Dilemma. Getting close to purchase. V6 vs. V8. Questions for you guys

[justinxxvii]

Originally Posted by BowtieBelle

The oil changes are almost twice as expensive; brake jobs are much more expensive with the brembos; you'll go through tires faster (at +/- $300 apiece), etc.

I was planning on doing my own oil changes, and I know the expense would be in the extra quarts, 8 vs 6. But why do the brakes cost more and why would the tires wear faster? With the RS package aren't the wheels and tires the same?

[justinxxvii]

Originally Posted by ShowSStopper

The maintenance comes in the form of expensive tires, expensive gas, expensive oil changes (unless you like to do it yourself), etc.

Basically, when people say "maintenance factor", they are talking about all the really small stuff that is important to keep the car running well.

V8 maintenance is more of a PITA because it uses only expensive tires, takes a butt-load of oil each time you get an oil change, and drinks gas like a mad man. So it's just more expensive. You just have to weigh those expenses with your desire for a V8 and decide if it's worth it.

I decided it was worth it to trade my V6 in...had a 1LT/RS. However, you are looking at a 2LT...so it has all the bells. Neither of my Camaros have had leather (this is Texas) and neither had HUD. The only thing I wish I had was the gauge cluster, but I can add that aftermarket for CHEAP compared to springing for the 2SS.

It's all in what you want. That's probably the best advice I can give. If you want everything the Camaro offers, then go 2LT. If you want a stripped down, more race-oriented car, then the 1SS is for you.

Then if you want to be payment-strapped, borrow gas money, and not enjoy the ride, there's always the 2SS/RS.

Thanks man, you've helped me realize that the SS mentality I had was all in my head. I go for my test drive appt in 45 minutes or so.

Now I have to get a crash course in 2LT prices since i've been researching 2SS prices for the past 3 months and ignoring all the rest!

[ShowSStopper]

Originally Posted by justinxxvii

Thanks man, you've helped me realize that the SS mentality I had was all in my head. I go for my test drive appt in 45 minutes or so.

Now I have to get a crash course in 2LT prices since i've been researching 2SS prices for the past 3 months and ignoring all the rest!

If you've been researching the 2SS prices, you will LOVE the 2LT prices.

Good luck with the test drive! If you have any questions about either the '12 V6 or '12 V8, let me know...I've owned both, as I said, and I can tell you the highs and lows of each. Well...I kinda did in this thread anyway.

[Neumatic]

Honestly, if you really want the V8 then the V6 will never truly cut it for you IMO. Iv seen many cases of this and there is quite a few of them on here as well. Go ahead and find yourself a 1SS and make it your own. Of course if the V6 vs V8 isn't big on your list then you can get a loaded V6 for a little cheaper and be happy. But in the end if you want that V8 your not going to stop until you get it.

[Barryj2065]

Go with the V8 if thats really what you want. I went with the V6 and one year later i was back purchasing the V8, because thats truly what i wanted from the start.

[ardailsmith]

Originally Posted by justinxxvii

Ok guys, case closed! I think I'll shop for the 2LT. The only reason I wanted a V8 was for the pride, when it really wouldn't matter to anyone but me. I like the mail slot but I can live without it if it means I have more money to spend on a set of winter rims and tires, a different stripe package etc.

Out of curiosity, what is the "maintenance factor" I keep seeing here, with regards to keeping the V8 in prime condition. Is it more of a PITA with the V8?

Yes V6 for the Win that will makes it a 181 V6 owners to 154 V8.

[oyealiz]

OP, obviously I'm outvoted. Never mind what makes financial sense. You only live once! You'd be stupid to buy a v6! V8 is the only way to go if that's really what you want!!! What the heck was I thinking?!?!?! OBVIOUSLY only the biggest engine will do, and you must have

[oyealiz]

Just don't go looking at Vettes (or Jags or Lambos)....where would the "must have THE most" and "you only live once, just do it" end?!

[oyealiz]

Originally Posted by justinxxvii

Thanks man, you've helped me realize that the SS mentality I had was all in my head. I go for my test drive appt in 45 minutes or so.

You ARE looking at a 6 spd, right?

Have fun test driving!!!

[molsonbrador]

T minus 5:00..."or so"

[christianchevell]

Im a old rodder and less than a ss would be a shame to me but more in line with what my wife would like to drive......(I have money on a zl1 trade in)...that I want livernois to build. I spend about 700$ a month on 3% car payments having traded in underwater vehicle for the 2011 ss convertible auto for 41k new near the end of 2011 so the prices you state for the ss shows alot of the original bite the bullet depreciation that eventually should level off in a long time and the value of the ss come back as it is going to be a classic and desirable on the collector market in the far flung future....

The insurance for me with no accidents and a clean record runs 70$ a month full coverage and for around the city I get 12 mpg and have a lead foot some times. On the freeway I can easily get 20+ mpg up to 25-30 with the l99 engine if I hold a steady speed on a long road trip and your on board computer tells you your milege with a constant read out if you like.

I figure the pirelli p zeros are a 20-25 thousand mile tire with soft rubber and cornering is like a dream. And I am the envy of co workers and have fun in the sun. And have had to spank some hosers in thier cars who thought they were all that by blowing thier doors off. The ss engine should go 200K mile easy before rebuild or alot longer with good synthetic oil and just minor checking of the heads torque every 50-70k miles.....remember kids aluminum expands and contracts alot more than good old cast iron.

The maintenance should be a little more than the v-6 yes- but the pride and wow factor much more.

Pride in ones ride can not be under stated.....My wife toally understands why my payments are more than for her two cars combined and she loves my car too....
If you dont drive your lady as the chauffer to the store and park away from other cars out of respect for your auto.....Well neither is good.

I wish I got better gas milege but hey thats the trade off. I am sure v-6 owners wish they could shread tires and pass like no one business on the freeway.

I told myself I was going to get a camaro and I did, I just knew they would come out with some thing better and they did, now I want it and will get one at around $900 a month payment and get exactly the colors and options I want. Because at my age I deserve the best the hell with the rest, and the same goes for my lady. Driving a wish I had a different car for many years was O.K. but just getting by for transpo and denying my motorhead roots. Its been about 5 years since I sold my 406 chevelle. And in 4 years I missed it but got by til my SS.

What are your priorities? You do not have to have a bunch of motorhead buddies.....But being able to pull into a car show is nice. And the roar of the crowd...ROFL

[oyealiz]

Originally Posted by christianchevell

..... I am sure v-6 owners wish they could shread tires and pass like no one business on the freeway......

[jshaf]

if you got extra cash then go for the v8, heck for that matter go 1LE or ZL1, but if you want the styling, better than most performance, and decent gas mileage then go with the cheeper option, go V6. I love my 1LT but if I had the extra cash I would go SS or better. Owning a Camaro is awesome no matter what you chose IMO

[oldfriend]

For most of us , to buy the car is not a big deal , to drive it every day it can turn to be a burden ,[ your words ] I CAN'T AFFORD TO DRIVE IT , it may become a problem if it's the DD . Again listen to your old man .