Finally got to test drive a Camaro - Interesting Story...

[CUPRA]

Well, I finally managed to get my first test drive of a Camaro last weekend. And boy was it an interesting experience.

I saw a yellow Camaro on a Kia dealer lot as I drive to and from work each day, so last Saturday, I figured I would check it out being as I haven't had the opportunity to drive one at a GM dealer.

I pull in, and first thing I notice is that it has aftermarket 20" wheels on it... not my favorite, but interesting. Then I notice that it has RS badges on it, so that's a plus. Has black stripes on it too. I park up, and instantly am greeted by a salesman. I walk over to the car, walking up to it from behind. The salesman says 'Yup - this is the R5 version' as he looks at the RS badge - (read Arrr Five)... I roll my eyes. Here we go, someone who doesn't know what he's talking about.

As I walk around the car, I see that it's a V6. As I get to the front, I notice that it doesn't have HIDs or Halos, and that the roof ditch moldings are black. And I thought it strange that someone would get rid of the OEM 20"s as they are nice wheels. So then I realize that they have put RS badges on the car and that is it. Really?

So he opens it up and I get in, to find that not only is it a V6, it's the LS... hence the reason for dressing it up with aftermarket rims, stripes and badges. The sticker price on the window - $34,995!!!!

I think what the heck and take it out for a test drive. It was nice and tight, but there was a clunking in the suspension in the front left, which I wasn't impressed with after only 7000 miles recorded on the ODO. And then the V6... well, it wasn't nearly as impressive as I was expecting. It was decent, but then I guess I am used to the initial 'seat of the pants' 4WD acceleration of my HEMI. My Jeep is no rocket and on paper the V6 Camaro beats it, but it didn't 'feel fast' with my butt dyno.

Apart from that, I couldn't live with the cloth on the dash, I hate that. So no LS for me!!!

Get back to the dealer... tell him the car is worth no more than $25,000 and that is being generous being as it is pre owned. He ums and ah's gets his manager and comes to talk to me. Being as I knew what I was talking about, he came clean, said it was a fleet car, they put the stripes, wheels and badges on it... but I could have it for $27,900. So he came down $7000 without flinching. However, if i was in the market for a V6, I could order my own brand new loaded 2LT for $1000 more!!!

I walked away saying thanks but no thanks, but came away with this...

I know I want an SS now, definitely. No questions.
I want the comforts too. So I want a 2SS.

Now I just have to wait to afford exactly what I want!!!

This is the car that I test drove - the 'internet' price is $30,985:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

[Dakota Kid]

Good for you for being educated on the Camaro and not taken in by schmucks like that. Get the 2SS, I looked at the 1SS and it was an easy decision for me.

[2010 SSRS]

Definitely get the 2SS, it is an absolutely awesome Camaro.

[SRM]

You will not regret getting a 2SS if you can afford it.

[PQ]

No, you got the 'Internet' price wrong too. You test drove an LS, your internet example was an LT. and marked up.

You did very well though. LOVE the story. I wish I could have seen the look on their faces. But something tells me they will be 'Schooled' even more in the near future.

Good for you taking them to the mat. Awesome.

[Alabama]

Originally Posted by 2010 SSRS

Definitely get the 2SS, it is an absolutely awesome Camaro.

+1

[BackinBlackSS/RS]

Hey, it is a nice looking car, but WAY too much money. That needs to be around 21-22K.

[full of days]

shop around... I found my 2SS/RS up north for 3K under invoice and you just have to spend the time dealing and wheeling with salespeople. The larger dealerships with 30-40 sitting on their lots are where to start. Sales guy told me that I got the sickest deal ever on a 2SS/RS because of the hard winter setting in and they needed to move cars before year end. :-) Timing is key

[hrpiii]

don't test drive a 2SS until you are ready to buy.. because you won't want to get out of it.

[ttexxan]

I know that car...I live in NRH right down the street from that dealer...See the guys at Bankston they work good deals. I got my 2SS orange RS last week. Part of me wish I would have gone manual but know I would have gotten tired of shifting in the traffic around this area. In reality the V8 Auto is plenty fast for sure!! Problem with this area is where can you really get it up and going without the cops patrolling. You wont regret the 2SS for sure....

[Mark A Collier Sr]

I just emailed Cars.com for you too! Dealers like this should be banned from using sites like that to promote their fraud! It would be a good Idea for all you guys to go to that page, copy the URL, then click the contact us link at the bottom of the page. Post the link and tell them about the fraud! It couldn't hurt anyone but could save some poor sap from getting screwed.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

[Mark A Collier Sr]

Originally Posted by hrpiii

don't test drive a 2SS until you are ready to buy.. because you won't want to get out of it.

!

[Mosher]

Originally Posted by hrpiii

don't test drive a 2SS until you are ready to buy.. because you won't want to get out of it.

Put it this way, I didn't get to test drive one and I am glad actually cause after driving mine I can't fathom having to let them have it back!

[Kalenn]

I wonder what a Carfax report would come up with?

That's definitely a 1LT in the picture because of the fog lights. Unless they added those too. They added: Badging, wheels, spoiler. They missed: HID's, roof ditch moldings.