Which model would you recommend?

[xkloid]

I don't think I would want to take a ZL1 on vacation anywhere, too much to worry about with a car like that. A 2LT RS ragtop would be a nice vacation car in my opinion, enough power, gas mileage, and good looks to boot.

[11vert w&o]

I've done the Goldwing thing for alot of years, after back surgery and dropping the bike a few times with the wife we took it in for a motortrike conversion. I also have a convertible, but it is not and never will be the same as a bike. Whatever you decide, happy motoring and safe travels.

[wolf1956]

I'm also a motorcycle rider, just don't ride quite as much as I did in my younger years, but not quite ready to give it up either.

We went with the 2LT RS convertable, this way we can still get that wind in the face, open road feeling. As for V6 or V8, the V6 has all the power I need. It is FUN to drive and gets fair fuel mileage also.

['11 cyber grey vert]

Originally Posted by Bandman45

Good Morning from the frozen Tundra of Iowa!

I just registered this morning as I need some advice from actual owners. I have been a long time motorcycle rider (Goldwing) and I'm most likely down to my last two seasons of riding. I've loved every minute of riding for the last 43 years but it's now time to move on. My wife chooses not to ride any more and I'm getting tired of traveling alone even though she encourages me to keep enjoying the Wing.

I will sell the Wing and move to four wheels. I've had my eye's on the Camaro the last two years and have taken them for a test drive. I would prefer a convertible just because I still enjoy the openness it provides.

My question for you owners: even though we are in our mid 60's I still enjoy the quick acceleration of car, not so much the top end, what should I be considering? Reliability is my #1 priority, I could care less about mileage, we have a Toyota Prius and Toyota Tundra to take care of our everyday needs. The Camaro would be a touring toy when the weather is good.

Thanks for your help, I look forward to your thoughts.

Jon

As you are used to acceleration get the SS (V8) but take both the V6 and V8 for a test drive to see which one for sure.
I have the fully loaded (2LT/RS) V6 which is ample for me..but some want the extra kick that the V8 provides.Keep in mind that the V8 requires premium fuel and the V6 requires regular fuel.

not to discourage you but some of the convertibles have had issues especially the 2011's and early 2012's.read the convertible section to bring yourself up to date.

I have had the issues and love my convertible just not some of the problems but I have an early build 2011...I am just hoping it gets fixed correctly.

[liverpooly]

go 4 ss

[MBS]

How big is your wallet? Once emptied you are there . Copa would be nice

[SimpleGreen]

I bought what I could comfortably afford. That was a 1LT V6. A year later and 11,500 miles I'm still driving regret free!

[skipinminn]

2lt RS <, All the Juice and No tickets

[Angrybird 12]

Originally Posted by SlingShot

I grew up being told, it only takes a little more to go first class. With that being said, I would suggest nothing but a ZL1 convertible. It is by far the best driving and handling Camaro ever, hands down.

Lets see $32k for a 1LT Convertible or $60k for a ZL1 convertible.....$28k is not "a little bit more" in my book...

[SPCBA]

if not tracking it i would say a plain ol ss with a standard transmission...the verts are rag tops.

if you want to go on a track day for shits and giggles every now and then the ss with the 1LE package is a great bang for the buck option havent seen a 1LE vert tho

[Dupree878]

There isn't as much difference between V6 and V8 mpg as some would have you believe.
Also, the LS3 v8 is an older, proven reliable engine design (dates from the 1997 LS1) that IMO is more likely to last

[BloodRain]

If price no option, ZL1, if price is, 1SS 1LE hands down.

[Bad@ssCamaro]

Originally Posted by BloodRain

If price no option, ZL1, if price is, 1SS 1LE hands down.

He's looking for a convertible, 1LE option is only available in the coupe.

[Baba]

Originally Posted by '11 cyber grey vert

As you are used to acceleration get the SS (V8) but take both the V6 and V8 for a test drive to see which one for sure.
I have the fully loaded (2LT/RS) V6 which is ample for me..but some want the extra kick that the V8 provides.Keep in mind that the V8 requires premium fuel and the V6 requires regular fuel.

not to discourage you but some of the convertibles have had issues especially the 2011's and early 2012's.read the convertible section to bring yourself up to date.

I have had the issues and love my convertible just not some of the problems but I have an early build 2011...I am just hoping it gets fixed correctly.

'11 Cyber mentions (an) important issue(s) to consider. There have been some significant problems with the earlier model years in reference to the convertible tops - regardless whether the V6 or SS.

Things that fellow 'vert owners have encountered range from "rub marks" (fraying and wearing holes in the top) and water leaks to wind noise, rear quarter windows not lining up correctly, the infamous "5th bow" breaking, tops not seated correctly (even after "repair"), water drainage bags becoming clogged or leaking and (some) dealers not able to correctly "repair" the problems - at least not on the first attempt - although, I should mention, this obviously doesn't apply to every Camaro convertible.

To be on the safe side and knowing what I have learned on the 'vert forum as well as my own ownership experience with the 5th Gen. 'vert, I would recommend to any friend of mine (or anyone who asked for my input) to steer clear of any new or used 2011 or 2012 MY convertible. They've just had too many top problems during these first 2 years of production. In all fairness, however, the number of owners who have had problems and have posted on the forum are obviously not an accurate representation of all convertible owners. The REAL number of 5th Gen. owners who have / had or don't / never have had problems is unknown but they are REAL, nonetheless. I, for one, have had the good fortune of not having encountered any of these problems with my MY '11 'vert (built less than week before 2012 MY production started), (yet).

I suggest you immerse yourself in the convertible forum for a good read from the very postitive to some of the real horror stories our fellow 'vert owners have experienced.

Another thing to keep in mind is that GM / Chevy will be revealing an update for the 2014 MY Camaro in ~ 2 weeks at the New York Auto Show. The 2013 MY seems to have had all of the bugs worked out, however and comes with the Chevy MYLINK. If you are considering a used Camaro convertible, educate yourself about the different features which were / weren't available on certain MY's (ie; 2011 MY didn't come with power passenger seat, back up camera et al but 2012+ MY's have the "generic" GM steering wheel). These may be minor issues but may provide you with some added food-for-thought.

Best of luck with your (re)search and please let us know what you decide to do.