First impressions of a potential buyer - Page 2 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Bert · 12-23-2009, 11:43 AM

maybe I should start my own thread but I just completed the first half of my one-day test drive (rented a 1LT from Avis) .. . . here are my thoughts:

1) at first I was VERY uncomfortable in the car . . . due to the blind spots, and I'm just not used to driving a car like this (can you say Camry? borring . . . )

2) I overfilled the gas tank (topping off to get good gas mileage numbers) about the same time that the tire pressure sensors started telling me the tires were low (30 PSI) . . . this made me even more nervous and uncomfortable

3) first drive was at night on unfamiliar highways . . . even more nervous now

4) morning came . . . I went for a good long drive by myself . . . got the mirrors set and got comfortable . . . figured out the info panel and the satelite radio (found Grateful Dead station) . . . permagrin growing . . . took about 2-3 hour drive around unfamilar parts of Florida -- LOVING IT NOW!

5) blind spots are not so bad once you get the mirrors set, get used to it, and remember to drive faster than everyone else so they can't sneak in there

6) V6 has plenty of power/performance . . . probably on par with my old '71 442 with the base 455 engine (it's been about 30 years since I drove that car so it's hard to make a direct comparison)

7) handling feels great to me -- like its on rails; I don't have much experience with real sports cars, but this handles better than anything I have ever driven . . . I didn't push it real hard, but did have some fun on some tight 15-MPH limit corners without even a squeal from the tires

8) gas mileage is impressive -- in true stop-and-go city driving I got close to 20 according to the computer; on a simulated commute with mix of highway and surface roads I got 30.5 MPG -- that's just one MPG less than my 4-cylinder Camry in similar driving conditions (actually in the Camry I wouldn't have played with that Corvette . . . . )

9) my rental has the sunroof, and I would rather not have it . . . my hair brushes the headliner; but I was comfortable in a reasonably upright seating position (I am 6' 2" and like to sit pretty vertical, not lying down)

10) yes the trunk opening is silly small, though the trunk itself is pretty big . . . will need to keep the Camry for shopping trips

11) the manual setting on the automatic with the click-shifters is fun . . . could be the best of both worlds . . . . though I still think you are more connected to the machine with a real manual transmission

12) I took a pretty close look at the paint job (red, I forget the exact code name right now) and it looks pretty good to me; I don't see the flaws that have been mentioned in other threads

13) there is a bit of cheapness to the interior . . . driver info center would be better if it could display multiple data at once instead of just one thing at a time . . . but it's OK once you figure out how to scroll through the items

so last night I was thinking "maybe I don't really need one of these" but now I'm more obsessed than ever . . . .

I was thinking about renting a Mustang tonight/tomorrow for comparison, but now I'm thinking I might try an SS . . . . or maybe that is a real bad idea for my budget . . .

ctrick · 12-23-2009, 11:56 AM

I guess get you about the trunk opening but from what I recall I *think* it seemed like they could have made it bigger - really not a big deal at all - just an observation.

Bert - nice comments - fills in my gaps - thx

Manual is the only way to go for me.

PQ · 12-23-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bert

maybe I should start my own thread but I just completed the first half of my one-day test drive (rented a 1LT from Avis) .. . . here are my thoughts:

1) at first I was VERY uncomfortable in the car . . . due to the blind spots, and I'm just not used to driving a car like this (can you say Camry? borring . . . )

2) I overfilled the gas tank (topping off to get good gas mileage numbers) about the same time that the tire pressure sensors started telling me the tires were low (30 PSI) . . . this made me even more nervous and uncomfortable

3) first drive was at night on unfamiliar highways . . . even more nervous now

4) morning came . . . I went for a good long drive by myself . . . got the mirrors set and got comfortable . . . figured out the info panel and the satelite radio (found Grateful Dead station) . . . permagrin growing . . . took about 2-3 hour drive around unfamilar parts of Florida -- LOVING IT NOW!

5) blind spots are not so bad once you get the mirrors set, get used to it, and remember to drive faster than everyone else so they can't sneak in there

6) V6 has plenty of power/performance . . . probably on par with my old '71 442 with the base 455 engine (it's been about 30 years since I drove that car so it's hard to make a direct comparison)

7) handling feels great to me -- like its on rails; I don't have much experience with real sports cars, but this handles better than anything I have ever driven . . . I didn't push it real hard, but did have some fun on some tight 15-MPH limit corners without even a squeal from the tires

8) gas mileage is impressive -- in true stop-and-go city driving I got close to 20 according to the computer; on a simulated commute with mix of highway and surface roads I got 30.5 MPG -- that's just one MPG less than my 4-cylinder Camry in similar driving conditions (actually in the Camry I wouldn't have played with that Corvette . . . . )

9) my rental has the sunroof, and I would rather not have it . . . my hair brushes the headliner; but I was comfortable in a reasonably upright seating position (I am 6' 2" and like to sit pretty vertical, not lying down)

10) yes the trunk opening is silly small, though the trunk itself is pretty big . . . will need to keep the Camry for shopping trips

11) the manual setting on the automatic with the click-shifters is fun . . . could be the best of both worlds . . . . though I still think you are more connected to the machine with a real manual transmission

12) I took a pretty close look at the paint job (red, I forget the exact code name right now) and it looks pretty good to me; I don't see the flaws that have been mentioned in other threads

13) there is a bit of cheapness to the interior . . . driver info center would be better if it could display multiple data at once instead of just one thing at a time . . . but it's OK once you figure out how to scroll through the items

so last night I was thinking "maybe I don't really need one of these" but now I'm more obsessed than ever . . . .

I was thinking about renting a Mustang tonight/tomorrow for comparison, but now I'm thinking I might try an SS . . . . or maybe that is a real bad idea for my budget . . .

Don't drive the SS. You'll just want it too bad.

KMPrenger · 12-23-2009, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SScattergunSS

The only thing I'll tell you is to set your side mirrors so that you can no longer see the Camaro's shoulder...that will give you your best vision in using the three mirrors. It really is not any where near as bad as you might think!

X2. There are a few links on this site explaining how to set them up...and besides not feeling comfortable when I back up my camaro, i do feel comfortable going down the road.

Basically, for your drivers side mirror, position your head almost against the window and move the mirror until you can just BARELY if at all see the rear shoulder.

For the passenger side mirror, position your head into the middle of the cabin, and move the mirror again until you can barely see the rear shoulder.

I did this, and now when a vehicle passes me, as it moves out of my rearview mirror visability its already entering into my side mirror view, and as the car moves out of view from my side mirror I can see it moving into view through my window.

Virtually no side blind spots! Takes some getting used to for those whom are not as used to using just the side mirrors...which I wasn't.

MightyT · 12-23-2009, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KMPrenger

X2. There are a few links on this site explaining how to set them up...and besides not feeling comfortable when I back up my camaro, i do feel comfortable going down the road.

Basically, for your drivers side mirror, position your head almost against the window and move the mirror until you can just BARELY if at all see the rear shoulder.

For the passenger side mirror, position your head into the middle of the cabin, and move the mirror again until you can barely see the rear shoulder.

I did this, and now when a vehicle passes me, as it moves out of my rearview mirror visability its already entering into my side mirror view, and as the car moves out of view from my side mirror I can see it moving into view through my window.

Virtually no side blind spots! Takes some getting used to for those whom are not as used to using just the side mirrors...which I wasn't.

Great advice ... and ... if you just hesitate before making lane changes instead of theusual slap the blinker and start moving over, you will have a better chance of seeing what's coming your way. I suppose this is good practive anyway ... So the Camaro actually makes us better drivers too!!!

MightyT · 12-23-2009, 12:28 PM

Tha trunk opening is small yes ... but who cares ... that's why junk goes in your other car!!

My wife has the mini van ... most folks I know have this or SUV or truck as a second car ...

Only becomes a problem with single car families. :(

Of course I have thought it would be cool to sell the mini van and get a second Camaro!!!

PQ · 12-23-2009, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyT

Tha trunk opening is small yes ... but who cares ... that's why junk goes in your other car!!

My wife has the mini van ... most folks I know have this or SUV or truck as a second car ...

Only becomes a problem with single car families. :(

Of course I have thought it would be cool to sell the mini van and get a second Camaro!!!

Or the idiots who have an suv and STILL take the Camaro.

ctrick · 12-23-2009, 12:47 PM

lol PQ, that's why my Jeep will still be part of the family...

29er · 12-23-2009, 12:59 PM

i was shaking like a leaf on a tree when i knew i was going to drive the camaro !!! the dealer had 2 ss in the lot so i wanted to test them to get maybe that new car buzz...

i tried the l99/auto white it was, at first it's ok but less fun without rowing some gears + no exhaust sounds at all very very very deceiving. felt that i was sitting high//compared to my2002 ws6.big steering also,and the vision well i felt like i was in a sherman tank! but i was trying to get all the info or feelings that car would had given me felt big also-- that automatic is not for me.

after a quick spin i went bact to the dealership and then i tried the ls3 6 speed it was cyber gray , oh man! completely different car! at start up you hear the exhaust! at last some noise!! but not comparable to the 1st time i heard a 96 slp ss wow that lt1 had some serious bark at the time.
anyway i liked better the ls3. i liked the shifter and more power it has. more than my old girl. felt like i could tear up those 20inch i even did make the tires sing! it was nice. my choice would be the 6speed. apart from the new feeling of a new car i liked my old girl. cause been a long time she's all paid for. when i'll be ready i'll make my move. but not for now.

molsonbrador · 12-23-2009, 07:12 PM

Sat in an SS, ordered one the next day.
Currently drive a 99 Silverado with a cap so I think I can set the mirrors in the Camaro properly to minimize the blindspots.

Frank in MD · 12-23-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctrick

7. Sound system.
No clue yet.

Just an FYI from a creepy sales guy, the sound system works w/out the keys.

1HOTSS · 12-23-2009, 07:19 PM

I drive a 2008 Yukon and a 2010 camaro- and i have no issues with blind spots. it takes some adjustment going form one to the other, but overall is ok once you have it down. I like being bad ass in both my Summer and my Winter vehicles!

JaxJags · 12-23-2009, 07:27 PM

If I were you, I would wait for the weather to get warmer in order to test drive it. You won't get the best experience driving it in the winter in CT.

ctrick · 12-24-2009, 02:56 PM

This guy was hesitant on me driving it with just a little snow - seriously doubt I could drive it with more than that - will check out some other dealers. This will be a daily driver anyways and I DO plan on driving it in the winter - but judiciously since I'm keeping my Jeep.

12-23-2009, 11:56 AM	#16
ctrick Drives: not yet Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: ct Posts: 23	I guess get you about the trunk opening but from what I recall I think it seemed like they could have made it bigger - really not a big deal at all - just an observation. Bert - nice comments - fills in my gaps - thx Manual is the only way to go for me. Last edited by ctrick; 12-23-2009 at 12:07 PM.

12-23-2009, 12:28 PM	#20
MightyT Drives: 2010 Camaro 2LT RS Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: California Posts: 539	Tha trunk opening is small yes ... but who cares ... that's why junk goes in your other car!! My wife has the mini van ... most folks I know have this or SUV or truck as a second car ... Only becomes a problem with single car families. :( Of course I have thought it would be cool to sell the mini van and get a second Camaro!!! __________________ 2010 Camaro 2LT RS - Rally Yellow Ordered from Tom Bell 1100 Prelim. Order - (09-18-09) 2000 GM Accepted - (09-22-09) Order NPJWCM. 3000 Prod Control Accepted - (10-14-09) *TPW 11/02/09. 3300 Scheduled - (10-26-09)* 3400 Broadcast - (10-31-09) 3800 Produced - (11-06-09) VIN 2G1FC1EV6A9165272 4200 Shipped - (11-09-09) Rail ETTX701486 5000 Deliver dealer - (11-27-09) 6000 Deliver customer - (11-27-09)

12-23-2009, 07:27 PM	#27
JaxJags Drives: 1994 Camaro Z28 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: CT Posts: 375	If I were you, I would wait for the weather to get warmer in order to test drive it. You won't get the best experience driving it in the winter in CT. __________________ -1994 Camaro Z28 Bone Stock-

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12-23-2009, 11:43 AM	#15
Bert synergy-green with envy Drives: Cam....ry :-( Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Douglas, MA Posts: 280	maybe I should start my own thread but I just completed the first half of my one-day test drive (rented a 1LT from Avis) .. . . here are my thoughts: 1) at first I was VERY uncomfortable in the car . . . due to the blind spots, and I'm just not used to driving a car like this (can you say Camry? borring . . . ) 2) I overfilled the gas tank (topping off to get good gas mileage numbers) about the same time that the tire pressure sensors started telling me the tires were low (30 PSI) . . . this made me even more nervous and uncomfortable 3) first drive was at night on unfamiliar highways . . . even more nervous now 4) morning came . . . I went for a good long drive by myself . . . got the mirrors set and got comfortable . . . figured out the info panel and the satelite radio (found Grateful Dead station) . . . permagrin growing . . . took about 2-3 hour drive around unfamilar parts of Florida -- LOVING IT NOW! 5) blind spots are not so bad once you get the mirrors set, get used to it, and remember to drive faster than everyone else so they can't sneak in there 6) V6 has plenty of power/performance . . . probably on par with my old '71 442 with the base 455 engine (it's been about 30 years since I drove that car so it's hard to make a direct comparison) 7) handling feels great to me -- like its on rails; I don't have much experience with real sports cars, but this handles better than anything I have ever driven . . . I didn't push it real hard, but did have some fun on some tight 15-MPH limit corners without even a squeal from the tires 8) gas mileage is impressive -- in true stop-and-go city driving I got close to 20 according to the computer; on a simulated commute with mix of highway and surface roads I got 30.5 MPG -- that's just one MPG less than my 4-cylinder Camry in similar driving conditions (actually in the Camry I wouldn't have played with that Corvette . . . . ) 9) my rental has the sunroof, and I would rather not have it . . . my hair brushes the headliner; but I was comfortable in a reasonably upright seating position (I am 6' 2" and like to sit pretty vertical, not lying down) 10) yes the trunk opening is silly small, though the trunk itself is pretty big . . . will need to keep the Camry for shopping trips 11) the manual setting on the automatic with the click-shifters is fun . . . could be the best of both worlds . . . . though I still think you are more connected to the machine with a real manual transmission 12) I took a pretty close look at the paint job (red, I forget the exact code name right now) and it looks pretty good to me; I don't see the flaws that have been mentioned in other threads 13) there is a bit of cheapness to the interior . . . driver info center would be better if it could display multiple data at once instead of just one thing at a time . . . but it's OK once you figure out how to scroll through the items so last night I was thinking "maybe I don't really need one of these" but now I'm more obsessed than ever . . . . I was thinking about renting a Mustang tonight/tomorrow for comparison, but now I'm thinking I might try an SS . . . . or maybe that is a real bad idea for my budget . . .

12-23-2009, 12:47 PM	#22
ctrick Drives: not yet Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: ct Posts: 23	lol PQ, that's why my Jeep will still be part of the family...

12-23-2009, 12:59 PM	#23
29er Drives: 14 1LE Garage King Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: MTL Posts: 1,519 View My Garage	i was shaking like a leaf on a tree when i knew i was going to drive the camaro !!! the dealer had 2 ss in the lot so i wanted to test them to get maybe that new car buzz... i tried the l99/auto white it was, at first it's ok but less fun without rowing some gears + no exhaust sounds at all very very very deceiving. felt that i was sitting high//compared to my2002 ws6.big steering also,and the vision well i felt like i was in a sherman tank! but i was trying to get all the info or feelings that car would had given me felt big also-- that automatic is not for me. after a quick spin i went bact to the dealership and then i tried the ls3 6 speed it was cyber gray , oh man! completely different car! at start up you hear the exhaust! at last some noise!! but not comparable to the 1st time i heard a 96 slp ss wow that lt1 had some serious bark at the time. anyway i liked better the ls3. i liked the shifter and more power it has. more than my old girl. felt like i could tear up those 20inch i even did make the tires sing! it was nice. my choice would be the 6speed. apart from the new feeling of a new car i liked my old girl. cause been a long time she's all paid for. when i'll be ready i'll make my move. but not for now.

12-23-2009, 07:12 PM	#24
molsonbrador Drives: 2010 Camaro SS, 2018 Colorado Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NC Posts: 2,207	Sat in an SS, ordered one the next day. Currently drive a 99 Silverado with a cap so I think I can set the mirrors in the Camaro properly to minimize the blindspots.

12-23-2009, 07:19 PM	#26
1HOTSS 1HOTSS Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 30	I drive a 2008 Yukon and a 2010 camaro- and i have no issues with blind spots. it takes some adjustment going form one to the other, but overall is ok once you have it down. I like being bad ass in both my Summer and my Winter vehicles!

12-24-2009, 02:56 PM	#28
ctrick Drives: not yet Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: ct Posts: 23	This guy was hesitant on me driving it with just a little snow - seriously doubt I could drive it with more than that - will check out some other dealers. This will be a daily driver anyways and I DO plan on driving it in the winter - but judiciously since I'm keeping my Jeep.