Think I've lost my mind to even consider this. '17 Camaro SS

SteveVQ · 12-30-2022, 06:53 PM

2017 Camaro SS 1SS $31k. 32k miles
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/1G1FE1R75H0197298

1 owner / clean carfax / not bad

Fact is, we had a baby girl in October, Everly. We have a Toyota Venza for daily, mommy/ daddy duties. But if something did happen, I would have no where to put baby since our other car is just a 2 seater Z.

I want to still have a fast car but I need a backseat for emergencies and when Everly gets older. I'm seriously considering this Camaro. But the horror stories I've read about the 6th gen Camaro, well... makes me think I'm out of my mind to even consider this as an option. It's seems to be hit or miss, whether you get a lemon or good one. I'm going to go look at this led sled tomorrow btw.

The Z has been totally problem free. I know I'm going to get a good chunk of change since its a highly desirable trim (right below Nismo) and has low miles (considering its age) when I trade. There are none like it for sale within 500 miles. Frankly, I'm probably going to make out like a bandit on this deal. The salesperson said she was looking for a Z like mine for over a year for herself and is very excited about me bringing it tomorrow. (Sales tactic?)

Anyway, I'm excited about test driving this 455hp low 12 / high 11 sec beast but extremely hesitant when I think about the long term reliability. What good is a fast car if it doesn't run or is in for repairs often?

So I'm looking for something fast with backseats that fall within the $30k to $40k but is also going to be reliable.
Kinda lost at the moment, and worried I might make a decision tomorrow I may regret down the road.

Maybe I get lucky and this Camaro is one of the good ones, considering it's history. But I hear those DI engines are nothing but problems after 50k miles because of all the carbon build up that fuel delivery system generates internally. Making a car buying decision based on "maybe I'll be one of the lucky ones" sounds about as stupid as can be.

I want to make the right decision and need other opinions and/or options that fall within my budget. If you've had one of these 6th Gen SS's' before, please tell me about your experience.

The internet is either "I love this car or I hate this car"

(P.S. Tried to find some SS 1LE's but the local ones are trashed and the good ones are too far away.)

vtec to vvel · 12-30-2022, 07:31 PM

Congrats on becoming a new father!

The Carfax report can be used as a guide, but I wouldn't put my full faith in this, as not everything can make it to this report. At the very least, I would have a trusted mechanic look at it.

And I think you've answered your own question based on the research you've done. IMO, a fast sports car and a newborn baby in the same car doesn't mix, and you already have the perfect vehicle for baby purposes (the Venza). You've already read up on the horror stories so why take that chance? I was born in the US and a proud American, but I will NEVER buy an American car - they don't hold their values, they usually come with more issues, not very good on gas, and overall just not good cars.

And the salesperson happened to be looking for a Z like yours? Total sales tactic. Do a search of Z's for sale in your area and I'm sure they are around.

Def. go test drive it and get it out of your system so you won't have any regrets, but if you're looking for a family car that's quick, there's plenty out there that are alot more reliable and affordable compared to the Camaro's.

husam2012 · 12-30-2022, 07:41 PM

IMO the Camaro is a way better car in ever regard. Those motors are usually pretty stout as well, rare to have issues with them. It handles better, faster in a straight line and will probably average the same MPG in the end. The 370Z is really dated in comparison.

Zerafian · 12-30-2022, 08:11 PM

I mean, it seems kinda right to me. Decent amount of miles on a 6 year old car. They go for what $45-50k new? I mean, comparing to our cars, any american "muscle" car is gonna be less expensive.

Also yes, a carfax can be totally wrong but it can be used as a guide. IF its CPO, you can get the 1 year carfax buy back. If something shows up during the first year of ownership, you can more easily deal with it.

I had two accidents come up on my 370z from 2013 and 2014. I bought the car in 2018 and they didnt show up until end of 2020. One of them had the airbag deploy...and thats not nearly as uncommon as you think. Carfax is kinda **** in some ways.

NecioVato · 12-30-2022, 11:06 PM

I might be alone on this one - but I would check out Mustangs as well. I feel that the Camaros are a little claustrophobic (at least to me). And not to nitpick or anything - but I feel that the entertainment center counsel is pointed a little low - at least when I was in my friends Camaro. Regardless I DO believe that it will be faster than the Z and probably handle a little better considering how old the Z platform is. But if it were me and you were willing to check out Camaros - I would check out some Mustangs as well for comparison.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

FL 4Motion · 12-31-2022, 08:55 AM

I’m not a 5th or 6th gen F body guru but if the biggest issue with current gen is DI carbon buildup and bad HPFP, I wouldn’t stress too much.

Being a VAG guy myself, carbon buildup has been an issue on our DI motors since at least 2008. (It’s not really a problem for the last few years btw). The fix is a simple walnut blasting of the head to clean the back of the valves since they aren’t getting washed down with fuel ala port injection. Runs around $500 and needs to be done anywhere from every 20k to 60k miles depending on the specific engine. I don’t know what the interval should be for a ‘maro but I’d bet it falls in 5hat range.

The Camaro benefits from massive aftermarket suppor, I’m sure there are replacement fuel pumps etc and other options. As far as carbon buildup, sometimes a simple oil catch can can help slow the buildup too.

No car is trouble free and it seems the newer vehicles are getting so complicated that more issues are popping up.

If you want sporty and kid friendly, what about a sporty suv like a Hyundai Kona N? Iiirc it’s in your price point and it’d be new with warranty.

SteveVQ · 01-03-2023, 01:45 PM

Happy New Year!

Test drove the 6th Gen

. Very Solid Car, lots of power and tech

. Their terms were ridiculous though. Offering me way under what KBB says for my Z as a trade in. Laughed and walked out. As a trade I should get about $20.5k from a dealer. If I sold private I should get about $27k. These dumbasses were offering me $12.5k

I do want a 6th gen Camaro now. The hunt for the right deal begins.

In relation to other cars.
Mustang 5.0 GT: M/T GETRAGS are engineered in Germany but assembled in China

Don't want an automatic and don't want to pay 50k or more for a Mach1 or Shelby which got the TREMECS.

Korean Cars: Recalls and catching fire. no thanks.

Thanks again dudes, will update as I progress. Going to go look at another SS in Tampa this coming weekend. They actually valued my trade in according to KBB. So maybe a deal can happen.

SteveVQ · 01-07-2023, 11:18 PM

Came across the deal of a lifetime. 2019 SS 1SS with a 6spd. 1 owner / clean car fax / no accidents/ older guy/ non smoker. 18k miles for $33k (should be easy $45k)
Dealership gave me $20k for the Z.

No brainer, done deal, pics added.

filip00 · 01-08-2023, 03:10 AM

Manual transmission camaro? Nice! Congrats on the new car!

Averying · 01-08-2023, 03:15 AM

That’s a great deal! ~$5-8k cheaper than I what I see in my area. What’s the catch? Rebuilt title? Has no engine in it? Only starts on Tuesdays?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SteveVQ · 01-08-2023, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Averying

That’s a great deal! ~$5-8k cheaper than I what I see in my area. What’s the catch? Rebuilt title? Has no engine in it? Only starts on Tuesdays?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lol, It’s literally a brand new car. Nothing wrong found yet. It sat on the lot for about 6 mos, why? No idea, they said lots of people looked at it but didn’t have the right trade/credit/ down payment to make a deal happen. So it sat on the lot long enough to get discounted to where it was when I bought it. Lucky me.

It’s still under full warranty should anything happen. Still in disbeliefe

Woke up today like, that was a dream I just had right? Went to my garage and

American Muscle has come so far from where they were 15yrs ago. This thing handles like it’s on rails and is so damn fast. Easily go from 0 to Jail in 4.5 sec

danegrey · 01-08-2023, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NecioVato

I might be alone on this one - but I would check out Mustangs as well. I feel that the Camaros are a little claustrophobic (at least to me). A.

Had a rental Camaro at one time... did not enjoy for the above reason

danegrey · 01-08-2023, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveVQ

Came across the deal of a lifetime. 2019 SS 1SS with a 6spd. 1 owner / clean car fax / no accidents/ older guy/ non smoker. 18k miles for $33k (should be easy $45k)
Dealership gave me $20k for the Z.

No brainer, done deal, pics added.

Congrats, and you did your homework, so have fun and enjoy the new ride..

vtec to vvel · 01-08-2023, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danegrey

Had a rental Camaro at one time... did not enjoy for the above reason

This word triggered a memory of one of my college jobs at a car rental. People would rent cars to swap parts, and I remember my manager would get so pissed to find out that some of the newer cars already needed replacement parts or had missing parts altogether lol.

vtec to vvel · 01-08-2023, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Averying

That’s a great deal! ~$5-8k cheaper than I what I see in my area. What’s the catch? Rebuilt title? Has no engine in it? Only starts on Tuesdays?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

12-30-2022, 06:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
SteveVQ Base Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Florida Posts: 216 Drives: '19 Camaro SS 6MT Rep Power: 49483	Think I've lost my mind to even consider this. '17 Camaro SS 2017 Camaro SS 1SS $31k. 32k miles https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/1G1FE1R75H0197298 1 owner / clean carfax / not bad Fact is, we had a baby girl in October, Everly. We have a Toyota Venza for daily, mommy/ daddy duties. But if something did happen, I would have no where to put baby since our other car is just a 2 seater Z. I want to still have a fast car but I need a backseat for emergencies and when Everly gets older. I'm seriously considering this Camaro. But the horror stories I've read about the 6th gen Camaro, well... makes me think I'm out of my mind to even consider this as an option. It's seems to be hit or miss, whether you get a lemon or good one. I'm going to go look at this led sled tomorrow btw. The Z has been totally problem free. I know I'm going to get a good chunk of change since its a highly desirable trim (right below Nismo) and has low miles (considering its age) when I trade. There are none like it for sale within 500 miles. Frankly, I'm probably going to make out like a bandit on this deal. The salesperson said she was looking for a Z like mine for over a year for herself and is very excited about me bringing it tomorrow. (Sales tactic?) Anyway, I'm excited about test driving this 455hp low 12 / high 11 sec beast but extremely hesitant when I think about the long term reliability. What good is a fast car if it doesn't run or is in for repairs often? So I'm looking for something fast with backseats that fall within the $30k to $40k but is also going to be reliable. Kinda lost at the moment, and worried I might make a decision tomorrow I may regret down the road. Maybe I get lucky and this Camaro is one of the good ones, considering it's history. But I hear those DI engines are nothing but problems after 50k miles because of all the carbon build up that fuel delivery system generates internally. Making a car buying decision based on "maybe I'll be one of the lucky ones" sounds about as stupid as can be. I want to make the right decision and need other opinions and/or options that fall within my budget. If you've had one of these 6th Gen SS's' before, please tell me about your experience. The internet is either "I love this car or I hate this car" (P.S. Tried to find some SS 1LE's but the local ones are trashed and the good ones are too far away.) FL 4Motion, danegrey and vtec to vvel like this. __________________ ‘19 Camaro SS 1SS 6MT ‘13 370Z Sport/Touring 6MT 328whp (Sold) #LetsGoBrandon! Last edited by SteveVQ; 12-30-2022 at 07:05 PM.

12-30-2022, 07:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
vtec to vvel A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: 813 Posts: 3,903 Drives: 13 Z Rep Power: 499553	Congrats on becoming a new father! The Carfax report can be used as a guide, but I wouldn't put my full faith in this, as not everything can make it to this report. At the very least, I would have a trusted mechanic look at it. And I think you've answered your own question based on the research you've done. IMO, a fast sports car and a newborn baby in the same car doesn't mix, and you already have the perfect vehicle for baby purposes (the Venza). You've already read up on the horror stories so why take that chance? I was born in the US and a proud American, but I will NEVER buy an American car - they don't hold their values, they usually come with more issues, not very good on gas, and overall just not good cars. And the salesperson happened to be looking for a Z like yours? Total sales tactic. Do a search of Z's for sale in your area and I'm sure they are around. Def. go test drive it and get it out of your system so you won't have any regrets, but if you're looking for a family car that's quick, there's plenty out there that are alot more reliable and affordable compared to the Camaro's. FL 4Motion, danegrey, Rusty and 1 others like this. __________________ Don't like what I post? Too bad. I really don't give a sh!t

12-30-2022, 07:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
husam2012 Track Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Michigan Posts: 542 Drives: 370Z Nismo Rep Power: 9469	IMO the Camaro is a way better car in ever regard. Those motors are usually pretty stout as well, rare to have issues with them. It handles better, faster in a straight line and will probably average the same MPG in the end. The 370Z is really dated in comparison. danegrey, Falconquey and SteveVQ like this. __________________ Creator of the GTR TT Conversion Kit, NA Record Holder (401WHP) Ecutek Master Tuner (VQ37, VR30, VR38, B58, S55, S58) BTWTuning

12-30-2022, 08:11 PM	#4 (permalink)
Zerafian A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 1,334 Drives: 13' MB 370z Rep Power: 24238	I mean, it seems kinda right to me. Decent amount of miles on a 6 year old car. They go for what $45-50k new? I mean, comparing to our cars, any american "muscle" car is gonna be less expensive. Also yes, a carfax can be totally wrong but it can be used as a guide. IF its CPO, you can get the 1 year carfax buy back. If something shows up during the first year of ownership, you can more easily deal with it. I had two accidents come up on my 370z from 2013 and 2014. I bought the car in 2018 and they didnt show up until end of 2020. One of them had the airbag deploy...and thats not nearly as uncommon as you think. Carfax is kinda ** in some ways. SteveVQ likes this. __________________ LC500 exhaust set up*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI7DiA43ZYw&t Last edited by Zerafian; 12-30-2022 at 08:19 PM.*

12-30-2022, 11:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
NecioVato Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Dallas TX Posts: 319 Drives: 2017 Black Nismo Z Rep Power: 19786	I might be alone on this one - but I would check out Mustangs as well. I feel that the Camaros are a little claustrophobic (at least to me). And not to nitpick or anything - but I feel that the entertainment center counsel is pointed a little low - at least when I was in my friends Camaro. Regardless I DO believe that it will be faster than the Z and probably handle a little better considering how old the Z platform is. But if it were me and you were willing to check out Camaros - I would check out some Mustangs as well for comparison. Good luck with whatever you decide. FL 4Motion and BORNGEARHEAD like this.

12-31-2022, 08:55 AM	#6 (permalink)
FL 4Motion A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: FL Posts: 4,776 Drives: Baby Shark Rep Power: 701615	I’m not a 5th or 6th gen F body guru but if the biggest issue with current gen is DI carbon buildup and bad HPFP, I wouldn’t stress too much. Being a VAG guy myself, carbon buildup has been an issue on our DI motors since at least 2008. (It’s not really a problem for the last few years btw). The fix is a simple walnut blasting of the head to clean the back of the valves since they aren’t getting washed down with fuel ala port injection. Runs around $500 and needs to be done anywhere from every 20k to 60k miles depending on the specific engine. I don’t know what the interval should be for a ‘maro but I’d bet it falls in 5hat range. The Camaro benefits from massive aftermarket suppor, I’m sure there are replacement fuel pumps etc and other options. As far as carbon buildup, sometimes a simple oil catch can can help slow the buildup too. No car is trouble free and it seems the newer vehicles are getting so complicated that more issues are popping up. If you want sporty and kid friendly, what about a sporty suv like a Hyundai Kona N? Iiirc it’s in your price point and it’d be new with warranty. SteveVQ likes this.

01-03-2023, 01:45 PM	#7 (permalink)
SteveVQ Base Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Florida Posts: 216 Drives: '19 Camaro SS 6MT Rep Power: 49483	Happy New Year! Test drove the 6th Gen . Very Solid Car, lots of power and tech . Their terms were ridiculous though. Offering me way under what KBB says for my Z as a trade in. Laughed and walked out. As a trade I should get about $20.5k from a dealer. If I sold private I should get about $27k. These dumbasses were offering me $12.5k I do want a 6th gen Camaro now. The hunt for the right deal begins. In relation to other cars. Mustang 5.0 GT: M/T GETRAGS are engineered in Germany but assembled in China Don't want an automatic and don't want to pay 50k or more for a Mach1 or Shelby which got the TREMECS. Korean Cars: Recalls and catching fire. no thanks. Thanks again dudes, will update as I progress. Going to go look at another SS in Tampa this coming weekend. They actually valued my trade in according to KBB. So maybe a deal can happen. FL 4Motion and filip00 like this. __________________ ‘19 Camaro SS 1SS 6MT ‘13 370Z Sport/Touring 6MT 328whp (Sold) #LetsGoBrandon!

01-08-2023, 03:10 AM	#9 (permalink)
filip00 Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: slovenia Posts: 480 Drives: 370z pack Rep Power: 105292	Manual transmission camaro? Nice! Congrats on the new car! FL 4Motion, Averying and SteveVQ like this.

01-08-2023, 03:15 AM	#10 (permalink)
Averying Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 398 Drives: '09 370Z, '03 G35 Rep Power: 11063	That’s a great deal! ~$5-8k cheaper than I what I see in my area. What’s the catch? Rebuilt title? Has no engine in it? Only starts on Tuesdays? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk FL 4Motion, vtec to vvel, SteveVQ and 1 others like this. __________________ 2009 Sport Touring \| Platinum Graphite \| GTM Stage 1 Supercharger \| BC BR Coilovers \| Hotchkis Swaybar \| Z1 FUCAs \| AME TM-02 Wheels \| Z1 2-piece Front Rotors \| Z1 Clutch & Flywheel \| Invidia Gemini Catback \| GTM Resonated Test Pipes

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