Hey all. I am new to the forum and may possibly buy an LS1 Camaro in the near future. I am 16 y.o., please don't give me a hard time about this as some people do on other forums. I found a few Camaros (M6 only) around my area that I intend to look at within the near future. This will be my daily driver (except in snowstorms) and in the winter, I will get a set of snow oriented tires. I just have a few questions.

How do these cars hold up to everyday driving (including winters in CT?
How is the reliability of these cars? I know the LS1, or any LSx motors are great. I have a lot of experience with LS1's as I have a lot of seat time behind a C5 Vette.
How is insurance on these cars, anything is going to be a lot for a 16yo I know.
I'm 6'4", 240lbs - how do big guys fit in these cars?

Its really between a Camaro or an 03/04 Cobra or GT.

Thanks!

 

Dang, between an LS1 and a Cobra? Lol must have some money.

But anything between those is going to be a killer on insurance I would imagine. A 16 year old driving a V8, no question. And welcome, I'm new too. >.>

20 years old with a V6. I'm about 5' 11" and 150 (small, I know) and I fit really well into the drivers seat with plenty of headroom. My dad is about your size and he doesn't like the way he sits in my car. But then again he's old and complains a lot anyway.

...nice username

 

Hahaha. Yeah, I have been saving every penny for a car since I could say "car." My nice parents agreed to pay insurance as long as I hold up my end of a deal we made.

 

Where in CT? Insurance in CT is quite high. I had a V6 Camaro at 16 years old and paid around $1100 a year for it, with my Trans Am it went up about $600. I just bought a 2002 Trans Am and have used it as a DD since may, so far I love it. I had an issue with the rear end that costed me an extra $800 to fix, but other than that it has been great. I average about 16 mpg in the city with some hard driving on the side. Big guys don't fit well in these cars. I'm just under 6', and wish I had another couple inches of room. Plus, the steering wheel only tilts, no telescoping; and even with my seat all the way back, I need more room. I won't drive the Trans Am in the winter, but I have used my V6 camaro through 2 CT winters. Snow tires are a must as is weight over the rear wheels.

 

@Failed devices, I'm in the Uncasville area. Up by Mohegan Sun.

 

16 yr old + LS1 = Trouble. Better off starting off with a V6 Camaro first...

 

If you're going to get an LS1, try to get an 01 or 02- they have the LS6 intakes,etc. Your weak points are going to be the rear and the clutch. If you're thinking about going Ford, get the Cobra. The GT's are dogs.

 

hmmm

an LS1 powered f-body in the 2000-2002 vintage or a 03 or 04 Cobra aka Terminator.

You do realize that the Termi will cost significantly more don't you?

As for insurance, your parents need to open their eyes. You will be riding their policy so it's not the collision insurance that is expensive, it's the liability. They should have no less than a minimum of $250/500k liability as long as you ride their policy. In down economies,and with the current mindset of many people, lawsuits are an easy way to get cash. When you get into your first bump, and you will, be prepared for mom and dad to be sued. At 16 the vehicle will not be in your name even if "you bought it". The first in line of the lawsuit will be your parents so their home, their savings, their 401k's, your college fund etc all are in play. So whether you drive an old pickup, or a vette, the liability is what is going to kill you.


As for the vehicle, if money wasn't an issue, then the Termi any day of the week. And don't go flaming me because I own both a stang and a camaro

 

cobra wins hands down.

 

Im 20 y.o. 6'2" 280lbs and i fit just fine in mine (1999 Camaro SS) Yea insurance will be a killer. Ive heard LS engines are "bullet proof" but i dont push mine enough to find out parts are to expensive. As for daily drivers i couldnt tell you, ive been fortunate enough to have a winter car.