We love our convertibles!

[Desert Stealth]

Hi,

My wife (Desert Flame) and I are new Camaro convertible owners. We bought her 2012 Victory Red SS at the end of November and my 2013 Blue Ray Metallic SS a couple of weeks later. Both are automatic. We have about 4,500 miles on them so far. Both cars got an oil/filter change at 1,500 miles (Mobil 1 5W30 synthetic). We use Shell 91 Octane gas exclusively. We also had the windows tinted. No other mods yet.



These are my driving impressions so far:

The weather right now in Las Vegas is ideal for both performance and lowering the top. Mornings are around 50 degrees and climbs to around 70 degrees. We both love convertible sports cars so we are indeed biased in our driving experience.

I honestly tried using the tonneau cover. Maybe I am lazy but it is a pain to use it and I have abandoned the effort. I've driven as high as 85 mph and have had no problems with the top down and no tonneau cover. My confidence level is good that the top will not "rise up and blow away!"

The only driving difference I can tell between the two cars is the steering. My 2013 has the new "electric" steering. I prefer it over her 2012 steering. She prefers mine too (trade in for a 2014??? lol). Don't get me wrong, they both steer beautifully. It's just that her car has a much "heavier" feel to the steering. Steering mine is ideal for me. It is precise and responsive. Literally no effort to steer and yet there is never a moment when I feel it is too easy or sloppy.

My car has more of a "luxury" sports car look to it (in my opinion). I don't plan on racing stripes or loud exhausts. In fact, we always get in my car for an evening out or attending an event on the strip (just did this last weekend to attend a charity ball at the Mirage). I was proud of my car's look as we handed the keys to the valet. The only mod I am considering is the CAI air intake (for both cars). She also wants racing stripes and a louder exhaust (we'll see).

Yesterday, coming home from work and again going out to dinner, my top was down (73 degrees) and performance was superb. Just lightly touching the accelerator from a stop and the car comes alive. It wants to run and run fast. I did add (mounted under the rear view mirror) an escort 9500 ix radar detector. I also have my cell phone running "Waze" (https://www.waze.com/). The car gets up to highway speed quick and if I am not paying attention, I am over 85 mph. Too much fun driving this car fast, really fast. Between the radar detector and waze, I have avoided a speeding ticket (so far). I love I-15 from Las Vegas to Mesquite. Speed limit is 75 mph. There is a proposal in the legislature to raise it to 85 mph (fabulous!!!).

The noise level with the top up is absolutely minimal. In fact, I often keep the radio off just so I can actually listen to the purr of the engine. The engine guages are part of my ****pit scan. I hold back until the temps are "up and green." Then, I push it. Lots of steep climbs here in the desert. On my way to work every day there is a very steep climb on CC215 between Loan Mountain Rd and Summerlin Parkway. By the time I reach this point in my commute, the car is ready for the experience. There is a lot of reserve power as I climb at 75 mph. Never, for a moment, do I feel underpowered.

If you like sports cars, especially convertibles, that are reliable and built to almost perfection, this is the car! I've owned lots of convertible sports cars over the years. This one is the best in every possible way. Oh yeah, getting compliments from total strangers on a regular basis is a thrill too (it happens all the time, as if people can't hold back and have to tell me that I own an awesome looking vehicle - dream car as one woman put it).

I love this car. I love the ride.

Marcus

[Angrybird 12]

Good writeup, actually the more you use the Tonneau the easier it seems to be to put on. I just think it looks so good with the tonneau on that its worth the minute it takes to put it on.
Enjoy your convertibles they both look great!

[Michael Rophone]

Nice narrative.

Angrybird is right. It's worth the extra minute to two minutes to slide the tonneau on and hook the loops. It looks nicer and keeps the well cleaner.

In some local neighborhoods around Philly, kids have been known to toss their litter in cars parked with the tops down. You wouldn't want an empty Dr. Pepper can playing havoc with your top as you raise it.

On the other hand, never leave your car parked unless the top is up.

You've hit on the final solution for the Water Management Bag SNAFU...
move to the desert!

[pincoin]

Convertibles are the way to go!

[Nutbutt]

Something more from something less ! Vert is the only way to go !

[tonyko1]

Thanks for sharing, great looking cars!

[Desert Stealth]

Thanks everyone for your positive comments. My wife does encourage me to use the tonneau cover. For daily driving, I doubt I will use it. I always put the top up when I park (work, lunch, shopping, etc). For a long cruise, I'll use it.

Can't get much done around the house when the weather is so inviting. Spent most of yesterday driving with the top down. Looks like another beautiful day today. Already I can feel the tug as my car seduces me away from the house.

Marcus

[Angrybird 12]

Originally Posted by Desert Stealth

Thanks everyone for your positive comments. My wife does encourage me to use the tonneau cover. For daily driving, I doubt I will use it. I always put the top up when I park (work, lunch, shopping, etc). For a long cruise, I'll use it.

Can't get much done around the house when the weather is so inviting. Spent most of yesterday driving with the top down. Looks like another beautiful day today. Already I can feel the tug as my car seduces me away from the house.

Marcus

Lol I know what you mean, things around here didn't get done last summer and fall. I hated take a nice day and mow the grass....