Finally test drove one! - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

bballr4567 · 01-30-2010, 12:46 AM

Well about a week ago I had to get our Malibu serviced and well saw the dealer had got in about 6 Camaros since I had been there last time. I did a quick walk around and saw they had a V6 M6. While waiting for the car to get done I asked if I could get a test drive going. It was a completely base LS.

Now, my DD is a 00 Formula M6. So this is where Im coming from.

The Camaro is of course, the better car all around. It was way more comfortable, felt better, way better built and all that. It drove amazing compared to my 4th gen and felt more composed through all types of road changes that make my Formula feel really outdated.

The best thing about the car, by far, was the manual. It was smooth, quiet and just amazing feeling.

However, I didnt like a few things.

The DIC menu. Its very good but changing through it with the stalk is cumbersome. That would take some getting used to. Also, the stock shifter is a little uncommunicative. I have a MGW on my Formula and I missed the tiny bit of notchy feeling to know what I was doing. Maybe, when if you get used to it will feel better.

Plus, the car did feel like a V6 IMHO. The lack of low end TQ made it interesting to someone who is used to instant TQ in the lower power bands. However, the upper RPMs really make the car shine and driving up to the redline was certainly rewarding.

How do other V8 guys deal with that?

Overall, it was a great car and I would love to get into it for a DD. What have you guys been paying for a base LS?

Chevyg1rl · 01-30-2010, 01:02 AM

I don't know how the guys deal with the issues...

I have a 4th gen, too, I kept it for my DD and drive the new one on the weekends. If you can do that - great - you won't have to give up any TQ.

You'll get used to the menu so I wouldn't sweat that. You're right about the shifter, I'm not crazy about it either but I'm planning on changing it, and I miss feeling the gears but after a few miles, you'll notice them but it's different. I've had one V6 out of 8 Camaros, it was a great car, good pick-up, but I was never really happy. A base LS in CA is close enough to 30K that I'd get a base SS and suck up the difference. You should test drive a V8 and figure out what you think will make you happier.

bballr4567 · 01-30-2010, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevyg1rl

I don't know how the guys deal with the issues...

I have a 4th gen, too, I kept it for my DD and drive the new one on the weekends. If you can do that - great - you won't have to give up any TQ.

You'll get used to the menu so I wouldn't sweat that. You're right about the shifter, I'm not crazy about it either but I'm planning on changing it, and I miss feeling the gears but after a few miles, you'll notice them but it's different. I've had one V6 out of 8 Camaros, it was a great car, good pick-up, but I was never really happy. A base LS in CA is close enough to 30K that I'd get a base SS and suck up the difference. You should test drive a V8 and figure out what you think will make you happier.

Id know in a heartbeat that a Corvette would make me way happier if I was to get a V8. Id get a used one but I wouldnt care.

$30k for a LS?? What the hell. That is pretty outrageous for a MSRP of $23k.

Rockies4 · 01-30-2010, 01:20 AM

You may want to look at the 2SS.

The power is incredible. The hard part is trying to not punch it all the time!

My 2SS is my weekend car, so gas mileage is not at the top of my list. It is such an incredible car to drive.

I couldn't comment on your question on the stick because I've driven a stick for 25 years and I'm done. I purchased an automatic. To each his/her own pleasure.

In California, the 2SS, Auto, RS, Polished rims will cost around $38,000 plus your warranty package. All together out the door will be around $44,ooo give or take a few bucks depending on options. We also have a 8.75% sales tax.

Hope this info helps in your decision.

Best of luck,

Rockies4

bballr4567 · 01-30-2010, 01:33 AM

No automatic because then the wife will want to drive it. lol

Sorry, but no SS. Even the 1SS is too much for me. The Camaro is a 2 seater for me because Im 6'6. Nobody will sit in the back seat. Ever. To me a Corvette would fit the bill of a 2 seater sports car far better. Again, this is MY opinion.

01-30-2010, 12:46 AM	#1
bballr4567 Drives: 2016 Camaro 1LT M6 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Evansville, IN Posts: 1,256	Finally test drove one! Well about a week ago I had to get our Malibu serviced and well saw the dealer had got in about 6 Camaros since I had been there last time. I did a quick walk around and saw they had a V6 M6. While waiting for the car to get done I asked if I could get a test drive going. It was a completely base LS. Now, my DD is a 00 Formula M6. So this is where Im coming from. The Camaro is of course, the better car all around. It was way more comfortable, felt better, way better built and all that. It drove amazing compared to my 4th gen and felt more composed through all types of road changes that make my Formula feel really outdated. The best thing about the car, by far, was the manual. It was smooth, quiet and just amazing feeling. However, I didnt like a few things. The DIC menu. Its very good but changing through it with the stalk is cumbersome. That would take some getting used to. Also, the stock shifter is a little uncommunicative. I have a MGW on my Formula and I missed the tiny bit of notchy feeling to know what I was doing. Maybe, when if you get used to it will feel better. Plus, the car did feel like a V6 IMHO. The lack of low end TQ made it interesting to someone who is used to instant TQ in the lower power bands. However, the upper RPMs really make the car shine and driving up to the redline was certainly rewarding. How do other V8 guys deal with that? Overall, it was a great car and I would love to get into it for a DD. What have you guys been paying for a base LS?

01-30-2010, 01:02 AM	#2
Chevyg1rl Drives: Chevys Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NorCal Posts: 1,408 View My Garage	I don't know how the guys deal with the issues... I have a 4th gen, too, I kept it for my DD and drive the new one on the weekends. If you can do that - great - you won't have to give up any TQ. You'll get used to the menu so I wouldn't sweat that. You're right about the shifter, I'm not crazy about it either but I'm planning on changing it, and I miss feeling the gears but after a few miles, you'll notice them but it's different. I've had one V6 out of 8 Camaros, it was a great car, good pick-up, but I was never really happy. A base LS in CA is close enough to 30K that I'd get a base SS and suck up the difference. You should test drive a V8 and figure out what you think will make you happier. __________________

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01-30-2010, 01:20 AM	#4
Rockies4 Drives: PT Cruiser 02 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Santa Maria, California Posts: 791	You may want to look at the 2SS. The power is incredible. The hard part is trying to not punch it all the time! My 2SS is my weekend car, so gas mileage is not at the top of my list. It is such an incredible car to drive. I couldn't comment on your question on the stick because I've driven a stick for 25 years and I'm done. I purchased an automatic. To each his/her own pleasure. In California, the 2SS, Auto, RS, Polished rims will cost around $38,000 plus your warranty package. All together out the door will be around $44,ooo give or take a few bucks depending on options. We also have a 8.75% sales tax. Hope this info helps in your decision. Best of luck, Rockies4

01-30-2010, 01:33 AM	#5
bballr4567 Drives: 2016 Camaro 1LT M6 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Evansville, IN Posts: 1,256	No automatic because then the wife will want to drive it. lol Sorry, but no SS. Even the 1SS is too much for me. The Camaro is a 2 seater for me because Im 6'6. Nobody will sit in the back seat. Ever. To me a Corvette would fit the bill of a 2 seater sports car far better. Again, this is MY opinion.