Joining Sub: Need tips on shopping/buying a 2013 Camaro SS

[Pumps15]

Hello All,

I have always loved the 5th gen (2010-2013) Camaros and now that I graduated college I wanna get one in the future (after working for a little while)

Any tips for shopping for one? I want an SS for the V8 and some mods down the road but any tips/tricks would be much appreciated!


Thanks!!

[LT1Zob]

I would get the M6 vs auto, if you’re comfortable driving stick. That gets you the LS3 motor vs the L99. Also, would go for a 13 1LE, great bang for buck (assuming you find a low mile, unmolested one). Otherwise, prices seem to be starting to come down a bit. If you waited this long, perhaps wait a few more months to get into the fall/winter months to see prices fall back a bit more. These are seasonal cars in the north/NE. Prices adjust seasonally (usually)

[Pumps15]

Originally Posted by LT1Zob

I would get the M6 vs auto, if you’re comfortable driving stick. That gets you the LS3 motor vs the L99. Also, would go for a 13 1LE, great bang for buck (assuming you find a low mile, unmolested one). Otherwise, prices seem to be starting to come down a bit. If you waited this long, perhaps wait a few more months to get into the fall/winter months to see prices fall back a bit more. These are seasonal cars in the north/NE. Prices adjust seasonally (usually)

Never driven a manual before but thought about learning for kicks. Is the LS3 better than the L99? Prices are pretty crazy right now so expecting to wait a few months (at least). From NY so also plan on just having it for summer/ nice spring and fall days.

[redrum_maro]

Cool thing is I recently watched this video, has some good stories and tips of the used car market.



Also, right now the used car market is really high. I'd wait for the prices to drop. My 2010 was purchased used 3 years ago and added about 25k miles. As of the current market value right now the value of the car has remained the same price, so that should tell you about current market conditions. Wait a little, save up and you may be able to get a good condition priced one for less. You may want to look for California and Texas cars as they are not exposed to as much rainy and bad weather conditions like other states do. Since you live in NY it'll be hard and expensive for you to get one of these cars to you. Unless you want to have a nice road trip back home on your new Camaro and truly enjoy it too. But, the downside of living so far from a car that you want to buy is that it will cost you money to look at and if it is not good you just lost money traveling there.

Like stated above, the 13 1LE is a really great car and bang for your buck. Comes with a so many goodies that it'll cost you a pretty penny to buy all of them and add it to any SS.

Hopefully, we are able to see your journey with your future Camaro here on Camaro5

[morepowerjoe]

Originally Posted by Pumps15

Never driven a manual before but thought about learning for kicks. Is the LS3 better than the L99? Prices are pretty crazy right now so expecting to wait a few months (at least). From NY so also plan on just having it for summer/ nice spring and fall days.

The l99 has a active fuel management system that disables four of the cylinders while cruising to try and save you gas and also has variable valve timing for a broader torque curve. The ls3 doesn't have any of that stuff. Most of us just do a afm delete kit and change the camshaft to a performance one in which you can keep the vvt if you want to or you can do a ls3 conversion if you prefer.

[fz4k98]

As others have mentioned, used car prices are crazy currently. I would not be buying one in the current market unless you will not be concerned by the depreciation in the next few years. Take time, save money and when the bubble bursts buy one for 30 to 40 percent less.

I ordered my 13 ss new and still have it. The only issues I have had with it were self inflicted. The car has been great.

[SSFury]

Test BOTH the heat, and the AC!! The Blend door is a known factor issue with these cars, its a huge fix that costs about 2K to fix, and can go wrong in many ways. Its one of those jobs that someone might sell the car rather than fix.

Also, dont buy the car for what it "Has". If you fall in love with it like we all have, chances are you will end up modding the crap out of it anyways, and will replace things. Buy the car for its potential..

[Pumps15]

Originally Posted by redrum_maro

Cool thing is I recently watched this video, has some good stories and tips of the used car market.



Also, right now the used car market is really high. I'd wait for the prices to drop. My 2010 was purchased used 3 years ago and added about 25k miles. As of the current market value right now the value of the car has remained the same price, so that should tell you about current market conditions. Wait a little, save up and you may be able to get a good condition priced one for less. You may want to look for California and Texas cars as they are not exposed to as much rainy and bad weather conditions like other states do. Since you live in NY it'll be hard and expensive for you to get one of these cars to you. Unless you want to have a nice road trip back home on your new Camaro and truly enjoy it too. But, the downside of living so far from a car that you want to buy is that it will cost you money to look at and if it is not good you just lost money traveling there.

Like stated above, the 13 1LE is a really great car and bang for your buck. Comes with a so many goodies that it'll cost you a pretty penny to buy all of them and add it to any SS.

Hopefully, we are able to see your journey with your future Camaro here on Camaro5

Thank you for the insight!! Definitely not buying one soon because the prices are insane. I will check out the 1LE and look at the goodies you speak of haha. Hopefully something along the east coast more south that may not have been put through the NY weather.

[Pumps15]

Originally Posted by morepowerjoe

The l99 has a active fuel management system that disables four of the cylinders while cruising to try and save you gas and also has variable valve timing for a broader torque curve. The ls3 doesn't have any of that stuff. Most of us just do a afm delete kit and change the camshaft to a performance one in which you can keep the vvt if you want to or you can do a ls3 conversion if you prefer.

Thanks for the tips! Tbh I do not know much about what you just said lol but I do plan to learn on the camaro I get. How complicated is that type of work?

[Pumps15]

Originally Posted by fz4k98

As others have mentioned, used car prices are crazy currently. I would not be buying one in the current market unless you will not be concerned by the depreciation in the next few years. Take time, save money and when the bubble bursts buy one for 30 to 40 percent less.

I ordered my 13 ss new and still have it. The only issues I have had with it were self inflicted. The car has been great.

For sure waiting to save up and also avoid overpaying thanks!!

[morepowerjoe]

Originally Posted by Pumps15

Thanks for the tips! Tbh I do not know much about what you just said lol but I do plan to learn on the camaro I get. How complicated is that type of work?

Well it is pretty straightforward. Only requires basic mechanical knowledge.

[LT1Zob]

Sorry bud, I didn’t see your follow up question to my L99 vs LS3 post. But I see Morepowerjoe answered it perfectly. If you haven’t ripped into a motor before, I wouldn’t start after paying a pretty penny for your dream car. Buy the LS3 and learn to drive stick would be my advice vs doing cam work and AFM delete yourself. Not trying to scare you, it’s not complicated work, it’s just time consuming (for those who have the experience though). Meantime, here are a few pics of my sold but never forgotten 13 1LE.

[Pumps15]

Originally Posted by SSFury

Test BOTH the heat, and the AC!! The Blend door is a known factor issue with these cars, its a huge fix that costs about 2K to fix, and can go wrong in many ways. Its one of those jobs that someone might sell the car rather than fix.

Also, dont buy the car for what it "Has". If you fall in love with it like we all have, chances are you will end up modding the crap out of it anyways, and will replace things. Buy the car for its potential..

Noted tips thank you!!!

[Pumps15]

Originally Posted by LT1Zob

Sorry bud, I didn’t see your follow up question to my L99 vs LS3 post. But I see Morepowerjoe answered it perfectly. If you haven’t ripped into a motor before, I wouldn’t start after paying a pretty penny for your dream car. Buy the LS3 and learn to drive stick would be my advice vs doing cam work and AFM delete yourself. Not trying to scare you, it’s not complicated work, it’s just time consuming (for those who have the experience though). Meantime, here are a few pics of my sold but never forgotten 13 1LE.

No worries thanks! Great looking car!!