Buying a Z1 convertible: HELP - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

jmos77 · 04-02-2014, 12:37 PM

I am just about to pull the trigger on a 2013 ZL1 convertible. I have owned 2 corvette's, a CTS-V and currently have an Audi S6 so I am a car junkie and love fast cars. I am currently driving a BMW Z4 35IS which is a great little car and a blast to drive but I need a 4 seat automatic convertible. I love the ZL1 but I am very surprised to find so many low mileage ZL1's for sale. Any insight as to why? My concern is that people don't like them as much as they though and are dumping them quickly. I am literally planning on buying a car within the next day or two so any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I also have a killer deal on a new one and a killer deal on a car with 4k miles one it. The new one is about $6k more so any advice there would be great. Thanks in advance for your advice and its great to see such an active forum again.

BigBoyBlue · 04-02-2014, 12:56 PM

My opinion is people realize that they cannot handle that much power. This happens with the Shelby too, as I've seen many low mileage ones that people bring back before they kill themselves.

Another reason is fuel shock. This car is a gas guzzler (worse than the Shelby) and I don't think people realize how much it costs to keep it fueled, especially considering that it only takes Premium fuel. I just finished my break in period and I've only averaged 10.6 mpg over the first 2000 miles. That said, most people get better mileage than me, but still suffer from gas guzzling. The automatic tranny sucks down even more gas.

Since you came from fast cars, I'm sure you will not have a problem handling it AFTER feeling it out first. The gas mileage is a lot worse than the Vette though, but probably in line with your CTS-V.

I have had the last two versions of the BMW M3, the car that many consider to be the best all around car in the world. I say without question that my ZL1 is faster, handles better, is more comfortable, and is easier to live with day to day. Yes, that is correct! Easier to live with as a daily driver. This car can be a lion or a lamb, depending on how you want to drive it. It feels like a Cadillac when cruising. I'm sure it is a little less cushy than the CTS-V, but it is also a little faster. The interior is not up to Cadillac or BMW standards, but it is ok.

I test drove the Shelby before buying the ZL1 and I got the sense that I would get tired of the rawness of the Shelby. It would become a pain in the a$$ to drive every day. I also felt that because of it's inferior technology and handling, that I was more likely to kill myself in the Shelby. With a young child at home, that made it a no go.

I can't tell you about pricing, but I can tell you that there are more ZL1s and Shelbys on the lots this year because of the miserable winter that much of the country experienced. Who wants to look for a car in the cold and snow, much less a fast sports car? The Stingray has also hurt ZL1 sales a bit IMHO.

Good luck.

HDRDTD · 04-02-2014, 12:58 PM

I had a 2011 2SS/RS convertible I ordered when they first came out, and traded it in on a 2013 ZL1 Vert when they came out.
I now have 14,000 miles on the 2013. It has been totally trouble-free and I love this car to death.

jmos77 · 04-02-2014, 01:21 PM

Thanks I also forgot to mention I had an 08 M3 as well and loved that car. I am surprised to hear you like it better as that was an amazing car but had no low end whatsoever and keeping the car in its powerband was a pain. the power and the gas mileage do make sense but my thought is it is no worse than all the bug SUV's on the road and I fully expect it to be a blast with the top down. Thanks for taking the time to write a long response. I now remember why I missed the corvette forums so much. You no only buy a car but an entire community. Thanks again.

Emvici · 04-02-2014, 01:24 PM

I have the 14 Zl1 Convert, it honestly has been a trouble free car, gas guzzler is fact, but if you can be responsible in it, it is a fun car. I personally think the car is over priced, but the dealer will correct that for you, if you ever go to trade it in. You can have just as much fun with the same quality everything in a 2014 mustang Gt premium for 25k less. That's what I owned before stepping up to the zl1 (my mistake

.

Mishaman68 · 04-02-2014, 03:37 PM

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JMOS77,

Bought my 2013 ZL1 Convert two months ago with zero miles on it. Got a damn good price which is def needed to pay for the gas! It's a second car for me so I only take it out in nice weather but can tell you it's a joy to drive and as previously stated, it can be as tame or beastly as you want it to be.
You pull the trigger please post pics!

Paladinjc · 04-02-2014, 03:51 PM

I see you are in Cary. Hendrick has a bad a$$ white ZL1 for sale. I just ordered my ZL1 from Hendirck should be here by end of June.

http://www.hendrickchevrolet.com/inv...&start_index=1

BigBoyBlue · 04-02-2014, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmos77

Thanks I also forgot to mention I had an 08 M3 as well and loved that car. I am surprised to hear you like it better as that was an amazing car but had no low end whatsoever and keeping the car in its powerband was a pain. the power and the gas mileage do make sense but my thought is it is no worse than all the bug SUV's on the road and I fully expect it to be a blast with the top down. Thanks for taking the time to write a long response. I now remember why I missed the corvette forums so much. You no only buy a car but an entire community. Thanks again.

Exactly my feeling on the 2008 M3 (E90 I had the Sedan). It had too little torque and it really was annoying to have to rev it like crazy to get to the power. Just driving around town you looked/sounded like a teenager revving your engine. That said, the M3 was an awesome car. With 4doors, it was even better. I rationalized getting the M3, by telling myself I was being a good family man by getting the 4 door version. Haha.

Other than the perceived status that comes with an M3, the ZL1 is better in just about every way. Of course, this is in my humble opinion.

Here are my two M3s:

Paladinjc · 04-02-2014, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBoyBlue

Exactly my feeling on the 2008 M3 (E90 I had the Sedan). It had too little torque and it really was annoying to have to rev it like crazy to get to the power. Just driving around town you looked/sounded like a teenager revving your engine. That said, the M3 was an awesome car. With 4doors, it was even better. I rationalized getting the M3, by telling myself I was being a good family man by getting the 4 door version. Haha.

Other than the perceived status that comes with an M3, the ZL1 is better in just about every way. Of course, this is in my humble opinion.

Here are my two M3s:

I just sold my 2010 M3 Coupe. Great car, but yes it lacks torque!

Brownster · 04-02-2014, 05:21 PM

Had my vert since November 2012.
Now have 14k on it and have enjoyed every mile.
No problems other than rear end growl which was fixed with oil change.(common issue with these cars).
Always find a reason to drive it even though I have 3 other vehicles to choose from.
IMO you can't go wrong!

BigBoyBlue · 04-02-2014, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emvici

I have the 14 Zl1 Convert, it honestly has been a trouble free car, gas guzzler is fact, but if you can be responsible in it, it is a fun car. I personally think the car is over priced, but the dealer will correct that for you, if you ever go to trade it in. You can have just as much fun with the same quality everything in a 2014 mustang Gt premium for 25k less. That's what I owned before stepping up to the zl1 (my mistake

.

I also traded in my Mustang GT Premium for the ZL1. I TOTALLY disagree with your assertion. I actually loved the GT and thought it was on par with the current M3. I also liked the interior better than my ZL1. That said, the ZL1 destroys the GT in every performance category. It is also much better as a DD.

Maybe you are just regretting spending the extra cash? Maybe like me, you haven't been able to enjoy the car much due to the horrid winter.

BigBoyBlue · 04-02-2014, 06:19 PM

Here is the GT Premium that I traded in.

SPOOKYGUNNER · 04-02-2014, 06:24 PM

BOUGHT MY 2013 VERT IN OCT OF 2012. LOVE IT. PUT A ROTOFAB CAI/BIG GULP AND LOWER PULLEY. RUNS GREAT HANDLES GREAT.GO FOR IT U WON'T REGRET IT.
HOW +HANDLING+VERT.....TOO MUCH FUN.

BigBoyBlue · 04-02-2014, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paladinjc

I just sold my 2010 M3 Coupe. Great car, but yes it lacks torque!

Is that Jerez Black Metallic like mine, or Jet Black? I see the Freedom Tower in the background. I miss the NYC area.

04-02-2014, 12:37 PM	#1
jmos77 Drives: N/A Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Cary,NC Posts: 10	Buying a Z1 convertible: HELP I am just about to pull the trigger on a 2013 ZL1 convertible. I have owned 2 corvette's, a CTS-V and currently have an Audi S6 so I am a car junkie and love fast cars. I am currently driving a BMW Z4 35IS which is a great little car and a blast to drive but I need a 4 seat automatic convertible. I love the ZL1 but I am very surprised to find so many low mileage ZL1's for sale. Any insight as to why? My concern is that people don't like them as much as they though and are dumping them quickly. I am literally planning on buying a car within the next day or two so any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I also have a killer deal on a new one and a killer deal on a car with 4k miles one it. The new one is about $6k more so any advice there would be great. Thanks in advance for your advice and its great to see such an active forum again.

04-02-2014, 12:56 PM	#2
BigBoyBlue Go NY Giants & NY Rangers Drives: 2013 ZL1 M6 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Maryland Posts: 782	My opinion is people realize that they cannot handle that much power. This happens with the Shelby too, as I've seen many low mileage ones that people bring back before they kill themselves. Another reason is fuel shock. This car is a gas guzzler (worse than the Shelby) and I don't think people realize how much it costs to keep it fueled, especially considering that it only takes Premium fuel. I just finished my break in period and I've only averaged 10.6 mpg over the first 2000 miles. That said, most people get better mileage than me, but still suffer from gas guzzling. The automatic tranny sucks down even more gas. Since you came from fast cars, I'm sure you will not have a problem handling it AFTER feeling it out first. The gas mileage is a lot worse than the Vette though, but probably in line with your CTS-V. I have had the last two versions of the BMW M3, the car that many consider to be the best all around car in the world. I say without question that my ZL1 is faster, handles better, is more comfortable, and is easier to live with day to day. Yes, that is correct! Easier to live with as a daily driver. This car can be a lion or a lamb, depending on how you want to drive it. It feels like a Cadillac when cruising. I'm sure it is a little less cushy than the CTS-V, but it is also a little faster. The interior is not up to Cadillac or BMW standards, but it is ok. I test drove the Shelby before buying the ZL1 and I got the sense that I would get tired of the rawness of the Shelby. It would become a pain in the a$$ to drive every day. I also felt that because of it's inferior technology and handling, that I was more likely to kill myself in the Shelby. With a young child at home, that made it a no go. I can't tell you about pricing, but I can tell you that there are more ZL1s and Shelbys on the lots this year because of the miserable winter that much of the country experienced. Who wants to look for a car in the cold and snow, much less a fast sports car? The Stingray has also hurt ZL1 sales a bit IMHO. Good luck. __________________ Molon Labe!

04-02-2014, 01:24 PM	#5
Emvici Drives: 2014 ZL1 White Convertible Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: St Pete Fl Posts: 682	I have the 14 Zl1 Convert, it honestly has been a trouble free car, gas guzzler is fact, but if you can be responsible in it, it is a fun car. I personally think the car is over priced, but the dealer will correct that for you, if you ever go to trade it in. You can have just as much fun with the same quality everything in a 2014 mustang Gt premium for 25k less. That's what I owned before stepping up to the zl1 (my mistake.

04-02-2014, 06:19 PM	#12
BigBoyBlue Go NY Giants & NY Rangers Drives: 2013 ZL1 M6 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Maryland Posts: 782	Here is the GT Premium that I traded in. Attached Images __________________ Molon Labe!

04-02-2014, 06:24 PM	#13
SPOOKYGUNNER ROCK Drives: 2013 ZL-1 TRIPLE BLACK VERT Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: DENVER COLORADO Posts: 609	BOUGHT MY 2013 VERT IN OCT OF 2012. LOVE IT. PUT A ROTOFAB CAI/BIG GULP AND LOWER PULLEY. RUNS GREAT HANDLES GREAT.GO FOR IT U WON'T REGRET IT. HOW +HANDLING+VERT.....TOO MUCH FUN. __________________ WHEN ONE AMERICAN IS NOT WORTHY TO BE FOUND...THEN WE AS AMERICANS HAVE LOST. POW/MIA YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

04-02-2014, 12:58 PM	#3
HDRDTD Drives: 2013 Triple Black ZL1 Vert M6 ECF Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Trenton, Michigan Posts: 7,046	I had a 2011 2SS/RS convertible I ordered when they first came out, and traded it in on a 2013 ZL1 Vert when they came out. I now have 14,000 miles on the 2013. It has been totally trouble-free and I love this car to death.

04-02-2014, 01:21 PM	#4
jmos77 Drives: N/A Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Cary,NC Posts: 10	Thanks I also forgot to mention I had an 08 M3 as well and loved that car. I am surprised to hear you like it better as that was an amazing car but had no low end whatsoever and keeping the car in its powerband was a pain. the power and the gas mileage do make sense but my thought is it is no worse than all the bug SUV's on the road and I fully expect it to be a blast with the top down. Thanks for taking the time to write a long response. I now remember why I missed the corvette forums so much. You no only buy a car but an entire community. Thanks again.

04-02-2014, 03:37 PM	#6
Mishaman68 Drives: 2017 ZL1 M6 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Dallas Posts: 203	JMOS77, Bought my 2013 ZL1 Convert two months ago with zero miles on it. Got a damn good price which is def needed to pay for the gas! It's a second car for me so I only take it out in nice weather but can tell you it's a joy to drive and as previously stated, it can be as tame or beastly as you want it to be. You pull the trigger please post pics!

04-02-2014, 03:51 PM	#7
Paladinjc AC Pickles! Drives: 2014 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: North Carolina Posts: 331	I see you are in Cary. Hendrick has a bad a$$ white ZL1 for sale. I just ordered my ZL1 from Hendirck should be here by end of June. http://www.hendrickchevrolet.com/inv...&start_index=1

04-02-2014, 05:21 PM	#10
Brownster Drives: 1966 GTO Convertible/ZL1 Vert Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: NE N.C. Posts: 271	Had my vert since November 2012. Now have 14k on it and have enjoyed every mile. No problems other than rear end growl which was fixed with oil change.(common issue with these cars). Always find a reason to drive it even though I have 3 other vehicles to choose from. IMO you can't go wrong!