Wanting to buy a V8! Questions... - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

sspolo · 12-23-2012, 04:41 AM

Hey everyone!

Well, as it says on my bio, I don’t have a car at the moment, but things seem to be getting a bit better! I will probably get a job by late January and should be able to afford a Camaro by May (since I have a little bit saved up from before) Before I created this account I was set on a Camaro LS, after spending many days here I now MUST have a SS!

Just a little about me so you guys know where I am at. I am 22, started driving at 18 and have around 20,000 miles of experience. I am not someone that drives fast; I have been told I drive like a grandma. I rarely go above the speed limit and I rarely accelerate hard when the light turns green. Aside from a different exhaust, I probably will leave it stock. Some might ask “why a V8?”, but I just fell in love with the sound

.

My previous car was a manual FWD 2002 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 with a measly 115HP :(. I had it for a little over two years. So a SS will definitely be a BIG change for me, so I have a few questions and hope I can get some feedback!

Question #1. I did some quick calculations where I compared the gas usage (100% city and 100% highway) of the Golf, V6 Camaro and the V8 Camaro.

I took 780 miles, divided it by 16 miles/gallon and then multiplied it by $4 a gallon and got the answer. Did I do the math correct? If so, gas should be not be a problem for either scenario

Scenario. 4$/Gal. 780 miles.
Golf 21/28 = $148.57/$111.43
Camaro V6 17/28 = $183.53/$111.43
Camaro V8 16/24 = $195.00/$130.00

Scenario 2. 4$/Gal. 415 miles.
Golf 21/28 = $79.050/$59.29
Camaro V6 17/28 = $97.650/$59.29
Camaro V8 16/24 = $103.75/$69.17

Question #2. Now, as you guys know, I come from a car with 115HP so the SS with 426HP is a HUGE difference to me. So “with great power comes great responsibility” :p

These are some of the "craziest" things I did with the Golf, is it possible to do them with a Camaro without losing control?

1. Downshift and accelerate to pass a car.
2. At times, I could turn on curves at a slightly above average speed without losing grip or control.
3. Accelerate from a dead stop with flowing traffic to match their speed

What things should I be precautions of with that much HP and Torque and a RWD? Additionally, I do live in a place where it is usually raining.

Question #3. If I do get the SS it will probably end up being used, so more than likely it won’t come with any warranty. I have been looking at prices and I can afford a 2010/11. I have tried to review problems and I found the following:

1. Timing chain is weak and might need to be changed
2. Clutch has problems
3. Paint (sucks, but not concerned much)

As I said before, I won’t be racing, so I won’t be forcing the motor too much and will probably drive less than 6,000 miles a year. The problems that concerns me the most are the first two since they are expensive to fix (for me)
Should I be worried about them?
Do the first models have any other issues I should be aware of?
Also, is there a VIN number I should steer away from?

Question #4. This is more of a financing question.
I don’t have any credit history, so the Camaro will be the start of it and I am also expecting a high interest rate. (my dad might cosign)
At the most, I am planning to get a car under $28,000 and be able to give a $10,000 down payment.
Is it smart to give the down payment all at once, or just a partial down payment and extra payments throughout the months?

As far as I know, these are all the questions I have (for now at least :p) Thank you all who help me out! I know it’s a semi long read but I like to research a bit before I buy.

AdamZ · 12-23-2012, 04:52 AM

Your really putting too much thought into this

Scratch question #1...if you're worried about mpg then don't get an SS.

#2 it's just like any other car. Just don't slam the gas and you'll be fine. Slam the gas and you'll lose traction. (probably something you've never experienced since the golf probably couldn't even spin it's tired on ice

#3 you're issues there are all rare. I wouldn't worry about them. Except paint...but like you said you shouldn't be concerned.

#4...I am 22...father cosigned...I got a 4.45% interest rate. If you can't get 7% or lower then don't buy the car. Keep walking out until the dealer gets you under 7% nomatter what they say.

Idk how well you know how dealerships and banks do interest though....if the dealership can get you to sign on a high interest...the bank will give them some of the money back. When I bought my v6 I agreed to 16% interest

. Then I found this SS which was at a Toyota dealership that my friend was a salesman at. He told me all about interest. The dealer can always get you a much much much much lower interest than their first offer. But they trick you by blaming the bank saying stuff like "this is the only bank who will accept your credit" "this is the best this bank can do" so they can put the blame on the bank and not themselves. Making you think "well this is the best rate I can get". When they are straight up lying to your face. Keep that in mind

. Put down the whole 10 grand as a down payment. Or make a bad decision (like I would do) and put 3 grand down and 7 grand into a supercharger

You need a cosigner also.

SS_Los · 12-23-2012, 04:53 AM

Seems like you have put a lot of thought into this, good for you. If you're able to get a co-signer, that would benefit you a lot. However, if you're planning on dropping 10k as a downpayment, i don't think a co-signer will be needed. IMO pay it off as quick as possible, so personally i'd put it all as a down payment.

two_wheel_mayhem · 12-23-2012, 05:12 AM

You ain't ready.

AdamZ · 12-23-2012, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by two_wheel_mayhem

You ain't ready.

I didn't want to say it

.

SS ORANGE CRUSH SS · 12-23-2012, 06:47 AM

According to your gas figures ,,,
You will paying $1500.00 a year for gas. (SS)
For a loan you will have to put a lot down.

Then you will be ready ????

MYDLIFECRISIS · 12-23-2012, 07:13 AM

IMO, if you have to think about a certain car that much before buying, you're not ready for it. If you do go into it, the V6 is probably the one for you. I was 22 when I got my first hot car...Mustang GT...I know, what'd I know! Anyway, my point is this: I had a good driving record, and drove like you did. That being said, that car got me into so much trouble!!! Tickets, racing, crashes...etc! The road to hell is paved with good intentions. I think 22 is too young for a hot car...it will get you in trouble. I'm 46 now, with a family, so I drive a lot more responsibly. I'm not saying wait that long, but wait a little longer before you put yourself behind the wheel of a car that begs to be driven hard! IMO of course.

SilveRS · 12-23-2012, 07:26 AM

IMO...start with the V6. That's what I did and then once I had some good credit built up and saved some more money, I traded up to the V8. Wouldn't have done it any other way.

Advantages of starting with the V6 (I was 23 at the time):
1. Initial lower overall cost
2. Lower insurance cost
3. Paid less for gas

Advantages of switching to the V8 at 25 after having the V6:
1. You're 25, insurance jump from V6-V8 won't be as bad
2. Established credit history, so my interest rate actually went down
3. More financially stable, was able to make the trade and necessary down payment to get the overall monthly payment I wanted on the V8.

Good luck!

Caspers2SSRS · 12-23-2012, 07:28 AM

Quote:

These are some of the "craziest" things I did with the Golf, is it possible to do them with a Camaro without losing control?

1. Downshift and accelerate to pass a car.
2. At times, I could turn on curves at a slightly above average speed without losing grip or control.
3. Accelerate from a dead stop with flowing traffic to match their speed

I'd say you've got nothing to worry about ( Getting financing) if you've saved up 10 grand for a down payment. If your a member of a Credit Union........let them provided it. If you're not ....go join one tommorrow. Your saving record ( proof of income and steady deposits).....................will serve your chances well at securing the loan and at a decent 1st time purchaser rate. They might suggest/require you wait 6-12 months until your the time on the new job is established. You really haven't provided any other info here that would lead me to believe you're not capable of being responsible for making the payments, ie.

I do have one worry though and that is ..........what happens at the other "Times" whenever you don't keep control in the curves ? or is this a hint as to why you're without a ride now? My advice is to slow up Son......................... Best of Luck getting the new job and the car.

jshaf · 12-23-2012, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamZ

Your really putting too much thought into this

.

menendez1293 · 12-23-2012, 08:24 AM

Issue one you talk about with the timing chains is a known issue in the LLT motor which is the V6 Camaro from 2010-2011. They supposedly fixed the issue in the 2011 V6 camaros. But personally I have never had a problem but I have under 5,000 miles.

christianchevell · 12-23-2012, 10:21 AM

chuckles they handle like a dream compaired to what ever you have driven, if your worried about the clutch you can get a auto, and down shifting to pass...not a worry, you have the horses not a toy car. Wet weather driver here and no problem going faster with the independent rear around corners, and the milege when driving badly will be about 20mpg on the freeway..watch out for cops..or 24 driving safer. I would recommend ron tonkin as they have a nice selection..even my used 2011 ss vert. However the insurance will be high for your age, the timing chain is fine, and the miles on the car and age matter and probably will still have a warranty, or you can get certified used too.

Ringo64 · 12-23-2012, 10:41 AM

If these are all "worries" you have then I'd say start with a V6.

1. Like said if you want an SS, don't worry about MPG

.
2. Go test drive an SS, everyone's threshold for power is different. It was easy for me because I've been around muscle cars my whole life even though this is the first I bought.
3. Inspect, inspect, inspect. Don't buy a Camaro because you get an amazing deal, buy one that you want to own.
4. Do you have college loans, credit cards, anything? Just because you never bought a car or house or large item, doesn't mean you don't have credit. I bought my Camaro at the beginning of this year when I was 22 (now 23), all I had under my belt was paying back a little bit of my college loans and a credit card I buy gas and other things with. Got 1.9% financing but granted I put down a little more than half at $20k but I bought brand new.

Nightmare2012 · 12-23-2012, 10:46 AM

Im 20 and just recently got my 2012 ss and those city mpg figures will drop tremendously from red light to red light!!! Lol i, like you thought i would leave my car stock but after installing ny cai and axleback and first taking it to the tracks that got me hooked so now im saving as much as possible for purely mods so never say you're gunna leave a beast stock and yea like everybody else said your not ready stick with the v6 but i mean to each their own bro good luck on your buy!!

12-23-2012, 06:47 AM	#6
SS ORANGE CRUSH SS Drives: Inferno Orange 2SS RS Convertible Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Edmonton Canada Posts: 636	According to your gas figures ,,, You will paying $1500.00 a year for gas. (SS) For a loan you will have to put a lot down. Then you will be ready ???? __________________ Likes to Cruise!!!!

12-23-2012, 07:13 AM	#7
MYDLIFECRISIS Drives: '12SS/2SS/45TH-'06 2500HD/Silverado Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 2,105 View My Garage	IMO, if you have to think about a certain car that much before buying, you're not ready for it. If you do go into it, the V6 is probably the one for you. I was 22 when I got my first hot car...Mustang GT...I know, what'd I know! Anyway, my point is this: I had a good driving record, and drove like you did. That being said, that car got me into so much trouble!!! Tickets, racing, crashes...etc! The road to hell is paved with good intentions. I think 22 is too young for a hot car...it will get you in trouble. I'm 46 now, with a family, so I drive a lot more responsibly. I'm not saying wait that long, but wait a little longer before you put yourself behind the wheel of a car that begs to be driven hard! IMO of course. __________________ 2012 Camaro SS 2SS 45TH Anniversary Edition

12-23-2012, 07:26 AM	#8
SilveRS Dream Big, Work Hard.... Drives: 2011 2SS/RS IOM Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 130 View My Garage	IMO...start with the V6. That's what I did and then once I had some good credit built up and saved some more money, I traded up to the V8. Wouldn't have done it any other way. Advantages of starting with the V6 (I was 23 at the time): 1. Initial lower overall cost 2. Lower insurance cost 3. Paid less for gas Advantages of switching to the V8 at 25 after having the V6: 1. You're 25, insurance jump from V6-V8 won't be as bad 2. Established credit history, so my interest rate actually went down 3. More financially stable, was able to make the trade and necessary down payment to get the overall monthly payment I wanted on the V8. Good luck! __________________

12-23-2012, 10:41 AM	#13
Ringo64 Forever Pontiac Drives: 2012 Black 2SS/RS Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 1,389	If these are all "worries" you have then I'd say start with a V6. 1. Like said if you want an SS, don't worry about MPG . 2. Go test drive an SS, everyone's threshold for power is different. It was easy for me because I've been around muscle cars my whole life even though this is the first I bought. 3. Inspect, inspect, inspect. Don't buy a Camaro because you get an amazing deal, buy one that you want to own. 4. Do you have college loans, credit cards, anything? Just because you never bought a car or house or large item, doesn't mean you don't have credit. I bought my Camaro at the beginning of this year when I was 22 (now 23), all I had under my belt was paying back a little bit of my college loans and a credit card I buy gas and other things with. Got 1.9% financing but granted I put down a little more than half at $20k but I bought brand new. __________________ Progression thread My Camaro's Grrgd

12-23-2012, 04:41 AM	#1
sspolo Drives: 2014 Camaro SS 1LE Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 562	Wanting to buy a V8! Questions... Hey everyone! Well, as it says on my bio, I don’t have a car at the moment, but things seem to be getting a bit better! I will probably get a job by late January and should be able to afford a Camaro by May (since I have a little bit saved up from before) Before I created this account I was set on a Camaro LS, after spending many days here I now MUST have a SS! Just a little about me so you guys know where I am at. I am 22, started driving at 18 and have around 20,000 miles of experience. I am not someone that drives fast; I have been told I drive like a grandma. I rarely go above the speed limit and I rarely accelerate hard when the light turns green. Aside from a different exhaust, I probably will leave it stock. Some might ask “why a V8?”, but I just fell in love with the sound . My previous car was a manual FWD 2002 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 with a measly 115HP :(. I had it for a little over two years. So a SS will definitely be a BIG change for me, so I have a few questions and hope I can get some feedback! Question #1. I did some quick calculations where I compared the gas usage (100% city and 100% highway) of the Golf, V6 Camaro and the V8 Camaro. I took 780 miles, divided it by 16 miles/gallon and then multiplied it by $4 a gallon and got the answer. Did I do the math correct? If so, gas should be not be a problem for either scenario Scenario. 4$/Gal. 780 miles. Golf 21/28 = $148.57/$111.43 Camaro V6 17/28 = $183.53/$111.43 Camaro V8 16/24 = $195.00/$130.00 Scenario 2. 4$/Gal. 415 miles. Golf 21/28 = $79.050/$59.29 Camaro V6 17/28 = $97.650/$59.29 Camaro V8 16/24 = $103.75/$69.17 Question #2. Now, as you guys know, I come from a car with 115HP so the SS with 426HP is a HUGE difference to me. So “with great power comes great responsibility” :p These are some of the "craziest" things I did with the Golf, is it possible to do them with a Camaro without losing control? 1. Downshift and accelerate to pass a car. 2. At times, I could turn on curves at a slightly above average speed without losing grip or control. 3. Accelerate from a dead stop with flowing traffic to match their speed What things should I be precautions of with that much HP and Torque and a RWD? Additionally, I do live in a place where it is usually raining. Question #3. If I do get the SS it will probably end up being used, so more than likely it won’t come with any warranty. I have been looking at prices and I can afford a 2010/11. I have tried to review problems and I found the following: 1. Timing chain is weak and might need to be changed 2. Clutch has problems 3. Paint (sucks, but not concerned much) As I said before, I won’t be racing, so I won’t be forcing the motor too much and will probably drive less than 6,000 miles a year. The problems that concerns me the most are the first two since they are expensive to fix (for me) Should I be worried about them? Do the first models have any other issues I should be aware of? Also, is there a VIN number I should steer away from? Question #4. This is more of a financing question. I don’t have any credit history, so the Camaro will be the start of it and I am also expecting a high interest rate. (my dad might cosign) At the most, I am planning to get a car under $28,000 and be able to give a $10,000 down payment. Is it smart to give the down payment all at once, or just a partial down payment and extra payments throughout the months? As far as I know, these are all the questions I have (for now at least :p) Thank you all who help me out! I know it’s a semi long read but I like to research a bit before I buy.

12-23-2012, 04:52 AM	#2
AdamZ Account Suspended Drives: Eve - 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Fairfield, OH Posts: 11,814	Your really putting too much thought into this Scratch question #1...if you're worried about mpg then don't get an SS. #2 it's just like any other car. Just don't slam the gas and you'll be fine. Slam the gas and you'll lose traction. (probably something you've never experienced since the golf probably couldn't even spin it's tired on ice #3 you're issues there are all rare. I wouldn't worry about them. Except paint...but like you said you shouldn't be concerned. #4...I am 22...father cosigned...I got a 4.45% interest rate. If you can't get 7% or lower then don't buy the car. Keep walking out until the dealer gets you under 7% nomatter what they say. Idk how well you know how dealerships and banks do interest though....if the dealership can get you to sign on a high interest...the bank will give them some of the money back. When I bought my v6 I agreed to 16% interest . Then I found this SS which was at a Toyota dealership that my friend was a salesman at. He told me all about interest. The dealer can always get you a much much much much lower interest than their first offer. But they trick you by blaming the bank saying stuff like "this is the only bank who will accept your credit" "this is the best this bank can do" so they can put the blame on the bank and not themselves. Making you think "well this is the best rate I can get". When they are straight up lying to your face. Keep that in mind . Put down the whole 10 grand as a down payment. Or make a bad decision (like I would do) and put 3 grand down and 7 grand into a supercharger You need a cosigner also.

12-23-2012, 04:53 AM	#3
SS_Los Drives: 2011 CGM 1SS L99 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Nor*Cal Posts: 446	Seems like you have put a lot of thought into this, good for you. If you're able to get a co-signer, that would benefit you a lot. However, if you're planning on dropping 10k as a downpayment, i don't think a co-signer will be needed. IMO pay it off as quick as possible, so personally i'd put it all as a down payment.

12-23-2012, 05:12 AM	#4
two_wheel_mayhem Would rather be riding Drives: No car no more Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,750	You ain't ready. __________________ No dog in this fight anymore. 5th Gen owner 2009-2016.

12-23-2012, 08:24 AM	#11
menendez1293 Emerald Coast Camaros Drives: 2010 Camaro 2LT/RS M6 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Tallahassee FL Posts: 9,686 View My Garage	Issue one you talk about with the timing chains is a known issue in the LLT motor which is the V6 Camaro from 2010-2011. They supposedly fixed the issue in the 2011 V6 camaros. But personally I have never had a problem but I have under 5,000 miles.

12-23-2012, 10:21 AM	#12
christianchevell old school chevy rodder Drives: 2021 zl1 a-10 WildCherry Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,622 View My Garage	chuckles they handle like a dream compaired to what ever you have driven, if your worried about the clutch you can get a auto, and down shifting to pass...not a worry, you have the horses not a toy car. Wet weather driver here and no problem going faster with the independent rear around corners, and the milege when driving badly will be about 20mpg on the freeway..watch out for cops..or 24 driving safer. I would recommend ron tonkin as they have a nice selection..even my used 2011 ss vert. However the insurance will be high for your age, the timing chain is fine, and the miles on the car and age matter and probably will still have a warranty, or you can get certified used too.

12-23-2012, 10:46 AM	#14
Nightmare2012 come find out;) Drives: stockish 2012 camaro ss Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: speed county Posts: 2,166 View My Garage	Im 20 and just recently got my 2012 ss and those city mpg figures will drop tremendously from red light to red light!!! Lol i, like you thought i would leave my car stock but after installing ny cai and axleback and first taking it to the tracks that got me hooked so now im saving as much as possible for purely mods so never say you're gunna leave a beast stock and yea like everybody else said your not ready stick with the v6 but i mean to each their own bro good luck on your buy!!