The Chevrolet Camaro has been turning heads since 1966, and honestly, I get why people are obsessed.
I've driven my fair share of muscle cars. And here's the thing most people won't tell you about the Camaro. It's not just about the noise it makes. It's about what happens when you press that pedal.
Look, I'll be straight with you. The market is flooded with sports cars…
The Chevrolet Camaro has been turning heads since 1966, and honestly, I get why people are obsessed.
I’ve driven my fair share of muscle cars. And here’s the thing most people won’t tell you about the Camaro. It’s not just about the noise it makes. It’s about what happens when you press that pedal.
Look, I’ll be straight with you. The market is flooded with sports cars that promise the moon. But most of them deliver soggy toast.
The Camaro delivers something different:
I remember the first time I got behind the wheel of a 2023 Camaro SS. The dealer handed me the keys with a smirk. Like he knew something I didn’t. Within 30 seconds, I understood why.
Here’s where most people mess up. They either go too cheaply or spend way too much.
Price: Around £35,000 Engine: 2.0L Turbo (275 hp) My take: Perfect if you want the look without breaking the bank
Price: Around £45,000
Engine: 6.2L V8 (455 hp) My take: This is where the magic happens
Price: Around £65,000 Engine: 6.2L Supercharged V8 (650 hp) My take: Only if you have money to burn and a track day addiction
Everyone talks about horsepower. But here’s what they don’t mention about Camaro performance:
0-60 times are just marketing fluff.
What matters is how it feels when you’re overtaking on the M25. How it respond when you need to merge quickly? How confident you feel when the road gets twisty.
The Camaro SS does all of this without drama. The magnetic ride control isn’t just tech for tech’s sake. It actually makes the car usable every day.
I’ve owned three Camaros over the years. Here’s what it actually costs to run one:
Fuel Economy:
Maintenance:
Insurance: This is where it gets interesting. The Camaro is actually cheaper to insure than you’d think. Why? Most people who buy them are over 35. They’re not the boy racer demographic.
I see people make the same mistakes over and over.
Don’t buy the first one you see. Don’t fall for dealer add-ons. Don’t ignore the service history.
Here’s my Camaro buying checklist:
Every car has issues. The Camaro is no different.
2016-2018 Models:
2019+ Models:
None of these a deal breaker. But they’re negotiation points.
I’ve wasted thousands on mods that did nothing. Here are the ones that actually work:
Cold Air Intake: £300-500
Exhaust System: £800-1,500
Lowering Springs: £200-400
Tune: £500-800
This is simple math.
New Camaro:
Used Camaro (2-3 years old):
My advice? Buy 2-3 years old with low mileage. Let someone else pay for that new car smell.
Insurance costs vary wildly. Here’s what affects your premium:
Finance options:
People ask me: “Can you daily drive a Camaro?”
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: It depends what you mean by “daily.”
The Good:
The Not So Good:
Everyone wants to know how it stacks up.
Camaro vs Mustang: The Mustang has better interior tech. The Camaro has better handling. Pick your poison.
Camaro vs BMW M240i: The BMW is more refined. The Camaro is more exciting. And £15,000 cheaper.
Camaro vs Audi S5: The Audi is more practical. The Camaro is more fun. No contest on running costs.
Let’s be honest. Cars are not investments. They’re depreciating assets.
But some Camaros hold value better:
Regular SS models will depreciate normally. Buy it because you want to drive it. Not because you think it’ll make money.
I’ve taken Camaros to Silverstone, Brands Hatch, and Donington.
Here’s what you need to know:
Cooling: The car runs hot on track. Invest in an oil cooler if you’re serious.
Brakes: Stock brakes fade after 3-4 hard laps. Performance pads are mandatory.
Tyres: Pilot Sport 4S are perfect for fast road and occasional track use. Cup 2s if you’re hardcore.
Fuel Consumption: Budget for £100+ in fuel per track day. The V8 is thirsty when you’re having fun.
Every 7,500 miles:
Every 15,000 miles:
Every 30,000 miles:
Every 60,000 miles:
Don’t skip services. Camaros reward proper maintenance with reliability.
Myth: “Camaros are unreliable” Reality: Properly maintained ones are very reliable
Myth: “You can’t see out of them” Reality: Visibility is challenging but not impossible
Myth: “They’re only good in a straight line” Reality: Modern Camaros handle brilliantly
Myth: “Insurance is crazy expensive” Reality: Often cheaper than equivalent BMWs
Q: Is the Camaro reliable for daily driving? A: Yes, when properly maintained. The LS and LT engines are proven reliable. Budget for regular maintenance and they’ll serve you well.
Q: What’s the real-world fuel economy? A: V6 models achieve 20-25 mpg combined. V8 models typically get 15-20 mpg depending on your right foot discipline.
Q: Are Camaros expensive to maintain? A: Maintenance costs are reasonable for a performance car. Parts are widely available and most independent garages can service them.
Q: Which Camaro model offers the best value? A: The 2SS hits the sweet spot of performance and price. You get the V8 experience without the premium of the ZL1.
Q: Do Camaros hold their value well? A: Standard models depreciate normally. Special editions and low-mileage examples tend to hold value better.
Q: Can tall people fit comfortably in a Camaro? A: Yes, there’s surprisingly good headroom and legroom for drivers up to 6’4″. The seats adjust well for different body types.
Q: Is it worth buying an automatic or manual Camaro? A: The 10-speed automatic is excellent for daily driving and actually faster than the manual. The 6-speed manual is more engaging but slower.
Q: What should I look for when buying a used Camaro? A: Check for oil leaks, differential noise, interior wear, and verify all electronic systems work. Service history is crucial.
Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat this.
The Chevrolet Camaro isn’t perfect. It drinks fuel like a thirsty sailor. The rear visibility is challenging. The ride can be firm on broken roads.
But here’s what it does better than almost anything else: It makes you smile every single time you drive it.
That V8 rumble never gets old. The way it pulls from 2,000 rpm is addictive. The looks you get at the petrol station are priceless.
If you want a reliable, affordable way to experience proper American muscle, the Chevrolet Camaro delivers in spades.