[JacksonStorm67]

New member here! I havent been on a camaro forum since my 96SS!

Long story story short, I ordered a ZL1 1LE locally in PA back in September. My dealer never got an allocation and they don't think they will for months. MY build was a black ZLE with almost all options. I just cancelled my order...

I found a 2018 ZL1 with PDR and a few options with only 1300miles for 68k. I can also purchase a 8 year extended bumper - bumper warranty. My goal is to get them to build that into the deal at no charge. I actually was able to obtain details from the original owner and dealer and the car was basically stored at a vacation home and obviously never driven. I know its an '18 but I prefer the tail lamps and cant justify all of the other new '22 with 10k mark ups.

What are your guys thoughts? Am I crazy to purchase an '18 for 68k? Its practically a new car. The current market is crazy and I dont see it changing anytime soon. If anything, prices will hold or go up because of supply.

[TXCSSU]

I ordered my 2022 and the dealer insists that there is no markup above MSRP. I think I am getting it for about the same amount of money. The biggest problem is that you're essentially buying a 2 year old car for the price of a new car. Once the supply is replenished, your car will depreciate more.

[serper3]

Are you the kind of person who buys a car, and sells it after a year or two? If so, I would not do it as the risk of taking a significant loss is pretty high. this is the case with most cars though. If you will buy it and keep it for a very long time, i think it isnt bad.

if you do buy it, you need to be comfortable with the car losing 20k+ in the next 1-3 years. ideally that amount of money, and this car purchase in general is a reasonably good financial decision and wont impact your financial situation much. if that is the case, i say go for it.

That said, I think you might be able to get a better deal, even if the car has a couple thousand more miles on it.

In April (i know this is a while ago now) i bought my '18 with 6k miles for 60k. warranty for me is not a selling point as I plan on voiding anyway.

Yes, it can take a while though to find a low mile, good condition car, for a good price. if you just are starting to consider used, i would take your time, look all over, and be absolutely certain this is what you want to do.

If you are not sure, you could always just buy a cheaper toy fun car until you figure it out.

[arpad_m]

I think it depends on what your plan is with this car. Be brutally honest to yourself.

This is is the last model year of the (subjectively) best looking ZL1, an absolute powerhouse with almost no known issues (apart from the oil pump, see the related thread here; worth a preventive replacement), and it's practically an unused car, barely broken in—however, as TXCSSU said, you will probably lose big time if you are planning to sell within a year or two, and you're not going to have the latest electronics in the car (infotainment, rear view camera) that is 4 model years behind current while you're paying the price you would for a new car, disregarding the potential long wait for a moment.

In your place I would go for it. My car is already my forever Camaro, heh... this is the last generation with a V8, and you'd be getting the top dog of the product range, so your car may become a classic and not actually depreciate that much in the longer run.

[JacksonStorm67]

Originally Posted by TXCSSU

I ordered my 2022 and the dealer insists that there is no markup above MSRP. I think I am getting it for about the same amount of money. The biggest problem is that you're essentially buying a 2 year old car for the price of a new car. Once the supply is replenished, your car will depreciate more.

My build was apprx 75k @ msrp and with the gas guzzler + freight. Whats frustrating is that the PDR is not available along with other options delaying it. The only reason Im considering it is the extremely low mileage. I really would fell better if it was 65k to help justify the depreciation of the model year.

[JacksonStorm67]

Originally Posted by arpad_m

I think it depends on what your plan is with this car. Be brutally honest to yourself.

This is is the last model year of the (subjectively) best looking ZL1, an absolute powerhouse with almost no known issues (apart from the oil pump, see the related thread here; worth a preventive replacement), and it's practically an unused car, barely broken in—however, as TXCSSU said, you will probably lose big time if you are planning to sell within a year or two, and you're not going to have the latest electronics in the car (infotainment, rear view camera) that is 4 model years behind current while you're paying the price you would for a new car, disregarding the potential long wait for a moment.

In your place I would go for it. My car is already my forever Camaro, heh... this is the last generation with a V8, and you'd be getting the top dog of the product range, so your car may become a classic and not actually depreciate that much in the longer run.

Thank you for the response. I was unaware of the rear camera and infotainment upgrades that the later models received. From what I have just researched, apple car play does not work well and has to be plugged in to the phone for 2018.

I do intend to keep whatever car I choose for awhile, I would like a Camaro that I can drive more often compared to my '67 super street setup car.

Im starting to think the car is just not worth what they want. Its been on their lot for 6 months...

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by JacksonStorm67

Thank you for the response. I was unaware of the rear camera and infotainment upgrades that the later models received. From what I have just researched, apple car play does not work well and has to be plugged in to the phone for 2018.

I do intend to keep whatever car I choose for awhile, I would like a Camaro that I can drive more often compared to my '67 super street setup car.

Im starting to think the car is just not worth what they want. Its been on their lot for 6 months...

Totally understand your line of thinking, just want to put it out there that there are great and affordable solutions for both wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, in fact I'm using the former successfully, and have wireless charging + AA, it works seamlessly. Also, CarPlay works just fine on the 2018 model year.

However, the 2019+ infotainment has faster hardware, higher resolution screens (1024p vs 720p for model year 2018) and a new user interface if that's important to you.

[TXCSSU]

Originally Posted by JacksonStorm67

My build was apprx 75k @ msrp and with the gas guzzler + freight. Whats frustrating is that the PDR is not available along with other options delaying it. The only reason Im considering it is the extremely low mileage. I really would fell better if it was 65k to help justify the depreciation of the model year.

Another thing to consider is how much will the APR be on that vehicle? I'm guessing it may be high as the bank will try to make as much money as they can because it's relatively the same price of a new one (MSRP) so they figure the depreciation will take a bigger hit. In other words, the bank will most likely finance with a higher rate because it's harder to get back their money on a vehicle that's older than one that's newer. If you're paying cash, I'd leverage that to a lower price. Remember, they probably paid what they're asking you to pay even though they got to experience the "newness" of it.

Oh and finally, if you're really wanting a ZL1 and it has to be manual, the one at Emich Chevrolet (if you can live with Rapid Blue), they've contacted me at least 3 times trying to sell it to me.

https://www.emichchevrolet.com/inven...j1r61n0104081/

I figure that they're ready to deal at MSRP ($69K) as it's cold there (summer only tires not ideal) and are hoping to move this car. With it being new, the bank is more likely to finance you at a lower rate, in case in a year if you fall behind on payments they send a 1 year old vehicle to auction as opposed to trying to recoup the same loan on a 3 year vehicle.

And as was previously mentioned, if this is the Camaro's "last stand", why not get one optioned out like you want it, as you'll more than likely work harder to keep it nice and make it last. Good luck with whatever you decide, but to me a 3 year old car is still a 3 year old car. Who knows if they even bothered changing the oil figuring that they'd go based on the mileage, and not the date that the oil sat. That's actually one problem I have with my SS, I can go at least 9 months without hitting 2000 miles but I change the oil anyways because I hate having the oil sit for longer than 9 months without changing it.

[MightyBobo]

Fremont Chevrolet in Cali has this Riverside Blue one in stock as well, and they were ready to move it at MSRP with me. They called me QUITE a few times.

https://www.chevroletoffremont.com/V...FJ1R67N0103906

My opinion? A 4 year old car is a 4 year old car, and they simply want too much for old technology. I wouldn't touch it for 68. Hell, I'd be hard-pressed at 62. I don't care how low the miles are.

*edit* As people have noted below, it's a ZLE - my bad, I missed that part. $68K for that is a pretty fair price. You're buying a borderline racecar though, so the tech stuff shouldn't be an issue...if you want the tech stuff, get a non-1LE ZL1, in my opinion. You'll be happier.

[zxspeedspec]

I have no idea why everyone in this thread is comparing a ZLE to ZL1 pricing. $68k for a ZLE with almost no miles is a great deal in this market. In 4-5 years 720p vs 1080p is a moot point when everything else is 2k or 4k. Brand new ZLEs are 78k nowadays if you spec them out and potentially over 80k if you get EVERYTHING.

[Blueclyde]

I’m in agreement with zxspeedspec. I think that is a decent price for a low mile ZLE. I wouldn’t think twice about it.

[JacksonStorm67]

Good morning all. Again, thanks for the responses. I am reminded of how respectful members are on these forums compared to FB which I have finally deleted.

My plan today at the dealer is to drive the car, look it over inside and out. Compare the subtle differences between a new '22 and make an offer of 65k on the '18 ZLE with PDR, upgraded Nav option, red seat belts, indoor car cover, battery protection package with extremely low miles.

I will consider making them an offer (if they dont budge on the '18) to build a new '22 since they do have an allocation. They want $8G over msrp for the allocation ZLE. I would offer $2500 over msrp to build a new car.

Honestly I am not worried about depreciation on either car. If 5 years down the road my childrens sports and activities have taken over then I dont mind taking a haircut if I sell it. The latter would be the fact that the Camaro is discontinued and well optioned ZLE are holding their values or priced between 70-90 no matter the year.

Wish me luck

[TXCSSU]

Originally Posted by JacksonStorm67

Good morning all. Again, thanks for the responses. I am reminded of how respectful members are on these forums compared to FB which I have finally deleted.

My plan today at the dealer is to drive the car, look it over inside and out. Compare the subtle differences between a new '22 and make an offer of 65k on the '18 ZLE with PDR, upgraded Nav option, red seat belts, indoor car cover, battery protection package with extremely low miles.

I will consider making them an offer (if they dont budge on the '18) to build a new '22 since they do have an allocation. They want $8G over msrp for the allocation ZLE. I would offer $2500 over msrp to build a new car.

Honestly I am not worried about depreciation on either car. If 5 years down the road my childrens sports and activities have taken over then I dont mind taking a haircut if I sell it. The latter would be the fact that the Camaro is discontinued and well optioned ZLE are holding their values or priced between 70-90 no matter the year.

Wish me luck

The 1LE should add a little more to the price, but given that these are the last few years of the Camaro, I say get it how you want it. There are a few dealerships that will charge MSRP, but you have to find them.

[1wraith76]

I bought my 18 ZLE last year for 61.5K with PDR. It is a 6 sp manual. I knew I was likely to mod it so I didn't buy new. It has about 15K mi on it. I also like the tail lights better.

If you do not plan on modifications that will void your warranty than that is a good deal imho. Very low miles and if you can get an extended warranty to protect your for some extra time then that is great.