Like lots of folks here, I grew up with hot cars (two Firebirds and a Camaro SS) and somehow made it thru alive.
The V6, while a great performer, just is a different animal than the LT1. Even with the benefit of decades of experience, I still feel the nannys kicking in on a regular basis with the LT1. What we love about the LT1 (gobs of torque) will be the downfall of an inexperienced young driver. All it takes is for him to (accidentally or on purpose) switch off the traction control one time and the LT1 will turn on you like a wild animal. Don’t do it. My son is a trained LEO and I’ve only let him behind the wheel once. 😀 |
I take my 16yo out and let him drive mine once in a while. I need to tell him to slow the "f" down the whole time. He'd kill himself showing off to his buddies, on his own.
You can always program one of the key fobs to "Teen Driver Mode" and can set his speed limit and radio volume. If you're braver than me. |
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You keep mentioning the fact that is it an LT1 and not an SS. To me the LT1 would be a worse car to give a kid. The narrower rear tires with the same amount of power means it will get loose easier. No way I would hand a 17 year old the keys to a v8 Camaro. Why not buy the v8 and let your kid drive your other car instead when he needs to?
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I would very much worry about your son driving it- or even your current Camaro, which is no slouch. I had a 2011 MazdaSpeed 3 for almost 5 years which my son started driving from time to time a couple of years after I got it when he started college. He drove it well- so well that he asked me to use it to visit his GF over the weekend, 150 miles away. I got the horrible phone call from him- he crashed the car- his fault, went into one car, which hit another. He and his GF were fine. The car had enough damage that I no longer wanted it but was not totaled so I traded it in right after it was repaired. Well the people in the car he hit directly were injured. It's 4 years later and he (and me, since I carried the insurance) are getting sued and the case is going to court. I believe we have enough coverage on the insurance plan but this has been going on for 4 years now and still not over. Point learned- I would be very careful lending any car out- especially a high performance one. It is better in my opinion to let someone that young learn on a starter car that is less powerful and safe.
As far as upgrading to an LT1 I was thinking the same thing myself. I love my 2016 LT, V6 manual with MBRP exhaust- the car, the sound, etc. But as you said it's no V8. I also love the gas mileage of the V6 and that it runs on REGULAR gas. The LTI will require premium and will burn more gas. I know some say that they do really well on gas with the V8 but my experience is that V8's- all of them are thirsty. So if your budget can support it, get the V8- more expensive car, probably more insurance and more gas, more expensive gas. Otherwise the V6 makes for an awesome commuter. |
i upgraded from a from V6 to the V8 this year when i turned 25 and i can assure you there is a night and day difference. especially in Torque. i would not make that jump for a 17 year old. the V6 is plenty of power, prob too much for a 17 year old as well.
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My oldest son, now in his thirties, started on a Honda Civic. My middle son will be starting with an Accord. I did let the middle one drive my 2016 SS around the neighborhood with me in it, but it was an Auto, and I put it in first gear, so he wasn't going to be hotdogging. He just wanted bragging rights that the first car he drove was an SS.
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It improved alot after I ditched the Goodyears but can still catch me off guard here and there. |
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I've had my Camaro sideways a couple of times, always because I intentionally put it that way (nannies off). A little feathering of the throttle and steering correction and she's back on line. I've never experienced what you describe and mine is a DD in all weather with stock GYs on it. |
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i hear the next step up from a v6 maro is a new impala :noidea: might give that a shot
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So your son is going off to college? What car is he going to take? Does he need a car at school? You should just get what you want, its your car after all. There is no way I would ever hand my son the keys to a V8 camaro. Probably not even a V6 or turbo 4.
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