[Chutzpah]

I’d say 20K isn’t worth stepping back 3 years in a production model. As well, if you’re not hammering through the gears regularly in the SS ( because of drive style, the law, or surroundings) …why buy a sledgehammer? The Z is more complex, heavier, has the spindly hard to clean wheels (not bad, but not the look of the LE’s). I can think of ALOT of things I could spend 20K on. Including nutzo financing terms.. I just don’t see a good reason to upgrade what in my opinion is the best overall Camaro ever (your car)… not for 20K, no way.

What the Z gets you is a faster straight line..that’s the main appeal.

[ZPirate]

Originally Posted by Chutzpah

I’d say 20K isn’t worth stepping back 3 years in a production model. As well, if you’re not hammering through the gears regularly in the SS ( because of drive style, the law, or surroundings) …why buy a sledgehammer? The Z is more complex, heavier, has the spindly hard to clean wheels (not bad, but not the look of the LE’s). I can think of ALOT of things I could spend 20K on. Including nutzo financing terms.. I just don’t see a good reason to upgrade what in my opinion is the best overall Camaro ever (your car)… not for 20K, no way.

What the Z gets you is a faster straight line..that’s the main appeal.

You make some really good points. The 1LE is, in my opinion, the sweet spot in the Camaro lineup in terms of performance for the money. I appreciate everyone's feedback. Gives me a lot to think about.

[65ffr]

If I was buying new, I would (obviously I did). If I was in your shoes I don't think I would upgrade to a used ZL1 for $20k, but I'd consider ponying up for a new one.

[JT6Speed]

For me, the decision would be to stay with the NA Camaro. I've actually thought about this as well, and have considered a 5th gen ZL1 (before this car obviously). Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that I just don't need that much power for going to car shows and Sunday morning drives.

Last night I was merging onto a highway here, running through the gears, but short shifting at barely 4k and definitely not WOT. I look down and already 80 mph. I can't imagine another 200 hp, I'd be in jail lol. Obviously you can drive the car easy, but then why have all those extra ponies?

Anyway, 20k is a lot today. Your car is a beauty, especially in that Rapid Blue. 1LE is an awesome package, and so for me, I'd hold on to her.

[taylorforschool@gmail.com]

Paid 25k to go from an LT1 to a ZL1. But I’m young and saw a limited window to get what I wanted while prices were not going down and rates were still decent. Can’t go wrong either way

[sactownbwoy]

For the ZL1, hasn't it been the same since the beginning for the 6th Gen? So there is no difference between a 2018 or 2019 that would make the 2018 more desirable.



Now for the SS, yes there were changes that people might prefer.

Originally Posted by arpad_m

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.

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by sactownbwoy

For the ZL1, hasn't it been the same since the beginning for the 6th Gen? So there is no difference between a 2018 or 2019 that would make the 2018 more desirable.



Now for the SS, yes there were changes that people might prefer.

The rear end has been different with all trims since 2019. Other than that, yeah, the ZL1 hasn't changed much except for the addition of the rear vision camera and the 3.0 infotainment.

[JamesNoBrakes]

I think the SS 1LE is one of the last great NA manual 6 V8 cars you can get. It's damn near the unicorn in that respect. Adding a supercharger undoubtedly worsens the handling, but gives you more straight line go. It just depends on what you want. I chose the SS 1LE in the first place because the handling was so good. I race it in AutoX and do pretty well. Hanging a bunch more weight on the front of the car would slow it down, even if it was adding "power". The regular ZL1 doesn't handle poorly though, it's still a great chassis and still handles great and if you are considering the "more power" side, it's generally the better buy for 95% of drivers that are not looking for a track-only weapon like the ZL1-1LE, where you are pretty far out of your element trying to drive it on public roads, from a ride-damage perspective. Yeah, you *can*, but it's a stiffer sharper car to deal with adding the weight in the front and that's a lot less of an every-day car.

The SS 1LE balances the right amount of rubber that should come on a car with a V8 IMO.

Teslas are going to beat you in a straight line either way. But they damn sure ain't taking me in a corner.

[Wyzz Kydd]

I’ve been considering moving from my 1LE to a NEW ZL1, preferably also a 1LE. I would not buy a used performance car, particularly one that recently had new rear tires put on. There’s a reason they needed new rears.

[6spdhyperblue]

Originally Posted by CTRifecta

20k is interesting though, as your 1LE is probably worth ~45k, and a 2019 ZL1 I would think is around 55-60 tops?

This is what I was thinking as well. Seems like $15k is more in line


A fbo SS will run with a ZL1 and not cost much to get there. so if you’re doing it for stock Z speed, there’s that

[Booher]

I disagree with Bolt on ss keeping up with zl1. My 17 2ss fbo got totaled last year. (Minus balancer) I upgraded to a 19 zl1, thinking it would only be slightly faster, but it's not. Definitely, much quicker than an ss, that definitely surprised me. You have a rough decision, mine was made easier when someone hit me, lol. Tbh. I'm sure you'd be happy either way, but if you think you're going to get a modding bug, the zl1 is a much more stable platform. The zl1 also consumes much more gas than the ss, something to be wary of. Pre 2019 zl1 models have oil pump failures, so being 19+ is a plus. Nearly identical to 22+ modlCarola. Just got an updated tune and wireless carplay.

[Number 3]

Originally Posted by Chutzpah

I’d say 20K isn’t worth stepping back 3 years in a production model. As well, if you’re not hammering through the gears regularly in the SS ( because of drive style, the law, or surroundings) …why buy a sledgehammer? The Z is more complex, heavier, has the spindly hard to clean wheels (not bad, but not the look of the LE’s). I can think of ALOT of things I could spend 20K on. Including nutzo financing terms.. I just don’t see a good reason to upgrade what in my opinion is the best overall Camaro ever (your car)… not for 20K, no way.

What the Z gets you is a faster straight line..that’s the main appeal.

Originally Posted by CTRifecta

Assuming you can afford it comfortably, I would ask yourself how do you plan on driving it?



The appeal of the 1LE is that it's a super balanced track-focused car that beginners can take out to the track and have fun with, and still enjoy on the streets. Compared to a ZL1, I'd argue a 1LE is more fun on the street if you stick within speed limits, as you'll get to rev the car out more.



If you plan on going to the drag strip a lot, and/or if highway roll races is what you live for, I see tons of appeal with the ZL1.


20k is interesting though, as your 1LE is probably worth ~45k, and a 2019 ZL1 I would think is around 55-60 tops?

For sure double check the values. $20k seems like a lot and you mentioned it just had new rear tires which would be a clear indicator it hasn’t been babied.

[bootss]

Depends on your goals with the car. There is no clear cut answer here without more info.

[6spdhyperblue]

Originally Posted by Booher

I disagree with Bolt on ss keeping up with zl1. My 17 2ss fbo got totaled last year. (Minus balancer) I upgraded to a 19 zl1, thinking it would only be slightly faster, but it's not. Definitely, much quicker than an ss, that definitely surprised me. You have a rough decision, mine was made easier when someone hit me, lol. Tbh. I'm sure you'd be happy either way, but if you think you're going to get a modding bug, the zl1 is a much more stable platform. The zl1 also consumes much more gas than the ss, something to be wary of. Pre 2019 zl1 models have oil pump failures, so being 19+ is a plus. Nearly identical to 22+ modlCarola. Just got an updated tune and wireless carplay.

Ok here we go again.
What has the fastest bone stock m6 zl1 on a sticky tire ran? What about an auto?