By Josh RosenbergIn today's extremely high-priced used car market, many shoppers are looking for "older" models that have aged well as a way to save significant dollars.
And for those considering an older car, this makes the reliability and durability of a particular model crucially important. So, how has the Chevy Camaro fared over time?
Well, first of all, by older, I'm referring to Camaros that are generally 10+ years old, which would mean those from its fifth generation, produced for the 2010 - 2015 model years.
And history has proven that they have a generally good reputation for reliability, with the 2011 and 2012 model years doing better than the others in this regard.
In fact, there are many reports of a well-maintained older Camaro lasting 150,000 to 200,000 miles, which is quite good for a sports car. An important factor, of course, is the "well-maintained" part, which is absolutely essential for longevity. And those are the ones buyers want to identify today.
So here, ...
- We'll list possible mechanical issues for this production run that owners have reported so they can be checked pre-purchase.
- We'll then do a general overview of the fifth generation Camaro, those roughly 10+ years old, which were produced from 2010 - 2015.
- And then we'll wrap things up by summarizing the overall pros and cons of an older Camaro worth consideration for potential buyers.
But first, and very importantly ...
Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Camaro
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the Dealer or private seller, it's usually best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
And My #1 Price Tip: Please, always get online price quotes at auto sites such as CarsDirect.com and Edmunds.com (both, actually), whether looking for a new or used car. Competition among dealers for your business does amazing things to prices, and it's so easy. It really does make a difference.
And quickly, while we're at it, my #2 Tip is to always know the up-to-date trade-in value of your current car. You can get a quick and surprisingly accurate one at Edmund's Trade-In Quotes.
It's free and just takes a couple of minutes. I think what helps its accuracy is the inputs will include either your plate# or VIN# followed by many simple, but specific, yes/no questions. It really focuses in on the detail of the specific vehicle.
2010 - 2015 Chevy Camaro Possible Mechanical Problems
While generally reliable, like all vehicles, the fifth generation Chevrolet Camaro still had some problems reported by owners and mechanics. And these issues should therfore be included in an inspection before buying one today:
Transmission Issues: Some owners experienced problems with the automatic or manual transmissions, such as rough shifting, slipping gears, or transmission fluid leaks.
Engine Problems: While the engines are generally robust, some owners have reported issues such as oil leaks, timing chain or belt failures, or premature wear of engine components.
Suspension and Steering Components: Owners have reported issues with suspension components such as struts, shocks, and control arms, leading to noises, vibrations, or uneven tire wear. Power steering problems, including leaks or failures, have also been reported.
Electrical Gremlins: Some owners have reported issues such as malfunctioning sensors, electrical shorts, or problems with the infotainment system.
Cooling System Problems: Overheating issues have been reported by some owners, often related to problems with the cooling system, such as radiator leaks, malfunctioning cooling fans, or thermostat failures.
Brake System Concerns: Some owners have experienced issues with the brakes, including premature wear of brake pads and rotors, brake fluid leaks, or problems with the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Interior Quality: While not strictly mechanical, some owners have reported issues with interior components such as trim pieces, upholstery, or electronic controls wearing prematurely or failing over time.
Fifth Generation Chevrolet Camaro Overview (2010 - 2015)
In 2002, the Chevy Camaro was put out to pasture, prematurely as it turned out. This "All American Muscle Car" was sorely missed, and happily, GM brought it back in early 2009 as the new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.
Not only did it offer its traditional strength of lots of performance for the dollar, but it also added a level of refinement missing from earlier Camaros.
This fifth Camaro generation sports 1969-themed styling and is built on a shortened version of GM's Zeta platform that had been used on large rear-drive sedans like the Pontiac G8. Models include the base LS, midgrade LT and high-performance SS.
Powering this Camaro LS and LT is a 3.6-liter, direct-injection V6 engine that's good for 304 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It's coupled with a six-speed manual transmission on the V6, while other used Camaros can be found with the optional six-speed automatic.
The Camaro SS, also available in six-speed manual or automatic forms, comes with a powerful 6.2-liter V8 that's rated at 422 horsepower and 408 lb-ft of torque with the manual, while the automatic is tuned for 400 horsepower for slightly better fuel efficiency.
LS and LT models are quick, athletic, and attractively designed, yet possess the comfort and features that satisfied most shoppers at the time. And the Camaro SS offered dynamic performance at a level as good as or better than cars twice as expensive.
It should be noted that the 2011 model marked the return of the Camaro convertible, which shared the same options as the coupe.
In addition, the 2014 Camaro did a mild body style revision and reintroduced the first generation's Z28 model, featuring a 7.0-liter V8 engine with 505-horsepower. This was the same engine found in the C6 Z06 Corvette.
Overall Pros And Cons Of An Older Chevy Camaro
Older Camaro Pros
Potential Savings: Obviously, fifth-gen Camaros are generally more affordable than their newer counterparts, offering potentially significant savings in upfront costs.
Performance Value: Despite its age, these older Camaros still offer impressive performance for its price compared to many newer vehicles. With its powerful engines and engaging driving dynamics, it can provide a thrilling driving experience without the hefty price tag of newer sports cars.
Classic Styling: The retro-inspired design has aged well and still turns heads on the road. For enthusiasts who appreciate its classic muscle car aesthetics, buying one today can offer timeless styling at a more affordable price.
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Aftermarket Support: This version has a robust aftermarket support network, offering a wide range of performance parts, accessories, and customization options. This allows owners to personalize their vehicles and enhance performance according to their preferences.
Handling: With its well-tuned suspension and chassis, the fifth-gen Camaro offers sharp handling characteristics, making it enjoyable to drive on twisty roads or on the track.
Interior Features: The Camaro's interior is modern and well-appointed, featuring comfortable seats, user-friendly controls, and available technology such as touchscreen infotainment systems, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional navigation.
Older Camaro Cons
Potential Mechanical Issues: As with any used vehicle, there's a risk of encountering mechanical problems with an older Camaro, especially if it hasn't been well-maintained or has high mileage, potentially offsetting some or all of the upfront savings.
Higher Ownership Costs: While buying an older Camaro may be more affordable upfront, owners should consider ongoing ownership costs, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, and potential repairs, as performance-oriented vehicles typically have higher ownership costs compared to more economical cars.
Visibility: One of the most significant drawbacks of the fifth-gen Camaro is its poor visibility, particularly due to its high beltline, thick roof pillars, and small windows. This limited outward visibility could make it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces or to change lanes safely.
Interior Space: While the Camaro offers decent seating space for front occupants, the rear seats were cramped and lack legroom, making them unsuitable for adults on longer journeys. Additionally, the small trunk opening and limited cargo space are practicality issues for some buyers.
Ride Quality: The Camaro's sporty suspension tuning, while contributing to its excellent handling, could also result in a firm and sometimes harsh ride, especially on rough roads or over potholes.
Fuel Economy: The powerful engines in the Camaro prioritize performance over fuel efficiency, resulting in below-average fuel economy ratings, particularly for the V8-powered models.