[JBinSD]

Started shopping the used market for a convertible 2SS M6 only, and I saw the reviews in Consumer Reports really panning the '17 and '18's. I owned a '16 and loved it to death (I'm an idiot for selling). Was there really anything changed from '16--17 and 18? I know the 19's had the funky front end (subjective).

I'm also in the boat of loaded 16-18 vs. "stripped" 20 or 21. I normally prefer leather and liked the ventilated seat option, but really the V-8 is most important.

I know there are tons of threads on this, and I searched and read a bunch, but wanted input from the masses on:
1. Are there actually problems with the 2017/2018 SS's? (not the transmission, I'm an M6 dude)
2. Any significant motor or other changes from a 17 or 18 SS to a 20 or 21 LT1?
3. Young stripper or older lady with farkles?

The used marked currently has ridiculous prices, so I may wait a bit, but I have a Model 3 performance Tesla that will be declining in value if I wait too long. . .

[ctrlz]

I would trust what you read here more than CR.
I have a 2017 2SS M6. Only thing I was not happy with were the stock summer-only tires and semi-metallic brakes. Like many here, I changed these myself.
From what I see here, two recurring issues are A8 torque converter shudder (not an issue with a manual) and problems restarting the car when hot ("heat soak" issues). Personally, have never had the restart problem, and it does get pretty hot in south jersey in the summer. But I'll keep an eye on that.

[vtirocz]

I'm not aware of any widespread issues with the stick shift SS cars. None to speak of with mine.

Mine did have a weird manufacturing "issue" where a wiring harness was routed too close to the AC belt. I had read about others experiencing a condition where that rubbed all the way through and started to impact engine performance. I checked mine when the car was brand new and determined it was routed incorrectly, so simply unplugged the connector, routed it right, and plugged it back in... now there is a ton of clearance in that area. Otherwise no issues at all in the last 4 years of ownership.

[TP2SS]

Originally Posted by ctrlz

I would trust what you read here more than CR.
I have a 2017 2SS M6. Only thing I was not happy with were the stock summer-only tires and semi-metallic brakes. Like many here, I changed these myself.
From what I see here, two recurring issues are A8 torque converter shudder (not an issue with a manual) and problems restarting the car when hot ("heat soak" issues). Personally, have never had the restart problem, and it does get pretty hot in south jersey in the summer. But I'll keep an eye on that.

The no-start hot-soak issue has been solved by a member here. Adding a second ground cable from the engine (two location options) to the NEG body ground lug adjacent to the engine bay fusebox has resolved the issue for multiple owners recently. The thread is here in the General section.
https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=586153

[JBinSD]

Thanks guys, I find it interesting that a business like Consumer Reports would downgrade a model year when there were no obvious production changes, but wanted to make sure.

Since I"m looking for a convertible, I waited for winter, thinking I'd get a better deal, but there just aren't many verts with an M6 on the used market.

[WhiteMale]

The people with suspect cars are usually fairly loud, the ones with good cars are pretty quiet.

[ctrlz]

Originally Posted by TP2SS

The no-start hot-soak issue has been solved by a member here.

I'm in that thread. Interesting problem and I am hopeful that the OP's solution finds long term success.

[Azerlazer26]

16-18s have mostly remained the same. (With little bug fixes here and there) 2017 was the first year the tire temp status (cold *blue*/normal*green*) was introduced . 18 they added a low washer fluid sensor.

My car was an early 18 build so the dealer had to perform a minor TSB but for the most part she’s been a tank.

[mano_camaro]

I had a 18 2SS M6 also, and besides starting issues when hot, had suspension components come loose but they are easy DIY fixes for the most part, and some engine oil cooler line leaks.

[LT4Greg]

I don’t ever read Consumer Reports because they seem to be biased to foreign vehicles over American. This my opinion only so take it with a grain of salt and the 2017s and 2018s are okay. My 2017 ZL1 was used when I bought it in 2019 and had all the TSBs done when I got it. Good luck in your searches.

[NotFast]

Consumer Reports takes data from their subscribers. Most of the subscribers that respond to the survey are old - hence the good reviews of older cars with ancient infotainment systems.


I trust their info to some degree, but a Camaro and a Camry are totally different beasts.

[gtfoxy]

I noticed their rating back when I bought the SS.

I’ve traditionally ignored their ratings & this time was no different.

I remember way back in the late 80’s looking at Mustang ratings. The only thing I paid attention to was the statement “Gut wrenching acceleration.”

It made me actually a bit giddy remembering my first ride in a 89 GT when I was much younger.

[gpskinzhut]

I've had a pinion seal leak and the oil pan bolts are loose. She's been a rock otherwise.

[JBinSD]

Any opinions on year models from '16 to '21, V8 M6 Convertible?

If I went the '21 LT1, I would probably do Recaros NPP and tech, I think that is still under 1SS price, but over a "16-'18 loaded 2SS.