Help with price and general ZL1 advice

[firstcarmaro]

Hi everyone. Not only am I thinking about buying my first sports car, but my first camaro (hence the firstcar-maro username)... I'm hesitant. There are so many options. I'm looking at a ZL1 or maybe a SS. Any feedback is welcome. Keep in mind, I've never really had a "fast" car. Wondering if the ZL1 is too much power for a newb like me. Here's a link to a local dealer and I also wanted to ask how good of a deal this is:

http://www.bit.ly/1fusiez

It's the color I want. Chevy is having the 0% / 72month rate on 2013's. That's another factor really peaking my interest.

Any help and feedback is appreciated! Thanks.

[Whos_Drivin]

The ZL1 was my first sports/muscle car as well...and its already modded. Just don't be stupid with it and you'll be fine.

[DrDJ]

That is basically the exact same car that I have. So Ill give you my thoughts and hopefully a few other people will also.

If you've never had any kind of sports/muscle car then yes the ZL1 is a pretty powerful car. I wouldn't say its too much, but it is on the HIGH end of the muscle car segment, and performs similar to many sports cars that cost significantly more. Getting a '13 model at reduced price is a nice way to go. The car you are looking at is a good price, there is a chance they will let it go for less than that and I would definitely push for a little less; likely they will say no that's as low as we will go, but what his more likely is they really would go lower. 0% financing and at that price I don't think you will be disappointed.

If you talk to anyone who has had both an SS and a ZL1 they will tell you that the ZL1 is significantly nicer. Faster is only part of what makes it nicer, but the feel of it, the handling is much improved. That's not to say an SS is a bad car and it may be that an SS will be a great ride for you and may also have enough power for your interests. However, there is something about knowing that you have the nicest model of a particular car. For me, if I had bought an SS (which I seriously considered) I would always have wished Id just gone for a ZL1. I drove an SS and its a nice car and very similar in many ways to a ZL1, but the ways that its different were significant to me. But its a bit more coin to get a ZL1 so ultimately only you can decide if its worth it to you. I really doubt you will regret getting a ZL1 unless financially it becomes a burden.

I drive my ZL1 everyday, its my daily driver and I love it. Its tame and very comfortable when driven with manners, but when I want to unleash it wont disappoint. Last bit to consider is where you live, colder climates tend to put the ZL1 in hibernation; the stock tires are bad in cold weather. I drove mine all winter but I live in the south and it isn't really cold here. Plenty of ZL1 owners live in cold areas however and still enjoy their cars, just are limited during cold weather. Of course the SS is no champ in weather and snow either, its just the ZL1 is probably a little less forgiving in weather. (Just saw you are in AZ so should be good)

Good luck whichever way you go. I couldn't be any happier with my ZL1!

[Front Runner]

Originally Posted by DrDJ

That is basically the exact same car that I have. So Ill give you my thoughts and hopefully a few other people will also.

If you've never had any kind of sports/muscle car then yes the ZL1 is a pretty powerful car. I wouldn't say its too much, but it is on the HIGH end of the muscle car segment, and performs similar to many sports cars that cost significantly more. Getting a '13 model at reduced price is a nice way to go. The car you are looking at is a good price, there is a chance they will let it go for less than that and I would definitely push for a little less; likely they will say no that's as low as we will go, but what his more likely is they really would go lower. 0% financing and at that price I don't think you will be disappointed.

If you talk to anyone who has had both an SS and a ZL1 they will tell you that the ZL1 is significantly nicer. Faster is only part of what makes it nicer, but the feel of it, the handling is much improved. That's not to say an SS is a bad car and it may be that an SS will be a great ride for you and may also have enough power for your interests. However, there is something about knowing that you have the nicest model of a particular car. For me, if I had bought an SS (which I seriously considered) I would always have wished Id just gone for a ZL1. I drove an SS and its a nice car and very similar in many ways to a ZL1, but the ways that its different were significant to me. But its a bit more coin to get a ZL1 so ultimately only you can decide if its worth it to you. I really doubt you will regret getting a ZL1 unless financially it becomes a burden.

I drive my ZL1 everyday, its my daily driver and I love it. Its tame and very comfortable when driven with manners, but when I want to unleash it wont disappoint. Last bit to consider is where you live, colder climates tend to put the ZL1 in hibernation; the stock tires are bad in cold weather. I drove mine all winter but I live in the south and it isn't really cold here. Plenty of ZL1 owners live in cold areas however and still enjoy their cars, just are limited during cold weather. Of course the SS is no champ in weather and snow either, its just the ZL1 is probably a little less forgiving in weather.

Good luck whichever way you go. I couldn't be any happier with my ZL1!

[digdeep0169]

depending on your age, insurance rate, and affordability in car payments and the fact you've never owned a sports car before... if you're on the younger side, baby steps - start with a SS... just my .02

[BigBoyBlue]

If you get the ZL1 a performance driving course or HPDE (High Performance Driving Event) would be a good idea before opening up the car too much. That said, the best thing about the ZL1 is that it can be a lion or a lamb depending on your mood. If you don't have a heavy foot, it can be driven and controlled by just about anyone. You would never know the car had 580hp unless you start being aggressive on the throttle.

Good luck!

[mxkx250]

The break in period that is recommended by GM is not to go over 80 mph or 4000 rpm for 1500 miles. I believe that this is to get the owner used to the handling and power characteristics of the car as well as letting everything in the engine and drivetrain get broken in.
This lets the driver get broken in as well.
This being said, take it easy till you get used to the car and you will be fine.

[tonyfred]

You would enjoy an SS or a ZL1. Heck, the V6 RS model is a fine machine. If you decide on the ZL1, you might try to talk them down even more since the 14s have been out quite a while now. Good luck. You will love any of the Camaro models. Awesome cars!

[Tyler H]

Originally Posted by Front Runner

+2 and well said! The car is only as fast as you push it. My daughter drove mine at 15 with no issues.

[el ess A]

And a $500 documentation fee. WTF? With the rebates and all, that ZL1 doesn't look like such a great deal to me.

You want a new 2013 Summit White ZL1 coupe #7271? Here's one for less than $50K. (includes the $2K rebate). 61K MSRP. It's an automatic transmission car, so not sure if you would want that or not, but also has sunroof, ECF and NAV, floor mats, and 5 spokes as options.

http://www.jimbutlerchevrolet.com/Ve...-MO/1992843953

So if an auto works for you, get a plane ticket and fly over and go buy it. The ticket would probably cost you less than Sands' documentation fee. I've done it twice buying a 5th gen. Bought two from Texas dealers. One in Dallas and one in Austin. Flew in, drove home. Spent a total of around $550 in plane tickets for the two flights needed, and the wife went the first time. Saved over $14K from dealer markups and prices from the unhelpful dealers around here.

Actually, from PHX to STL, a one way ticket is 242.00 to go this Friday on 4/11, or if you need another week, a 4/18 flight is only 151.00. Well worth it IMO. Spending a couple hundred to save thousands is a pretty good investment. Sure, a bit of your time, but it's worth it in the long run.

[lbls1]

If you are an inexperienced driver (or a young driver) then I would recommend that you get some seat time behind a sports or muscle car before buying a ZL. You could see whether you could find a driving instruction course for sports car driving, or if you know someone that has a mustang or a camaro that would allow you some seat time for driving. The zl is docile enough for regular driving, but one has to know when and how to turn on the power so that the car doesn't get out of control. Even if you're not well versed in performance driving, the experience from driving will guide you in knowing when to push the car aggressively and when to keep things cool. My advice would be the same even if you were going for another type of sports car and/or the Camaro SS.

Good luck.

[I call it Vera]

Originally Posted by lbls1

If you are an inexperienced driver (or a young driver) then I would recommend that you get some seat time behind a sports or muscle car before buying a ZL. You could see whether you could find a driving instruction course for sports car driving, or if you know someone that has a mustang or a camaro that would allow you some seat time for driving. The zl is docile enough for regular driving, but one has to know when and how to turn on the power so that the car doesn't get out of control. Even if you're not well versed in performance driving, the experience from driving will guide you in knowing when to push the car aggressively and when to keep things cool. My advice would be the same even if you were going for another type of sports car and/or the Camaro SS.

Good luck.

Also, along these lines . . .
don't be afraid to say "I'm easing into the car, I'm not ready to <insert performance crazy thing>"

there are lots of times I *let* or *don't challenge* other car that want to pass, etc . . .

I enjoy the car for the sound, ride, etc . . . but I'm not out to prove anything.

[2012-1822]

Not too much car. This was my first performance car. You don't want to tear ass straight out of the dealership in it. But, ease into it and you'll be fine. It's a great car. Very comfortable. Awesome to drive. Looks great. I'm very comfortable in it on road trips too.

If you are buying new then you'll have a 1500 mile break in period anyway. That's a good time to just drive the car without wrecking it and get used to the feel before you decide to really get into the gas.

Get the ZL1, you won't regret it.