Is the V8 worth it?! - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

NorCalStorm · 04-23-2014, 01:18 AM

Okay guys... Here is the dilemma.... I will be buying a camaro in the next few weeks. I am looking for a 5th Gen with less than 30,000 miles (Dont really care what year). Based on the cars that are available at the moment, it seems that a 2SS is slightly out of my price range. So here is where I have my predicament. I can afford a 1SS, which as you know does not have the creature comforts of a 2SS/RS. I can also afford a pretty loaded if not fully loaded 2LT/RS. So... the question is "Is the V8 worth it?"

My mustang right now, although a v6, is fully loaded and it is my first car. and I would like to keep all the goodies, but I am also itching for more power!!

P.S. I do not have time to wait for the perfect car because my mustangs transmission right now is slipping and is very likely to take a "doody" in the next few weeks. Therefore, I am looking to buy before that happens! Sorry for the semi-long read!

Thanks for the help!

Edit: My Price Range is Under 30,000

rberns · 04-23-2014, 01:22 AM

if you can get a V8 regardless of 1ss or 2ss then get it otherwise you willl regret your decision if you are on the fence.

RobertRS · 04-23-2014, 01:24 AM

Since you're talking used here,the main question is how much money do you have to spend? Used cars vary in price and sometimes considerably.

rebelyell22 · 04-23-2014, 01:30 AM

I got my 2011 2ss/rs with 28k miles in october for $25k. I have the cool steering wheel and the HUD. I've never driven a v6 but the SS is definitely worth it!

BFella · 04-23-2014, 01:34 AM

If you can barely afford an SS, you need to remember insurance costs, AND V8's CHEW gas.

CocoaKid · 04-23-2014, 01:47 AM

If the SS is even an option. You'll regret it for sure (given you had a v6 Mustang) if you don't, trust me. If it means not eating out as much, or quitting smoking or something Id say do it to make it work. I can tell you from experience, I love my v6 but I realized I wanted the SS and should have made it happen the first time. I'm holding off a bit now because I'm still upside down on it a bit, but I will be buying one as soon as I can!!!

CocoaKid · 04-23-2014, 01:48 AM

Lol, that didn't make much sense it seems!

iCamaro · 04-23-2014, 01:53 AM

This is such a loaded question with so many variables.

I got a v6 auto. Why? Because speed was not my goal. I wanted cosmetic mods. I have a few power upgrades, like MRT2.0, CAI, and TB. Everything else is just looks. I got the automatic since my wife can't drive a stick. That is my only regret. Not my wife, but the auto.

You're going to have to think hard. Whats the little man in side you say?

NorCalStorm · 04-23-2014, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CocoaKid

Lol, that didn't make much sense it seems!

well for what is available at the moment there are not any 2SS available in my price range. I know that at times there are, but right now is not one of those times. But there are a ton of 1SS in my price range. So I could opt out for a loaded 2LT (about the same price as a 1SS) or go for the v8 and get a 1SS.

TheSmokingSuns · 04-23-2014, 02:10 AM

Go with the V6. Save on gas and car insurance plus you can't even use all the V8 HP on the streets, unless you're on the track. V6 has plenty of power and has more HP than your Mustang. If you're going with the V6, definitely go with the 2LT model.

NorCalStorm · 04-23-2014, 02:22 AM

also a pretty big factor is that nothing sounds better than a v8 hahaha

Shiftgreen · 04-23-2014, 02:23 AM

Im not going to lie, I just got my car yesterday and havent played my radio yet. That growl with the NPP exhaust is the best music I've heard in a long time. It never gets old. You can get a used 2013 ss for under 30k.

thkfast · 04-23-2014, 02:31 AM

It sounds like your question might be: 1SS or 2LT?

A V8 with not too many creature comforts or a loaded V6?

TheSmokingSun is right, a V6 is probably more than enough power for most people. For me, it always comes back to the TEST DRIVE. I say test drive both a V8 and a V6 loaded or not loaded and whichever makes you feel better - there ya go!

CocoaKid · 04-23-2014, 02:42 AM

Ya Comrando makes a good point, if you need to use it daily or not (gas mileage, wear and tear, etc.)

The insurance thing is more of a grey area. Where I am (Canada) it's going to cost me less to insure a SS right now for the same year (2011)...

My opinion on the options comes down to who you are as a driver. If you're buying the car to have fun, and have some serious performance then obviously go with the 1SS and mod it..if you just want something a little different then maybe a v6 will do you. While the v6s aren't really performance cars in the true nature of the term, they're still pretty quick and a better car than most out there on the road in more ways than one for the cost. I've driven mine rain, snow, shine, you name it and I'm amazed at what they can do...but I've also learned where the limits are...Hence why I want a SS lol. My vote would be, if you aren't making a BIG stretch to make the v8 happen, then do it and just mod it out interior wise.

04-23-2014, 01:18 AM	#1
NorCalStorm Drives: 2014 2LT/RS Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 342	Is the V8 worth it?! Okay guys... Here is the dilemma.... I will be buying a camaro in the next few weeks. I am looking for a 5th Gen with less than 30,000 miles (Dont really care what year). Based on the cars that are available at the moment, it seems that a 2SS is slightly out of my price range. So here is where I have my predicament. I can afford a 1SS, which as you know does not have the creature comforts of a 2SS/RS. I can also afford a pretty loaded if not fully loaded 2LT/RS. So... the question is "Is the V8 worth it?" My mustang right now, although a v6, is fully loaded and it is my first car. and I would like to keep all the goodies, but I am also itching for more power!! P.S. I do not have time to wait for the perfect car because my mustangs transmission right now is slipping and is very likely to take a "doody" in the next few weeks. Therefore, I am looking to buy before that happens! Sorry for the semi-long read! Thanks for the help! Edit: My Price Range is Under 30,000 Last edited by NorCalStorm; 04-23-2014 at 01:54 AM.

04-23-2014, 01:22 AM	#2
rberns Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: US Posts: 3,291 View My Garage	if you can get a V8 regardless of 1ss or 2ss then get it otherwise you willl regret your decision if you are on the fence. __________________ 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS, Circle D 3200, ADM Transmission Cooler, BTR Valvetrain, Cam Motion .621 .595 228/244 113+4, ARH 1 7/8 full exhaust, Cold Air Inductions, Katech C5R TC, Melling HV, BTR SLR lifters, Trunion Upgrade, LS2 Dampner, LS9 head gaskets, Bo White PTB, MM can, GFX, Subs, B&M Deep transmission pan, Holley fuel rail, Proform valve covers, relocated coil packs

04-23-2014, 01:30 AM	#4
rebelyell22 Drives: 2011 SIM 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Tupelo, MS Posts: 5,902	I got my 2011 2ss/rs with 28k miles in october for $25k. I have the cool steering wheel and the HUD. I've never driven a v6 but the SS is definitely worth it! __________________ 2011 2SS/RS built 8/24/10

04-23-2014, 02:31 AM	#13
thkfast Drives: '14 Red 2SS/RS/LS3 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA Posts: 692	It sounds like your question might be: 1SS or 2LT? A V8 with not too many creature comforts or a loaded V6? TheSmokingSun is right, a V6 is probably more than enough power for most people. For me, it always comes back to the TEST DRIVE. I say test drive both a V8 and a V6 loaded or not loaded and whichever makes you feel better - there ya go! __________________ 2014 Red Hot 2SS/RS/M6/NPP/Shifter/Nav/Roof/SilverRallyStripes/Airaid intake/GM StrutTowerBrace/50%-35%tint

04-23-2014, 01:24 AM	#3
RobertRS Drives: 2014 2SS L99 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Corpus Christi Texas Posts: 1,320	Since you're talking used here,the main question is how much money do you have to spend? Used cars vary in price and sometimes considerably.

04-23-2014, 01:34 AM	#5
BFella Drives: 16' Supercharged 1SS Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 650	If you can barely afford an SS, you need to remember insurance costs, AND V8's CHEW gas.

04-23-2014, 01:47 AM	#6
CocoaKid CocoaKid Drives: 2011 Camaro LS Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Calgary Posts: 226 View My Garage	If the SS is even an option. You'll regret it for sure (given you had a v6 Mustang) if you don't, trust me. If it means not eating out as much, or quitting smoking or something Id say do it to make it work. I can tell you from experience, I love my v6 but I realized I wanted the SS and should have made it happen the first time. I'm holding off a bit now because I'm still upside down on it a bit, but I will be buying one as soon as I can!!!

04-23-2014, 01:48 AM	#7
CocoaKid CocoaKid Drives: 2011 Camaro LS Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Calgary Posts: 226 View My Garage	Lol, that didn't make much sense it seems!

04-23-2014, 02:10 AM	#10
TheSmokingSuns Drives: 2017 Camaro 2SS, 2011 Camaro 2LT Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: USA Posts: 640	Go with the V6. Save on gas and car insurance plus you can't even use all the V8 HP on the streets, unless you're on the track. V6 has plenty of power and has more HP than your Mustang. If you're going with the V6, definitely go with the 2LT model.

04-23-2014, 02:22 AM	#11
NorCalStorm Drives: 2014 2LT/RS Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 342	also a pretty big factor is that nothing sounds better than a v8 hahaha

04-23-2014, 02:23 AM	#12
Shiftgreen Drives: 2014 2SS 1LE AGM Join Date: May 2013 Location: raleigh Posts: 301	Im not going to lie, I just got my car yesterday and havent played my radio yet. That growl with the NPP exhaust is the best music I've heard in a long time. It never gets old. You can get a used 2013 ss for under 30k.

04-23-2014, 02:42 AM	#14
CocoaKid CocoaKid Drives: 2011 Camaro LS Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Calgary Posts: 226 View My Garage	Ya Comrando makes a good point, if you need to use it daily or not (gas mileage, wear and tear, etc.) The insurance thing is more of a grey area. Where I am (Canada) it's going to cost me less to insure a SS right now for the same year (2011)... My opinion on the options comes down to who you are as a driver. If you're buying the car to have fun, and have some serious performance then obviously go with the 1SS and mod it..if you just want something a little different then maybe a v6 will do you. While the v6s aren't really performance cars in the true nature of the term, they're still pretty quick and a better car than most out there on the road in more ways than one for the cost. I've driven mine rain, snow, shine, you name it and I'm amazed at what they can do...but I've also learned where the limits are...Hence why I want a SS lol. My vote would be, if you aren't making a BIG stretch to make the v8 happen, then do it and just mod it out interior wise.