Okay...let me try to break this down one more time:
1. If you want the V8 and have to have it, then get it..if you can afford it. And I don't mean that in a "Settle for the V6" kind of way. The SS is an expensive car to maintain. There may not be much difference in gas mileage depending on how you drive but there's a difference in price at the pump that is considerable. People will say it's only $5 here or there...but guess what? How do you start saving money? By putting $5 here or there away. Why? Because IT ADDS UP OVER TIME. Don't think payment only on this car...think tires, gas, payment, insurance, use, etc.
2. Touching briefly on the "use" aspect of what I said above: Are you going to the track? The V6 makes PLENTY of power for the street...the V8 makes overkill power. I've had the LFX '12 V6 and I never used 100% of that motor's potential on the street. In the SS I have now, there's no point in even trying. So for a track application, the V8 is the way to go because it provides a better starting platform..that's not to say it is the better platform, as you can slap twin turbos on a V6 and have a monster as well. It's all in what you want.
3. Price. This has been my issue with both of my Camaros. Are the two extra cylinders worth $10k to you? That's a nice twin turbo V6 with a LOT of extra cash in your pocket. You said you were turning 30...I'm 31, so insurance for us is not the deal breaker it used to be. Honestly, my SS costs me 75 cents more per month...yes, cents. But that's a good thing, because my payments are through the freaking roof!
4. You will hear people in the enthusiast crowd say "If it's not a V8, it's not a real car." These same people can NOT deny the power of the Nissan GT-R, or Porsche 911 Turbo...both V6-powered, both absolute animals, both fully capable of handing a stock V8 SS it's ass on a platter. The V6 in the Camaro is no slouch, though it doesn't accelerate to 60 all that well because of the weight of the car. Ask yourself though...."How often will I be timing my 0-60 runs?" If you say all the time, then get the V8 to shave off a little bit of time...and be ready to fill it with gas because the 6.2L engine is an absolute petroholic at wide open throttle..it's ridiculous.
Nobody here should have to motivate you to chase your dreams as you say. If you want the V8, don't settle....save and get it. Just be ready for everything that comes with that choice. If you want a Camaro, aren't tracking it, and enjoy getting decent MPG and 350Z-area power, the V6 is a fantastic choice, especially in RS trim.
Either way, we can all suggest things to you but you ultimately pay the note on it. Whatever you do, don't go buy an SS because people say it's the only "REAL Camaro" or some stupid crap like that. People say that, but they aren't the ones paying for yours and are probably the ones who are trying to make themselves feel better because they are barely able to pay for theirs. Life is short...do what makes YOU happy and if others don't like it, that's too bad for them.
I would hate to see you driving around in a pink Camaro with purple rally stripes, but guess what? If it makes you happy, then that's what you need to do. Of course, that's just a wild example..but I think you get what I'm trying to say.
Sorry for the long post, but everyone always says "Get the V8" when these threads come up....nobody ever takes the time to explain exactly what comes with doing that and why the V6 can be an excellent option for most people.
Good luck OP.
