Please help today (Dec 7th) if possible

[pilotperk]

Hey guys been peeking around this board since last night when I decided to purchase a new 2011 convertible n take advantage to the 0%. I am picking the car up later this afternoon. I have huge concerns now with the leaks and rubs with the top on this car. Is it possible to take a hose and drench the car in a certain spot to see if its going to leak before I finish my paperwork. If so where exactly should I be hosing it? Also the rub marks, Is there a way to see if this will happen right away? I would just prefer to buy something else if this is the case because a lot of what I'm reading seems like a horror story. If its not possible to see these issues from day 1, would it be logical to have the dealership put something in writing regarding these issues to get me outta this thing is it happens? Ill be damn if i want a new car in the shop 10 days outta the month. Thanks for any help and feedback.

[pilotperk]

Also, Is there anyone on these boards that have had none of these issues with there car? If so how long have you been clear of any issues. Thanks again!

[EM1/SS]

If your that worried, you should wait until the spring to see if Chevy has found a fix.

My car was built in April 2011 and all I have is a very small indent on each side. They are very hard to see. I've had my car in the shop once for the AC recall. They re-programed the computer while I waited.

If I were to buy one knowing what I know now, I would put the top down and take it for a nice long (about 2 hour) drive. Put the top up when your done and examing the sides above the windows for any sign of a rub. As for the water managment bag, if the car has sat outside at the dealership and it's rained, you would know. The back carpet would be wet. I guess you could hose the top down, then give it about 1/2 hour and see if anything has leaked.

[ctinatx]

I have had the an identical experience as EM1/SS. Mine was built on 2/9/11. I would look it over and make sure it is all good. If everything is in check then I would go for it.

Also, I have over 11,000 miles on my car with around 70% top down. I have put the top up and down 100's of times and the only issue is the small indents.

[woodj]

I've had mine for 7 months and I don't have any issues with the top or the car.

['11 cyber grey vert]

mine was built April 26/11 and took delivery 1st week of july.
Although it is now in winter hibernation, the only issues i have had with the car are a couple of small rub marks on the roof and some windnoise coming from I think the back window at 60 MPH +
NO LEAKS (knock on wood)
but from alot of posts I have read, alot of the leak problems stem from top replacement (but not all)
Therefore,I will not have my top touched until a permanent fix is in from GM.
NOT ONE ISSUE WITH THE CAR OTHERWISE
I absolutely love it!!!

OH, and f.y.i. I drove the vert 7 days a week from july to end of november.

I would do what other people have suggested hose the roof down wait 1/2 hour, check back seat floor areas.
I would also cycle the top several times up and down and listen carefully for any noises.After each cycle up, check the top for rub marks

hope this helps and good luck

[pilotperk]

You guys are awesome! Thanks for the help.

['11 cyber grey vert]

pilotperk
Also not sure about warranty type stuff in the USA
but I purchased an extended warranty with mine as this is my 1st vert ever and I was unsure of the reliability of the roof mechanisms and wanted to be covered by warranty.
If you decide to go for it let us know and don't forget to post pics

[Baba]

Originally Posted by pilotperk

Also, Is there anyone on these boards that have had none of these issues with there car? If so how long have you been clear of any issues. Thanks again!

I'm a 5th Gen. 'vert owner whose vehicle has NOT experienced any significant issues, thus far, with ~1,800 miles driven (primarily top down) and most often without the tonneau cover affixed. BTW, I purchased my Camaro Convertible on July 30th and it was a very late build date.

I'd like to refer you to this thread, and my post, in particular.
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showpo...95&postcount=2

Mind you, there are owners on this forum who know more about cars than I could ever hope to learn. Therefore, what I've stated in my post shouldn't be regarded as "gospel" but certainly weighed against all other evidence.

Given such, the 5th Gen. Convertible does seem as though it could be a risky proposition given the many top issues across both 2011 and 2012 MYs and trim levels (1LT, 2LT, 1SS, 2SS - irrespective of whether they're RS optioned) as well as many problems reported with tops that have been replaced.

I don't think it would be unreasonable to test drive a couple of convertibles that you might be interested in, inspect the tops first, then test drive with top up and top down and then ask them to hose them off really well and check for leaks in the trunk, seats, floor boards, etc.

Good luck with your decision and keep us posted as to your decision - and please post pics of your new Camaro!

[DeMaro]

I bought a 2012 Vert . . . .looked hard at the deals on the 11s . . . bought a 12 and had the water in the passenger foot well . . .a lot of it . . .it has rained a lot where I am . . . .I would wait after a good rain and check the interior . . . .I can live with the rub marks . . .I will get a new skin when they figure that one out . . . . but the water inside the car is an issue.

DC

[Nutbutt]

I'm one of the people with the multiple problems. Let me say this all started due to the top replacement. The original top was quiet & dry. I still don't think my rub marks really warranted a replacement after 4 month but that's what was recommended by GM. I love this car and don't want another. My advice is look at the top and if it looks good buy it. But it's your decision.

[motorhead]

I know I wouldn't be buying one anytime soon. This forum and other have completely turned me away from convertible camaros. And from looking at how many 2011's are still sitting around and the incentives in them, I would say I'm not the only one.

[Fire65]

My marks started immediately, I called the dealer the next day and informed them. The leaking issue didn't start after a few months. I had the car outside during hurricane Irene and didn't get a drop of water. The leak started about two weeks after that and has been a chronic issue since.

[OrangeVert]

Not one problem so far. Except it gets too much attention!! :-)

Have to say, if I knew about the roof problems, I would have considered the Lexus or VW Eos verts. But still then, I would not have half of the WOW!! factor I have now, even with the top up.

Like many things in life, seems you can't have the purr without the claws.