About to buy a 2019 ZL1, quick questions.

JasonGofast · 04-27-2020, 04:05 AM

Hello guys, as stated I plan on buying a 19 ZL1 I've had my eye on for a bit. I had a few questions before I decide to pull the trigger and have it shipped to me.

Firstly, I've never driven a Camaro and my only experience was sitting in one at the local Chevy dealership. They're pretty lame when it comes to people test driving performance cars or at least for me in my experience. I've decided to rent a '17 or '16 Camaro just the normal V6 and was wondering how similar in experience would it be? I'm not concerned about the power difference, but more of the daily experience. Is the visibility the same? Is the interior more or less the same? If I were to hop in the '19 ZL1 afterwards would the only difference to expect be the power and handling characteristics?

SteveV · 04-27-2020, 06:06 AM

There will be a significant difference in feel because the V6 rental car will NOT have the magnetic ride suspension. About the only things you will learn from the rental car are the visibility issues (though I don't mind it), the feel of the seats (even though the ZL1 has Recaros) and the layout of where all of the controls are.

But, I am sure you will love the ZL1. I have had mine for 2 years now and love it.

warren3537 · 04-27-2020, 06:24 AM

I had a 17 1SS and traded up for a 19 ZL1-1LE, granted the ride is a little stiffer since it has the DSSV and not the MRC but since I bought new tires, the ride is better and is a joy to drive.

JasonGofast · 04-27-2020, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveV

There will be a significant difference in feel because the V6 rental car will NOT have the magnetic ride suspension. About the only things you will learn from the rental car are the visibility issues (though I don't mind it), the feel of the seats (even though the ZL1 has Recaros) and the layout of where all of the controls are.

But, I am sure you will love the ZL1. I have had mine for 2 years now and love it.

I think I will love it too. The only concerns I had were the visibility. I would hate to buy the car and have it shipped only to be caught off guard.

Joshinator99 · 04-27-2020, 06:52 AM

Test drive one! If you can’t find a ZL1 to test drive, then at least a 2SS test drive will help big time. In regards to visibility, my 2SS has blind spot warning plus rear cross traffic alert, in addition to backup camera and parking sensors. No issues for me but a test drive will validate your decision.

IneedAZ · 04-27-2020, 09:04 AM

And if it will be a DD, then invest in some tires as the factory ones do not do well in rain.

Mark R · 04-27-2020, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonGofast

I think I will love it too. The only concerns I had were the visibility. I would hate to buy the car and have it shipped only to be caught off guard.

The visibility issue is a nothing burger. You get used to it by the end of a test drive. Give it a whirl.

LT4Greg · 04-27-2020, 09:52 AM

If you do rent a V6 Camaro to drive when you finally test drive the ZL1 it will be entirely different in hp and handling. To me it’s almost a totally different Camaro but similar to the other models in other aspects. Like others have replied the visibility issues will be nothing to worry about once you get used to driving the car. I had a 2010 5th gen 2SS and 2 6gen Camaros so far and the visibility issues and sitting lower in the car are nothing concerns for me.

JasonGofast · 04-27-2020, 10:26 AM

So I just picked up the Camaro and drove it around for about 15 min, and will be going out for a bit longer. From what I can say in that 15 min. WOW the car fits me like a glove. The visibility is really a non factor I can't believe people play it up so much. Really feels like a sports car. Also I can tell I have no real perception of speed because this is much faster than I thought. Obviously I'd think that coming from a 2004 Camry haha. If this is what a mere 330ish horsepower is like I think I might need to really prepare myself for 650. The need for speed is real!

LT4Greg · 04-27-2020, 10:36 AM

Yes Jason a ZL1 will be a significant difference as compared to the Camaro you are driving now. Until I got adjusted to driving my ZL1, I did tend and still do depending on road conditions and weather let up on the accelerator pedal as compared to driving the 2016 2SS I had before the ZL1.

EMAX08 · 04-27-2020, 11:47 AM

The visibility issue was brought up by car reviewers so they had something to write in the “cons” column

The Z is a wonderful machine! Enjoy!

E

closs2sx · 04-27-2020, 12:28 PM

anyone that thinks the visibility issues with the camaro are not manageable or unsafe should not have a drivers lic. I have a zl1 1le and an ss 1le both are summer non rain cars only so I don't drive them much and there is no issue driving them in traffic or in the country. i bought the ss 1le in Tennessee and drove it home to NH over a day and a half and had no issues navigating the highway with dark tinted windows.

DrBlockHed · 04-27-2020, 10:43 PM

Car is freakin amazing, if you can get one... get it. You won’t be disappointed

JasonGofast · 05-17-2020, 04:23 PM

Just arrived today! Unfortunately the dealer didn't give me paper tags so nowhere I can drive it but home.

Questions now that I have it.
1. When unlocking the car, there is a high pitched whining noise that comes from it, is that normal? It goes away after awhile but happens whenever it is unlocked.
2. It won't remote start. I lock it, then hold the start button and the lights flash for a second and then....nothing. It starts normally without the remote, and it only has 200 miles on it.
3. This is the automatic. When going into reverse it jerks just a bit. Is that normal?

04-27-2020, 04:05 AM	#1
JasonGofast Used to own a ZL1 Drives: '16 Z06 Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: TX Posts: 279	About to buy a 2019 ZL1, quick questions. Hello guys, as stated I plan on buying a 19 ZL1 I've had my eye on for a bit. I had a few questions before I decide to pull the trigger and have it shipped to me. Firstly, I've never driven a Camaro and my only experience was sitting in one at the local Chevy dealership. They're pretty lame when it comes to people test driving performance cars or at least for me in my experience. I've decided to rent a '17 or '16 Camaro just the normal V6 and was wondering how similar in experience would it be? I'm not concerned about the power difference, but more of the daily experience. Is the visibility the same? Is the interior more or less the same? If I were to hop in the '19 ZL1 afterwards would the only difference to expect be the power and handling characteristics?

04-27-2020, 06:06 AM	#2
SteveV Drives: 2018 ZL1 Camaro 6M Red Hot Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Cary, NC Posts: 1,137 View My Garage	There will be a significant difference in feel because the V6 rental car will NOT have the magnetic ride suspension. About the only things you will learn from the rental car are the visibility issues (though I don't mind it), the feel of the seats (even though the ZL1 has Recaros) and the layout of where all of the controls are. But, I am sure you will love the ZL1. I have had mine for 2 years now and love it. __________________ People are a lot like slinky's: not very helpful most of the time, but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs...

04-27-2020, 06:52 AM	#5
Joshinator99 Drives: 2017 Camaro 2SS A8 Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Petersham MA Posts: 4,758	Test drive one! If you can’t find a ZL1 to test drive, then at least a 2SS test drive will help big time. In regards to visibility, my 2SS has blind spot warning plus rear cross traffic alert, in addition to backup camera and parking sensors. No issues for me but a test drive will validate your decision. __________________ 2017 Chevy Camaro 2SS A8 Whipple 3.0, Mast Black Label heads, Fore triple in-tank pumps, 112mm TB, LPE +52% injectors, LPE BB HPFP, 15” conversion *1059 WHP/944 WTQ, 9.48@150*

04-27-2020, 09:04 AM	#6
IneedAZ Drives: 2017 ZL1 A10 & 2021 BMW M340i x Dr Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tampa Posts: 5,110 View My Garage	And if it will be a DD, then invest in some tires as the factory ones do not do well in rain. __________________ Sold 2012 2LT RS 12.3@112 old setup Sold 1967 Camaro Pro Street. Ran 10's mild BB on NOS. 2017 HyperBlue ZL1 A10 Born 3/17/17Delivered 4/08/17 2020 Build: Mag2650, BTR Stage2, NW103, BG, 14% lower, 90mm upper, ARH 2" Long system w/no cats, SW Legend mufflers. 807hp/762tq on 93 gas and 848hp/792tq on e47 Sold 2018 (Go Mango) Dodge Charger Daytona 392 Daily Driver Daily Driver 2021 BMW M340i Xdrive

04-27-2020, 09:52 AM	#8
LT4Greg Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Coupe Join Date: May 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,813	If you do rent a V6 Camaro to drive when you finally test drive the ZL1 it will be entirely different in hp and handling. To me it’s almost a totally different Camaro but similar to the other models in other aspects. Like others have replied the visibility issues will be nothing to worry about once you get used to driving the car. I had a 2010 5th gen 2SS and 2 6gen Camaros so far and the visibility issues and sitting lower in the car are nothing concerns for me. __________________ ZL1 Coupe, PDR, Exposed carbon fiber hood insert, My Link with Nav, M6 6 speed and Silver Ice Metallic. Mods done: ceramic window tint, GM Accessories Camaro floor mats and Roto-Fab CAI.

04-27-2020, 06:24 AM	#3
warren3537 Drives: 2019 Red Hot ZL1 1LE: 2012 RAM 2500 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: DeRidder, LA Posts: 711	I had a 17 1SS and traded up for a 19 ZL1-1LE, granted the ride is a little stiffer since it has the DSSV and not the MRC but since I bought new tires, the ride is better and is a joy to drive.

04-27-2020, 10:26 AM	#9
JasonGofast Used to own a ZL1 Drives: '16 Z06 Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: TX Posts: 279	So I just picked up the Camaro and drove it around for about 15 min, and will be going out for a bit longer. From what I can say in that 15 min. WOW the car fits me like a glove. The visibility is really a non factor I can't believe people play it up so much. Really feels like a sports car. Also I can tell I have no real perception of speed because this is much faster than I thought. Obviously I'd think that coming from a 2004 Camry haha. If this is what a mere 330ish horsepower is like I think I might need to really prepare myself for 650. The need for speed is real!

04-27-2020, 10:36 AM	#10
LT4Greg Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Coupe Join Date: May 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,813	Yes Jason a ZL1 will be a significant difference as compared to the Camaro you are driving now. Until I got adjusted to driving my ZL1, I did tend and still do depending on road conditions and weather let up on the accelerator pedal as compared to driving the 2016 2SS I had before the ZL1. __________________ ZL1 Coupe, PDR, Exposed carbon fiber hood insert, My Link with Nav, M6 6 speed and Silver Ice Metallic. Mods done: ceramic window tint, GM Accessories Camaro floor mats and Roto-Fab CAI.

04-27-2020, 11:47 AM	#11
EMAX08 Drives: 2018 ZL1——2010 2 RS/SS Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Colorado Posts: 50	The visibility issue was brought up by car reviewers so they had something to write in the “cons” column The Z is a wonderful machine! Enjoy! E

04-27-2020, 12:28 PM	#12
closs2sx Drives: 1970 chevelle Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Central NH Posts: 1,427	anyone that thinks the visibility issues with the camaro are not manageable or unsafe should not have a drivers lic. I have a zl1 1le and an ss 1le both are summer non rain cars only so I don't drive them much and there is no issue driving them in traffic or in the country. i bought the ss 1le in Tennessee and drove it home to NH over a day and a half and had no issues navigating the highway with dark tinted windows. __________________ On Order 2018 ZL1 1LE Garnet Red Tint Coat Metallic MY Car 2015 Z06 Z07 Daytona Sunrise Orange Metallic Dads Car 2013 ZL1 vin 963 Crystal Red Tint Coat/Black Wheels Exposed Carbon Fiber Insert 6 Spd Manual

04-27-2020, 10:43 PM	#13
DrBlockHed Drives: 18 ZL1 Convertible Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: NJ Posts: 118	Car is freakin amazing, if you can get one... get it. You won’t be disappointed

05-17-2020, 04:23 PM	#14
JasonGofast Used to own a ZL1 Drives: '16 Z06 Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: TX Posts: 279	Just arrived today! Unfortunately the dealer didn't give me paper tags so nowhere I can drive it but home. Questions now that I have it. 1. When unlocking the car, there is a high pitched whining noise that comes from it, is that normal? It goes away after awhile but happens whenever it is unlocked. 2. It won't remote start. I lock it, then hold the start button and the lights flash for a second and then....nothing. It starts normally without the remote, and it only has 200 miles on it. 3. This is the automatic. When going into reverse it jerks just a bit. Is that normal?

User Name		Remember Me?
Password