Considering 2SS 1LE vs ZL1 - pros and cons

TEST DRyVer · 05-19-2019, 03:13 AM

It's not an easy decision (first world problem, I know...). First off, I'm fairly new to domestic cars. I've owned over a couple dozen performance cars in my life (I'm 42 and live in AZ), and the only domestics I've owned in the past were: 2005 CTS-V, 2003 SRT-4, 2005 GT Mustang. Recently, the drop in prices on Corvettes got me thinking (and shopping online). I've ruled out the Vette because I would like something more comfortable. This will be my daily, and I will likely have it for 1 year, put 20k miles on it, and sell or trade it.
That being said, buying low and having the highest resale value at the end of one year is one of my main goals. I will of course lose some money, as I do with all my cars, but I'm willing to lose $4-8k, not $15+k in a year. I was pretty set on an 2SS 1LE, but I just recently drove one. It was a balanced car, but I know I would end up modifying for additional power if I bought an SS. From what I've been reading, it seems that Chevy dealerships are not very tolerant of mods (headers, exhaust, cats, etc...)
On the flip side, if I picked up a 17 or 18 ZL1 6mt, I don't think I would be dumping money for mods. I might swap out the wheels, spoiler, and add some strategically placed wrap to change the esthetics a bit, but I don't see the need for additional power on a ZL1. To me, the 2SS 1LE looks perfect out of the box! I wouldn't change anything aesthetically, but I would feel the need for additional power.
I'm in no rush, actually I would prefer to wait till aggressive pricing drops in November. It will soften the market for both cars.
Numbers: I could pick up a low mile 18 or 19 2SS 1LE for $35-41k by November. Possibly even new, if pricing gets aggressive enough. The ZL1 would have to be used, likely between $48-51k in November for a 17 or 18. So? Will the additional price for the ZL1 be worth it for resale value after 1 year and 20k miles of ownership? Or, are there dealerships that are more mod-friendly that I could benefit from on a 2SS 1LE? Any advice would be greatly appreciated...
I'll include some pics of my current cars to make this less boring

redcoats1976 · 05-19-2019, 03:34 AM

i would look for the lightly used ZL-1.someone else has taken that first drive off the lot depreciation hit and since it has enough power to satisfy you youll save on mods too.

Smokin19 · 05-19-2019, 05:30 AM

Wait until this fall and buy a used 19' ZL1. The first year hit on depreciation will have been born by the original owner and you will save big $$. The ZL1 is a great car and I plan on keeping mine, I like it that much.

GearheadSS · 05-19-2019, 06:35 AM

There are no cons with the ZL1. If it's affordable, it's the one to buy.

Gunkk · 05-19-2019, 07:13 AM

Used ZL1 all the way.

Soleil · 05-19-2019, 07:30 AM

The only con I see is the hard suspension on the ZL1. But as you want to sell it after one year go for it.

SteveV · 05-19-2019, 08:34 AM

Hard suspension? I think you are confusing the ZL1 1LE with the std ZL1.

The standard ZL1 has magnetic ride control and is not hard or harsh at all...

Rodan · 05-19-2019, 09:32 AM

ZL1, no question. It's a truly fantastic car.

The thing to watch out for is the price drops after the new year. We bought our '18 in November '18, used with 2700 miles, and got a pretty good deal.

Early this year, GM put a bunch of discounts on the '18s, and we took a big depreciation hit as new, leftover 18's were selling for around what we paid.

Camaros depreciate pretty hard, even ZL1s. I would recommend buying a nice, low mile '18 now, as it's already had that hit. If you buy a '19 in the fall, you could experience the same thing we did, with discounts hitting in early 2020. But if you're always waiting for the best deal... well, your always waiting... why not be driving?

1hprush · 05-19-2019, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodan

ZL1, no question. It's a truly fantastic car.

The thing to watch out for is the price drops after the new year. We bought our '18 in November '18, used with 2700 miles, and got a pretty good deal.

Early this year, GM put a bunch of discounts on the '18s, and we took a big depreciation hit as new, leftover 18's were selling for around what we paid.

Camaros depreciate pretty hard, even ZL1s. I would recommend buying a nice, low mile '18 now, as it's already had that hit. If you buy a '19 in the fall, you could experience the same thing we did, with discounts hitting in early 2020. But if you're always waiting for the best deal... well, your always waiting... why not be driving?

This! If you test drive the ZL1, you will see a huge difference, with only a moderate price difference.

LT4Greg · 05-19-2019, 04:39 PM

Get a ZL1 and you will enjoy it more! To me the ZL1 is perfect and no mods are needed but every person is different and I respect that. Since you are not planning to keep it for a few years I wouldn’t do anything to it except maintenance and gas. Think you will find out that it’s an excellent performance Camaro just like it is. Good luck!

cbr1100xx · 05-19-2019, 06:11 PM

If you buy new and put 20k on in the first year, you will lose $10k minimum. Buy used.

LT4Greg · 05-19-2019, 06:21 PM

Yes by all means buy used if you find one that you really like!

protovack · 05-19-2019, 06:56 PM

Mostly I'd say go for a used Zl1, but I also have a very difficult time telling anyone to buy a ZL1 as a daily driver. It won't be a good daily driver, and that's the reason you see so many used with low miles. Also coming from a tuned cayman any camaro you get is going to feel ponderous and heavy. And the ZL1 will be the worst for that, since it is the heaviest 6th gen camaro. Is this what you really want? I mean you said you drove an SS 1LE and you thought it wasn't enough power. To which I say...really? Because when I had my SS 1LE, at least on the street, I was literally scared by the amount of power available, especially with the nannies off. And on the track I was never wanting for power. Did you try driving the car with the performance traction modes? If not then I can guarantee you, you didn't feel the full power of that car. I also strongly suspect that coming from your Cayman, you really felt the weight of the SS 1LE. Speaking of your Cayman. It's one sexy looking car. How long have you had it? If I had that sitting in my driveway, I definitely wouldn't be day-dreaming

LT4Greg · 05-19-2019, 07:24 PM

The ride is not stiff in my ZL1! It handles real good in all modes but I wouldn’t describe the ride as being stiff. Yes a person has to know what they are getting into when buying one and they aren’t for everyone. The op doesn’t want an SS or SS 1LE because he would have to spend money to get it to the performance level of the ZL1. He said that in his post. Protovack, do you own a ZL1 or have ever driven or even ridden in one? The op wants a ZL1 plain and simple!

05-19-2019, 03:13 AM	#1
TEST DRyVer Drives: 17 ZL1 6mt with PDR Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Gilbert, AZ. Posts: 169	Considering 2SS 1LE vs ZL1 - pros and cons It's not an easy decision (first world problem, I know...). First off, I'm fairly new to domestic cars. I've owned over a couple dozen performance cars in my life (I'm 42 and live in AZ), and the only domestics I've owned in the past were: 2005 CTS-V, 2003 SRT-4, 2005 GT Mustang. Recently, the drop in prices on Corvettes got me thinking (and shopping online). I've ruled out the Vette because I would like something more comfortable. This will be my daily, and I will likely have it for 1 year, put 20k miles on it, and sell or trade it. That being said, buying low and having the highest resale value at the end of one year is one of my main goals. I will of course lose some money, as I do with all my cars, but I'm willing to lose $4-8k, not $15+k in a year. I was pretty set on an 2SS 1LE, but I just recently drove one. It was a balanced car, but I know I would end up modifying for additional power if I bought an SS. From what I've been reading, it seems that Chevy dealerships are not very tolerant of mods (headers, exhaust, cats, etc...) On the flip side, if I picked up a 17 or 18 ZL1 6mt, I don't think I would be dumping money for mods. I might swap out the wheels, spoiler, and add some strategically placed wrap to change the esthetics a bit, but I don't see the need for additional power on a ZL1. To me, the 2SS 1LE looks perfect out of the box! I wouldn't change anything aesthetically, but I would feel the need for additional power. I'm in no rush, actually I would prefer to wait till aggressive pricing drops in November. It will soften the market for both cars. Numbers: I could pick up a low mile 18 or 19 2SS 1LE for $35-41k by November. Possibly even new, if pricing gets aggressive enough. The ZL1 would have to be used, likely between $48-51k in November for a 17 or 18. So? Will the additional price for the ZL1 be worth it for resale value after 1 year and 20k miles of ownership? Or, are there dealerships that are more mod-friendly that I could benefit from on a 2SS 1LE? Any advice would be greatly appreciated... I'll include some pics of my current cars to make this less boring Attached Images __________________ Current Daily: 2017 ZL1 6mt in Black with PDR. Esthetics: Nardo Grey wrap with original black accents throughout, complete Xpel ceramic coat, Diode Dynamics markers, Smoked GM tail & 3rd brake light, C7 Carbon 1LE style Spoiler in blk, ACS splash guards, blk'd out emblems. Variant Krypton wheels in Gloss black. Performance: AWE Touring catback exhaust with resonator, Rotofab dry intake, TM throttle body, Kooks 1 7/8 Headers with Green Cats, Advanced Fuel Dynamics Flex Fuel kit with e50 blend and dyno tuned. Current Family car (for the wifey): 2021 Audi SQ5

05-19-2019, 05:30 AM	#3
Smokin19 Drives: 19' ZL1 A10, w/pdr Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: S.W. ohio Posts: 1,551	Wait until this fall and buy a used 19' ZL1. The first year hit on depreciation will have been born by the original owner and you will save big $$. The ZL1 is a great car and I plan on keeping mine, I like it that much. __________________ BTR Stg II cam w/ 38% fuel lobe, ARH 2" headers into 3" w/cats, AWE Touring, Kong X port, Weapon X triple ht exchangers, NW 103, Rotofab big gulp, DSX lowside, TCM tune, BMR Lockout, Mustang dyno 720 rwhp, 634 rwtq on 93 pump.

05-19-2019, 07:30 AM	#6
Soleil Drives: Camaro 50th anniversary edition Join Date: May 2017 Location: Europe Posts: 2,203 View My Garage	The only con I see is the hard suspension on the ZL1. But as you want to sell it after one year go for it. __________________ Soleil _____________________________________________ A car is fast enough, if you fear to unlock it in the morning." (Walter Roehrl)

05-19-2019, 08:34 AM	#7
SteveV Drives: 2018 ZL1 Camaro 6M Red Hot Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Cary, NC Posts: 1,137 View My Garage	Hard suspension? I think you are confusing the ZL1 1LE with the std ZL1. The standard ZL1 has magnetic ride control and is not hard or harsh at all... __________________ 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...

05-19-2019, 04:39 PM	#10
LT4Greg Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Coupe Join Date: May 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,813	Get a ZL1 and you will enjoy it more! To me the ZL1 is perfect and no mods are needed but every person is different and I respect that. Since you are not planning to keep it for a few years I wouldn’t do anything to it except maintenance and gas. Think you will find out that it’s an excellent performance Camaro just like it is. Good luck! __________________ 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.

05-19-2019, 03:34 AM	#2
redcoats1976 Drives: LT W/2LT,blue metallic Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: central florida Posts: 4,915	i would look for the lightly used ZL-1.someone else has taken that first drive off the lot depreciation hit and since it has enough power to satisfy you youll save on mods too.

05-19-2019, 06:35 AM	#4
GearheadSS Drives: 23 LT1/22 Colorado TB/69 Chevelle Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Greenville, Tx Posts: 4,969 View My Garage	There are no cons with the ZL1. If it's affordable, it's the one to buy.

05-19-2019, 07:13 AM	#5
Gunkk Thank you Al Oppenheiser! Drives: Red Hot A10 ZL1 Convertible Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Sarasota, FL Posts: 4,975 View My Garage	Used ZL1 all the way.

05-19-2019, 09:32 AM	#8
Rodan Drives: 2018 ZL1 coupe Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Prescott, Arizona Posts: 589	ZL1, no question. It's a truly fantastic car. The thing to watch out for is the price drops after the new year. We bought our '18 in November '18, used with 2700 miles, and got a pretty good deal. Early this year, GM put a bunch of discounts on the '18s, and we took a big depreciation hit as new, leftover 18's were selling for around what we paid. Camaros depreciate pretty hard, even ZL1s. I would recommend buying a nice, low mile '18 now, as it's already had that hit. If you buy a '19 in the fall, you could experience the same thing we did, with discounts hitting in early 2020. But if you're always waiting for the best deal... well, your always waiting... why not be driving?

05-19-2019, 06:11 PM	#11
cbr1100xx Account Suspended Drives: '14 Jetta 1.8, '19 1SS Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 886	If you buy new and put 20k on in the first year, you will lose $10k minimum. Buy used.

05-19-2019, 06:21 PM	#12
LT4Greg Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Coupe Join Date: May 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,813	Yes by all means buy used if you find one that you really like! __________________ 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.

05-19-2019, 06:56 PM	#13
protovack Drives: 2019 2LT 2.0T M6 Riverside Blue Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: WA Posts: 847	Mostly I'd say go for a used Zl1, but I also have a very difficult time telling anyone to buy a ZL1 as a daily driver. It won't be a good daily driver, and that's the reason you see so many used with low miles. Also coming from a tuned cayman any camaro you get is going to feel ponderous and heavy. And the ZL1 will be the worst for that, since it is the heaviest 6th gen camaro. Is this what you really want? I mean you said you drove an SS 1LE and you thought it wasn't enough power. To which I say...really? Because when I had my SS 1LE, at least on the street, I was literally scared by the amount of power available, especially with the nannies off. And on the track I was never wanting for power. Did you try driving the car with the performance traction modes? If not then I can guarantee you, you didn't feel the full power of that car. I also strongly suspect that coming from your Cayman, you really felt the weight of the SS 1LE. Speaking of your Cayman. It's one sexy looking car. How long have you had it? If I had that sitting in my driveway, I definitely wouldn't be day-dreaming Last edited by protovack; 05-19-2019 at 08:03 PM.

05-19-2019, 07:24 PM	#14
LT4Greg Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Coupe Join Date: May 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,813	The ride is not stiff in my ZL1! It handles real good in all modes but I wouldn’t describe the ride as being stiff. Yes a person has to know what they are getting into when buying one and they aren’t for everyone. The op doesn’t want an SS or SS 1LE because he would have to spend money to get it to the performance level of the ZL1. He said that in his post. Protovack, do you own a ZL1 or have ever driven or even ridden in one? The op wants a ZL1 plain and simple! __________________ 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.

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