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

[2xSSRS]

Originally Posted by Sir Nuke

justinxxvii, for starters, why aren't you looking at a 2013 model? Ok, here is one V6ers opinion for you.

I have a 2LT/RS....the only bell or whistle I'm missing is the V8 and the mail slot, which I personally don't like, and if I would have gotten a V8, I would have swapped out the front facia for a V6 front facia. and if you look, the ZL1 doesn't have a mail slot either.

FIRST OFF, the statment that "it seems like the attitude is that it's not a real Camaro unless there is a V8 in it." is totally false....true there are some that feel that way....it really depends on the threads you read.

Think about this......prior to the 5th gens comming out, nearly all small block v8's had fewer horse power then the current V6. granted the v8's had more torque, but.....seeing as how you stated that you most likely will never be taking it to the track or draging it. The V6 has plenty of "Get Up and GO" ...... not to mention it will pass plenty of v8s as they are sitting at the gas station!! lol

Why aren't you are getting a 2013 2LT, HUD comes standard, you don't have to have it added.

SURE if you REALLY want the Mail Slot, its an easy swap, plenty of guys have done it, and as long as you are not badging the car as a SS, YOU ARE NOT POSING.

You didn't mention it specifically, but be sure you get a car with the RS option. ESPECIALLY if you are getting an LT. By getting the RS option you will get the 20's AND your car will have the same govener rating of 155 mph of the SS.

One last thing.....I'm in a large Camaro Club, we have plenty of people that are driving V6's, and our mix of members goes from folks with stock LS's to fully modified Twin Turbo 427 cid LSX 1200 H.P. monsters! And no one in our club looks down on anyone in the club because their car isn't a V8.....those kinds of people you really don't need.

SO, with that in mind, get what you can afford NOW and drive it and be happy, OR wait and keep saving your money until you can affoird the car you truely want.

"Nuff Said" I have a 2ss/rs but really can't argue with that.

[BowtieBelle]

Originally Posted by justinxxvii

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?

Brake pads for Brembos are just super pricey. Look them up and the SS puts more power to the rear wheels and you'll goose it, almost everyone does goes through tires fast if you don't granny it. Haha.

I can't quote multiple posts but whoever said you don't have as much pride or wow factor in a V6 is just wrong. Everyone stares and compliments my V6 and maybe one out of ten people can tell the difference between the two outside this forum. But to each their own I have plenty of pride in my V6 as do all V6 owners and I wouldn't be any more proud of a V8. It will "shred tires" and do burnouts and can pass anyone on the freeway with ease and style. And I can and do "pull into car shows" in my V6 and have at least half a dozen trophies to prove what an awesome car it is.

[black12lt]

Go for the v8. Its a dream, life long and well deserved Im sure. Your father gave some good advice. Alot of the usual maintenance will not be that bad. We live life for the moments, not to live the minutes. All or nothing bro.
ps.. I hear HUD is slightly over hyped.
Good Luck

[TJR1952]

I have a 2013 2LT with all the trimings to make it looks badass. I say looks because under the hood is a V6 with enough power to get out of its own way. Just because you have to ask the question of which one to get , means you are not a V6 man. If you get a V6 you will have regrets. You have not scratched that itch i once had for sound , power and speed. Been there and done that. Until you've been there , you will never truely be satisfied with what you have. If money is a problem , buy used.

[Kent2010]

Really, there are only 3 truly critical choices to be made *before* your Camaro purchase:
1) "v6 or v8",
2) "auto or manual transmission" and
3) "color".

Every other option can be added later at modest cost.

Bottom line is -- if you want the v8, but finances are tight, get the 1SS instead of the 2LT. The price will be similar enough to not make a huge difference in your payment, and you can *always* add all the missing 2SS options down the road as finances allow, one at a time (even the HUD can be added later at a reasonable cost).

Just make sure you get the right FOUNDATION choices of engine/transmission/color.

[Stingray]

I went from a 2LT V6 to a 2SS V8. The V6 had good power and met my needs... I liked it but I knew that my personal want & temptation was to eventually get the V8 version so I did that and upgraded. Bottom line was that my payment also went up one Benjamin Franklin per month but I could easily afford it. The V8 is quiet thirsty though and prefers premium while regular unleaded on the V6 was just perfectly fine, but that's the tradeoff. In the OP's case I do agree that the V6 fits him and his lifestyle just fine... and he'll still come away with a daily permagrin.

Let us know how the test drive(s) went... maybe he'll come home with one!

[oyealiz]

Originally Posted by black12lt

Go for the v8. Its a dream, life long and well deserved Im sure. Your father gave some good advice. Alot of the usual maintenance will not be that bad. We live life for the moments, not to live the minutes. All or nothing bro.
ps.. I hear HUD is slightly over hyped.
Good Luck

He is 29 yrs old. I hope this isn't his last rodeo!

[tonyko1]

Originally Posted by BowtieBelle

This should be entertaining.

I'm gonna highlight this:



My opinion? Buy what you can afford. If you want the 2SS that badly, save a little longer. You said you can't afford it now? Don't buy it now and sink yourself in debt you can't cover.

And the only people around here that have the attitude that it isn't a "real" Camaro if it doesn't have a V8, are those who feel the need to compensate for something-- and who will never understand that all the big, fancy equipment in the world won't make up for other equipment God didn't give them. Just saying. These people will tell you go V8 or go home, never minding your financial situation, and will be the first to say "awww, too bad" when the car gets repo'd or you have to sell it in six months because you can't afford the payment. I've seen it on here a few times, actually.

Also, food for thought-- I've owned a couple of V8 Camaros (IROC-Z, Z/28), and my current V6 5th gen makes more power than all of them. The V6 is not slow. Go drive one.

But if you really care a lot about what people think and are worried about being frowned upon for having the V6 (since you didn't mention the power jump, it sounds like you want the V8 for show more than for the power)... maybe you should save a little longer. I might add, I've only been asked a handful of times in my two years of ownership whether my car is a V6 or a V8, and when I tell people how much power it puts out and my quarter-mile times, they're always impressed-- I've NEVER had anyone say "you should have gotten the SS." (Except jokingly, on here)

Just my .02. Good luck!

************************************************** ********

So says the person, and all people with a V6.

The V6 is pretty awesome, 323HP is no slouch, but a V8 is a V8, you are up to 100mph and the animal ain't even breathing fast, but I sure am.

Save up a little bit for a whole bunch more.

[AKAviking14]

[MBS]

Sounds like you wallet tells you to buy the V-6 and your mind says the V-8. I got a v 6 and love it, I couldnt afford the V8, , I am more than happy climbing in my car , It is a Camaro , No matter what some say, ever thought of a used V8?, Hell i got a used V-6 and would love a Zl1,, "But i cant afford it , I cant afford it", eddie Murphy move,haha Some day maybe, If not i still love MY car!!! When is enough enough better more i want i want??????/

[horrido]

You could do what I did, and buy as inexpensive as possible, and then mod. So far I've got a 1" lowering kit, SS wheels/tires, and exhaust. I like the slot too, but I think I like the aftermarket hoods even more. Probably do something like that next summer.

Whatever you do, don't put yourself in a hole financially. The cars is no good if you have to sell it down the road because it is taking all of your money.

[He11bent]

Just because you got the green light doesn't mean it expires in 72 hours. You need to take some time and approach large purchases from the right angle. It will pay off.

First, determine what is right for your situation. Lots of gas money and high insurance also go with the SS. Consider how far you drive to work and monthly. City or highway?

I have purchased nice sports cars before but not of this caliber/performance. I didnt buy my dream car until age 44 because I when I was 30 i couldnt afford to get everything I wanted. Wife and kids are the first priority. There is no shame in that. Don't let your dream car sit in the driveway soaking up all the money and you're family is strapped for cash. Lack of money can tear a marriage/family apart.

After you made your decision on engine/trim. Here are a few car buying tips to get the most for your money:

(1) The best bang for your buck is used. There are plenty of low mileage Camaros with plenty of warranty left out there. Let someone else take the new car hit.
(2) Get a loan preapproved before you show up. The interest rate you get will tell you what your price range is. Then get the most car you can in your price range. If the dealer says he can beat it, let them try, what's the worse that can happen?
(3) be wiiling to travel to pick the car up. I search in a 250 mile range when I buy my cars.
(4) the deal should be complete and agreed upon before you ever step into a dealership. Use phone, emails, and text. Once you show up, they are control.
(5) The way to get a V8 on a V6 budget is to pay the extra for the motor up front. If you need to save for it, then do it.

Good luck!

[The Blue Ox]

Originally Posted by AKAviking14

Good video!! If there is anyway possible,get the V-8!! You won't be disappointed! When I was purchasing my chevy truck in 96,I too was thinking about a V-6, my brother said get the 350, not the V-6 or the small V-8! I got the Vortec 350 and it was the best decision I have made on any vehicle! I'm so glad he talked me into that 350!! I really like the mail slot on the camaro too !!!

[Dtrimpi87]

God these V6 vs. V8 threads go on forever.