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Old 03-04-2013, 10:34 AM   #1
Bandman45
 
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Which model would you recommend?

Good Morning from the frozen Tundra of Iowa!

I just registered this morning as I need some advice from actual owners. I have been a long time motorcycle rider (Goldwing) and I'm most likely down to my last two seasons of riding. I've loved every minute of riding for the last 43 years but it's now time to move on. My wife chooses not to ride any more and I'm getting tired of traveling alone even though she encourages me to keep enjoying the Wing.

I will sell the Wing and move to four wheels. I've had my eye's on the Camaro the last two years and have taken them for a test drive. I would prefer a convertible just because I still enjoy the openness it provides.

My question for you owners: even though we are in our mid 60's I still enjoy the quick acceleration of car, not so much the top end, what should I be considering? Reliability is my #1 priority, I could care less about mileage, we have a Toyota Prius and Toyota Tundra to take care of our everyday needs. The Camaro would be a touring toy when the weather is good.

Thanks for your help, I look forward to your thoughts.

Jon
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Old 03-04-2013, 10:39 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bandman45 View Post
Good Morning from the frozen Tundra of Iowa!

I just registered this morning as I need some advice from actual owners. I have been a long time motorcycle rider (Goldwing) and I'm most likely down to my last two seasons of riding. I've loved every minute of riding for the last 43 years but it's now time to move on. My wife chooses not to ride any more and I'm getting tired of traveling alone even though she encourages me to keep enjoying the Wing.

I will sell the Wing and move to four wheels. I've had my eye's on the Camaro the last two years and have taken them for a test drive. I would prefer a convertible just because I still enjoy the openness it provides.

My question for you owners: even though we are in our mid 60's I still enjoy the quick acceleration of car, not so much the top end, what should I be considering? Reliability is my #1 priority, I could care less about mileage, we have a Toyota Prius and Toyota Tundra to take care of our everyday needs. The Camaro would be a touring toy when the weather is good.

Thanks for your help, I look forward to your thoughts.

Jon
If you care less about Mpg get SS or zl1 but I own the v6 it also has plenty of acceleration.

2ss v8 fully loaded

2lt. V6. Fully loaded.
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Old 03-04-2013, 10:44 AM   #3
dwinva
 
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Test drive both...not only the V6 and the V8, but also manuals and automatics with each engine and see what you like best. Good luck with your choice.
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Old 03-04-2013, 10:48 AM   #4
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...As an "ex" motorcycle rider myself, my only regret in hind-sight was not getting a convertible...lol...

....Any and all models are great cars...whatever your pocket-book can bear will do just fine....good luck.
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Old 03-04-2013, 10:53 AM   #5
heRS
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Go down to your local Chevrolet dealer and test drive both. I'm really very happy with my 2LT RS (ex motorcycle owner as well). Of course the SS is splendid, if you want modern muscle, this is it.
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Old 03-04-2013, 10:55 AM   #6
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If you're coming from a motorcycle cruising background it's tough to compare to cruising in a car IMO but youa re certainly on nthe right track looking at a convertible and I would probably suggest you at least test drive a 6 speed manual Camaro SS. You'll get the shifting you had on a motorcycle as well as opena air cruising and decent torque when you punch the throttle!

Good luck and have fun checking out your options.
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Old 03-04-2013, 10:58 AM   #7
Bodih
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If you're replacing a motorcycle, you definitely want to go with the convertible for the visibility. If you make allot of long road trips, you may consider the V6. Plenty of power and longer range between pumps. Automatic or manual; depends on if you still want to row your own gears. Shifting between the lights can get tiresome if all you do is city driving, but it sure is fun on the backroads!
Several folks in our club that are in the "retirement bracket" have opted for the V6 automatic convertible. A couple have actually given up their bikes as well. For them, its more about enjoying the ride and the scenery.
Test drive a couple configurations and build it to suit your driving needs.

Enjoy the Ride!
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Last edited by Bodih; 03-05-2013 at 11:23 AM.
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Old 03-04-2013, 11:06 AM   #8
Norm Peterson
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Another ex-rider here.

I think you'll be happiest with a stick-shift SS convertible, either ordered to or searched for to suit the features that you really want and really light on the stuff that you may not. The V6 models are decently quick for carrying 1000 lbs or so per liter of engine displacement, but that might feel a little too . . . different from your bike riding to fill the hole that giving up the GW may leave.

I'm mid-60's as well, and though I haven't ridden in years I still carry the "M" endorsement on my driver's license "just in case".


Norm
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Old 03-04-2013, 11:11 AM   #9
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Getting up there myself, my SS was my retirement present to myself.
I ordered all the bells & wistles available back in 2009......
After 26,000 mostly vacation miles, I would not change a thing.
Special order what you want ( SS-with sunroof, why not ? ) from GM and enjoy.
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Old 03-04-2013, 11:11 AM   #10
INTIMIDAT3R
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What they said.

Welcome to the forum!!!
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Old 03-04-2013, 11:19 AM   #11
Sir Nuke
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Bandman45, considering your post.....and the information you gave us, I personally believe it a "no-brainer" you need to get yourself, and your wife, into either a 2SS Vert, or a ZL1 Vert........

on and btw.....Welcome to our happy little corner of the net, and to Camaro5. There is a BIG fridge on the back porch with anything you can think of in it...help yourself...of course only take what you can LEGALLY have. Make yourself at home on one of the big fluffy couches, kick your shoes off, put your feet up on one of the tables, yes we are allowed to do that, mom's, dad's, wive's, husband's, girlfriend's and boyfriend's here don't care....and take it easy.



oh...btw....every once in a while a food fight breaks out...so you may not want to wear nice clothes here.

Welcome!!
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Old 03-04-2013, 11:23 AM   #12
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My suggestion: Get a 2SS. Even a used convertible 2SS would suffice. You'll still have a bumper to bumper warranty (most likely) If you can afford a brand new one then go with that. I think you'll appreciate the 2SS a lot. It's got the speed and sound that you'll love. (the only downfall is the terrible gas mileage: I get 10mpg)
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Old 03-04-2013, 11:27 AM   #13
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I grew up being told, it only takes a little more to go first class. With that being said, I would suggest nothing but a ZL1 convertible. It is by far the best driving and handling Camaro ever, hands down.
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Old 03-04-2013, 11:28 AM   #14
Ringo64
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Get a 2SS vert. Of course will give you the open air that you're used to and the power will be a lot of fun
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