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

[TDevilsG]

IF you have to ask an internet forum whether or not you should get a V8 or not, I think you already know your decision. Also know this - if you are not content with a V6 and you decide to trade up to a V8, you WILL be taking a financial bath. Just go with the V8, I learned this the hard way.

[CyberBri]

Drive both. I origionally wanted a v6 for the price. But once i drove the v8 I knew i had to have it. I got the same payment i wanted i just stretched the tern 12 mo. But to me it was a no brainer. This is seriously one of the largest mistakes I avoided, by not getting a V6. I would hate to have got a 6 cyl just to save 100 a month. I probably would not even own the car anymore. Now i love it and can see myself driving it way after it is payed off!!!

[usnatclee]

As much as I hate to say it buy the V8 if you can afford the gas. I would have bought the V8 but it is the wife's car and she wanted the V6 for the fuel economy but still wanted a Camaro. I still plan on buying a V8 5th Gen for me once I pay off the Tundra. I hope that helps. Good luck!

[Jamie Mac]

Originally Posted by JustCraig

Buy the best you can actually afford. To me, the V8 was not worth an extra $150 a month, especially since I don't plan on racing. So a loaded V6 made more sense. And yes, whatever you do, get the HUD. I can't imagine driving my car without it. FWIW, I have seen several members on here that went all out for the 2ss, and ended up having to sell because they ended up cash-strapped.

That's a bad personal decision up front and not a model issue

[BowtieBelle]

Originally Posted by Jamie Mac

That's a bad personal decision up front and not a model issue

That's the thing, though. If you read the OP's post he says he can't afford the SS. But it seems like a lot of people on here are ignoring that.

OP-- consider a used Camaro. That way you get your SS and can afford it

[LS1hawk]

It sounds like you're wanting the SS for the wrong reasons. I can't imagine cross shopping the two cars. I feel that there are both great options, but for two different markets.

[ShowSStopper]

Originally Posted by justinxxvii

tl;dr:

So I'm in a dilemma. V6 drivers, what can you offer me in encouragement to get over myself?

V8 drivers, what can you offer me in encouragement to go after my dreams?

POST:

I turn 30 in less than two weeks and I've been given the green light by my wife to buy myself a Camaro. I've wanted one since I was a kid, it's just always been my favorite car, and until this summer when we went to a dealer to get my wife an Equinox, I didn't think I could afford to drive a Camaro so I never pursued it.

I've been researching specs and prices since July and I'm now very near to making a purchase. There are a couple of thoughts and comments I have to share with all of you enthusiasts.

First, my dad shared some wisdom with me. He told me to not compromise on what I want, because if there's any small thing I have doubts about, it will bug the shit out of me while the car is in my possession. This is very important to me in the V6 or V8 debate. My thinking is, if I'm going to buy a Camaro, why not go all out and buy the best one? From visiting this forum, it seems like the attitude is that it's not a real Camaro unless there is a V8 in it.

I also just really love the way the "mail slot" looks on the car, and without it I don't think it looks as aggressive or intimidating. I know it's possible to install a mail slot bumper but I don't want to be viewed as a wannabe or poser by people who know that the difference is.

In essence, it's all about wanting to be able to tell people, "Yeah, that's a V8 in there." whether or not the person asked or even cares.

I have fantasies about driving it on a race track or on a drag strip but I can't envision myself ever doing this. It doesn't pass the Wife Sniff Test so I probably won't be doing it. So what good does a V8 get me other than glamour and self-esteem?

So here's the crux: I "can't afford" (Well, the bank says I can afford it but it's just not in my budget) to drive the 2SS that I want...I want the HUD, and I want it bad, and it only comes standard on the 2011 2SS. I can get into a 2010 2SS easy, but there's no HUD. I've seen the guide on installing your own but that's not for me. I can intend to do that all day but it will just never happen.

On the other hand, I absolutely can get in a 2011 2LT, and I've even seen some 2012 2LTs in my price range. So, I retain pretty much all the bells and whistles of the 2SS but just no Mail slot, no V8.

So I'm in a dilemma. V6 drivers, what can you offer me in encouragement to get over myself?

V8 drivers, what can you offer me in encouragement to go after my dreams?

I'll come back to this thread this afternoon. I am going out to test drive the 2010 2SS and a 2011 2LT right now.

Okay...let me try to break this down one more time:

1. If you want the V8 and have to have it, then get it..if you can afford it. And I don't mean that in a "Settle for the V6" kind of way. The SS is an expensive car to maintain. There may not be much difference in gas mileage depending on how you drive but there's a difference in price at the pump that is considerable. People will say it's only $5 here or there...but guess what? How do you start saving money? By putting $5 here or there away. Why? Because IT ADDS UP OVER TIME. Don't think payment only on this car...think tires, gas, payment, insurance, use, etc.

2. Touching briefly on the "use" aspect of what I said above: Are you going to the track? The V6 makes PLENTY of power for the street...the V8 makes overkill power. I've had the LFX '12 V6 and I never used 100% of that motor's potential on the street. In the SS I have now, there's no point in even trying. So for a track application, the V8 is the way to go because it provides a better starting platform..that's not to say it is the better platform, as you can slap twin turbos on a V6 and have a monster as well. It's all in what you want.

3. Price. This has been my issue with both of my Camaros. Are the two extra cylinders worth $10k to you? That's a nice twin turbo V6 with a LOT of extra cash in your pocket. You said you were turning 30...I'm 31, so insurance for us is not the deal breaker it used to be. Honestly, my SS costs me 75 cents more per month...yes, cents. But that's a good thing, because my payments are through the freaking roof!

4. You will hear people in the enthusiast crowd say "If it's not a V8, it's not a real car." These same people can NOT deny the power of the Nissan GT-R, or Porsche 911 Turbo...both V6-powered, both absolute animals, both fully capable of handing a stock V8 SS it's ass on a platter. The V6 in the Camaro is no slouch, though it doesn't accelerate to 60 all that well because of the weight of the car. Ask yourself though...."How often will I be timing my 0-60 runs?" If you say all the time, then get the V8 to shave off a little bit of time...and be ready to fill it with gas because the 6.2L engine is an absolute petroholic at wide open throttle..it's ridiculous.

Nobody here should have to motivate you to chase your dreams as you say. If you want the V8, don't settle....save and get it. Just be ready for everything that comes with that choice. If you want a Camaro, aren't tracking it, and enjoy getting decent MPG and 350Z-area power, the V6 is a fantastic choice, especially in RS trim.

Either way, we can all suggest things to you but you ultimately pay the note on it. Whatever you do, don't go buy an SS because people say it's the only "REAL Camaro" or some stupid crap like that. People say that, but they aren't the ones paying for yours and are probably the ones who are trying to make themselves feel better because they are barely able to pay for theirs. Life is short...do what makes YOU happy and if others don't like it, that's too bad for them.

I would hate to see you driving around in a pink Camaro with purple rally stripes, but guess what? If it makes you happy, then that's what you need to do. Of course, that's just a wild example..but I think you get what I'm trying to say.

Sorry for the long post, but everyone always says "Get the V8" when these threads come up....nobody ever takes the time to explain exactly what comes with doing that and why the V6 can be an excellent option for most people.

Good luck OP.

[cadyshac]

It sounds like you already sold yourself on the v8, you won't miss the heads up if you get a 2010SS. You will never be satisfied with the v6 if you really want the v8.

[BowtieBelle]

Originally Posted by ShowSStopper

Okay...let me try to break this down one more time:

[ShowSStopper]

Originally Posted by BowtieBelle

Thank you.

I feel it is more helpful if we tell potential Camaro owners the ups and downs of both models instead of just shouting "Get the SS!" right off the bat. For some, that's not necessarily the best choice.

The V6 just isn't the handicap it used to be. Now if we were looking at 4th gens, my opinion might be different. But either way you go now, you get well over 300 HP bone stock...that's a game-changer to me.

[angie7]

If you already want the SS, the v6 wont do. We will read about you in a upgrade thread within a year if you buy the v6. Theres nothing wrong with them but if you have the itch already, buy it IF you can afford it. Good luck!

[Stingray]

Originally Posted by justinxxvii

So here's the crux: I "can't afford" (Well, the bank says I can afford it but it's just not in my budget) to drive the 2SS that I want...I want the HUD, and I want it bad, and it only comes standard on the 2011 2SS. I can get into a 2010 2SS easy, but there's no HUD.

What's your targeted pricepoint range or bottomline limit?

For example, a quick nationwide query on cars dot com for pre-owned dealer-sold 2011-12 2SS coupes reveal a low end of approx 28K. While a search on dealer-sold 2011-12 2LT coupes reveal a low end of approx 20K. It also depends on mileage and condition of course but granted you should be able to diligently negotiate the get a few more thoursand off their marked up listed prices.

[markmass]

V8 vs V6 - Stick shift v Auto --- those arguments will go long into the night, and still never end in an agreement.

Go with your heart -- If you think you're going to wake up or think, and get buyers remorse about a V6, then you've answered the question. Both can be modded to how YOU like, not what anyone else thinks.

I've had mine for 3 years now -- no HUD, and of course i don't miss it as i never had it, The readout in the middle of the dash is plenty for me. Is it a big deal to forfeit? If it was V6 with HUD or V8 without, only one clear winner for me. As some of the post above - you can get a nice 2010 SS for mid $20k

Its not just the engine - Brembo Brakes, are outstanding....

Good luck with the sole searching

[dorfmac]

I firmly believe that getting what you WANT is most important. If it's something you truly want, you can rearrange your finances to afford the payments (do you REALLY need HBO/Showtime in addition to the 400+ channels in your cable package?, etc).

That said, I have a V6, and have no complaints about it. No matter what you end up with, you're going to have a great car, so that's not the concern. Get what you WANT because ultimate, that's what's going to make you happy.