New SS-1LE or used ZL1? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Paratrooper · 12-14-2014, 04:36 PM

I'm expecting a big check to arrive either in hopefully January, if not February. A new Camaro 2SS-1LE is on my short list of cars to buy, but I'm noticing used ZL1's can be had for a good value.

Has anyone driven both (1LE and ZL1)? I'd like someone take from driving both cars. Off the top of my head, pros and cons on a used ZL1..

Pros: 580 hp, fewer of them on the road, highest-end Camaro, (possibly retain value beter?)

Cons: Second-hand ownership, usually modified by owners, possible reliability issues if bought from a bad owner.

Any suggestions or advice from people who've owned or driven either (or both) would be greatly appreciated.

Kknezek93 · 12-14-2014, 04:46 PM

I might get flamed by zl1 owners but I drove both at the dealer and personally I liked the overall feel of the 1le better. Obviously I liked the power of the zl1 supercharged lsa, but I prefer the look and feel of a 1le better....just my opinion

Paratrooper · 12-14-2014, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kknezek93

I might get flamed by zl1 owners but I drove both at the dealer and personally I liked the overall feel of the 1le better. Obviously I liked the power of the zl1 supercharged lsa, but I prefer the look and feel of a 1le better....just my opinion

What specifically did you like better about it? Aren't they virtually the same sans the supercharger and a few other small bits?

Kknezek93 · 12-14-2014, 05:06 PM

The 1le seemed to be a little lighter on its feet, also the zl1 wasn't as big as a step up power wise as I had expected.

Blueclyde · 12-14-2014, 05:54 PM

It all depends on what you want. They are both excellent cars. The 1LE with Recaros is a great choice. I personally favor the ZL1 as it is in my opinion is a better all around car. That said if I was choosing between a new 1LE and s used ZL1, I might just choose the 1LE.

Camaro Dude · 12-14-2014, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paratrooper

......A new Camaro 2SS-1LE is on my short list of cars to buy, but I'm noticing used ZL1's can be had for a good value.....

If I'm reading behind the lines correctly, you long for a ZL1, so you are settling for second best, a poor man's ZL1 if you will, hence your dilemma here.

Well, ultimately, it will boil down to if you find that perfect combination of a mint ZL1, with your first choice colour, the options you wanted, and a sweet used car deal you can't say no to.

This may take time to find, patience you have?

lbls1 · 12-15-2014, 08:47 AM

You could probably figure out which one I'd buy all things being equal.

However, I always prefer new over used when it comes to a signature car. If you really like the 1/LE then I'd say go for it. If you like the ZL then I'd say shop around for a good bargain on a new one.

chevy 3 · 12-15-2014, 09:06 AM

Poor mans zl1.
Yea that's what I was thinking when I chose my ride. Hahaha.

USMUCL · 12-15-2014, 09:39 AM

I was in the same boat in July, and I ended up with the 1LE. There was also a '13 ZL1 on the lot with 4k miles. With factory rebates though, the 1LE was still significantly cheaper.One thing that was on my mind, though: If you keep the car, 5 years from now, I bet that ZL1 has a much higher residual even if a year or two older. Speculation, of course, but . . .

tnspd · 12-15-2014, 10:12 AM

I am from Fayetteville also and I drive a ZL1. I have owned two 2010 SS cars with mods and have driven the 1LE also. Remember, the 1LE is just an SS with some suspension mods on it. The ZL1 is with no dough the better drive on the street, drag strip, and road coarse. The ZL1 will hold it's values better also. But buy what you think you can afford to drive and maintain.

chevy 3 · 12-15-2014, 11:20 AM

More than suspension in the 1le. The zl1 was also just an Ss with an rpo code back when they started them back in the day.
Don't get me wrong the zl1 is a beast but the 1le is no joke. In the right hands they are two ginsue knifes.

Billy10mm · 12-15-2014, 02:53 PM

1LE

Ragnar · 12-15-2014, 05:32 PM

OP, I had a similar situation. I was looking at used CTS-V's and ZL1's or ordering a new car. I figured down the line, maintenance cost might be an issue. Also, I got a better finance rate and rebate with a new car with 8 miles on the clock. I'm so frikin happy with the 1LE! Let's face it, your looking at some awesome cars, good luck with your decision!

tnspd · 12-16-2014, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevy 3

More than suspension in the 1le. The zl1 was also just an Ss with an rpo code back when they started them back in the day.
Don't get me wrong the zl1 is a beast but the 1le is no joke. In the right hands they are two ginsue knifes.

HUH....we are not talking back in the day ZL1's LOL

If you don't mind me asking what else does a 1LE have performance wise over an SS other than suspension upgrades, brakes, and rims/tires. to my knowledge the 1LE is just a performance package that has been put on an SS. I think GM also says the 1LE is a performance package put on a SS.

Not bashing a 1LE at all but the ZL1 on the other hand is a completely different car. Way much more than just a performance package on a SS.

12-14-2014, 04:36 PM	#1
Paratrooper Drives: 2 sad communter cars. Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Fayetteville, NC Posts: 74	New SS-1LE or used ZL1? I'm expecting a big check to arrive either in hopefully January, if not February. A new Camaro 2SS-1LE is on my short list of cars to buy, but I'm noticing used ZL1's can be had for a good value. Has anyone driven both (1LE and ZL1)? I'd like someone take from driving both cars. Off the top of my head, pros and cons on a used ZL1.. Pros: 580 hp, fewer of them on the road, highest-end Camaro, (possibly retain value beter?) Cons: Second-hand ownership, usually modified by owners, possible reliability issues if bought from a bad owner. Any suggestions or advice from people who've owned or driven either (or both) would be greatly appreciated.

12-15-2014, 08:47 AM	#7
lbls1 Drives: 2002 Camaro SS SOM; 2015 Malibu LTZ Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 4,021	You could probably figure out which one I'd buy all things being equal. However, I always prefer new over used when it comes to a signature car. If you really like the 1/LE then I'd say go for it. If you like the ZL then I'd say shop around for a good bargain on a new one. __________________ '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*

12-15-2014, 10:12 AM	#10
tnspd Drives: 18 Camaro ZL1 1LE (WILSON) Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: N.C. Posts: 1,340	I am from Fayetteville also and I drive a ZL1. I have owned two 2010 SS cars with mods and have driven the 1LE also. Remember, the 1LE is just an SS with some suspension mods on it. The ZL1 is with no dough the better drive on the street, drag strip, and road coarse. The ZL1 will hold it's values better also. But buy what you think you can afford to drive and maintain. __________________ Camaro South Hot Cars and Hospitality on FB camarosouth@hotmail.com

12-15-2014, 05:32 PM	#13
Ragnar Destroyed by flooding Drives: Wife's car Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 4,673	OP, I had a similar situation. I was looking at used CTS-V's and ZL1's or ordering a new car. I figured down the line, maintenance cost might be an issue. Also, I got a better finance rate and rebate with a new car with 8 miles on the clock. I'm so frikin happy with the 1LE! Let's face it, your looking at some awesome cars, good luck with your decision! Attached Images

12-14-2014, 04:46 PM	#2
Kknezek93 Drives: 2015 Summit White 1LE Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 22	I might get flamed by zl1 owners but I drove both at the dealer and personally I liked the overall feel of the 1le better. Obviously I liked the power of the zl1 supercharged lsa, but I prefer the look and feel of a 1le better....just my opinion

12-14-2014, 05:06 PM	#4
Kknezek93 Drives: 2015 Summit White 1LE Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 22	The 1le seemed to be a little lighter on its feet, also the zl1 wasn't as big as a step up power wise as I had expected.

12-14-2014, 05:54 PM	#5
Blueclyde Drives: 2023 ZLE Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Detroit Posts: 1,717	It all depends on what you want. They are both excellent cars. The 1LE with Recaros is a great choice. I personally favor the ZL1 as it is in my opinion is a better all around car. That said if I was choosing between a new 1LE and s used ZL1, I might just choose the 1LE.

12-15-2014, 09:06 AM	#8
chevy 3 NEcamaro5 Drives: Black 2ss rs 1LE Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: mass Posts: 4,328 View My Garage	Poor mans zl1. Yea that's what I was thinking when I chose my ride. Hahaha.

12-15-2014, 09:39 AM	#9
USMUCL Drives: 2014 Red Camaro 1SS 1LE Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Virginia Posts: 284	I was in the same boat in July, and I ended up with the 1LE. There was also a '13 ZL1 on the lot with 4k miles. With factory rebates though, the 1LE was still significantly cheaper.One thing that was on my mind, though: If you keep the car, 5 years from now, I bet that ZL1 has a much higher residual even if a year or two older. Speculation, of course, but . . .

12-15-2014, 11:20 AM	#11
chevy 3 NEcamaro5 Drives: Black 2ss rs 1LE Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: mass Posts: 4,328 View My Garage	More than suspension in the 1le. The zl1 was also just an Ss with an rpo code back when they started them back in the day. Don't get me wrong the zl1 is a beast but the 1le is no joke. In the right hands they are two ginsue knifes.

12-15-2014, 02:53 PM	#12
Billy10mm Drives: 2014 Camaro 2SS 1LE NPP Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Hartsdale, NY Posts: 1,434	1LE