Gen 5 Newb: Researching purchase

[JimMC]

All...could use the collective wisdom of the forum to help me choose a car for my wife. She's been patient and as we just had our 24th anniversary, I told her we could afford to get her a Camaro, her dream car.

Since I've not kept an eye on Camaros since the reintroduction in 2010, I could use all the help I can get and have some questions. But first, here's what I'm looking for and am willing to spend.

1. Spending $25K at most. No more. Pricing on the 2016s seems to be ridiculous, so a new one is out. Maybe that's a regional thing but I'm not paying $30 grand for a friggin LT with a 6 cylinder. Local dealer is asking $28K for his cheapest 1LT all the way up to another 1LT for $30K. Crazy.
2. Has to have an auto trans and a 6 cylinder. She doesn't need the power of the V8 or reduced MPGs, since it will be a DD while the weather is good. Car will be garaged during winter. The only way the AT/6cyl combo won't happen is if there's a ridiculous deal out there and the car has the 8 cyl and/or manual trans.
3. She loves Synergy Green (2010/2011) but I'm sure she'd look at other colors if it meant getting something newer than a 2011.

So my questions...

• Are there any years between 2011-2015 that should be avoided straight out because there were major problems that aren't worth screwing around with?
• Are there any issues that seem to keep cropping up each model year that I should know about. Not major things necessarily, but stuff that I should be aware of.
• Any years, models, features to avoid? For instance, WJ Grand Cherokees had known issues with auto blend doors breaking and it costing major $ to have a dealer fix, or lots of busted knuckles and 4 letter words if you tried to DIY it. Buy one w/o auto climate control and you didn't have to worry about it.

Using cars.com and looking at local car dealers, I've come across a couple possibles...

First is a 2013 LT2 that has about 30K miles on it and a price tag of $21K. Pretty nice looking, has some extra options like the backup cam and NAV.

Second one is a 2014 LT1 that has only 2K miles and goes for $25K, right at my limit. Not as nicely equipped as the 2013, but is newer and has far less miles. It has the MyLink radio but no mention of backup cam or NAV, which I guess is to be expected since it has the LT1 package. Is it possible to add the CAM & NAV? If so, how tough of a job is it?

Any info or opinions would be appreciated. Thinking I have the usual dilemma or a newer car, less equipped vs an older model with more features/gadgets. Thanks!

[13BRM2SSRS]

5th gens have a good track record for the most part. Not really familiar with the v6 so can't say too much about it specifically. You should be able to find a new 2015 optioned the way you want and discounted to be within your budget. As an example I have seen several New 2015 1SS for around 28k so some deals are out there. I'm sure v6 deal are available also. Good luck with your search!

[terry_b]

As previously stated, you might have to expand your search a bit, but a brand new 2014 or even 2015 could likely be had within your budget... or maybe just a bit extra to ensure you get what you want.

I'm sure there's a manual 1SS brand new within your budget, and a 2LT would be even more likely. I'm not sure you will have much luck with synergy, but hope you do find one. My first was a Synergy and I loved it. They're a bit rare though.

Check out gen5diy (google search here on the site). He's done a lot of cool retrofitting with Nav, mylink, etc. It's definitely doable, but may be easier to just get what you want.

Edit: There's really nothing specific to look out for. Some subtle differences between the model years, but nothing that affects the reliability of the car.

[terry_b]

2LT right in your price range:
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...9825/overview/

Some 1LTs:
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...7114/overview/

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...6362/overview/

[Welker2]

As other's have stated, there are no major issues with any of the years; there are some slight body & other changes between the 2010-2013 and 2014-15 that may make a difference in your decision. Beyond that, I say get the newest one with the lowest mileage (possibly eve new) that has everything you want within your stated budget. Good luck on your search

[68rssscamaro]

Welcome to the forum. There appears to be a Synergy about 20 minutes away from me that I could go look at for you if that is what she really wants. Id bet she be really surprised ! Yes they are harder to find, but this one has been listed for awhile. I do not know the owner either, so I am not trying to promote the sale.

Like the other members have said the 5th gen is pretty solid, some minor issues to look out for, but not bad. With the help of everyone here on the forum we can get you through it. Some changes were made through the years with features as well. OOOPS just noticed no V8 so scratch the 2 below.

I am not a fan of Craigslist, but here it is.

https://albany.craigslist.org/cto/5510320074.html

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/emd/5527436246.html

[scandata]

If you get a convertible, the 2010 - 2012 models had a major issue with water leaking into the rear floor panel. They did a recall that fixed it, but there may be some that developed water damage before the recall.

[prod]

The 2010s can be cheaper as they were lacking some features such as rear view camera and HUD. Personally I would go for a v8 a couple years older than a similarly priced newer v6. The published fuel economy numbers often dont play out as different as you may think.

[Soybeanrice]

Get the 6th gen. Keep saving. There is a huge difference between the generations in terms of technology.

[BluePhoenix]

If you are trying to decide between a 1LT & 2LT. Think the differences over well. My suggestion is do not settle and buy the car she will be happiest with.

[flyer08]

2010 synergy is out since they were manual only. Finding a 2011 may be hard but not impossible. I see at least four here in San Antonio including my wife's.

For $25k you may be able o find a left over '15 but will take lots of searching.

[68rssscamaro]

There is a Synergy auto in the classifieds here on the site, I PM'd you

Here is a new 15 2LT in Ohio:
http://www.donwoodchevy.com/VehicleD...-OH/2621512163

New 15SS on the west coast: http://www.pierrechevrolet.com/Vehic...-WA/2485917703

If you do go to a dealer I would wait until Memorial day if you can, who knows maybe they will have discounted the 15's even more.

[yzark99]

I would avoid the V6 before 2012; as it has timing chain failures around 50k miles. 1LT has most of the goodies without the higher price of the 2LT trim. The V6 is an excellent choice.

[JimMC]

Thanks to everyone who's posted a reply. Appreciate it

Originally Posted by terry_b

Check out gen5diy (google search here on the site). He's done a lot of cool retrofitting with Nav, mylink, etc. It's definitely doable, but may be easier to just get what you want.

Thanks, will do. I'd rather buy one with the backup cam and NAV in it, but if all I can turn up is a car without them, I'd at least like to know that it's possible to add those functions. Seems like they're more common on a 2LT or SS model.

Originally Posted by terry_b

2LT right in your price range:
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...9825/overview/

Pretty nice and the wife likes the Blue Velvet Metallic. It's actually similar in color to my Challenger.

Originally Posted by 68rssscamaro

Welcome to the forum. There appears to be a Synergy about 20 minutes away from me that I could go look at for you if that is what she really wants. Id bet she be really surprised ! Yes they are harder to find, but this one has been listed for awhile. I do not know the owner either, so I am not trying to promote the sale.

Thanks, it's kind of interesting talking with her the past couple of days. She doesn't seem to be leaning towards the Synergy as much as she's talked about in the past. Think she's preferring a newer model and likes the dark red or blue based on the listings we've been looking at.

Originally Posted by scandata

If you get a convertible, the 2010 - 2012 models had a major issue with water leaking into the rear floor panel. They did a recall that fixed it, but there may be some that developed water damage before the recall.

Thanks, won't be any convertibles though. I was hit by a drunk driver about 8 years ago and spent some time sliding while upside down. Thankfully it wasn't in a convertible (or my Jeep I used to own.)

BTW, see you have the SS in Emerald Green Metallic. Wife likes that color too (I know, what color doesn't she like!) but that was only available on the SS I believe, right? Did a quick search of those and they were all well over $30K, so unfortunately she won't be getting one of those!

Originally Posted by prod

Personally I would go for a v8 a couple years older than a similarly priced newer v6. The published fuel economy numbers often dont play out as different as you may think.

It's interesting that, that was one of the reasons I bought the R/T Challenger instead of the SRT (in addition to the requirement for premium gas...this was back when we were over $4/gal). Maybe a year later I put on a supercharger and now have to use premium anyway! But to your point, I think I'm more concerned with her having that much power under her foot, especially in the rain. She's kind of a lead-foot as it is. I'd be worried that she'd have it in a ditch every time it rained.

Originally Posted by Soybeanrice

Get the 6th gen. Keep saving. There is a huge difference between the generations in terms of technology.

Can you elaborate on that at all? If it's really significant stuff, maybe we can hold off until the winter (or even beginning of next year) and try to catch some dealers trying to clear out stock.

Originally Posted by 68rssscamaro

There is a Synergy auto in the classifieds here on the site, I PM'd you

If you do go to a dealer I would wait until Memorial day if you can, who knows maybe they will have discounted the 15's even more.

Thanks, I'll check it out. We're not really in any rush, so waiting on Memorial Day won't be too hard. Also wondering if we should wait until the end of the year...though my wife wouldn't be happy to buy a new car and immediately garage it before she could drive in in the Spring.

Originally Posted by yzark99

I would avoid the V6 before 2012; as it has timing chain failures around 50k miles. 1LT has most of the goodies without the higher price of the 2LT trim. The V6 is an excellent choice.

Thanks for the info. Definitely don't want to have to worry about timing chains and the damage a busted one can do!