The Camaro Club (UK)

Hi all, I'm Matt.

I love American cars and want to buy a Camaro.

I'm looking to buy one sometime after winter so I have all the summer to enjoy it.

I've been driving nearly 4 years, I'm 22 and I'm still driving my first car, a 99 Fiesta (everyones gotta start somewhere )

Ever since I started driving I noticed the occasional American car on the roads and thought "wow that thing looks amazing... then as it passes me .... and it sounds incredible too! "

I've been saving up money to buy one and would love a 4th gen z28. I have considered the other models which I prefer (who doesn't) but have come to the conclusion that since they're newer they should be more reliable and cost less I guess.

As I said I would love a z28 with the LT1 or LS1 but the only thing is whether or not I can afford a V8, I imagine they're alot more expensive to insure/fuel costs. I will probably have to settle with a v6 as my first yank - A V6 Camaro is better than no Camaro eh, its still gonna be one hell of an upgrade to my Fiesta!

At the moment I pay about £700 fully comp to insure my Fiesta, would I be looking at around the same with someone like Adrian Flux?

I wouldn't be using the car for commuting, just the weekends mainly, and the occasional evening (hopefully my Dad will let me store it in the Garage )

Are they generally reliable? Is it hard to get hold of parts? I paid around £300 for a new clutch on the Fiesta, if the Camaro needed a new clutch what would I expect to pay for it fitted? (just an example) Is it hard to find mechanics that will work on them, do Chevrolet main dealers do this? (I'm based in Essex)

Only asking the questions because I don't want the car to make me absolutely broke, although I know it depends on the individual car and how well maintained its been etc.

I've had a look at loads of pictures on here, but if anyone has some nice photos of their Camaro's feel free to post them to tempt me even more!

Any other tips on what to look out for etc would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to the Forum - you've certainly come to the right place for info.

The first step I suggest you take is to find out what your insurance is going to be like - a V6 is a quick car compared to a Fiesta = certainly in the eyes of an underwriter at an Insurance Company. See also http://www.classiccamaroclubuk.com/phpB ... =Insurance

I'm told that fuel is similar for the V6 and the V8 - I get around 28 mpg on a V8 but only on runs, around town she uses around 20mpg. There are differences between the LT and the LS but owners will have there own views.

The cars are built to last so repairs on a recent one may not be a challenge (but things can go wrong) but these cars are not UK build (what is these days) so spares from US can be pricey. I would guess many people here will have a few more miles on the clock than you so may see things differently.

Have you ever driven LHD it's an aquired taste? See if you can try before you buy.

I'm sure there will be other advice coming on soon so see what you think.

Another thing to remember, what someone thinks is good value someone else will think is pricey, you need to think about your own circumstances and do your sums carefully.

Good Luck with the research

Hi Arizona, thanks for the info.

I have never driven a LHD car so it will be a first for me. I don't know anyone that owns a LHD car either.

Since the fuel is similar, depending on insurance i'll probably go for the V8 then.

I'll continue to research

Hello and welcome....
Nice to of another prospective f-body convert...

I'm not a 4th gen owner, but maybe worth letting people know wherabouts you are, as a kind member here may let you have a nosey round their car if they're near you, so you can get a proper feel for it.
Agree definately a good idea to get some insurance quotes from the usual specialist brokers first, as prices can vary greatly depending on policy provider, and across the V6/V8 variants too..

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“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”

Insurance quotes can vary enormously for no apparent reason so shop around. If you're not using the car often then ask about limited mileage which might save you some money.
The 4th gens are nice cars and affordable (which is why i own one!) but as they're modern (ish) they have lots of sensors for everything and not much room to work under the hood. Also, if you go for a V8, ask if the Opti Spark (Distributor) has been changed. They can be a problem and it's an expensive fix if you go to a garage.
Speaking of garages, check to see if you're near a specialist as a lot of places don't want anything to do with my LT1 with regards to fault diagnostics. Here in Sheffield i have the choice of CasAm or Rodley Motors both of which are about 30 miles away.
Personally, i've no problem with left hand drive. It takes a bit of getting used to but you'll soon adapt. Placing the car differently at junctions and watching you don't stray over the white line will soon be second nature. The biggest problem i had with my first lhd Yank car (70 Challenger) was going to the wrong door after filling up with fuel, noticing everybody was looking at me and having to pretend i was checking the tires so i didn't look like a total Numpty!
One more thing. When you go to look at a car, take someone who knows what they're doing and will be prepared to drag you away kicking and screaming if necessary! It's easy to be seduced by shiny paint and a rumbly engine when you have a fist full of cash... If you're in any doubt, walk away. There's always another one for sale somewhere.

Hi Matt, Welcome to the forum.

I 100% agree with everything already said, driving a LHD takes some getting use to.

My advice, for what it's worth, is to buy the best, newest, low mileage car you can find for you budget regardless of V6 or V8 and hopefully you will not have too many problems.

Plus before you part with any cash get the VIN number and decode it to make sure it is what the seller says it is. My car was advertised as a 2001 because it was registered and sold new in 2001 but when I check the VIN I found out it was a 1999 model and the seller didn't know and I was able to knock another grand off his asking price.

I hope this is of a little assistance but I think your biggest problem will be the insurance depending on what you are prepared to pay to own and drive a great car.

Good luck

Cheers Gerry

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Cheers Gerry

Thanks for the help guys

Regarding the 'take someone who knows what they're doing'. If I don't really know anyone personally into mechanics/cars can I hire someone to do this?

I think you can get an AA or RAC inspection but i don't know what it would cost. I imagine you could pay for a local garage inspection (like an MOT) and i can't see the seller objecting unless there's something to hide!
There might possibly be somebody who posts on here who's nearby that can help?
But get some insurance quotes first and go from there. You might need a stiff drink waiting nearby

Ok then. A camaro owner told me a while back that insurance is suprisingly cheap, and he bought one at a young age too (21 i think) I hope its not stupidly high

Well, my last premium was £322 fully comp with agreed value and 3000 miles per year but then i'm 47!
I knew getting old would be good for something...