2015 ZL1 as Daily Driver - input please - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

harmonyp · 01-22-2015, 11:55 AM

Currently driving a C6 2012 base model. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my car. Been using it as a DD for about 14 month now. I love every drive. But ... over time, the interior feels smaller and smaller, and the road rougher and rougher.

Spouse has a C7 Z51, and that car is beyond amazing. But a part of me wants to be up where some of the other cars are on the 6 lane highways I drive part of the way on, instead of below them, and there's a lot of movement in that awesome C7 Z51 msrc ride suspension in all modes, which I think will get tiring for me.

There isn't a car I've test driven (including CTS-V manual 630HP Hennessey - I was dumbfounded that I found it boring) outside of the ZL1 that I'd trade for my vette. I didn't like the SS 1LE at all. But the ZL1. That car has been on my mind for 1 1/2 years since I drove the my first ZL1, and hasn't gone off my mind since.

Interior of ZL1 is so outdated compared to the vettes (even my 2012 C6). But the sound of the exhaust, the recaro upgrade seats, the alcantara wheel and shifter, the smooth shifting of the short throw tremec, and the intoxicating power - OMG - do you really need anything else?

So - please, let me hear rationale opinions on pros and cons of ZL1 as DD.

sbubbaklein · 01-22-2015, 12:03 PM

ZL1 is a manly car and you don't need a fufu interior.

cbarile · 01-22-2015, 12:15 PM

I just went from a 2012 vette to a zl1 and there is no comparison for me. I got an automatic wich i love and you dont feel stuffed in the car. Plenty of leg room just more room in general in the cabin not to mention no creaks pops . Its just like comparing apples to oranges. Much cheaper to get horse power with a few mods unlike the vette.

boondocksaint · 01-22-2015, 12:18 PM

The interior is where you spend almost all your time. Think about it carefully, as you don't want to tire of it.

As far as the rational approach, back seats are good. You'll still be getting down into and up out of it like the Vette. You've still got big doors – the Camaro's are even bigger. The Corvette's trunk is easier to get stuff in and out of as the Camaro's opening is quite small. And the visibility in the Vette is likely better, though that's easy to manage if you know how to adjust mirrors.

Practically speaking, the Vette gets better mileage as well.

In other words, practicality car-for-car isn't much of a factor. Some cars, however, just feel right.

Expunge · 01-22-2015, 12:22 PM

Do it! If for no other reason so you can crop dust all the Prius' that are surrounding you.

lbls1 · 01-22-2015, 01:20 PM

I agree with you; However, I happen to like the 1/LE a lot as well.

I wouldn't ever use mine as a DD, but that's just me. I tend to keep my cars a long time if they behave. Good luck.

Kevlar382 · 01-22-2015, 01:40 PM

Why not ?

brian-nicola · 01-22-2015, 01:53 PM

I had a c5 corvette, CTS-v and now the ZL1. Love it as a DD and flip down the rear seats and room for the golf clubs! Could the interior have a few extra features, sure...but I like the simplicity of it. When we need lots of room, we take wife's Cherokee SRT.

jayno20 · 01-22-2015, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbubbaklein

ZL1 is a manly car and you don't need a fufu interior.

I am quite pleased with the interior on my ZL1. The Recaro seats help a lot with that though IMO.

hognutz · 01-22-2015, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harmonyp

Currently driving a C6 2012 base model. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my car. Been using it as a DD for about 14 month now. I love every drive. But ... over time, the interior feels smaller and smaller, and the road rougher and rougher.

Spouse has a C7 Z51, and that car is beyond amazing. But a part of me wants to be up where some of the other cars are on the 6 lane highways I drive part of the way on, instead of below them, and there's a lot of movement in that awesome C7 Z51 msrc ride suspension in all modes, which I think will get tiring for me.

There isn't a car I've test driven (including CTS-V manual 630HP Hennessey - I was dumbfounded that I found it boring) outside of the ZL1 that I'd trade for my vette. I didn't like the SS 1LE at all. But the ZL1. That car has been on my mind for 1 1/2 years since I drove the my first ZL1, and hasn't gone off my mind since.

Interior of ZL1 is so outdated compared to the vettes (even my 2012 C6). But the sound of the exhaust, the recaro upgrade seats, the alcantara wheel and shifter, the smooth shifting of the short throw tremec, and the intoxicating power - OMG - do you really need anything else?

So - please, let me hear rationale opinions on pros and cons of ZL1 as DD.

There are three downsides to daiyly driving the Zl1 2 of them involve money the other depends on climate.

1. gas milage is not great I have gotten as low as 13 and best of 20.
2. the car will obviouly devalue a littel more being a special edition car with high miles.
3. the tires are absolutly horrible in cold temps.

the car is really really a dream to drive IMO. if you don't car about the money side and buy a set of all season tires for winter or live somewhere that does not have winter your fine.

vicnkathy · 01-22-2015, 02:12 PM

Recaro's, navigation, ALL SEASON TIRES, A REAL SPARE TIRE AND JACK, and your good to go. Just my 2 cents!!

I call it Vera · 01-22-2015, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vicnkathy

Recaro's, navigation, ALL SEASON TIRES, A REAL SPARE TIRE AND JACK, and your good to go. Just my 2 cents!!

Use your phone for navigation. don't waste your money on navigation.

What real spare works on the ZL1???!? I didn't think any did. If there was a solution, I think GM would have included it.

You definitely need either winter or all season tires if you want to drive it safely below 45deg.

Stephen12ZL1 · 01-22-2015, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I call it Vera

Use your phone for navigation. don't waste your money on navigation.

What real spare works on the ZL1???!? I didn't think any did. If there was a solution, I think GM would have included it.

You definitely need either winter or all season tires if you want to drive it safely below 45deg.

CTSv spare kit with jack available from GM. Pricey at $350ish. Do a search and check them out. Like we need our cars to be any heavier...lol!

vicnkathy · 01-22-2015, 07:09 PM

Like we need to fool around with some green slime and not have a tire to change.

01-22-2015, 11:55 AM	#1
harmonyp Drives: 2015 ZL1 Silver Ice Metallic Manual Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: NorCal Posts: 249	2015 ZL1 as Daily Driver - input please Currently driving a C6 2012 base model. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my car. Been using it as a DD for about 14 month now. I love every drive. But ... over time, the interior feels smaller and smaller, and the road rougher and rougher. Spouse has a C7 Z51, and that car is beyond amazing. But a part of me wants to be up where some of the other cars are on the 6 lane highways I drive part of the way on, instead of below them, and there's a lot of movement in that awesome C7 Z51 msrc ride suspension in all modes, which I think will get tiring for me. There isn't a car I've test driven (including CTS-V manual 630HP Hennessey - I was dumbfounded that I found it boring) outside of the ZL1 that I'd trade for my vette. I didn't like the SS 1LE at all. But the ZL1. That car has been on my mind for 1 1/2 years since I drove the my first ZL1, and hasn't gone off my mind since. Interior of ZL1 is so outdated compared to the vettes (even my 2012 C6). But the sound of the exhaust, the recaro upgrade seats, the alcantara wheel and shifter, the smooth shifting of the short throw tremec, and the intoxicating power - OMG - do you really need anything else? So - please, let me hear rationale opinions on pros and cons of ZL1 as DD.

01-22-2015, 12:03 PM	#2
sbubbaklein Drives: early 2011 Camaro convertible Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: House Springs, Mo Posts: 2,002 View My Garage	ZL1 is a manly car and you don't need a fufu interior. __________________ Early 2011 LT Convertible, ZL1 bumper, hood, side skirts, belly pan and wheels, Truecarbon ECF hood extractor, K&N CAI, Elite catch can, Big Worm Bow Tie emblems, Jacfab bracket, Vitesse TC, BMR strut brace, BMR tunnel brace, NPP exhaust

01-22-2015, 01:20 PM	#6
lbls1 Drives: 2002 Camaro SS SOM; 2015 Malibu LTZ Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 4,022	I agree with you; However, I happen to like the 1/LE a lot as well. I wouldn't ever use mine as a DD, but that's just me. I tend to keep my cars a long time if they behave. Good luck. __________________ '02 CAMARO SS SOM; 5.7L LS1/FLS6B '08 TBSS AWD Black Granite Metallic '15 Malibu LTZ 2LZ Turbo *'14 CAMARO ZL1 Blue Ray Metallic*

01-22-2015, 12:15 PM	#3
cbarile Drives: zl1 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: fl Posts: 40	I just went from a 2012 vette to a zl1 and there is no comparison for me. I got an automatic wich i love and you dont feel stuffed in the car. Plenty of leg room just more room in general in the cabin not to mention no creaks pops . Its just like comparing apples to oranges. Much cheaper to get horse power with a few mods unlike the vette.

01-22-2015, 12:18 PM	#4
boondocksaint Cartoon Maus Drives: White ZL1, Chevroyota Prizolla Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 303	The interior is where you spend almost all your time. Think about it carefully, as you don't want to tire of it. As far as the rational approach, back seats are good. You'll still be getting down into and up out of it like the Vette. You've still got big doors – the Camaro's are even bigger. The Corvette's trunk is easier to get stuff in and out of as the Camaro's opening is quite small. And the visibility in the Vette is likely better, though that's easy to manage if you know how to adjust mirrors. Practically speaking, the Vette gets better mileage as well. In other words, practicality car-for-car isn't much of a factor. Some cars, however, just feel right.

01-22-2015, 12:22 PM	#5
Expunge Drives: 2013 ZL1 M6, '99 Tahoe 2Dr Sport Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: South of Houston, TX Posts: 890 View My Garage	Do it! If for no other reason so you can crop dust all the Prius' that are surrounding you.

01-22-2015, 01:40 PM	#7
Kevlar382 Drives: '12 ZL1; '71 RS/Z28; '99 Vette Conv Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Holland MI Posts: 599 View My Garage	Why not ?

01-22-2015, 01:53 PM	#8
brian-nicola Drives: 2014 ZL1 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Nanaimo, BC Canada Posts: 241	I had a c5 corvette, CTS-v and now the ZL1. Love it as a DD and flip down the rear seats and room for the golf clubs! Could the interior have a few extra features, sure...but I like the simplicity of it. When we need lots of room, we take wife's Cherokee SRT.

01-22-2015, 02:12 PM	#11
vicnkathy Account Suspended Drives: 2014 Subaru Forester Turbo Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: NY Posts: 536	Recaro's, navigation, ALL SEASON TIRES, A REAL SPARE TIRE AND JACK, and your good to go. Just my 2 cents!!

01-22-2015, 07:09 PM	#14
vicnkathy Account Suspended Drives: 2014 Subaru Forester Turbo Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: NY Posts: 536	Like we need to fool around with some green slime and not have a tire to change.