Questions for RS owners

[Austin Aggie]

I have a few questions for RS owners:

#1) what is the difference in the RS tail lamps versus the non-RS tail lamps?

#2) does anyone have any good picture of their 20" darker RS wheels? How dark are they? I would prefer them in a gloss black, but I'm guessing that they aren't that dark.

#3) how has your dealership been treating you?

I used to be a die-hard bowtie guy, and I was loyal to GM. I have to tell you, that changed. I couldn't figure out just why I was being loyal to GM when they certainly weren't being loyal to me. Me, and my family, is what I should be loyal to, not really giving a poop who the car manufacturer label is on the vehicles in my garage. I've owned a few chevy trucks, two 4G F-body cars, a 4G LT4 Vette, a 5G Z06 Vette. My wife was the first to make a switch, going from a Tahoe to an Infiniti FX45, and it has been a phenomenal vehicle. I went from my Z06 to an 07 Toyota Tundra 5.7L 6spd automatic RCSB. I missed having a truck, and wanted a sporty model that looked good and could get with it. I love the truck.

I'm a big fan of Japanese vehicles at this point. Many of the things that sent me "over the edge" were: the lack of quality that GM vehicles had (and I can group Ford and Chrysler here too); terrible treatment from the dealerships towards their customers (try spending $50K on a car and getting treated like a terd); being fed up with the a$$-clowns in the United Auto Workers union <-- Truly, I think they are a big reason why the big three couldn't afford to compete with the Japanese.

I *AM* a proud American. I'm a veteran, and I work in public service to this day. I am ashamed that we aren't building the best vehicles on the planet. We should be. Entitlement syndrome and pi$$-poor work ethic have got us where we are today.

Having just spent a few short paragraphs poo-poo'ing GM, let me give some kinder words. I have absolutely LOVED what the new 5G Camaro represented from 2006 when the prototype cars hit the shows. I am inspired that magazines like Car and Drive and Motortrend have such nice things to say about the actual quality of the car - being compared to an Infiniti G37 is a HUGE deal from a quality perspective. I think we all know that an SS would eat a G37 in performance, but for a second - keep with me here - I'm focused on build quality. That was a *major* gripe for me with my previous 4G F-bods.

I would love some feedback on your honest thoughts regarding the 2010 Camaro. I'm heavily considering one. I have yet to see one in person, but my eyes are peeled every day!

[nards444]

rs has chrome accents. I think you are wrong on Gm quality, I think that is a thought of the past. GM has been making very nice trucks and car for the since the 2000's and if you look gas mileage has been comparibale to JAP junk or even better. Jap cars to me just look cheap. But dont matter what I still dont think their trucks compare to anything that us americans make. Thing is if you look at Japs are very good at copying, alot of their stuff comes from others designs. They have been copying US stuff since WWII. example for cars is the ridgeline and avalanche, and there are many other they just dont copy us they copy the germans

[jpsuperman81]

Originally Posted by nards444

rs has chrome accents. I think you are wrong on Gm quality, I think that is a thought of the past. GM has been making very nice trucks and car for the since the 2000's and if you look gas mileage has been comparibale to JAP junk or even better. Jap cars to me just look cheap. But dont matter what I still dont think their trucks compare to anything that us americans make. Thing is if you look at Japs are very good at copying, alot of their stuff comes from others designs. They have been copying US stuff since WWII. example for cars is the ridgeline and avalanche, and there are many other they just dont copy us they copy the germans

All models have chrome accents RS adds slightly darker lenses of the tailights, There are side by side pics somewhere in this forum just do some searching. Same thing for wheels they are little darker but not much kinda think gunmetal def not black also side by side pics scattered through this forum for those. And my dealer is treating me fine so far.

[Austin Aggie]

Originally Posted by nards444

rs has chrome accents. I think you are wrong on Gm quality, I think that is a thought of the past. GM has been making very nice trucks and car for the since the 2000's and if you look gas mileage has been comparibale to JAP junk or even better. Jap cars to me just look cheap. But dont matter what I still dont think their trucks compare to anything that us americans make. Thing is if you look at Japs are very good at copying, alot of their stuff comes from others designs. They have been copying US stuff since WWII. example for cars is the ridgeline and avalanche, and there are many other they just dont copy us they copy the germans

nards - GM has made some good trucks, no doubt. They used to lead the industry in 1/2 ton trucks. I can't say that's the case - now, at least not in my opinion. I used to have a rather poor opinion of Japanese cars/trucks too. Like I said, I was a died-in-the-wool GM guy. I drove a new Silverado, and I can tell you that you're wrong - the Tundra is way better to me. I do like some of the interior on the Silverado better, but as far as the truck as a whole - Tundra.

I don't think that the Japanese have ever been known for innovation (that's where Europeans and Americans come in) - the forte has been quality concerning the Japanese (and now even Koreans).

Regarding the ridgeline and avalanche - they are both great vehicles. The ridgeline is in a lot of ways similar looking. Very different designs. The ridgeline is based on a ladderbox construction frame. I wouldn't consider either of them a true truck. Both have neat and innovative features.

Where the big 3 have dropped the ball in a big way is taking care of their customers. Look now, even as the dang dealers (albeit not all of them) are shafting loyal customers who placed their orders back in October of last year! Ever wonder why a BMW owner keeps going back for more? For that matter, a better example could be a Land Rover owner. These folks are pretty loyal - and they have a horrible reliability record (except during the time they were owned by BMW, and had their engines and transmissions).

[nards444]

the only thing I really see the japanese taking is the 4 seater 4 banger mazdas and toyotas nothing much behind that. Your normal family sedans, trucks, vans, have always been american. those 4 seat jobs are so small and crappy. But who knows, countrys going to shit everywhere.

[Austin Aggie]

Originally Posted by jpsuperman81

All models have chrome accents RS adds slightly darker lenses of the tailights, There are side by side pics somewhere in this forum just do some searching. Same thing for wheels they are little darker but not much kinda think gunmetal def not black also side by side pics scattered through this forum for those. And my dealer is treating me fine so far.

I'm glad to hear that. They should treat their customers well - it is afterall the life blood to their business!

[FenwickHockey65]

I'll never know what dealers you guys are going to...

Never been treated wrongly by either of my GM dealers. Ever.

Never had any major problems with any of our GM vehicles either.

[VenomZ302]

Originally Posted by Austin Aggie

I have a few questions for RS owners:

#1) what is the difference in the RS tail lamps versus the non-RS tail lamps?

#2) does anyone have any good picture of their 20" darker RS wheels? How dark are they? I would prefer them in a gloss black, but I'm guessing that they aren't that dark.

#3) how has your dealership been treating you?

Not an owner yet, but...

1. See: http://camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10938

2. See attached photos for Midnight Silver wheels on Inferno Orange Metallic.

3. Dealer's been fine thus far. It's a small, family-owned dealer, to the best of my knowledge. Getting $98 over invoice, so that's just fine in my book.