looking at newer SS Camaro Conv
 

Starting to look at 2013-16 SS Camaro conv for my next ride. At prices under 45 grand, they seem to be a lot of bang for the buck. One local dealer {Tim Lally Chevy} even has a couple Pace Cars {one 2015, and another blue 2016} Anybody have any experience with these cars? Am I buying right? Another one that's available is a 2013 ZL1 conv, with 1000 miles, from a dealer,. But with that yellow paint, is hard to love even for 30k. A ZL1 would really be cool, but not many even seem to be out there, as converts, at this time.

IF I was looking, I'd take the yellow 2013 ZL1. Could be a rare car.... eventually. But in this day and age I'm not into convertibles or Camaros that new.

We have a '14 base convertible. Great car with plenty of room for TWO people. Even at my height (6'7"), I have plenty of leg and head room. The ride can be a little harsh on rough roads, but nothing you wouldn't expect from a sports car. Power isn't a problem with the V6 (322hp), so I would expect a V-8 equipped SS to have more than enough power to acquaint you quite well with local law enforcement.

Yea I agree the ZL1 is the hot ticket, just cant stand 2002 Trans Am yellow. Funny thing is your V6 is more powerful then my 2000 Ram Air conv. {320 horse, at least on paper}. One thing about these newer Muscle cars is how set up and refined they are compared to the cars back in the day.

Camaro
 

Just traded my 2010 Camaro 1LT for a 2014 Buick Regal GS after about 1-1/2 years of ownership.

I have nothing but good things to say about the Camaro in general. It was surprisingly well built, and it has some of the best road manners out there (steering, braking, sure-footedness, and acceleration). It was a car that really surprised me and I enjoyed driving it every day....but...

With that said, the tight, low interior where you hit your head on the roof consistently, the terrible rear blind spots, and the black paint all started to grind on me. My Camaro didn't have a rear camera or sensors, so backing it up was almost always a crap shoot. At 53, the low & tight interior just got old getting in and out of the car, and keeping a black car clean...well, you know.

Would I get another. Yes, a ZL-1 convertible when they become more affordable. It's a whole lot of car, and likely a strong collectable down the road. I do love the Camaro's styling as it seems to be one of GM's better recent efforts.

The new-to-me Regal GS is so much more car though. The styling, the tech, the options, the 20" chrome wheels, and a remarkably powerful turbo 4 cylinder...a wonderful car that just outdoes the Camaro I had in so many ways.

Blinds spots, YES! Our has a rear camera. As I said earlier, even at 6'7" I still comfortable in the Camaro. BTW, I'm 54

We will be getting one in the not to distant future. The Camaro listed below is my wife's car - and she wants to have a later model Camaro convertible too. As most people understand, if mama ain't happy, ain't no one gonna be happy.

Last August, one of my customer's (Chevy dealer) had a 2002 Z28 6sp convertible for sale with 15,000 miles on it. Took my wife for a ride and stopped there and told her it was her's if she wanted it (her birthday is the end of August). We took it out and she really liked the ride, handling, performance and the 6spd.

But she decided against it - wants a 5th or 6th gen... We both really like the looks of the 50th anniversary car.

https://www.cstatic-images.com/stock...2051553532.jpg

I do have to admit that a 1,000 mile yellow ZL1 convertible would be a great option too! That is, if it's a 6spd.

Three pedals required for both my wife and I on a performance car...;)

Still time to buy a 2017 Chevy SS. Does everything right ! Not a convertible, but will be your 4 door camaro w/o all the sports car constraints that you mentioned.

3 pedals available at no extra cost.

I friend on mine has a 2016 Chevy SS and loves it. So much in fact he's buying another one for out in Reno, NV.

Yeah, he's the guy that has the L-39C and Mig-23s. No more Mig-21 here or out there. Now if you want to go fast, the 21 and 23 are the ticket for that. ;) But expensive to run and maintain. LOL

Alot going on up front there!!

Uh...yeah.

Did they wheel an deal on that 50 ANN Conv? That's the ticket if I can get a discount off of the 55k they want. Is it safe to say these cars are marked up almost 10k from invoice?

The only thing that made me nervous about the last gen Camaro Convertibles I have rented ( Base & RS) is the fragile looking cargo (sunshade ) cover in the trunk. It has to be fully extended before the top would go down.
Every time I returned a Camaro Convertible they always made sure it was undamaged ad all the switch's worked before they would check it in. The 1st time I asked why and the guy doing it said they are easily damaged, and expensive to replace.
The V8 SS model is probably different, but the automatic V6 models we rented did not seem as fast as the 97 3.8 5-speed manual FB Convertible I used to own.

Other than what I consider a overly complicated procedure to lower the top (again compared to my old 97 FB) the RS in particular was fun to drive, if wanting for low end torque.

I'd be looking at '14-16 verts. The 2011 thru early 2013 's were known for serious issues with 5th bow top mechanism, a poorly designed water managment bag system and premature wearing of the top material. The whole system was redesigned in late 2012, but I believe that owners were still experiencing problems into 2013. The 6th gen vert does not appear to have the issues.

Search the Camaro 5.com forum's convertible sub forum to find numerous threads that detail owner horror stories with the early Camaro convertibles.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=133