Over the years, we’ve always liked to search for used Corvettes on the Carmax website.
Even though their prices are higher than most dealers, we figure the convenience and the knowledge that the cars have been thoroughly checked out by Carmax make the inflated price more palatable for some customers.
A search this week turned up the first mid-engine Corvette to be available through Carmax – a Torch Red 2020 Z51 Stingray coupe with just under 4,000 miles.
Notable optional equipment includes the top-of-the-line 3LT package and the Trident Silver-Painted Aluminum Wheels.
The 3LT package, of course, is most notable for its custom leather-wrapped interior, sueded microfiber wrapped upper interior trim, and custom leather-wrapped instrument panel and doors. Also included are nice upgrades like the 14-speaker Bose audio system, rear camera mirror, heated and ventilated seats, power mirrors, and rear cross-traffic and side blind zone alerts. This one has a black interior with red stitching.
Notably missing, however, is one option we wouldn’t want to be without – the very useful (in certain circumstances) Front End Lift.
Built on Feb. 26, 2020, VIN #1524 probably left the lot at Paul Masse Chevrolet in Rhode Island in late March with an original MSRP in the neighborhood of $80,000, but Carmax had this one-owner car listed at $94,998 earlier this week. While that sounds high, it’s actually a fair price based on others showing up on Auto Trader with asking prices of $100,000 to $125,000.
Unfortunately, right now on the company’s website, the car is labeled as unavailable. We don’t know if that means it’s already sold or on hold for someone, but it would definitely be worth a quick phone call to the Hartford, Connecticut store to find out for sure if you’re seriously in the market for a slightly used mid-engine Stingray and don’t want to wait on a 2021.
With the push to electrification happening in full swing, it wouldn’t be a knock against you if you thought the humble hybrid was all but dead as we enter into the latter half of 2020. After all, Tesla’s stock is at an all-time high, new electric cars are coming out that are increasingly affordable and capable, and the price of gas is low (and seemingly staying there).
So what’s the value prop for the hybrid look like in 2020? In my opinion, still quite good. In fact, hybrid powertrains now add as much performance as they do convenience and economy.
From Kia’s to Mercedes, here are the top hybrid 2020 model year cars that I think are worth buying.
First introduced for the 2018 model year, the Honda Accord Hybrid remains the standout midsize hybrid sedan and is the best overall hybrid car on the road today. There are a lot of reasons for this, from its “hey, you’d have no idea this was a hybrid” styling to the muscular feel it has on the road. Honda has had a long time to perfect both the Accord and hybrid powertrain, and the result of that process is obvious in the 2020 model.
Economy is just under 50 mpg, and with total powertrain output at 212 hp at 6,200 rpm and 232 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. The combustion engine is responsible for 143 hp and 129 lb-ft, and the twin electric engines provide the balance.
All trims include LED headlights, keyless entry/ignition, dual-zone climate control, and the Honda Sensing suite of safety aids, which including forward collision warning, lane departure, lane-keeping assist, and cruise control.
The 2020 Accord Hybrid starts at $35,440.
2. 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Ringing in with 192 hp @ 6,200 rpm and 290 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm, the redesigned-for-2020 Hyundai Sonata is a visual stunner that is easy on the pocketbook at enjoyable to drive. The internal combustion engine delivers 150 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque, with the electric powertrain making up the difference.
If you’re a Hyundai hybrid fanatic, you may note that last year’s Sonata hybrid made 192 hp. However, the new hybrid powertrain is a bit lighter and more efficient overall, so the small 1-hp drop is well worth the tradeoff.
Notable, the 2020 Sonata hybrid has a 10 year/100,000 mile hybrid powertrain and battery warranty. Given how close we are to full-on electrification, it stands to reason that this may well be the last combustion car you buy before going all-in on electric (assuming you shop every 5-7 years).
The 2020 Sonata Hybrid starts at $27,750.
3. 2020 Lexus ES300h
2020 Lexus ES300h
The only car from a luxury marque to make the list, the 2020 Lexus ES300h is an impressive vehicle, albeit one that is decided better to look at from inside the cabin. The exterior is modern, yes, but svelte it is not. However, look past the front grill and there is a very strong car here.
With 215 hp from the combined 176 hp 2.5 L four-cylinder and electric motor, the ES300h is in the same field as the Accord and Sonata from a power perspective. However, while it may have similar power as the list leaders, it is down on economy with an estimated combined rating of “just” 44 mpg. Exceptional range, to be sure, but less than both cars above it on this list.
Where the Lexus stands out is in its luxe interior, which is tech-heavy, luxuriously appointed, and comfortable to be in. It is the most refined of the bunch, though it should be given it is clearly targeting a demographic seeking a more plush and comfortable experience.
The 2020 Lexus ES300h starts at $41,810.
4. 2020 Honda Insight Hybrid
2020 Honda Insight
The Honda Insight: the former hybrid segment leader, turned segment laggard, and has once again returned to form as a hybrid leader. It is also one of the more affordable entries into the hybrid car segment, with a starting price in the low-20’s.
It’s also a surprisingly handsome car, with an assertive front-grill, swooping turbine rims, and edgy-but-not-excessive bodywork. The Insight looks like a modern car and blends into the background, but you aren’t buying the Insight for its curb appeal. That the Insight is an overall attractive sedan is a plus.
With a total output of 151 hp and 197 lb-ft pf torque, the Insight is not a performance monster unless the metric you’re measuring is mileage, at which point the Insight becomes a leader with an estimated combined rating of 48 mpg.
The 2020 Honda Insight hybrid starts at $22,930.
5. 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
The third (and final) Honda to make it on to this list, the 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is the most “hybrid” of the hybrids on this list: it’s the one that looks like a hybrid and drives like a hybrid. That makes sense, given that the Clarity namesake debuted as a hydrogen fuel-cell powered vehicle in 2008.
With an all-electric range of just under 47 miles, many people will wind up rarely using gas should they use the Clarity as their daily commuter vehicle. Like the other Honda’s on this list, the Clarity comes equipped with the Honda Safety Sense tech stack.
The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid enjoys a combined 212 horsepower from the combined 1.5L four-cylinder and electric engine powertrain.When operating via the electric engine, the Clarity achieves 110 MPGe; otherwise, the Clarity returns a combined 42 mpg.
The 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid starts at $33,400.
6. 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
The 2020 Toyota Avalon packs some serious power, with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that puts out 176 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque that is paired to a 118 hp / 149 lb-ft electric motor. If you want more on the Avalon, check out Wade’s review of the 2020 Avalon TRD.
Like the Lexus ES300h, the Avalon feels as though it was designed with a more mature driver in mind. It has the same exterior flair as all the recent Toyota’s do, but it’s also a larger full-size sedan and that dimension changes how the aggressive design elements feel on the Avalon. With a combined 44 mpg rating, the Avalon affords you plenty of luxury and creature comforts without sacrificing economy.
If you’re looking at the Lexus, you’d do well to start with a test drive in the Avalon. You might wind up saving yourself north of $7,000.
The 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid starts at $37,000.
7. 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid
2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The 2020 Toyota Camry is a feature-rich, sensible, and practical choice for a modern hybrid car. Like the Avalon, the Camry is sporting Toyota’s updated bodywork, which is more aggressive and dynamic than Camry’s of olde. If it’s been a while since you looked at a Camry, it’ll surprise you.
The hybrid powertrain is a 2.5 L four-cylinder engine that makes 176 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque paired with an electric motor that makes total net power of 208 hp. Of course, a CVT transmission is used to maximize efficiency, and while I can appreciate what a CVT brings in terms of mileage, it’s also a buzzkill in terms of driving experience.
Solid, if uninspired, driving dynamics and excellent economy – north of 52 combined mpg – are reasons to love the Camry Hybrid. However, you may want to check out the Accord or Sonata first.
We’ve known of Brad Paisley’s love of Corvettes for some time now as the country music singer has made multiple visits to the National Corvette Museum over the years. His traveling RV even features coves like the classic C1 Corvettes.
The country music superstar has a special reason to be happy today as he officially took delivery of a new 2020 Corvette Stingray at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
The R8C Musuem Delivery Program offers the opportunity for customers to take delivery of their new Corvettes at the NCM which is located just across the street from the Corvette Assembly Plant. The NCM’s delivery staff rolls out the red carpet as they work with customers to schedule delivery and on the big day, a representative offers a personalized walk-through of the car’s operations and functions. The best part in our opinion are the photos taken during delivery:
The NCM broke the news of the celebrity visit on Friday evening with a Facebook post sharing photos of Brad and the Long Beach Red C8 Corvette along with Corvette Assembly Plant Manager Kai Spande and Corvette Museum Director Dr. Sean Preston.
Thank you to country music artist Brad Paisley for taking R8C Museum Delivery with us this evening! For those who may not know, Brad is a big Corvette fan and no stranger to Bowling Green. He’s super excited about his Long Beach Red Stingray… tune in to our page Monday for a video!
Brad’s Corvette is nicely optioned with the optional carbon flash-painted high wing as well as the rare 5VM aero kit with visible carbon fiber rockers and front splitter. The Long Beach Red exterior will be retired at the end of the model run and it’s currently running among the rarest of exterior colors for the first-year mid-engine Corvette. We also like Brad’s addition of the optional black Trident wheels contrasted with the yellow brake calipers.
Congratulations Brad on the new Corvette. We’ll be tuning in to the National Corvette Museum on Monday to see your special delivery of the 2020 Corvette Stingray!
Criswell Chevrolet’s Mike Furman delivers new Corvettes to his customers who come from all across the country to work with the nation’s top individual Corvette seller.
Mike offers a historical perspective to the current situation as it’s not the first time that dealerships have not had new Corvettes to sell, but these times will be changing soon as everything comes back up to speed. As always, your attention is required below as another great collection of vintage and throwback photos is presented. Mike reads the comments, so let him know which is your favorite!
Visit Mike’s facebook page for even more photos and videos of his new Corvette deliveries: CorvetteFurman.
~That’s right, the 2nd coming of the C8. No one can plan for the world event we all are experiencing. The Corvette is a “want” item and our health is a “need” item. Now I will be the first to admit that sometimes a ride in my Corvette is certainly a help in the mental health area but everyone needs to be a bit more patient as there are no owners manuals for what the Corvette plant/employees, Jack Cooper trucking, or the parts suppliers are experiencing…or Chevrolet dealers for that matter.
I can remember the last 1982 Corvette was built in October 1982 and the 1984’s arrived late Summer 1983…now that was a long wait and GM’s General Manager Robert Stemple decided to skip the entire model year of the 1983 Corvette which made the 1984 model year a very long production run with the 2nd largest production in numbers, 51,547. This too shall pass and when it does there will be plenty of thrilled C8 owners. The mid-engine Corvette is an incredible ride. The 2020 Corvette orders that are at status code 3000 or higher will be produced through October 2020. The 2021 model year Corvette production is slated to start in November 2020.
~Please follow on Instagram: corvette.furman and Facebook: Corvette Furman … Check out my Corvette dedicated web site www.corvettefurman.com
Back then…C4 Summer 1983. The Konner family inside the Corvette showroom. Paramus, NJ
and now… C8 reveal July 18th, 2019. Tustin, California
*My event schedule is limited to what hasn’t been canceled this year.
June 27th Movie Night in Hagerstown, MD July 23rd-26th C7 Corvette Furman driving experience at Spring Mountain race track in Pahrump, Nevada August 15th Vettes for Vets Corvette Show in Haymarket, VA August 26th-29th Corvettes at Carlisle event in Carlisle, PA…I will have my C8 on display at the Spring Mountain race track tent on the Midway next to the GM tent. October 8th-11th C8 Corvette Furman driving experience at Spring Mountain race track in Pahrump, Nevada
I have had this driving experience class for my Corvette customers 2-4 times per year since 2015. The instructors at Spring Mountain are Top Flight Pros.
Even had many of my own local Corvette Club members join in together a couple of years ago.
Always a lot of fun at the Corvettes at Carlisle Event as Lance Miller and staff put on a terrific event.
*Good Corvette story … In 1989 I appraised a 1958 Corvette which at the time was a 31-year-old Corvette and the owner wanted to trade it in on a new vehicle. I just realized that was 31 years ago! Well anyway, it didn’t get traded as the owner wanted $35,000 and I had put $33,000 on it. Fast forward 22 years to 2011 and a lady visits Criswell and wants to test drive a new Chevrolet Traverse to her local home to see if it fits in her garage. She pulls up the driveway and in the garage is that very same Silver Blue 1958 Corvette! I asked her if she found the original engine for it yet as it was originally a Fuelie car? She couldn’t believe I knew that from 25 feet away and asked how did I know so quickly? I told her I had appraised that ’58 a long time ago. Time flies but my memory was still pretty good…having this picture helped too!
***Happy Fathers Day to all.***
The Frank Class Corvette barn find and throwback section. Post up your favorite picture(s).Drive safely and remember the Corvette wave.
Mike Furman Criswell Chevrolet Gaithersburg, MD 301-212-4420 desk direct Off Fridays and Sundays “I sell and ship Nationwide and have done so for 42+ years! [email protected] CorvetteFurman.com
…follow on Instagram: corvette.furman and Facebook: Corvette Furman
Mike can deliver new Corvettes at Criswell Chevrolet in Gaithersburg, MD or through the National Corvette Museum’s R8C delivery program. He can also deliver new Corvettes via covered transport direct to your door or a courtesy delivery to the Chevrolet dealer near you.
![[PICS] Country Music Superstar Brad Paisley Takes Delivery of a 2020 C8 Corvette at the Corvette Museum](http://vinamotors.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pics-country-music-superstar-brad-paisley-takes-delivery-of-a-2020-c8-corvette-at-the-corvette-museum.jpg)
![[PICS] Country Music Superstar Brad Paisley Takes Delivery of a 2020 C8 Corvette at the Corvette Museum](http://vinamotors.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pics-country-music-superstar-brad-paisley-takes-delivery-of-a-2020-c8-corvette-at-the-corvette-museum-1.jpg)
