[LtColumbo]

I'm 64 years old and retired. No commuting!! I do not NEED a sports car, and I am a practical guy. So what am I doing here?

I've had lots of cars over the years, but I do tend to keep my cars 10+ years and 150k+ miles. The sportiest car I owned was a 2002 WRX wagon. I kept that 156,000 miles.

I liked the 1LT V6 A8 that I drove around the block at a dealer, but that tells you very little. SO, I rented a 2017 V6 A8 RS with 16,000 miles on it for a day! 345 miles of twisty roads in the mountains (7,000ft) and freeways too. Averaged 25mpg too!! FUN!!

Overall, I liked the car a lot, but kept saying how it was not practical. The car stuck like glue in the turns, but had a very stiff ride. I thought that perhaps a non RS with 18" wheels would be a better ride. So I drove one of those around the dealer, but with brand new tires, I was not impressed with the cornering. I AM well aware that tires don't start to feel right until they are at least 1/4 worn down.

The things I did not like were;

visibility looking out/blind spots (would cost $8k to upgrade to BSM!), only one power-port, plain dash, no place to put cell phones, GPS, radar detector, low AC vents, stiff ride, no decent storage pockets, etc. Mustang was better in this regard (interior). On the freeway, the trans shifts a lot; 8,7,8,7,6,7,8,6,etc. So, better to put in M7 and enjoy the ride??

Things I DID like were;

V6 engine (power and sound...although exhaust could be a tad louder), A8, handling, seat comfort, no squeaks or rattles, little wind noise.

My girlfriend said we should at least try a Mustang. So we did! The Mustang V6 was meh...so the salesman said, "You can't leave without trying a GT", so we drove that one too. Nice! So back to Chevy to try an SS!!

Drove a 2SS. OMG! I drove it on the same route as the other test drives, and for some reason, this car seemed to have a smoother ride than the RS and the GT! Is that possible? The window sticker said it had "performance suspension." It did not list "magnetic suspension" as an option on this car.

Before I make up my mind, I will need to rent an SS for a day!

Where is the best value?

1LT V6 A8 $28,000 (it was fun in RS, will it be with 18"?)
2LT V6 A8 w/Lt and conv pk $36,000 (not seeing value here)
1SS V8 A8 $38,000 (see some value here!)
2SS V8 A8 $43,000 (don't need dual a/c, Bose)

I thought BSM/park assist would be essential, but to get it costs A LOT MORE MONEY!

Thanks for your input.





Also seeing the SS can have an A10??

[Donner]

As a senior myself, I went with the SS2, Magnetic shocks, and the Variable Valve Exhaust but chose the 6 speed on the floor. Vroom. I like this build of a car very much. I had a V6 auto for a month or so before that.

It's my position that value decisions only matters if the things in the deal are actually useful to the owner (or the next one if resale is a consideration). In my case, that's a no. I am not saving the car for anyone. What I like about the mag ride is that it works really well. I also like being able to quiet it down here and there. That V8, however, is a game changer. Every time I fire it up, something inside my brain pleases me in ways that text cannot fully share. It's starts with I love it and goes further. The V6, as awesome as it is, (and it really is) didn't have that affect. I also rented and drove a turbo 4 in the Caddie. That's a nice motor too. Very nice. The V8 is in its own league and well worth the difference in cost.

Regardless, all are good choices.

Kindest,

Donner

[Inspector 17]

Just my 2 cents here. Personally, if it were me, I would go with the 1SS or 2SS. The SS comes with the magnetic ride and that makes a huge difference in ride quality and handling. You can always put it on Tour mode for a more friendly (read that softer) ride quality.

I've read and heard that the 2018 SS will come with an option for the A10. If you can go that route I most certainly would. The transmission is so good in the ZL1. I have to imagine it will be equally good in the SS.

The other benefit of the SS is there are some interior upgrades that make a noticeable difference. There is still the lack of storage and other things that you mentioned, but those aren't fixed in any current Camaro model.

Happy shopping!

[Soleil]

I know, it is probably a lame excuse but you live only once. Definitely go for a V8 2SS.

[Tr6]

The thing about the camaro line up is that they are ALL fantastic bangs for the buck. Just depends on what you are comparing it to, what you want it for (good weather only car, cruise, road trip, little bit of everything, track, etc) and the most important thing being how much you are willing to spend. If you don't want to spend more than 25k, that 25k right there already gives you a choice. If you say, 40k... another choice. 45k? Another choice. 65k? Another choice! Haha.

I went with 2SS because I wanted the "tech package" ei: full leather seats, HUD (heads up display) etc and have Magnetic Ride Control with the NPP. I would've personally gotten the ZL1 over it at the time of ordering but ZL1 didn't even exist back then :P. Also, don't forget that there is also the 1LE packages for the RS and SS. Also, for 2018 models, you CAN order a 2SS WITH 1LE (2017 1LEs are ONLY 1SS).

Feel free to roam around here and in the internet for finding differences between models (not just v6 to v8 but especially within 1SS v8 and 2ss V8, there are quite a few differences).

[LtColumbo]

Originally Posted by Inspector 17

Just my 2 cents here. Personally, if it were me, I would go with the 1SS or 2SS. The SS comes with the magnetic ride and that makes a huge difference in ride quality and handling. You can always put it on Tour mode for a more friendly (read that softer) ride quality.

I've read and heard that the 2018 SS will come with an option for the A10. If you can go that route I most certainly would. The transmission is so good in the ZL1. I have to imagine it will be equally good in the SS.

The other benefit of the SS is there are some interior upgrades that make a noticeable difference. There is still the lack of storage and other things that you mentioned, but those aren't fixed in any current Camaro model.

Happy shopping!

According to Chevy's website, magnetic ride is still an option on any SS. I need to double check this.

Dealers are running low on 2017 inventory. If I wait too long, I may not have much choice left (color, etc.)

Thanks!

[Lafourche1]

I am a senior as well. The SS does not come with MRC (magnetic ride control) standard. MRC is an option and one that I would consider a must option. Stepping up to the 2SS should get you the blind spot monitor and backup sensors with camera. As a senior, I use them all (yes, I know how to adjust mirrors, too).

I find the 6 speed to be a great transmission. When driving or especially when tracking, I enjoy the extra involvement.

[Glen e]

I'm a senior as well, and bought the V-6. I've owned two Chevy V-8's in the 14 Corvette and a 13 Camaro. It's a wonderful engine , but I just don't need it. Not for using it as an around town car. The V-6 is a strong engine at approx 335hp and uses regular gas. I don't like the hood vents or the spoiler on the SS. And you can get every option on a V6 you can On the v8. There are no bells and whistles exclusive to the SS that cannot be in a package on a V-6.

[enzia35]

I love to spend other people's money! Get the most car you can afford! Especially since you keep the car for over a decade!

[Inspector 17]

Originally Posted by LtColumbo

According to Chevy's website, magnetic ride is still an option on any SS. I need to double check this.

Dealers are running low on 2017 inventory. If I wait too long, I may not have much choice left (color, etc.)

Thanks!

If that's the case, I misread. But I would highly recommend MRC. It's a feature you'll love.

[Sftshldr]

I'm 58, single, full time employed, and traded in a 2013 1SS towards my 2017 ZL1. The ride with mag shocks is superb. I HIGHLY recommend the expense on the 2SS if you don't want the added horsepower and torque of the supercharged ZL1. So very glad I bought it. I use the car daily to / from work and around town. I have to admit that getting use to a 10 speed automatic took a little while for me since I well remember console shift 3 speed automatic days, but really, really prefer it over rowing the gears in city rush hour traffic. Good luck on whichever car you get..

[nbryant]

A senior? hell no, I am flat out old (a little younger then you - )

As a few have mentioned there are considerations that you need to filter and tailor to your wants and expectations. Personally I jumped on a 2SS with the A8 and the only thing missing being the MRC. I could not be happier and glad that I spent the extra coin to have it. I don't punish it, will probably never track it and compared to some drive it sparingly but all in all it puts a smile on my face as I merge into traffic or as I sit eating a burger and look at it in the parking lot. There are considerations and some great advice for the different configurations and options but again that should boil down to your preferences.

I realize this didn't help you any but would recommend you don't waste much more time!

[iPODFAN11]

Chevrolet SS Sedan. You get MRC, LS3 power with A6 or M6 trans, 4 doors, leather, nav, parallel parks itself, HUD, big trunk, comes with NPP, etc.

[freddyD]

I feel like Glen E.Love the gas milage and it is quickMine is kinda plane Jane and I like it that way-simple.