Need more positive info - making the choice soon here

[classicrockr]

Ok everyone,
In about 60 days I'll be placing the order for my 2012 2LT/RS. The question is: Vert or Coupe? I've had my heart set on a vert since the first pictures came out on the net, but with the issues popping up with the tops, it's hard to decide. Is there anybody out there that HASN't had an issue with their top? any other mechanical defects that come along are fine - I just want the top to work as it should.

Your input/opinions/recommendations are greatly appreciated...

[Baba]

Originally Posted by classicrockr

Ok everyone,
In about 60 days I'll be placing the order for my 2012 2LT/RS. The question is: Vert or Coupe? I've had my heart set on a vert since the first pictures came out on the net, but with the issues popping up with the tops, it's hard to decide. Is there anybody out there that HASN't had an issue with their top? any other mechanical defects that come along are fine - I just want the top to work as it should.

Your input/opinions/recommendations are greatly appreciated...

I haven't encountered any problems with any part of my 'vert, as of yet. I noticed a few days after having her that my top might have the notorious rub mark(s) as I had an approx. quarter-sized oval light spot on the passenger side but that buffed out and it hasn't reappeared. I have no water leaks and I only have a little wind noise. Overall, I'm very, very happy with my Camaro Convertible, thus far.

Keep in mind, there are several ways in which to interpret the information found in our forums. While there are apparently a good number of members who have had siginificant and multiple top problems - which is cause for great concern, the overall number of 5th gen. 'vert owners w. top problems may be a very small percentage relative to all 'vert owners. Or it might not be.

There is no way to really know for certain how many 5th gen. 'vert owners either do or do not have top problems who aren't members here (I'm confident GM would have the numbers if the dealers report them). There could be hundreds or thousands or only several dozen. Keep in mind this forum is not an accurate representation of all 'vert owners who may or may not have top problems.

You've done the right thing, however. That is to solicit input from the members and perhaps you could research a little further by inspecting existing 'verts on several dealer lots. Ask the service managers how many top problems they've dealt with (hopefully they'll be forthright about these issues) and hope for the best. The 5th gen. Camaro Convertible is a great, great car, aesthecially and performance-wise.

[Drago77]

I'll share my experience... but keep in mind- my car was built within the first few weeks of production (Feb 14th produciton week)

I'm sure your well aware of the rub/wear mark issues. It SEEMS to be effecting most cars, although not all, this includes the 2012s.The latest TSB still has not corrected the problems for me, and several others.

Rear window regulators seem to be an ongoing issue. I've already had one replaced, as have many others.

Wind noise became an issue for me, but that was incompetant installation on the replacement top. Not a car specific problem.

I've had some other minor issues, some color specific (white paint discoloring in engine bay), door handle stopped functioning, etc... but none of these seemed wide spread, nor non-correctible.

The only REAL issue are these damn marks in the top. Being as wide spread as it is, I'm fairly confident GM will get a fix...eventually. In the mean time, I and many others are just taking etra precautions to keep the top in shape. It's a bit of a hassle, but its worth it.

Aside from the above- the car is GREAT! It's otherwise mechanically sound, fun and overall, a pleasure to drive/own. It's easy to work on, plenty of vendors offering parts to customize it, should you chose. And overall just as fun to drive, as it is beautiful to look at.

I partially regret buying the first run of the car... however I don't regret my decision to buy the Camaro convertible at all!

[Nutbutt]

I have owned both the 2010 coupe and 2011 early build vert. I agree with Drago that there is an issue with the top rob marks. I have had the top replaces and the rub marks have not returned. However, like Drago, the people that replaced it didn't know what they were doing due to this being a new model and incorrectly installed the top. I have GM reps on site today an tomorrow for the new install.
That being said, I love my vert and wouldn't go back to the coupe. All in all the quality has been great and a great car to add mods. Not everyone is a vert person, but if you love verts you will love this car !

[ToddB]

I got my vert in april. I have a bout 6000 miles on it now .about 5000 of those miles with the top down. I did cut my top brackets down and siliconed the back whear the screws stick out.I have no marks or any wear on my top anywhear. Im very happy with mine.

[EM1/SS]

My car was built in April. So far I only have very small marks where the head of one of the screws sticks into the top when it is down. I looked at my top a few days ago and you can hardly see them. My car was at the body shop for the last 5 weeks getting stripes painted and the top has not been down. So mine look very minor and they seem to go away when the top stays up for a while.

[11BEE]

We have had our vert for 3 months with not a single issue. WE LOVE IT.

Remember on forums that you will hear everyone's gripes and complaints but rarely will you hear about the positives. People post when there is an issue or they want to show something off. They generally don't post just to say they like something or there are no problems.

Also on here you have many people that are very passionate about their cars. The slightest swirl mark post will receive 20 responses on how to get perfection. I am passionate about my car and understand that a vert does have some drawbacks. They are a bit noisier. There are wrinkles. You cannot have the fabric lay perfect 100% of the time. However, it is a well built convertible.

Just look at the last two days, it appears that there is no ZL1's out there. I am negotiating with my dealer who got an allocation and can get me one. You are not seeing many posts about people getting them. It is all of the people that did not.

If you like convertibles, can live with a little less trunk space and live in an area where the weather allows you to drive one, GET IT!

[ncbob]

Totally agree with 11BEE. My 45th is outstanding! No top issues.

[Lightrider]

I have an early build and had my top replaced. Trimmed and moved brackets which took care of pinch marks but still have an ever so slight rub. A bit more wind noise with new top but that's gotten better as well.

And still NO REGRETS. The family loves this car, its a blast to drive (even top up!). I would buy this exact same car again.

[Nutbutt]

Originally Posted by 11BEE

We have had our vert for 3 months with not a single issue. WE LOVE IT.

Remember on forums that you will hear everyone's gripes and complaints but rarely will you hear about the positives. People post when there is an issue or they want to show something off. They generally don't post just to say they like something or there are no problems.

Also on here you have many people that are very passionate about their cars. The slightest swirl mark post will receive 20 responses on how to get perfection. I am passionate about my car and understand that a vert does have some drawbacks. They are a bit noisier. There are wrinkles. You cannot have the fabric lay perfect 100% of the time. However, it is a well built convertible.

Just look at the last two days, it appears that there is no ZL1's out there. I am negotiating with my dealer who got an allocation and can get me one. You are not seeing many posts about people getting them. It is all of the people that did not.

If you like convertibles, can live with a little less trunk space and live in an area where the weather allows you to drive one, GET IT!

If you look around I don't think you will find any vert owner's that would trade their vert even the ones with the top issues !

[Falundir]

My 2012 45th 2ss vert has had a number of problems and more keep popping up. Top issues, frame issues, dealer install issues...

That being said, both GM and my dealer's customer service has been great so far. Of course we all would prefer to drive off the lot and not even worry about problems.

[CAM 5-OH]

2SS/RS - 6spd - short throw shifter + several mods: Not a single issue with anything!

[Berryp]

RS 1LT have had the car 2 months not a problem one...

[95birdible]

I will be the first to say I love my car to death. My car has been in the shop for 26% of the time I have owned it. My original top was replaced and now needs another one. I have had nothing but problems with it since day 2. Maybe I just got a bad one. Who knows. I do know that on a 40 thousand dollar car I should not be having these problems. GM is trying to say that the top issues are due to them being put down while wet. Just checked my invoice and that is what it says which is bunk. If it was true why are all the TSB's coming out for the rub marks/wear marks? Some people have been lucky, some have not with their tops. Just my 2 cents. Lets all enjoy our cars and hopefully the fix will be in for those of us having top issues.