[6GenNutt]

New guy here. In the market for a "fun" car. Not an everyday ride, but it would get driven quite a bit during the week to work and it will not be tracked.

I have looked at Mustangs to include the GT350, but for a number a factors I seem to keep coming back to a 2SS 1LE. My problem is I can't decide between a 2018 or a newer 2019/2020 model. Aside from the exterior, they seem to be fairly similar with minor updates like the infotainment, rear camera mirror, and forward collision alert.

My search has found limited 2018s and a good number of newer models for only a few thousand more. Examples I have found, 2018s $37-41k, 2019s $43-44k, and 2020s$ 44-45k. I am not necessarily limited on budget, but less is better for the pocketbook.

Anything I am missing with the newer models? Are the newer models worth the extra $?

[Vaska]

I 100% went with the 2017 due to the exterior. You don't buy a chevy for interior quality. Save some money and get a 2018 and use the extra cash for an exhaust, it really wakes the car up and gives it more of a 'This is how a Camaro should sound'.

[zaimer]

I was in a similar boat when shopping for my car. Ultimately, I went with the '16/'17/'18 body style. I personally prefer the exterior looks (and yellow LOL) over the newer, and like you had said, there really are no other great improvements (other than the switch for the automatics; us manual folks don't have to worry about that).

[Coded4SS]

Ok the guys saying get a 18 down are going to do that "I don't like the way the new ones look". I'm rolling my eyes at these fashion bois. The 20 has a few small upgrades in the info tainment (the 18 down looks pretty dated compared though similar). Otherwise about the same car. I went with a new one cause why would I pay a difference of 4k? For a car used by someone else who knows how. Get her new never look back

[zaimer]

Originally Posted by Coded4SS

Ok the guys saying get a 18 down are going to do that "I don't like the way the new ones look". I'm rolling my eyes at these fashion bois. The 20 has a few small upgrades in the info tainment (the 18 down looks pretty dated compared though similar). Otherwise about the same car. I went with a new one cause why would I pay a difference of 4k? For a car used by someone else who knows how. Get her new never look back

I don't hate the looks of the newer ones, but I generally prefer the '16-'18's. I also personally agree that the '16-'18's (mine as well) DO look a tiny bit dated, mostly because I am aware of the newer ones. I've honestly had several people ask/make comments about the car being a '21. From MY experience, it is really only those that know Camaro's that know the '16-'18's are not brand new..

The new vs. used argument... I know for certain that I will not have this car forever. A used car in immaculate condition, with hardly any miles, and a clean record, doesn't have many red flags. This is particularly true if the price is right. It is also impossible to purchase my car new for an additional "$4K"; I shop for my vehicles across the country & and my deals often take weeks, if not months. When you factor in the depreciation hit from purchasing new, the additional ~$4-500 (in sales tax alone for the price difference between new and used), and that I'm a guy who doesn't keeps vehicles for many years.. it just doesn't add up. Vehicle purchasing is not a one size fits all

[LT4Greg]

I would spend a little extra money and get a 2019/2020 SS 1LE instead of a 2018. The 2019 SS 1LE looks good to me and the 2020 even better. You do what’s best for your situation and you can’t go wrong with any of the years you are looking for!

[Aragorn]

2018‘s didn’t have that different facia, but some 2018 owners complain about first second shifts.

[19 2SS]

If you're buying an auto definitely go with 19\20

[Altered Carbon]

Originally Posted by Vaska

I 100% went with the 2017 due to the exterior. You don't buy a chevy for interior quality. Save some money and get a 2018 and use the extra cash for an exhaust, it really wakes the car up and gives it more of a 'This is how a Camaro should sound'.

Originally Posted by zaimer

I was in a similar boat when shopping for my car. Ultimately, I went with the '16/'17/'18 body style. I personally prefer the exterior looks (and yellow LOL) over the newer, and like you had said, there really are no other great improvements (other than the switch for the automatics; us manual folks don't have to worry about that).

Originally Posted by Coded4SS

Ok the guys saying get a 18 down are going to do that "I don't like the way the new ones look". I'm rolling my eyes at these fashion bois. The 20 has a few small upgrades in the info tainment (the 18 down looks pretty dated compared though similar). Otherwise about the same car. I went with a new one cause why would I pay a difference of 4k? For a car used by someone else who knows how. Get her new never look back

"Fashion bois" Well, I would go for a very low mileage '18 any day of the week over a '19 or '20 for exterior looks alone, just as the other "bois" stated.

The few and minor upgrades in the 2019 and up are just that, few and minor. The A10 is apparently better for some though, I will say that. I've never had a problem with my A8 though, as many have not, but many have. So, there's that, IF it's an automatic.

For me though, it's certainly not worth the extra $. Also, that front end of the '19 (excluding the ZL1)... they changed it immediately for a reason. No offense to those with the 2019s and up. We all have different taste, thank God, it would be a boring world otherwise. The new ones just aren't my taste, as I'm sure my car doesn't match everyone's taste. I though, as everyone else should, do not care if others adore it's looks or loudness or 1400HP, etc. It's your car. Good luck!

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by 19 2SS

If you're buying an auto definitely go with 19\20

All the more because there is no auto 2018 1LE


OP, I for one would go with a 2018 2SS 1LE, have the good consistent exterior design and save some money for track days, accessories, PPF wrap, exhaust etc. The 2019+ 1LE doesn't have much in the way of actual enhancements, I seriously doubt the rear view camera or the 3.0 infotainment would be worth as much to you as the things I've listed.

[Hyperblue ss]

I guess I'm a fashion boi, but I traded in my 2014 Camaro SS and picked up a 2018 1SS, once I saw the restyling that was to take place with the 2019 fascia.

[Nightfall ss1le]

I personally prefer the 18 look, but IMO the 19/20 does look much better with the 1LE option than without it. I just traded an 18 SS 1LE for my car & the infotainment is a little better on the new one, but it’s not a game changer. If it was me I’d go with the 18. Hell I went through the same internal question last year & went with the 18. Lol

[Venomcustom]

I was in the same boat when I went from my 15 1LE. The new style grew on me and I didn’t want a 3-4 year old car. Bought a new 1LE and couldn’t be happier.

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by Venomcustom

I was in the same boat when I went from my 15 1LE. The new style grew on me and I didn’t want a 3-4 year old car. Bought a new 1LE and couldn’t be happier.

The 2020+ 1LE certainly mitigates the 2019 design disaster a bit Congrats on a great car