Why I decided to buy a Camaro+2Q

[Laserjen]

Hi all! I've been enjoying reading this forum and all the helpful information on it for over a month now, and I just wanted to share why I decided to buy a Camaro, and ask a few questions I still have.

Unlike many of you, I only vaguely remember hearing about the new Camaro a few years ago, so when I decided to start looking for a new vehicle it never occurred to me to consider a Camaro. My mom has a '92 Z28 (white with red stripes and t-top) and although I love the exterior look the thing drives like a (fast) tank and has an ugly interior (just my opinion, please don't hate me).

When I started looking I knew I wanted something fun to drive with lots of features and decent gas mileage. Originally I test drove a Pontiac G8 and although its a really nice car and fun to drive, I decided it was too boring (appearance-wise). It just looks too much like a family sedan (good if you have kids, which I don't). Then I stumbled across a review of the 2010 Camaro online, and I was instantly intrigued. The 2LT seemed a perfect fit -- awesome looks, fun to drive, lots of tech features (love the USB port, bluetooth, heated leather seats, remote start, etc...never had them in a car), and the gas mileage is no worse than my current V6 (with a LOT more horsepower). I also considered the new Mustang, but I don't like the looks as well (though it is a nice car) and to get comparable power and features (GT premium) would cost more and get much worse mileage.

So I anxiously waited until I could see a Camaro in person because the one thing I was really worried about (especially after reading the reviews) was the visibility. Being only 5'2" I was concerned I would have difficulty -- but I sat in the dealer car (no test drives allowed at the time) and there's so much adjustment in the seat there's no problem. It will take awhile to get used to the HUGE rearview mirror blocking the forward view, as many have stated here.

On May 8th I placed an order for a 2LT/RS blk/blk auto w/sunroof with a $500 refundable deposit and an understanding that it would be at MSRP (I don't have it in writing, but if they try to charge more I will walk...very unhappily). I've been at 3000 for the last 2 weeks.

The questions I have left are ones that I've seen others ask, but have not found definitive answers:

1) I ordered the RS package because I wanted the HID lights and spoiler...but I'm seriously concerned about the 20" summer tires. It doesn't snow much where I live, but it does get fairly cold. Does anyone with experience driving summer tires in the cold have an opinion whether it will be possible to drive on the summer tires safely during the winter in MD? This will be my only car and ideally I would replace the tires with all season tires once the treads wore out on the summer tires (which from what I've read, won't take long).

2) The other big concern I have is ground clearance. My driveway has a 3-4" curb off the street, about 2 feet of level concrete, then the rest is about a 30 degree incline (yes, it's pretty steep). I found a thread that said the ground clearance from the bottom of the air dam is 5"...do you think if I back in slowly, one wheel at a time I should be fine? What part would be in the most danger of scraping?

Thanks for reading.

[2010SSRS]

1- the tire issue should come down to snow, not cold. but i think it's the snow u need to be concerned..........we got snow around here, and i couldn't imagine driving ours in it. i'd buy a $500 winter beater just for snowy days! some folks are posting that they're just gonna get winter tires and swap em' out.

2- take it slow, you should be fine, ur clearly not stupid (one wheel at a time). but i might find someone to pay $100 to grind that to a more friendly angle. from 90 degrees to 45 degrees maybe.

congrats on ur decision.....................you wont regret it!

[Laserjen]

Originally Posted by 2010SSRS

1- the tire issue should come down to snow, not cold. but i think it's the snow u need to be concerned..........we got snow around here, and i couldn't imagine driving ours in it. i'd buy a $500 winter beater just for snowy days! some folks are posting that they're just gonna get winter tires and swap em' out.

2- take it slow, you should be fine, ur clearly not stupid (one wheel at a time). but i might find someone to pay $100 to grind that to a more friendly angle. from 90 degrees to 45 degrees maybe.

congrats on ur decision.....................you wont regret it!

Thanks for the response.

1) We only had snow on the ground twice last winter (both times were bad...but good excuse for a day off work), but I read somewhere that the grip of summer tires was bad when the temp was low (40 degrees)...just not sure how that translated to driving capability on a rear wheel drive vehicle. I don't really want to deal with maintenance/hassle for 2 cars (and I don't have a garage for the Camaro anyway).

2) The curb is angled a bit, but it is still a bit of a jolt. I never though of grinding it down more though!

[jma313]

I have summer tires on two of my mustangs and I do not notice anything when it gets cold where I live just live by this rule.

Your driving a RWD car with a good bit of power if its snowing ( i would be at home watching movies and drinking beer) go slow otherwise have fun! Oh and be careful in rain too!

Congrats on the car!

[JesseJames]

The weight and the 52/48 weight distribution will not make this care a nightmare on snow. Key is weight in the rear. My older brother drives a V8 rear wheel Caddy in the snow better then some of the suv drivers out there.

[KJS]

Originally Posted by JesseJames

The weight and the 52/48 weight distribution will not make this care a nightmare on snow. Key is weight in the rear. My older brother drives a V8 rear wheel Caddy in the snow better then some of the suv drivers out there.

You CANNOT drive a car that is equiped with summer tires on the front or on the rear in the snow regardless of whether it has front wheel or rear wheel drive! It has to do with the tread design, rubber compound (flexibility/grip in low and freezing temps, etc.) It has nothing to do with weight distribution, weight on the rear or other things that I've heard including how much tire pressure you add, or subtract.

Driving on summer tires in near freezing temps or in snow is dangerous. There have been other treads on this forum discussing this issue.
Don't do it - clear case of penny wise...!

[buster6070]

I live in houston so wouldn't know about the snow and summer tires issue. On the steep driveway issue I can make it up my friends drive with no problems (one tire at a time) and his driveway is a bitch. I always scrape my 02 Camaro on it. Just the rubber guard though, never actually the car.

[rays]

I live in NH. I've driven in just about every snow storm around here the last 25 years. I ordered the RS package as well. I expect this car to be just fine in the snow but not with those tires. Wide tires and low profile are bad enough in snow alone, add in summer tires and your going for a spin.
You want to drive in the snow then get a full second set of rims and tires. Get some 19" or even 18" rims with some all season or snow tires. I'll be driving my 7000lb 4x4 truck with the stock narrow all seasons. Best thing I have ever driven in snow.

[GothamCamaro]

Seriously consider getting All-Season tires for winter, if you don't get that much snow. The Summer tires work best when it's warm, they have issues gripping when under 40 degrees.

It's better to be safe than sorry.

[Gone to the bowtie side]

Originally Posted by KJS

You CANNOT drive a car that is equiped with summer tires on the front or on the rear in the snow regardless of whether it has front wheel or rear wheel drive! It has to do with the tread design, rubber compound (flexibility/grip in low and freezing temps, etc.) It has nothing to do with weight distribution, weight on the rear or other things that I've heard including how much tire pressure you add, or subtract.

Driving on summer tires in near freezing temps or in snow is dangerous. There have been other treads on this forum discussing this issue.
Don't do it - clear case of penny wise...!

I found that out with my 2003 SRT4, right in the ditch, rolled it over. Totalled a 6 month old car.

[Laserjen]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I think I will end up getting a set of all season tires for the winter, especially since I do make the long drive to Ohio for the holidays (and usually through snow). I should be able to fit at least one 20" wheel in the Camaro, right? That way I can transport the summer tires back to my house, one at a time if necessary!

[djsnoflake]

Install some curb ramps. Very easy and I have no problems getting into my driveway now.

Tried before and the wife stopped me before I even got close because I was gonna rub
Here's some pics of the ramps in my thread. (At the very bottom)
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...781#post568781

[OUR72GTO]

There are threads on here about the 18 and 19 wheels NOT fitting a RS car.

Off set and suspension changes for 20's.............

[GothamCamaro]

Originally Posted by OUR72GTO

There are threads on here about the 18 and 19 wheels NOT fitting a RS car.

Off set and suspension changes for 20's.............

Actually that's still being debated (for the LT models). Waiting on some one to get their Camaro to switch out to the 18' tires. We should know before the end of Summer if that is true or not.