I've been there, I settled for a 2011 2LT with 12,500 miles back in 2012. I did my time and was able to afford my 2016 2SS brand new with 2 miles on the odometer. It's a great feeling and I have no regret what so ever.
I'd love to own a ZL1, but the power the SS has is still unbelievable for a street car and gets decent gas mileage.