Advice on Camaro Purchase - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Andy B · 08-27-2025, 06:56 AM

Good morning folks, I'm looking for some advice on acquiring a 5th gen Camaro.

My intent is to use the car, if not as a daily driver but very regularly, 10K - 15K miles a year.

I'd like to be under $25K, with less than 30K miles, convertible preferred. I've seen a number of Camaros that meet this, all of them with the V6, which is fine.

So before I move forward, could you please share your thoughts on these cars, whether they're reliable and solid enough for near daily use, and what problem areas, if any, I should be aware of. Any other thoughts as well.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

ABM2SS · 08-27-2025, 07:33 AM

327,000 miles on my 2010 SS M6. Engine is original, but had to replace some Wheel bearings, Driveline parts and such. I don't think the V6 typically holds up as well as the V8, especially the LS3 that came in the Manual Transmission cars. The L99 V8 that came in the Automatic Transmission cars isn't quite as reliable due to more complexity with the AFM and Variable Timing. Overall, I'd say they are very reliable cars. Like with anything else keep up on the regular maintenance.

redcoats1976 · 08-27-2025, 08:56 AM

My 2015 RS (V6) has 95,000 miles on it.No drivetrain problems,only major repair has been the A/C evaporator which is approx.$2500. I have replaced the brake pads and had coolant and brake fluid flushed at 5 year intervals.Uless you are going drag racing the V6 will be fine but try to get the updated LFX engine a it has timing chain and PCV valve improvements to add durability.try to make arrarngements to have a mechanic check out the car before purchase,especially the A/C system.

Aqua Blue RS/SS · 08-27-2025, 08:59 AM

Over all these cars are tanks. They are built quite well. The V6 cars, especially the early ones are known to suffer from timing chain problems at higher miles. Also be aware that the convertible cars have a water management bag which help drain rain water from the car and keep it from getting inside, that is not available anymore and is known to get holes in it and leak. They can be patched in some cases. There’s a lot of people on here who daily their cars with little to no issue.

1JEWLDSSRS · 08-27-2025, 04:39 PM

2011 SS/RS here, had the car for 14 years now, 132k miles. The car was my daily driver for 9 years before I retired in 2020 and got another vehicle for a daily. At 98k I did a cam swap, LS3 conversion,AFM/DOD delete and a stall converter. Like Aqua said, these cars are tanks. Gotta say it has been the most reliable machine I have ever owned! The only issue I had with mine when it was new was the rearend making noise, clutches were sticking, fixed under warranty, radio head unit went bad, fixed under warranty. Other than that, the normal wear and tear items, brakes, tires, coolant flushes, oil changes every 3500 miles, trans flushes, rearend oil changes, a couple batteries and we're still rocking and rolling. Like mentioned, if you do get a V6, get one with the updated LFX engine, by then the issues the regular V6 had were all sorted out. Oh, and these Camaros look great!!

0stones0 · 08-27-2025, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aqua Blue RS/SS

Over all these cars are tanks. They are built quite well.
…

+1

SummitWhite11 · 08-27-2025, 05:54 PM

I have a 2010 Camaro 2LT/RS with the V6 that now has 107k miles. I am the 2nd owner in which I purchased from the previous owner at around 73k miles. He took very good care of the vehicle. When I took ownership of the vehicle, I have kept up with the regular fluid changes. There has been no issues with the engine or drive train in close to the 10 years I have owned it. The only thing was the AC evaporator in which I had changed last year due to it leaking freon. The dealership did this for me along with replacing the heater core at the same time. I figured why not while they were in there. It has been a very reliable vehicle for me. I would drive this Camaro across country no doubt. It is that reliable. I truly believe that if you take care of your vehicle.. your vehicle will take care of you. This goes for both V6 and V8's versions regardless of the year Camaro.

The SS Godfather · 08-27-2025, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy B

Good morning folks, I'm looking for some advice on acquiring a 5th gen Camaro.

My intent is to use the car, if not as a daily driver but very regularly, 10K - 15K miles a year.

I'd like to be under $25K, with less than 30K miles, convertible preferred. I've seen a number of Camaros that meet this, all of them with the V6, which is fine.

So before I move forward, could you please share your thoughts on these cars, whether they're reliable and solid enough for near daily use, and what problem areas, if any, I should be aware of. Any other thoughts as well.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

Big SS/2SS Fan....Any year Gen 5 V8 way to go......Gd luck....

Ktucky1LE · 10-05-2025, 10:18 PM

I am very happy owner of a 2013 manual 2SS with 1LE package. Bought used with 78K miles on it. My biggest worry was it had a rebuilt title, due to front end accident. Was a single owner car though, with good service records. I have put about 2,000 miles on it and can say it drives and runs great. Transmission shifts perfect and stock motor pulls hard. I had a vehicle inspection and determined needed valley cover and valve cover gaskets (already done) and recommended new toe rods due to slightly torn bushings. I have BMR replacements on order. The car runs great. Everything works like it should. I am VERY happy and plan to keep/modify/enjoy for years to come.

08-27-2025, 06:56 AM	#1
Andy B Drives: Jag XJ, Jag XJS, Jeep Gladitor Join Date: Aug 2025 Location: Leominster, Ma Posts: 1	Advice on Camaro Purchase Good morning folks, I'm looking for some advice on acquiring a 5th gen Camaro. My intent is to use the car, if not as a daily driver but very regularly, 10K - 15K miles a year. I'd like to be under $25K, with less than 30K miles, convertible preferred. I've seen a number of Camaros that meet this, all of them with the V6, which is fine. So before I move forward, could you please share your thoughts on these cars, whether they're reliable and solid enough for near daily use, and what problem areas, if any, I should be aware of. Any other thoughts as well. Thanks in advance for any insight.

08-27-2025, 08:59 AM	#4
Aqua Blue RS/SS Drives: ABM #93 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Lotaburger Posts: 3,180	Over all these cars are tanks. They are built quite well. The V6 cars, especially the early ones are known to suffer from timing chain problems at higher miles. Also be aware that the convertible cars have a water management bag which help drain rain water from the car and keep it from getting inside, that is not available anymore and is known to get holes in it and leak. They can be patched in some cases. There’s a lot of people on here who daily their cars with little to no issue. __________________ ABM #2399 2SS/RS:SOLD ABM #93 2SS/RS Black Rally stripes, Titanium Interior 4,000 miles: GM GFX side skirts and diffuser waiting on paint, GM dovetail, GM heritage, RPI ZL1 style splitter. ‘87 IROC-Z Iroc blue. all original unmolested with 50K miles.

08-27-2025, 04:39 PM	#5
1JEWLDSSRS Drives: 2011 SS-RS Join Date: May 2011 Location: FLORIDA Posts: 13,687	2011 SS/RS here, had the car for 14 years now, 132k miles. The car was my daily driver for 9 years before I retired in 2020 and got another vehicle for a daily. At 98k I did a cam swap, LS3 conversion,AFM/DOD delete and a stall converter. Like Aqua said, these cars are tanks. Gotta say it has been the most reliable machine I have ever owned! The only issue I had with mine when it was new was the rearend making noise, clutches were sticking, fixed under warranty, radio head unit went bad, fixed under warranty. Other than that, the normal wear and tear items, brakes, tires, coolant flushes, oil changes every 3500 miles, trans flushes, rearend oil changes, a couple batteries and we're still rocking and rolling. Like mentioned, if you do get a V6, get one with the updated LFX engine, by then the issues the regular V6 had were all sorted out. Oh, and these Camaros look great!! __________________ TSP STAGE 3 CAM,231/246 @112 LSA 614/641 LIFT, CIRCLE D 5C-4200-4500 CONVERTER,LOD INTAKE.CORSA EXHAUST. DSS 1 PC DS. PEGASUS SOLID CRADLE MOUNTS. 486RWHP/475RWTQ.LOTS MORE.

08-27-2025, 05:54 PM	#7
SummitWhite11 Drives: 2010 2LT/RS Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Palm Coast, FL Posts: 1,757	I have a 2010 Camaro 2LT/RS with the V6 that now has 107k miles. I am the 2nd owner in which I purchased from the previous owner at around 73k miles. He took very good care of the vehicle. When I took ownership of the vehicle, I have kept up with the regular fluid changes. There has been no issues with the engine or drive train in close to the 10 years I have owned it. The only thing was the AC evaporator in which I had changed last year due to it leaking freon. The dealership did this for me along with replacing the heater core at the same time. I figured why not while they were in there. It has been a very reliable vehicle for me. I would drive this Camaro across country no doubt. It is that reliable. I truly believe that if you take care of your vehicle.. your vehicle will take care of you. This goes for both V6 and V8's versions regardless of the year Camaro. __________________ 2010 2LT/RS ZL1 Appearance package, Flow Master American Thunder Cat Back Exhaust w/ QUAD TIPS, K&N Typhoon CAI, Ported VMAX TB, OEM GM Brembo Brakes Package w/ Hawks Carbon Ceramic Pads, Night Owl Halo Kit (WIFI), Rear Oracle Blue LED Bowtie, Oracle Ghosted Painted Side LED Markers, Silver Sided Gills, OEM Satin Camaro Fuel Door, OEM Strut Tower Brace, Detroit Speed Engineering 1.5" Lowering Springs, Koni Orange STR.T Struts, Z28 rear LCA's, Black Magic rear 32" sway bar, 1LE front sway bar w/ DSE end links, Aluminum Blend Door, Evil Energy Catch Can.

10-05-2025, 10:18 PM	#9
Ktucky1LE Drives: 2013 Camaro 2SS/1LE Join Date: Aug 2025 Location: KY Posts: 24 View My Garage	I am very happy owner of a 2013 manual 2SS with 1LE package. Bought used with 78K miles on it. My biggest worry was it had a rebuilt title, due to front end accident. Was a single owner car though, with good service records. I have put about 2,000 miles on it and can say it drives and runs great. Transmission shifts perfect and stock motor pulls hard. I had a vehicle inspection and determined needed valley cover and valve cover gaskets (already done) and recommended new toe rods due to slightly torn bushings. I have BMR replacements on order. The car runs great. Everything works like it should. I am VERY happy and plan to keep/modify/enjoy for years to come. __________________ Just gettin' started...

08-27-2025, 07:33 AM	#2
ABM2SS Drives: 2010 SS M6 ABM Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Nashville, IN Posts: 363	327,000 miles on my 2010 SS M6. Engine is original, but had to replace some Wheel bearings, Driveline parts and such. I don't think the V6 typically holds up as well as the V8, especially the LS3 that came in the Manual Transmission cars. The L99 V8 that came in the Automatic Transmission cars isn't quite as reliable due to more complexity with the AFM and Variable Timing. Overall, I'd say they are very reliable cars. Like with anything else keep up on the regular maintenance.

08-27-2025, 08:56 AM	#3
redcoats1976 Drives: LT W/2LT,blue metallic Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: central florida Posts: 5,015	My 2015 RS (V6) has 95,000 miles on it.No drivetrain problems,only major repair has been the A/C evaporator which is approx.$2500. I have replaced the brake pads and had coolant and brake fluid flushed at 5 year intervals.Uless you are going drag racing the V6 will be fine but try to get the updated LFX engine a it has timing chain and PCV valve improvements to add durability.try to make arrarngements to have a mechanic check out the car before purchase,especially the A/C system.