One Tough Decision - to Trade or not to Trade?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 07-05-2009
Posts: 388
From: High Bridge
One Tough Decision - to Trade or not to Trade?
Love my SS. Loved it since the day I bought it, back in June 2009. It just ticked over 50k mi, and hasn't given me any problems whatsoever.
But my dream car has been the new Camaros since they came out...originally the 2SS trim level, until the ZL1s came out. And with many years of hard work finally paying off, I am actually in the position where a ZL1 I really like is available, and I can actually afford it. Keeping the HHR is not an option if I go the Z route...my wife will be soon leasing either a minivan or a SUV, and her old car, a 2007 Ford Escape with about 90,000 miles on it that's paid off, will become my "beater" car. Having four cars simply isn't practical for us, and the Escape is simply more versatile for my winter needs. And I would never think of my SS as a "beater" car anyway...the SS would simply be the odd man out, if I were to buy a ZL1.
But I have to admit, this is a really tough decison, and that's a testament to how sweet these HHR SSes are, because on paper, it would seem like the ZL1 should be a slamdunk. But I love everything about my SS...truly...for what I paid for it, it's a great car, and a hell of a lot of fun to drive, and I with the mods I've made, I really feel like I've made it my own. And I will miss it if I give it up for the ZL1. I know I will love the ZL1 too...decisions decisions. Tough tough call...
But my dream car has been the new Camaros since they came out...originally the 2SS trim level, until the ZL1s came out. And with many years of hard work finally paying off, I am actually in the position where a ZL1 I really like is available, and I can actually afford it. Keeping the HHR is not an option if I go the Z route...my wife will be soon leasing either a minivan or a SUV, and her old car, a 2007 Ford Escape with about 90,000 miles on it that's paid off, will become my "beater" car. Having four cars simply isn't practical for us, and the Escape is simply more versatile for my winter needs. And I would never think of my SS as a "beater" car anyway...the SS would simply be the odd man out, if I were to buy a ZL1.
But I have to admit, this is a really tough decison, and that's a testament to how sweet these HHR SSes are, because on paper, it would seem like the ZL1 should be a slamdunk. But I love everything about my SS...truly...for what I paid for it, it's a great car, and a hell of a lot of fun to drive, and I with the mods I've made, I really feel like I've made it my own. And I will miss it if I give it up for the ZL1. I know I will love the ZL1 too...decisions decisions. Tough tough call...
Platinum Member
Joined: 05-09-2006
Posts: 6,805
From: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
Rent a Camaro for a week realizing it WILL NOT be the ZL, which may prejudice your opinion. (the smiles on your face from the performance probably would outweigh the "tunnel effect" of the car). But using a Camaro for a week as a grocery getter/ errand runner may be a good evaluation.
I had a ZL for a couple of days and didn't like the VERY LIMITED visibility, the gas mileage was o'k...about 16-18 around town...semi nursing. So I took my name off the order list.
I can have fun with my Vette, and still get about 22 around town.
Obviously your call. But I thought I would provide my experience for your evaluation.
Oh, I don't know what your age is, BUT my dealer contact guy says the insurance rates kill many potential young buyers. It seems some insurance companies get a little "nervous" when they see the engine code in the VIN.
I had a ZL for a couple of days and didn't like the VERY LIMITED visibility, the gas mileage was o'k...about 16-18 around town...semi nursing. So I took my name off the order list.
I can have fun with my Vette, and still get about 22 around town.
Obviously your call. But I thought I would provide my experience for your evaluation.
Oh, I don't know what your age is, BUT my dealer contact guy says the insurance rates kill many potential young buyers. It seems some insurance companies get a little "nervous" when they see the engine code in the VIN.
Last edited by Snoopy; Oct 1, 2012 at 05:09 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: 06-26-2008
Posts: 4,152
From: N.W. Burbs Chicago
I have not driven a new generation camaro , But have been told that you always feel like someone is next to you because of the blind spots.
I have read that the next gen camaros will be smaller mustang sized cars.
Congrats on your hard work paying off
I think the camaro would have a big SMILE factor over the HHR. But if you use it as a D.D. i would think you might lose later if you go to sell it.
Most will be kept lower milage i think. And those would be the ones that get the biggest cash later.\
Insurance wise , I'm paying $ 194.00 more per year to insure the 2010 ss auto , Than i did for the 2008 ss stick
Still waiting to find out why ?
The best news is with the HHR SS or ZL1 you will be all good .
I have read that the next gen camaros will be smaller mustang sized cars.
Congrats on your hard work paying off
I think the camaro would have a big SMILE factor over the HHR. But if you use it as a D.D. i would think you might lose later if you go to sell it.
Most will be kept lower milage i think. And those would be the ones that get the biggest cash later.\
Insurance wise , I'm paying $ 194.00 more per year to insure the 2010 ss auto , Than i did for the 2008 ss stick
Still waiting to find out why ?
The best news is with the HHR SS or ZL1 you will be all good .
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,069
From: Welland,Ont Canada
HHmmm the grass is always greener, comes to mind and you don't know what you've got untill it's gone, rings a bell, time heals all wounds and the Camaro will help you pass alot of time but fewer gas stations, things tha make you go hhhmmmmm?? Enjoy that new ZL-1
Senior Member
Joined: 04-04-2012
Posts: 1,307
From: Sarasota, FL
That is tough. If it were my choice id keep the hhr. The ss hhr's to me are the best looking car on the road. And they deliver real nice power. Not anywhere near ZL-1 power but for what they are they are extremely fast. So its tough but like mentioned before i think as a daily driver the ZL-1 may not be as good as your SS.
Just my opinion. Good luck on your decision.
Just my opinion. Good luck on your decision.
