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2K views 9 replies 7 participants last post by  JohnnyBfromPeoria 
#1 · (Edited)
Hey hey guys! Vodka here with that thread I promised earlier in my introduction thread. Basically gonna give you a run down about me and how it ties into this whole Camaro business. Warning, this might end up being a long post so grab some popcorn, get some water and blast your music, because you're gonna be here for a while haha.. So let's get to it.

The name is Hector, born and raised in New York City. I didn't grow up with a dad, nor did I have a fatherly figure. Being born and raised in the New York, I have literally NO car knowledge whatsoever. Like I mean zero. All my car knowledge is basically from video games like Need For Speed, some Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport to name a few. I don't come from a racer background, my family isn't filled with hot rod lovers, and with no dad around, it's not like I had that cliché Father and Son bonding over cars and hammers lol. :lol::lol:

So yeah depressing so far huh? :D I've always been fascinated with cars but coming from New York City, which probably has the most intensive and greatest Public Transportation Network in the world, cars have never been something I seek because really? If I could take a train or a bus for much less the cost and get me there in reasonable time, why get a car?

Anyways, I'm 22 now, have done 5 years in the Army so far, and plan to transfer to the Navy next year. I've had a good job and have been making some good money. My passion for owning a car one day has returned regardless of being in the city. My enthusiasm mostly got fueled by my best friend. I've known him since second grade and last year, his parents got him a 2010 Ford Mustang convertible. Not gonna deny it, I've been a little jealous since. However unlike him, I work very hard and don't rely on my mom for anything. So since he got his Mustang I've been searching and wondering whether I should get a car. I finally decided HELL YEAH. But then the hard part was deciding what car... I wanted something to match his Mustang, to blow it out of the water, make him hate himself lol.

So on my road to discovering my future automotive love I came up with 5 cars.

1. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. Now you're asking yourself, "How can a Jeep beat a Mustang -.-". Well I came up with this car because I've been seeing it alot lately and man does it look good. It has a rugged manly factor to it, but it also just looks... cool? Even though I'm from the city, I love to travel, go camping, be one with nature and all that jazz. So the Jeep has that cool factor so when I drive down the road I turn some heads but it's also spacious to bring luggage and gear etc...

2. Dodge Charger. I really liked this car, but after seeing it more closely in person, I feel out of love. Growing up I never liked 2 door cars. But the Charger is supposed to be some sort of beast with 4 doors. Just doesn't look right.

3. Nissan GT-R. Okay so this was never realistic lol. This is just a car I aspire to get one day in the future when I am more comfortable financially. I believe that everyone has a "Goal" car, that car you want to get in the near future and very possible to obtain. Then there is your "Dream" car, the car that is pretty out of reach but with hard work and luck you might get it. The GT-R is my dream car.

4. Ford Mustang. What better way to **** on my friend then by getting a Mustang... BUT BETTER! But that idea lasted 2 days, I want to be original.

5. Honda Civic. Yeah.... the tuner in me from long ago. That idea lasted an hour. They just aren't the same.

Notice how the Camaro isn't on that list. Well like I said, my car knowledge is just terrible. Not until I saw one zoom past my job a month ago that I like jumped for joy. I said "THAT CAR IS PERFECT!!" It has such a sexy body, an amazing sound running down the road, it's just everything I've been looking for. So here I am. Discovered this wonderful forum of enthusiasts through some random Google searches and that's how I found my way here.

Now to the purpose of this thread. Like I've mentioned a bunch of times, I know nothing about cars. I know not how to acquire them, what is the process of obtaining them, is it as easy as just walking into a dealership and saying "that one" an hour later you leave home with it?

Like literally all I know is what MPG means (miles per gallon right...?), I have no idea what MSRP is, or APR, though I'm sure a quick Google search will give me all that but why not ask the pros here in ModernCamaro?

Basically what I'm asking you guys is what should I do? What should I know?

What is Leasing?
What is Financing? What is the difference between the two? Which one should I do? Do you really have to pay say $24,000 on the spot? How does this all work?

Should I buy my first Camaro brand new off a dealership? Should I get a used one? What is the difference between New and Used? What are some things to look out for? One thing I've noticed running around these forums are that some people got their Camaros decked out. I mean like I've seen some stories of guys who buy their Camaros with already installed custom parts like sequential tail lights or something random. By decked out I just mean they come already minimally customized with some cool features that I'm sure aren't part of the Camaros original set up. How does one acquire such a Camaro? With my horrible automotive knowledge, it would be wiser to obtain a Camaro of such properties, that way I don't end up buying parts separately that I don't even know are compatible and end up breaking something.

I looked up Usedcars.com, are they reputable? Honestly I would rather get it brand new, it just seems right. But what should I know when I go to the dealership, what should I bring?

Literally I need to know everything guys. Your knowledge will be pushing me forward to getting my first car ever. I want to widen my understanding of vehicles especially about Camaros.

How fast are they? Are they easy to customize? Both Interior and Exterior? What is the performance like? What is the difference between all that 1LT, 1SS etc.....? What does it mean for me and how does it affect the car?

Keep in mind, I cannot drive manual lol, Automatic all the way woooooop! Also remember, try to dumb down the lingo as must as possible lol. I have no idea how an engine works, what a transmission does, how much a difference horsepower makes etc.... Yes, it is THAT sad lol.

Anyways, thanks a lot guys for taking the time to read my post, and thanks in advance for any information you share. You have no idea how much it will help me. I will edit this post if I have anything else pop up in my head.
 
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#2 ·
Well I read your whole thread and all I can say is wow!!

I would say your perfect camaro would be a brand new automatic v6, I say this for multiple reasons.

1. Insurance cost would be much lower especially since your only 22
2. Buying a used car generally means no warranty, and most likely it was traded because the previous owner had issues with the vehicle.
3. Full warranty meaning they would take care of any maintenance for the first couple years.

Unless you will be paying cash for the vehicle you will have to finance it, they basically have you fill out a credit application and they try and get a bank to finance you. The length of the loan is usually anywhere from 3-6 years, interest rate vary depending on your credit rating.

I have never leased so I can't say much there, good luck to you and thanks for serving our country. :thumbsup:
 
#6 ·
Well these responses are awesome! So I'll respond to some things that caught my eye.

Unless you will be paying cash for the vehicle you will have to finance it, they basically have you fill out a credit application and they try and get a bank to finance you. The length of the loan is usually anywhere from 3-6 years, interest rate vary depending on your credit rating.

I have never leased so I can't say much there, good luck to you and thanks for serving our country. :thumbsup:
First off thanks for taking the time to read my ridiculously large thread and thanks for the support! So from you stated, I gather that you go into a dealership, put a down payment, and the larger it is the less you pay for financing? I'm not sure how my credit is. I don't own any credit cards I'm just a college student and I never took loans out since the military mostly covers everything. Will having little to no credit affect me negatively?

Another thing, what factors play into the final cost of your insurance? I've only had my license for a year and have not owned any form of vehicle. Would I pay less because I have no record or would I pay more because of inexperience?


#1 New vs Old, Your going to a dealer, if you finance through a dealer or a credit union, a credit union..will give you the best rates "period", some dealers have them, ask + you want the lowest rate you can, some dealers have more than one bank they use. the most powered one is a coupe w/ manual transmission, this Camaro is not cheap but the most powerful one built w/all the goodies..that GM offers "stock", or go with a SS2 witch will offer almost all the same stuff, just not the power options.
So this credit union, do I find them at the dealership or is it something I must find on my own? And when you speak of "rates" what are you pertaining to? And I definitely want a coupe, convertibles are nice but I'm aware that they lose some power compared to their coupe counterpart, yet they are pricier, never made sense to me. After reading everything I've said, in your opinion how much do you think I have to put down, being a driver with only a year on his license, no previously owned vehicles and no credit or little actually?

The Camaro has many different models each with different packages. It all depends on what you want, what you can live without, and what you feel is worth the price. I like having every option available. I can live without them, but **** it those options are cool to have, lol!! Cars.com, Autoshopper.com, Ebay, and even Craigslist will have some good deals on vehicles. If you see one you think you're interested in, then feel free to post the link and all of us will help you or give you some advice as to whether or not it is a good deal or not.

The SS is the Super Sport. They are the V8 models. The automatic has the L99 engine which is rated with less hp/tq than the manual which has the LS3 engine. Both transmissions are 6 speed transmissions but the gearing is slightly different. Since you are looking at an auto, you will be looking at the L99 engine. If you do go this route then there will be a lot of advice we can give you about performance, fuse pulls, etc.

When you find a car you like you can go to the dealer and they will help you with everything you need to get financed. It may be better to try to get your own financing tho. If you do get your own financing the dealer may be able to get one of their banks to get you a better interest rate. If this happens, DO NOT accept a dealer's bank's agreement UNLESS it has a lower rate. And do not let them run your credit more than a few times. One dealer ran my credit like 10 times and my credit took a huge hit. Before you decide to contact any dealer you can ask us and we'll give you some pointers.

A used car may be the best option for you as you will be able to get one with more options for less than the cost of a new one, obviously. If you go used, make sure it has low mileage. Again, we can help you decide what a good deal is. You may need a deposit or trade-in. Or you may not if your credit score is good enough. Whatever you do, make sure you go over your budget. Make sure you can afford the car and the insurance. You might find yourself spending about $700 or more for the car and insurance. So before you sign anything, make sure you go over all your expenses and income. Don't sign anything until you are completely sure and confident that you are making the right decision. Good luck man. Keep us posted.
You and me think very much alike Chapel lol. The adult I am tells me to get the car I'm looking for, minimal options, in order to responsibly budget. But the daredevil teenager in me wants me to get a super maxed out car, with all the power and appearance options possible in it. The options are there, why not go for it, like they say, #YOLO? Lol. Unfortunately the daredevil in me is winning in this situation.

I always wondered if those Craigslist listings for cars were legit being that Craigslist has a certain reputation. But if you recommend it there must be some truth to it. I am definitely going the auto route. I have no clue how to drive manual, I'm too much of a daydreamer to put my focus on manual anyways. So from what I gather, the ZL1 is the maximum of the Camaros. It has the best performance as well as a beastly look to it, while the SS series loses power but has sort of the similar appearance options as the ZL1. Do correct me if I'm wrong. Also I'm not sure if its been covered, but what is the difference between the 2SS or 1SS etc... Makes deciding so confusing lol.

When you speak of finding a bank to finance me, that means any ol' bank correct? I.e, Bank of America, Chase, CitiBank etc.... Or are there automotive specific banks?

Lastly, I'm glad you spoke a bit about used cars, as much as I am leaning towards getting it brand spanking new, I'm also aware that used is still and may be a better option. When you say used cars may have more options, what do you mean exactly? I hope you're referring to what I stated in my original post about how I've seen some Camaros with custom parts. I read a bit about you on the post where you were member of the month. I believe your Nadia has some custom looks to it. Again correct me if I'm wrong lol.

Again thanks guys for taking the time to read and respond. I have more questions as you can see and I can't wait for answers.

One question though, I did some research and saw that the 2014 Camaro is coming next year, as well as the z/28. How is the 2013 Camaro looking compared to the 2014? If the differences are as small as a iPhone 4 to 4S I can skip. If not definitely holding off.

I would work towards the z/28 since it sounds like it answers all my dreams hahaha... But no speakers makes me sad. Sure that's a pretty dumb reason but I'm not like some car enthusiasts that gets a hard on when they hear an engine roar. Don't get me wrong i get a quarter chub, but man, loud music + a roaring engine? Heaven.
 
#3 · (Edited)
Wow, thats long...:lol:, all good & no worry's ..:lol:

:agree: +1 with pumpkin..w/ V6 but many factors may apply like your friends Mustang.

#1 New vs Old, Your going to a dealer, if you finance through a dealer or a credit union,
a credit union..will give you the best rates "period", some dealers have them, ask +
you want the lowest rate you can, some dealers have more than one bank they use.,
also have a game plan, find a friend that knows cars, used cars, wont have fees,
like new ones (Gas guzzler, freight fees) for V8 "SS1/SS2 & ZL1" models !
It sounds as if you want the ZL1 model, theirs two types, one w/vert and a coupe,
the most powered one is a coupe w/ manual transmission, this Camaro is not cheap but
the most powerful one built w/all the goodies..that GM offers "stock", or go with a SS2
witch will offer almost all the same stuff, just not the power options..:lol:
Remember Automatics loose a bit of power vs Manual ones..:lol: tho not much, also a convertible /"Vert",
will make you loose a few pony's, mainly because of their supports !

Hope that helps.. read our search, for more info, we have a ton of threads that will aid you in your quest..Oh,
once you find your Camaro & get it...please share.. we luv pics :D N' :thumbsup:



 
#4 ·
LOL, you have a LOT to learn. But it will be fun learning everything you can. A year from now you will be surprised with how much you have learned. A little advice, do not feel bad if you make some mistakes with your purchase. You're young and it is better to get all the mistakes out of your system now than 15 years from now. With that...

The Camaro has many different models each with different packages. It all depends on what you want, what you can live without, and what you feel is worth the price. I like having every option available. I can live without them, but **** it those options are cool to have, lol!! Cars.com, Autoshopper.com, Ebay, and even Craigslist will have some good deals on vehicles. If you see one you think you're interested in, then feel free to post the link and all of us will help you or give you some advice as to whether or not it is a good deal or not.

The SS is the Super Sport. They are the V8 models. The automatic has the L99 engine which is rated with less hp/tq than the manual which has the LS3 engine. Both transmissions are 6 speed transmissions but the gearing is slightly different. Since you are looking at an auto, you will be looking at the L99 engine. If you do go this route then there will be a lot of advice we can give you about performance, fuse pulls, etc.

All other models except the ZL-1 have the V6 engine. You'll have to wait for the V6ers to chime in as I'm not too familiar with the different engines. There is a significant difference in performance between the V6 and the V8. However, performance is not everything. The V6 is a fun car to drive and it is pretty fast.

When you find a car you like you can go to the dealer and they will help you with everything you need to get financed. It may be better to try to get your own financing tho. If you do get your own financing the dealer may be able to get one of their banks to get you a better interest rate. If this happens, DO NOT accept a dealer's bank's agreement UNLESS it has a lower rate. And do not let them run your credit more than a few times. One dealer ran my credit like 10 times and my credit took a huge hit. Before you decide to contact any dealer you can ask us and we'll give you some pointers.

A used car may be the best option for you as you will be able to get one with more options for less than the cost of a new one, obviously. If you go used, make sure it has low mileage. Again, we can help you decide what a good deal is. You may need a deposit or trade-in. Or you may not if your credit score is good enough. Whatever you do, make sure you go over your budget. Make sure you can afford the car and the insurance. You might find yourself spending about $700 or more for the car and insurance. So before you sign anything, make sure you go over all your expenses and income. Don't sign anything until you are completely sure and confident that you are making the right decision. Good luck man. Keep us posted.
 
#5 ·
I say a new V8 auto.
auto because your in NYC
V8 because you want to beat your friends mustang unless he has a v6 but id still go v8
new because some people think they can run 87 octane in the 6.2l all the time and they tend to beat on these cars so if you can buy new do it. The V8 requires 93 octane if you want it to last.
 
#7 ·
I tried to post earlier but the network was acting up ... anyway, a couple of things ...

First, since you are in the service, go get an account with Navy Federal Credit Union, even in the Army, you are eligible for membership. They are the #1 credit union in the country and from all my experience great to work with. Their rates are ideal, not sure how it will do with your lack of history, but being in the service, they will treat you better than most banks. You can get pre-qualified to get an idea of what you can afford. Worst case, you can use their rate to go against what the dealer will offer. On my Camaro, I told them they could have my business, if they matched the rate. The dealer got me the rate and I transferred it to NFCU a couple of months later for a $250 rebate :). https://www.navyfederal.org to sign up for an account, if nothing convenient nearby. You can do it all online, if you want. I think they also have an auto buying service where you can get a set price, IIRC better than MSRP (see below), but you have to use specific dealers.

Another thing I am wondering, once you are in the USN, what will you do with it when deployed? The same could be said in the Army, but those long deployments are starting to go away. In the Navy, they probably aren't. I'm assuming fully enlisted, not reserves, right?

As mentioned above, be sure to include insurance in you budget. I'm thinking easily $100 a month for your age and experience, maybe more. It may go down at age 25. USAA is another benefit of being military. Again, the #1 rated company. I can't really speak much more about them because I don't have them, though I am heavily considering a switch.

MSRP ... Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price ... you should not have to pay above this, though it does not include fees, taxes and all that cra p. If you are good negotiator, you can get less. I'm not very patient, so I didn't do great :(. This is for new cars.

APR ... annual percentage rate ... lower is obviously better.

Manual versus automatic. Manuals are probably more fun to drive, but can definitely be annoying in traffic. Auto is 400hp and manuals are 426hp, but in stock configuration it seems people say the auto is still faster due to its shifting.

Go to 2013 Chevy Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Crossovers and Vans | Chevrolet and build a Camaro, it will show you all the versions, options, and the prices at MSRP. SS models are V8s, I sincerely doubt you can afford a ZL1 (55K and up) and the Z28 also sounds like it will be expensive, but that is an assumption based mostly on age, so don't hold it against me. The L versions are V6s. There are certainly advantages in price to buying used, but I like knowing exactly where my car has been.

I am definitely not a fan of leasing ... at the end, you have paid less, but you own nothing.

Modding a car yourself is an experience on its own. Though it might be nice buying something already modded, it is fun to shop and design and buy on your own. Either way has benefits, but I've liked doing it myself.

Hope that helps and thank you for your service.
 
#8 ·
All good advice by 83Hokie. When I was talking about options, what I meant was that you can get a used car with all the available options for less than a brand new car with all the options. I got my 2010 2SS/RS in 2012 with 10,700 miles for a tad over $26,000. Brand new with all options are like over $40,000. So that is something to consider if you want an optioned out Camaro SS AND a lower payment.

As far as Craigslist, yea there are scammers out there. But there are also honest dealerships that advertise there. It never hurts to look. But do not be afraid to get up and walk right out of any dealership if something does not seem right. And yes, the ZL-1 as of right now is the top model Camaro. The Z28 or Z/28 or whatever it technically is will probably be too expensive. I think people have been speculating a price tag of about $80,000. For that price with no speakers...I'll pass on it and buy a used Viper.

And again, make sure you compare the prices. Even if you find a optioned out Camaro the price may not be worth it compared to one with less options. Once you find out how much you're approved of then you'll know what you're looking at. I LOVE car shopping so if you tell me what price you're looking around and what distance you'd want to travel then I'd be more than glad to do some shopping around for you...yea I don't have much going on in my life, lol!!

And yes I was thinkinh about banks like Capital One, TD Bank, and others. But Hokie has some really great pointers. So I'd say try his way out first. Just don't run your credit too many times or your score will take a big hit. And make sure you get the Camaro you want. If you are looking for performance first and foremost then get the SS if you can afford the payment and insurance. Don't let the dealer force you or rush you into a car. Take your time, research, compare prices, shop around, and ask as many questions as you need to.
 
#9 ·
:agree: w/ both..
Remember what Hokie.. told you.. go through that military Union, you'll get the best rate through them.
Here's a break down in list of options of Camaro's (leaving out all custom stuff)
#1. LT1.. this is the bare bones of a camaro..munch..munch..hahaha V6
#2. LT2.. this one gives you leather and all the options, GM offers for a V6
#3. SS1.. this is the same as the LT1 but with a V8
#4. SS2.. this is the same as the LT2 but with a V8
#5. ZL1.. this is a total different Camaro than all those above & it has a Supercharger added,
Note: this is the top of the line w/all the goodies & performance that GM offers !
#6. Z/28.. This Camaro is the BADDEST "power wise" but doesn't offer any of the luxury,
options, they are removed, for less weight & more power.
Note: this Camaro IMO is pure power, not meant for daily driving/driver !!
#7. 2014 is a new style Camaro, updated parts, and #1 through #5 apply.
Used Camaro's, usually the owner will leave the parts on that were not a option from GM,
or not added, tho some owners will upgrade there camaro and keep those parts, as many have found out,
those parts usually don't increase the value of the car much.. :(
Example: I found a 2010 YINKO camaro, that someone cloned.. reason, I know its cloned..
its a V6 and GM didn't produce any, also the company that would make those wouldn't
make much money off doing a V6., mainly the camaro was done w/decals & gfx kit.,
never the less a sweet ride, add what you want & be happy w/your Camaro :D

P.S., Thank you for your service & be safe :thumbsup:



 
#10 · (Edited)
#1 1LS..THIS is the bare bones V-6 with a manual transmission
#2 2LS..this is the bare bones V-6 with an automatic. It is also the model with the best gas mileage but at the expense of a bit of performance.
#3. 1LT.. V6 engine, you can have it either manual or automatic and its option list is more extensive than the LS versions.
#4. 2LT.. this one gives you leather and all the options, GM offers for a V6
#5. 1SS.. this is the same as the 1LT but with a V8
#6. 2SS.. this is the same as the 2LT but with a V8
#7. ZL1.. this is a total different Camaro than all those above & it has a Supercharger added...

And the version you listed above as a YINKO is more correctly referred to as a Yenko, which, as correctly stated, has not been produced in decades.

Fixed it for you, Mr. HotRod.

John B.
 
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