[ZPirate]

Before responding read my entire post. I currently own a 2022 1SS 1LE 6M with 4,500 miles. I have an opportunity to "upgrade" to a 2019 ZL1 6M with 6,500 miles on the odometer for approximately 20k. Obviously, part of the difference in price are the additional creature comforts that the ZL1 has over a 1SS. And of course 650 hp v 455 hp.

The ZL1 seems well taken care of and is loaded with PPF protection. The car also has new rear tires. I am concerned about the fuel pump issue that has been an a problem on some ZL1s. Are there any other issues that I should be concerned about?

With the Camaro set to end production this may be my best opportunity to pick up a ZL1. So let me know what you would do. Thanks.

[arpad_m]

I'll give you every single ZL1 owner's response in advance: yes, absolutely, it's 1567815 times better, there's no comparison etc.

For more nuance, let's consider what you already have and what the delta gives you. The 2SS 1LE has all the comforts, bells and whistles, with the same 1LE advantages you have been enjoying. If you care for these things, but not that much about the extra power, it is probably a better choice (meaning less of an immediate cost).

If, however, you are after "moar powah" and/or want to be in on the top dog owners' game, compounded with the rarity of a last model year car, go for the ZL1, it's undeniably the best Camaro trim. Unless you go to a track or are willing to take serious risks, though, you won't be using the extra 200 hp that much. I know, I should probably shut up with my extra 400 hp over stock, but driving the car at 2/10ths most of the time and occasionally at 6-7/10ths may not be everyone's cup of tea, so to speak

[ZPirate]

Originally Posted by arpad_m

I'll give you every single ZL1 owner's response in advance: yes, absolutely, it's 1567815 times better.

LOL! I have no doubt that is how ZL1 owners will respond. Curious to see what non ZL1 owners thoughts are.

[Vaska]

From a practical stand point, no, it's not worth the $20k. But that's not why we buy these cars.

From a car enthusiast view point and if you have $20k to spend, go for it. A manual 650hp vehicle is rare these days especially at this price.

[MT-SS1LE]

I just bought an SS 1LE in June. If I could have found a ZL1 at a reasonable distance from me I might have gone that way instead. I've actually told my dealer to let me know if he gets any allocation for a '24 ZL1 as the allure of that 650 hp is pretty strong

But with the price increase and selling my car I'd still have to pony up another $25K-$30K. I can do an awful lot to my car for that amount of money. Still very tempting though so I get where you're coming from.

[302crossram]

I should've got the Z.....

[ZPirate]

Originally Posted by arpad_m

I'll give you every single ZL1 owner's response in advance: yes, absolutely, it's 1567815 times better, there's no comparison etc.

For more nuance, let's consider what you already have and what the delta gives you. The 2SS 1LE has all the comforts, bells and whistles, with the same 1LE advantages you have been enjoying. If you care for these things, but not that much about the extra power, it is probably a better choice (meaning less of an immediate cost).

If, however, you are after "moar powah" and/or want to be in on the top dog owners' game, compounded with the rarity of a last model year car, go for the ZL1, it's undeniably the best Camaro trim. Unless you go to a track or are willing to take serious risks, though, you won't be using the extra 200 hp that much. I know, I should probably shut up with my extra 400 hp over stock, but driving the car at 2/10ths most of the time and occasionally at 6-7/10ths may not be everyone's cup of tea, so to speak

The creature comforts and bells and whistles aren't what interests me. Sure they would be nice to have, but I'm more into the performance, especially since my car is not a daily driver. That's why I purchased a 1SS rather than a 2SS in the first place. Unfortunately the ZL1 only comes in one trim in terms of creature comfort, so there isn't a 1SS type trim option. That's part of my apprehension I suppose. I do suspect that the ZL1 will hold its value going forward though.

[Keko]

The Z has way more personality in the mid range than a standard SS, so I don't think you would regret it. Even short shifting is a blast with the s/c.

"Worth" is going to be subjective, but for me it was an easy decision even though it was pushing my budget pretty hard.

Are you able to test drive it?

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by ZPirate

The creature comforts and bells and whistles aren't what interests me. Sure they would be nice to have, but I'm more into the performance, especially since my car is not a daily driver. That's why I purchased a 1SS rather than a 2SS in the first place. Unfortunately the ZL1 only comes in one trim in terms of creature comfort, so there isn't a 1SS type trim option. That's part of my apprehension I suppose. I do suspect that the ZL1 will hold its value going forward though.

You'll see that many of these extra features are things you never wanted but love once you have them. The blind spot monitor saved my ass twice already, both times from a merge into my new lane from two lanes away after I already started my merge, so it was definitely worth it. Similarly, rear cross traffic alert is preeeetty nice when you go for your car only to notice that two big bro dozers or Escalades boxed you in and you now need to back out into a busy parking lot. Yeah I know, one should always back into a space with a sports car, but it isn't always viable. And the seat fans are very helpful in the summer heat, although the ZL1 has alcantara seats that don't get as hot as the leather seats in my 2SS.

I should've read your post more thoroughly, I've only just realized this opportunity was for a 2019 ZL1, not a 2023 or 2024. That model year ZL1 is not special at all, so it won't be sought after as much as a 2018 (last pre-refresh MY) or a 2024 (last MY). As always, you'd need to leave it bone stock for the best resale value.


Last thing, if I were you, I would personally go for the ZL1 in a heartbeat. Unless one is clearly not in a position to buy a sports car in the first place, the financial burden quickly fades into oblivion, leaving you with a long lasting joy of driving an absolutely amazing car.

[FarmerFran]

What version of the TR-6060 does the SS-E get?

[FarmerFran]

Coming from both cars, absolutely.

[HemiDave]

Will you regret not getting the ZL1?
Thats the only question you should ask yourself.

I got what I wanted.
No regrets.

[BundiMan]

I would say it's not worth it. You already have a great car. You know how you have treated it. You never really know how someone else takes care of their car. It's like being in a relationship; everyone sees how you treat them in public, but you could be a total douche in private, and you would most likely never discover that until their ex is now in a relationship with you. You have a great car; don't save it for the next owner.

Also, with a little more than $20k, you could get it new and a full warranty.

[ZPirate]

Originally Posted by Keko

The Z has way more personality in the mid range than a standard SS, so I don't think you would regret it. Even short shifting is a blast with the s/c.

"Worth" is going to be subjective, but for me it was an easy decision even though it was pushing my budget pretty hard.

Are you able to test drive it?

Yes, I'm able to test drive it. Hard to really get into it in a test drive on the street.

I agree with worth being subjective. I suppose that is my dilemma.