Advice on a ZL1

[Hford2212]

Hi all, I'm from the UK and looking for some advice on a 2014 ZL1

First off, this isn't my 1st American car.
I owned a 2012 SS from new which I had for 3 years, I then owned a 2015 challenger Hellcat, which I had for 5 years.
I then I got a 2018 Mustang gt after not owning a V8 for 2 years to scratch that itch. I only half count this as american as its right-hand drive.


Now, to the advice in question, I was looking at buying a 2019 SS.

But now there is a 2014 Auto ZL1 for sale, which I like the look of. It has 2 previous and has 76000 miles on the clock.
It has a clean title.

I'd like to know if any of you have a high mileage ZL1 and if I should look out for any mechanical issues or should I just avoid it completely

Regards, Harry

[The_bald_eagle_machine]

Not a Zl1 owner personally but I don't think 79k is alot of miles. Especially not for an LS motor. I would check for the Supercharger isolator noise, and leaking magnetic ride shocks as they are impossible to find to replace. Otherwise, i'd take the 2014 over the 2019 all day. Anything produced during the era of Covid is nothing but problematic, shortage of parts, etc... I'd stay away. Just me 0.02 cents for what it's worth.

[Hford2212]

Originally Posted by The_bald_eagle_machine

Not a Zl1 owner personally but I don't think 79k is alot of miles. Especially not for an LS motor. I would check for the Supercharger isolator noise, and leaking magnetic ride shocks as they are impossible to find to replace. Otherwise, i'd take the 2014 over the 2019 all day. Anything produced during the era of Covid is nothing but problematic, shortage of parts, etc... I'd stay away. Just me 0.02 cents for what it's worth.

Thanks for the info buddy

[Shodown]

Originally Posted by The_bald_eagle_machine

Not a Zl1 owner personally but I don't think 79k is alot of miles. Especially not for an LS motor. I would check for the Supercharger isolator noise, and leaking magnetic ride shocks as they are impossible to find to replace. Otherwise, i'd take the 2014 over the 2019 all day. Anything produced during the era of Covid is nothing but problematic, shortage of parts, etc... I'd stay away. Just me 0.02 cents for what it's worth.

^^This.

[1JEWLDSSRS]

Originally Posted by The_bald_eagle_machine

Not a Zl1 owner personally but I don't think 79k is alot of miles. Especially not for an LS motor. I would check for the Supercharger isolator noise, and leaking magnetic ride shocks as they are impossible to find to replace. Otherwise, i'd take the 2014 over the 2019 all day. Anything produced during the era of Covid is nothing but problematic, shortage of parts, etc... I'd stay away. Just me 0.02 cents for what it's worth.

^^^ Agreed with this as well..

[70T/A400]

I have had my 2013 since new. The only issue I have had was the supercharger bearings going out, it was covered under warranty. Plenty of superchargers around.

I do keep an eye on the magnetic ride shock absorbers. They will fail if you decide 580 horsepower isn't enough and repeatedly launch the car hard, the rears take the abuse.

The rest of the car is really well built. Great panel gaps, paint, interior holds up, biggest differential on a GM car, it isn't made of plastic like the Corvette or my garbage pail, wheels don't bend like on the Corvette and if you need to service the clutch it doesn't take removing the back half of the car apart.

5th Gens are great cars

[sbelyo]

I've had a 2013 ZL1 with 60K miles on it for a year. It's a great car, no big problems. Just like others have said, keep an eye on the front shock absorbers. They're not cheap and are hard to come by. The rears are readily available. Keep the rear end fluid clean and changed.

I recommend the thermostat mod. Basically, get a 160 degree thermostat and drill a hole in it. My running temp dropped 15 degrees

I got it up to 623 RWHP with a flex fuel sensor on E60. Not sure if you can get ethanol in the UK or not.

[mlee]

Originally Posted by 1JEWLDSSRS

^^^ Agreed with this as well..

I agree as well except the COVID part since 2019 was pre covid and probably built closer to 2018.

Either way I'd get the 5th Gen Z. The LSA motor is solid and at this mileage the isolator has most likely already been taken care of.

[Robmnrd]

I'm 2nd owner of my 2013 ZL1. Bought it at ~21000 miles and it is now closing in on 75000.

It's given me zero problems (knock on wood) other than the magride failing and the annoyance of unavailability of replacements. I went with coilovers knowing it is possible I may eventually switch back if a truly reliable source for replacement for the magride comes about.

These things are built quite well from what I've gathered. If it wasn't abused before you buy it, I imagine it'll last you a long time to come.

[The_bald_eagle_machine]

Originally Posted by mlee

I agree as well except the COVID part since 2019 was pre covid and probably built closer to 2018.

Either way I'd get the 5th Gen Z. The LSA motor is solid and at this mileage the isolator has most likely already been taken care of.

Didn't consider actual production time versus year, make and model.... I would still take a zl1 over an SS. especially considering how much money I would have saved supercharging my SS because it wasn't fast enough lol. I could have just bought a zl1 and then it would have atleast maintained its value better.

Wonder if the OP actually ended up buying either one as he went MIA after making this post.