
spiketeam@reddit
Yeah, you would have definitely seen posts by me on this topic in the forums. I don’t want to make it louder because that’s the only way to make it sound better inside. I don’t wanna be that guy.
The GTS is immense, I am dreading the maintenance costs compared to all my previous gm performance cars but I did wanna experience a Porsche at some point. I had a similar argument with my wife, she wanted or still wants a taycan/panamera or macan and I was like the only way I’m paying for Porsche maintenance rates if it’s the 911/718.
Ps- the 718/porsche in general seems to get the in car sound right. I dunno how they’re doing it without speakers or artificial sound but it’s great.
ChuckFinley_is4Ever@reddit
Is the 718 your weekend car? It would be her daily (can’t really be much worse fuel economy than her Bronco haha) so the miles would definitely add up.
I haven’t driven one yet, but I think it was the ThrottleHouse guys who said that the exhaust sound in the GTS 4.0 was very one note and from the video it definitely sounded sort of one dimensional. Is that what it sounds like in your experience? If so, did you get used to it?
Xiinz@reddit
If I had one word to describe the GTS, it’s mechanical. You feel the bumps on the road, you hear the engine itself (not the exhaust) humming along behind you. The fuel injectors on the car is LOUD, you can hear them ticking across the street while cruising.
You have to really enjoy connected driving. It’s not insulated, it’s luxurious if you get the right packages. But the GTS is far closer to Porsche sportscar roots than any non GT 911 is.
spiketeam@reddit
Honestly, I don’t agree with the one note thing. Especially in person it’s quite sonorous. I don’t think it sounds as good as a 981, lc500 or a z06 but sounds better than lots of cars including the blackwings(yes even the v8), the base c8 etc.
AwesomeBantha@reddit
If you don’t want to make the exhaust louder, maybe remove some sound deadening from the inside?
ChuckFinley_is4Ever@reddit
Things rarely ever go back the way they came out and I don’t want to risk rattles or creaks developing over time because of it.
SeriousMongoose2290@reddit
I just look for buildings and overpasses and roll my windows down. Far too quiet otherwise 😂
randeus@reddit
Lowering the back seats usually does it for me when I want more noise in the cabin.
ChuckFinley_is4Ever@reddit
I used to do that with the middle/passenger side seat, but I have two car seats back there so can’t do that any more.
randeus@reddit
Ah. It’s kind of a blessing and a curse how well insulated cars are these days. Even my car is way quieter inside than outside and Coyotes are not quiet engines and I’m pretty sure it has a sound tube pumping in natural engine noises too.
Carbosuchus@reddit (OP)
Fair take. It is goofy wide, not sure who in the market was asking for their 2 door sport coupe to be as wide as an SUV but I'd like to have a word with them. Makes my wagon look like a supermodel in comparison.
SonnyG696@reddit
I love the wideness, I personally thought base stingrays of previous gens were too narrow for how long the car is
CountryTechno@reddit
Lmao. Lost me at
HughPajooped@reddit
Yup. Check your privelege.
Xiinz@reddit
Shush poor
Terryknowsbest@reddit
Such a weird command to declare upon someone.
Syscrush@reddit
I came here to say this. Tough luck MX-5, 86/BRZ, Golf R, Cayman/Boxster, 4C, M2C, and whatever other Lotus stuff.
StockAL3Xj@reddit
Calling the Cayman, 4C, and M2C a starter sports car is even more ridiculous.
NotFastEnoughYet@reddit
How would it be anymore reasonable to list a Cayman/Boxster or Lotus as a starter car than a Corvette? Unless we're talking used... but I'm not sure a used Porsche or especially Lotus is a great place to start for most people, either.
Syscrush@reddit
I was thinking used for everything I mentioned, because that often goes together with "starter". With that said, the Cayman/Boxster and almost every Lotus have less weight and far less power than a C8 Z51. There are lots of options for both that are less expensive to buy and to do track days on than a C8.
NotFastEnoughYet@reddit
I mean there's some good, inexpensive options for C8s, too. The only thing you probably can't get as cheap or cheaper than on a Cayman or Lotus is tires. And used base C8s can now be had for pretty reasonable prices.
I don't know why weight is relevant, though, unless you're now arguing about sports car vs non sports car, which is not the point here.
Syscrush@reddit
I think that a lighter, more nimble car is better to start with than a 3700+ lbs car.
NotFastEnoughYet@reddit
I see where you're coming from, but I think the point here was cost, not driving dynamics. It was crazy to call a $70K (base) car a "starter" sports car. I think that's where the disconnect was starting from your original reply, heh.
InvasionOfScipio@reddit
Ah yes, the golf R sports car.
Syscrush@reddit
You can argue against anything on that list as a sports car, with the possible exception of the Cayman. I'm trying to be less of a pedantic grumpy old bastard.
Cars like the GTI, Golf R, Focus ST, Fiesta ST, GR Yaris & Corolla aren't classical sports cars, but they're faster than most sports cars made in the 20th century, and are a logical first step into sports/track driving experiences.
YouAreMentalM8@reddit
I don't think there's anybody arguing the bolded below aren't sports.
crunchynibbas@reddit
That's where you're wrong. There are literally people on here that claim cars like the 86, RX-8, or 911 aren't sports cars because they have rear seats. Or some other shit like they have 4 doors
Syscrush@reddit
Haha, that would be me. Same for the 911 and famously successful race cars like the M3 and Quattro.
Rear seat means it's not a sports car. 4 doors means it's not a sports car. Auto transmission means it's not a sports car - does that include DCT systems? Sure, why not! FWD or AWD means it's not a sports car. >50% weight on the front wheels means it's not a sports car. A sports car can have an I4 engine, but if it does, it sucks.
When I was younger, some guys claimed that a sports car had to have an open roof. Personally, I think that's a roadster and that a sports car should have a closed roof. Shelby Cobra? Not a sports car. Shelby Daytona Coupe? Sports car! It's all so stupid.
I'm trying to be less hung up on this shit, but I still get really pissed off when people call a Musting, Camaro, or Challenger either a sports car or a muscle car. These are pony cars FFS!
Ugh. Time for some deep breathing exercises.
NotFastEnoughYet@reddit
Modern Mustangs and Camaros absolutely are sports cars.
Syscrush@reddit
They were never muscle cars. They were always pony cars - literally by definition.
NotFastEnoughYet@reddit
Fair enough point. They're pony cars, too. They're ponymusclesports cars. Anyone who says otherwise can fuck right off.
YouAreMentalM8@reddit
I hope I never meet the person who claims any of those vehicles have four doors, haha.
ThatOneBitch02@reddit
Lmao, even those are an end goal to me (especially boxster or lotus). I think starter sports car and I think new edge, mk5 gti, rx8, or maybe a 350z or focus st if you stretch.
Sidenote, I feel like this sub is heavily populated by out of touch wealthier people.
Thomas_633_Mk2@reddit
Guarantee someone will complain the Golf isn't a sports car
And yeah, my first sports car was a 7k AUD car and I only got that because of family money. God knows what you start with if you're below middle class.
ThatOneBitch02@reddit
Lmao, even those are an end goal to me (especially boxster or lotus). I think starter sports car and I think new edge, mk5 gti, rx8, or maybe a 350z or focus st if you stretch.
Sidenote, I feel like this sub is heavily populated by out of touch wealthier people.
randeus@reddit
Yeah, absolutely crazy statement. What the hell does that make the Miata and twins?
Terryknowsbest@reddit
Also a fantastic starter sports car...? How can they not co-exist under the same statement
randeus@reddit
Well, the point was those are actually starter sports cars, but the OP has since clarified what he meant.
fatitalianstallion@reddit
It is. It’s incredibly easy to drive and maintenance is cheap. It’s so easy to drive it’s boring. Sold mine after 8900 miles since a ford dealer offered $20k over what I paid summer of 22. Was happy to get out of it as it got boring quickly dailying it after the newness wore off.
Glad I owned it. Helped me learn that type of car sit for me. Gen 5 viper is replacing it once I can find a 2013 launch for $130
Carbosuchus@reddit (OP)
You've got more hair on your chest than me! The viper seems like a riot. A little more rowdy than I want to deal with; I'm a pretty reserved driver and would probably drive the viper timid vs a trusty C8. Good luck with your search.
Carbosuchus@reddit (OP)
This is my bad on wording. My aim was to convey that I had a great experience with this as my first owned sports car, and instead I sound like a pompous ass! Sorry. A great beginner-friendly car to me means linear, predictable responses to inputs, stability especially midcorner, low maintenance, and a car that can let you have a little fun at non-lethal speeds. Did not mean that as a budget comment.
Vhozite@reddit
Don’t feel bad I thought it was pretty obvious this is what you meant
DimensionPrize8168@reddit
I understood where you were coming from. For me, it was a Cayman S. It was the first car I really understood what good handling really meant. It’s a really good track car that won’t get away from you because it’s not overly powerful. I imagine the C8 base model is the same way.
4r4r4real@reddit
alpha417@reddit
C'mon, say it....
...say it!!!
"Its 1/1 of this color, on a Thursday, painted by Claude who is a trans/furry..."
unatleticodemadrid@reddit
Good review.
Definitely unpopular on the sub but I like it too. The ridge that the row of buttons sit on creates a kind of divider between the driver and passenger and I like cabins that do that.
cookingboy@reddit
It gives more of a cockpit feel, I absolutely love that in sports cars.
And material and cabin tech wise, I think the C8’s interior punches so far above its weight it makes all the European OEMs look just sad, which is a huge reversal from the previous generations.
For example even just the LT2 trim is an entire class better than the standard interior in any 911 this side of the Turbo.
unatleticodemadrid@reddit
Porsche’s value prop has dropped tremendously off late.
Lacklustre interiors has been a problem with McLarens for a while now; even the P1’s isn’t much to write home about. FWIW, they’ve expanded the palette on the W1 so it seems they’re trying to get away from that.
cookingboy@reddit
Haha yeah, but man, even my “affordable” Artura is still an almost $300k car, it really should not have a standard interior that I can only describe as “drab”.
It’s pretty well made though, feels much better put together than the 720S and 570S I’ve driven in the past. Material is lacking with too much cheap plastic in places, and doesn’t even have ambient lighting unless you get the packages.
unatleticodemadrid@reddit
My biggest gripe is IRIS. The screen looks straight out of the mid 2000s. Still not as egregious as Lambo’s sorry excuse of an infotainment system so we’ll take the little wins.
cookingboy@reddit
Tbf what is good in the supercar world?
The new Ferrari infotainment is a disaster, despite looking nice in photos, and the last gen system in the F8/488 etc have tech from 2010 (that tiny CarPlay in the dash that’s controlled by the small knob is just comical).
You’d think Lambo would be great because they are just Audi systems…
At least the system in my Artura is responsive and looks and feels good to use when CarPlay is plugged in, which is all I need.
unatleticodemadrid@reddit
From my limited time in Ferraris, it’s been passable but again, I haven’t had enough experience to notice any pain points.
This is partly why I’m extra harsh on them - I know they have the capability but the execution’s just not there.
Toxicfunk314@reddit
100% agree on the cockpit feel that driver-focused layout really works. The interior quality jump from C7 to C8 is honestly impressive, especially at that price point. Porsche definitely charges a premium for what Chevy's giving you standard now.
Carbosuchus@reddit (OP)
Agreed, I think we will look back at this sort of layout with kinder eyes in a few years.
inheritthefire@reddit
Very thorough review, but i do wonder how you bought a 2023 new, averaged 5k miles per year, but it was also your only car until the 2025 MB.
Were the first two years 90% of the miles and your usage dropped off?
I've owned mine for not even 3 months, didn't have it for 3 weeks of those 3 months, and I've already put almost 5k on it.
El_mochilero@reddit
I work home office and I can easily only put less than 5,000 miles a year on my car.
inheritthefire@reddit
I'm 50/50 wfh and in office, with a 9 mile commute...
But the best cheese shop in town is 20 miles round trip, the in-laws are 38 miles round trip, the nearest Costco is 14 miles... it adds up, and a crazy as it sounds I love driving the corvette.
I just really don't understand spending $60k+ on something and not using it. These aren't rare or collectible cars but any means, so I'm genuinely curious how OP used theirs to come up with this "long term" review when from my perspective they barely used the car.
El_mochilero@reddit
There are countless ways to own cars. Have a daily driver and a fun car. I also work from home and don’t drive much at all. When I’m out running errands with my wife, I’m almost always in the Subaru. I don’t usually drive my C6 with her because she hates the way that I drive that car hahaha.
I know people that own a $15k car for 2-3 years, then save money and upgrade to a $25k car for 2-3 years, then upgrade to a $35k car after 2-3 years. If you make good money and do this a few times and next thing you know you’re in and out of $50k -$60k cars that are toys that you don’t drive that much. But they also don’t cost you that much in debt if you save money and upgrade.
inheritthefire@reddit
That's about what I did, plus a substantial increase in income over the duration. I just really like driving my toys.
Ran4@reddit
OP is rich they can probably afford to have other people handle moving stuff around.
Carbosuchus@reddit (OP)
Some factors on the low mileage:
I work hybrid 2x a week. I take the bus to work: cheaper (subsidized) and easier
Most daily needs are a 15 min walk to the town center. Not worth getting the car out to pay for parking for that. Easier to walk. I also use a good amount of delivered groceries and online shopping.
I had access to my partners honda civic before the Benz. Without it, probably would be closer to 8k a year
I definitely want to put more on!
Eggith@reddit
I recently drove one of these when I went on vacation in Virginia. It was also a 2LT Z51. The wall of buttons was confusing for like the first 30 minutes while I tried to figure it out but then it clicked. If there was one thing that annoyed me was that if you took it out of Z mode, it would go back to Tour mode instead of whatever you had last. Idk if it was a setting or something but I found myself a little miffed having to cycle back to "My Mode" every time.
Carbosuchus@reddit (OP)
Yes, the default back to Tour can get annoying and not fixable as far as I know. I run My mode with Track exhaust, heavier steering for bumming around, and Sport mode with Z mode when it's real driving time. I always think something's broken when it starts back up in quiet, light handling Tour mode.
Kloness@reddit
Fairly spot on with my experience. Excellent car.
Haven’t run into any issues with turning radius but I’m used to cars with much wider front tires.
OopsIPosted_Again@reddit
Damn dude, such a comprehensive review. Tbh, C8 feels like a game changer in its class imo. The bang for buck is unmatchable, especially compared to Porsches and R8s. The whole 'hard to steer' argument is kinda overblown, it's a sports car, not a Prius. Plus, that V8 growl? Pure eargasms. Too bad about the Z06 markups, they're something else. Ride on! ✌️🏎️ Also, Cars >>> crypto anyday.
roarroarimadinosaur@reddit
Well writen! Any pic of said C8?
Carbosuchus@reddit (OP)
Anybody's welcome to DM me for a photo! Photo in comments seem to be blocked
SonnyG696@reddit
I’ve had mine for 3 years, ‘22 model year and have this same exact experience. I was gonna upgrade to a z06 but the stock is more than capable and enough for me while still being more livable. I did go full 3lt since I’ve always loved a leather dash and wanted the gt2 seats anyways
466rudy@reddit
Thanks. Great review!
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