How Reliable is a 5th Gen Camaro SS at 120,000 Miles? | Camaro SS Reliability, Repairs & Costs!

[@xxdarklordxx0313]

You’re a bad influence, I just bought my first 5th gen because of you… I love this thing!!

[@gvaspirated]

Hahaha the 5th Gen Demon ;) XD enjoy it brother!

[@JDOverclock]

Amazing! Worth keeping forever! When I buy my 5th gen, oh boy I'll drive it everyday!

[@jsjs-qw3ss]

120 thousand miles.. psssshhhhh!!! I’m over 2 hundred thousand miles and thank God we’re still going strong

[@gvaspirated]

YOOOOOOOO THAT'S CRAZY

[@awildtony_vr7224]

On a 5th gen Camaro?

[@kelz6591]

No mechanical issues? I'm looking at purchasing a 2011 2LT. I really want a camaro, but people keep telling me they aren't reliable

[@todd2k3]

Good review. Nice seeing how well these 5th Gens are aging. I've got to wait another month before I can get mine out of winter storage. Winter/Spring in the Rockies isn't much fun with sports cars!

[@gvaspirated]

Thanks Todd, I'm glad you like the content. I must say, these 5th Gens are aging gracefully.

[@realnikonlover6207]

My 2011 has 25,000 miles. I appreciate seeing your experience. Preventive maintenance is the only way to go on these cars. Replacing hoses, belts, tensioner, alternator, plugs and wires, doing clutch, brake fluid and coolant flushes, trans and rear end fresh lubes are all helpful. A couple of things I have learned through driving my Camaro. The slave cylinder on the clutch is weak from the factory and doesn't produce the optimum pressure to release the clutch disk thus the pedal drop. A certified Chevy transmission builder provided me with an upgraded slave cylinder (requires bleeding clutch system) and that cured all clutch problems. I had a hard start issue and thought it was the starter, changed batteries 3 times, it was the need for a proper ground strap from engine to frame. Problem cured. No new starter or additional batteries needed. I am running an Optima Red Top Battery... fantastic! I put in a 180 degree thermostat... runs cool. By far the best cheap mod I did was changing out the factory plug wires to Granatelli Racing Plug Wires. Instantly noticed smoother running and more bottom end power. I was shocked at how good these wires are. If you want to really feel that LS3 run good (mine is stock) do a fuse pull on the fuel monitoring system to reset the system to fuel blend/type. I alway run premium. Add octane booster to a fresh tank just before you do the fuse pull. Let the car sit overnight with the fuses pulled. Plug them in. The reset helps the engine adapt to the high octane and that engine will run like a striped ass ape. Have fun. Camaros rock.

[@marcmcphee]

It’s refreshing to see an honest review of a well used and loved 5th generation Camaro. I’ll be in the market for a 5th gen SS soon…still doing a lot of research. So excited to finally get one!!!

[@alhassansaadi3127]

Oil changes at 10k miles and 87 octane gas I feel bad for that car

[@kevinmoore8679]

Forreal tho SS’s should never run anything under 93

[@okcthunder8993]

My state only offers 91, but it's 100% gas no ethanol

[@Mncrr]

I do oil change in my c6 vette twice a year. Anything more would be a waste of money. It’s not 1975s oil.

[@isnowyazn]

I mean, if you’re not driving the car hard (yes, those kind of people DO exist), 10k mile oil changes should generally be OKAY at least. As long as the car’s not in any kind of driving conditions that include towing, racing/tracking, hot climate, etc. I’ve personally had my oil life in my 2010 Chevy Camaro SS, tell me that I’m around 20-25% around the ~7-8k mile mark. My newer 2010+ Honda’s usually have oil life indicators, which some older and other newer cars have as well. With MY particular driving being mixed with some hard driving here and there, and once in a blue moon track driving or drag racing, I still change my oil around an average of ~7-9k miles. If you go based off of oil life calculators, however, they’re based off of factors including number of engine start-up’s, idle time, highest RPM reached during a single drive cycle, how long a certain RPM range is being held at, etc…. I could be wrong, so if someone else knows how certain makes and models have their oil life calculator, then chime in! As for regular (87) octane gasoline…. I do agree that it’s NOT best suited for the Camaro V8 models, but moreso for the V6’s! There’s plenty of info that supports the V8 models going into a “low octane” fuel mode, and then struggling to get back out of it once high(er) octane fuel is detected. Fuse pulls for the ECM and such are pulled, and it’s still been a myth whether doing that and pulling the battery, etc. will help the ECU readjust to the proper fueling, etc. for 91+ octane gasoline….

[@s3836]

@@Mncrr twice a year is a waste. only if you drive short distance its ok to do so much oil changes.

[@scumbob5157]

My 4th gen sitting 🪑 in its rocking chair watching these 5th gens aging shedding tears cause it knows the 5th gen will take its seat soon 🥲🏎️

[@siggasigga9036]

5th generation specfically MY 2014-2015 is my dream car. Hoping to buy one soon.

[@corbinschriner7078]

I bought mine at 12,700 miles a year ago and it’s been nothing but a joy having

[@e92cruz_]

should i buy this 2015 1ss 65k miles it’s hella clean

[@justinscott2744]

​@e92uz_ how much

[@DriftMine14Gaming]

Can't wait to get mine out next month. Got mine paint corrected and ceramic coated to protect the paint as I plan to keep mine as long as possible

[@gvaspirated]

I need to do that to my car! How much is it all to correct the paint?

[@cabojuarez8180]

Great Video 👍🏽 My 2010 ss has 115,147 I bought it with 18k I became the second owner in 2014, I driven this bad Girl Tons, still going strong, but recently starting leaking oil. Hope to have ready by summer

[@ktoyijmokjop5013]

Looking to get into one of these in the next year or two. Your channel has been a great find. Thank you for the real informative no BS approach. Eased my mind a bit about higher miles. You've got a new sub 👍

[@gvaspirated]

Man, thank you so much for your comment. I try to keep it as informative and entertaining as possible, so reading this really made my day. Thank you so much!

[@Tracklyfe_T]

excellent vid bro ! i got 125k on my 2014 2ss. runs brand new. just been doing regular maintaince, oil change, trans fluid change, differential fluid change. etc. Basic maintaince goes along way. I see dudes on the forum with 300k miles

[@gvaspirated]

I can't even image seeing 300k on the odometer. It seems surreal haha. But yeah man I'm due to do trans and diff fluid change.

[@Tracklyfe_T]

@@gvaspirated def change your trans oil bro. I almost destroyed my motor because of it. It was black and burnt when i changed it. Shop told me If i waited a lil longer it would of been done.

[@Joshuapsalm]

I just bought a 2015 2SS with 50thsnd miles for 25k one owner 2days ago

[@WhiteDragon1001]

Hopefully getting a camaro soon and I wanna care for it for life

[@rotwiler7674]

I have a 10 Camaro SS/RS, bought it used in 2012 with around 15k miles, now has 56k. So far only replaced battery, brakes and tires. Recently the passenger air bag light stays on, think a bottle may have messed a wire or harness, will look into that soon and add a bypass if is damaged. I installed a lot of bolt on parts, long tubes etc.

[@elkillerx]

2010 Camaro SS here. Currently at 150k miles. Car runs flawlessly. Just regular routine maintenance. I did replace the water pump and fuel pump, nothing was wrong with them but just from my previous experience of owning high mileage cars. I also had to replace the throttle body since the original one started making a weird noise. Other than this, its been a very great reliable car

[@jmhellison]

As someone who is in the market for this car, it seems to be rare. I could've sworn there were a lot of low mileage available for mid 20s. I can't find any now

[@itsjusta302]

Me neither. At this point might just cashout on a 6th gen

[@yeaokay9212]

Their selling like hotcakes at McDonald’s right now

[@yeaokay9212]

@@itsjusta302I would

[@hb-ol9oc]

Best year to by is the 2012, they fixed some suspension problems that the 2010-11 came with because they were the first version to come out. And the interior looks a bit nicer , like the steering wheel and the dashboard.

[@WarPigMCC]

Bad ass car, bro. I have a 2020 LT1 and I want one of these. Yours looks really good in that color

[@isnowyazn]

As long as you’re not driving the car hard (yes, those kind of people DO exist), 10k mile oil changes should generally be OKAY at least. As long as the car’s not in any kind of driving conditions that include towing, racing/tracking, hot climate, etc. I’ve personally had my oil life in my 2010 Chevy Camaro SS, tell me that I’m around 20-25% around the ~7-8k mile mark. My newer 2010+ Honda’s usually have oil life indicators, which some older and other newer cars have as well. With MY particular driving being mixed with some hard driving here and there, and once in a blue moon track driving or drag racing, I still change my oil around an average of ~7-9k miles. If you go based off of oil life calculators, however, they’re based off of factors including number of engine start-up’s, idle time, highest RPM reached during a single drive cycle, how long a certain RPM range is being held at, etc…. I could be wrong, so if someone else knows how certain makes and models have their oil life calculator, then chime in! As for regular (87) octane gasoline…. I do agree that it’s NOT best suited for the Camaro V8 models, but moreso for the V6’s! There’s plenty of info that supports the V8 models going into a “low octane” fuel mode, and then struggling to get back out of it once high(er) octane fuel is detected. Fuse pulls for the ECM and such are pulled, and it’s still been a myth whether doing that and pulling the battery, etc. will help the ECU readjust to the proper fueling, etc. for 91+ octane gasoline….

[@ricvanwinkle1665]

Rear main should have been changed when you did clutch as it would have been basically the cost of the part as you had access to seal when doing clutch as you know now. Nice extended review and I see now that I have to do my driveshaft couplings too

[@anonymouse2428]

So back when I was doing 12k OCI, I had Blackstone labs check my oil every year and it was going great. They even recommended 16k OCI! Then I made the mistake is taking my car to suburban Chevrolet in Ann Arbor for the 40k interval BG trans flush and diff fluid change. Added an oil change since it was going to be there all day anyway. Soon after I got my car back, it was surging and not shifting properly. I took it back and had to haggle with them that it wasn't happening earlier and of course they denied it. They fixed it eventually and gave me some speil about the map sensor even though all the symptoms pointed towards low trans fluid. So a month later, my usual LS lifter tick noise increased a lot and I found my oil really black and dirty like it was never changed. Of course the dealership denied not changing it. I immediately took it to another place for an oil change and diff fluid change. Lessons learned: change my oil myself and it takes only 1 hour and $35 instead of half day and $150. Always stick around when getting a trans flush and diff fluid change. When an overly nice sales person asks you about your car, tell them you want to test drive a c8 to make them leave you alone.

[@anonymouse2428]

Oh and I do 5k OCI now. Lifter tick is almost gone too. Get the oil from Costco and filters from rockauto.

[@MittenManOG]

@@anonymouse2428 agreed! Buying the Mobil 1 at Costco is the only way to go. I always catch it on sale. I have a 2010 SS I bought brand new and it’s still going strong at 175k. I’ve frequented Suburban of AA for the bulk of my oil changes over the years and no issues. They even allow me to bring in my own oil from Costco, which makes it much cheaper because they really mark the price on their oil.

[@Woefman88]

awesome vid once again!! i have a 2011 zl1 and i noticed some problems you are having , is happening to me as well, with 60k miles... keep posting, much love from the netherlands

[@gvaspirated]

Thanks for sharing man! I'm glad you like my video. More to come :)

[@bullet7257]

No zl1 for 2011. Came out in 2012.

[@Woefman88]

@@bullet7257 why do i drive it then ? September 2011.

[@betonblack3621]

At 100k. I’ve had the oil pump go bad last year $1800! Changed starter due to hot starts about 3 times. Dropped a valve. That was $2000. Spark plugs $600. Had all my coil packs go bad slowly Throttle $200. Throttle body $300 ive be changed my starter 3 times and it didn’t fix hot start issues. She’s showing her age but I love her. Looking to replace her with a C7 this year.

[@jalenmcnealy3700]

600 for spark plugs ?

[@mikehogan5087]

Is the c7 more relaible? I have a v6 5th gen camaro but after seeing your comment and this guy's video I think that c6 vettes are more relaible than 5th gen ss camaros even the auto vettes

[@Deem027]

Power master high torque starter, Yellow top optima battery (high cranking amps across the board) and add ground from starter to frame and another from battery to body (in trunk) 🤙🏿

[@betonblack3621]

@@jalenmcnealy3700 yeah they were fried and had to do wires got high end ones

[@betonblack3621]

@@mikehogan5087 naw the LS are reliable. They have been around forever. All cars will need maintenance

[@CJBuilt]

Do a walkthrough of the Honda!!

[@SGO_]

makes me miss my 5th gen!

[@gvaspirated]

You'll be back, I know it brother!

[@daroosta8176]

Great video I think u made me want to buy a 23 now 👍🏻

[@gvaspirated]

🤣😭 man, those new Camaros are something! But these 5th are just so special

[@Pogocontentonly]

Damn makes me feel better watching this lol try owning a bmw with a n54.. can’t wait to get a 5th gen soon 😎

[@gvaspirated]

N54's are fun asf but totally different from a RWD V8 ;)

[@TrinityMotorsports]

I just want to add this in cause he doesn't have a sunroof. Anyone who has a sunroof model there are 2 drain line that are exposed in the top corners of the trunk they are just 2 piece plastic tube's that slide into each other THESE WILL COME UNDONE AT RANDOM from age or even super aggressive driving and its not fun sucking water out of these trunks. I used a thin layer of house pipe sealant and never had a problem since. Also idk if anyone else has had this problem but around 68k miles i had the battery explode in the trunk due to it being sealed and igniting gass from a dieing battery anyone else had that pain or a just me problem

[@Martin-i4o8k]

LOL, thanks for the reminder to 'like' at the end, it was a very useful video for me(currently in the market) and you earned it! I have owned 2 Camaros over my days and love the brand but have little faith in any recent GM products and I find the 5th gen's low, cramped, mega-blind spot cockpit styling unappealing for a very tall dude like me. Your car looks great, though, big respect for your taste in customizing... and that is from an older fart.

[@vincenthay-q9i]

my ss 2012 only has 41 000 klm. got ss header exhaust and air intake and 3 sub speakers 250 amp $5000 canada money. more to ,, yes but love it.

[@jasonsmith3537]

All-in-all...for 120k you did the basic fixes that come with the mileage. Be glad parts last longer than they did in the 90s!! I would be ready for those coil packs next (unless you already swapped them..which it looks like you did). 120k hard miles and you had basic clutch, alternator, starter, water pump issues.... You made out pretty well. Mine isn't that high yet but I do have an 09 Tahoe and it has 250k on it!! Did these same replacements at around 200k. 4WD system is trashed however and have spent thousands and it still won't work.... I got my miles out of that one.

[@gvaspirated]

overall pretty blessed with the costs, minus the stupid mistakes.

[@Kale864]

I’m looking at a 2010 on CarGurus in the same color as yours with only 9000 miles for 28k it’s super clean.

[@AutoAddictUSA]

we should add our ZR Carbon Fiber hood !!

[@gvaspirated]

I've never thought about adding carbon on the build... interesting 👀👀👀

[@sappireflames0009]

mine is climbing up to 95k the only problem i've had so far is a bad o2 sensor and a loose oil filter.

[@gainzbrehhhmotorsportz309]

And the clutch sounded like, “Ehhhhhh!”🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 fricken BREHHH you kill MEHHH BREHHH🤣🤣🤣

[@ryanmax-grappler8654]

My camaro now has 222k miles on powertrain. Selling it would be a disaster and i dont have time for a rebuild. Still runs good though.

[@Americafirst-i8q]

I own a 2011 Camaro SS with a 107,000 miles on it no problems

[@gvaspirated]

Awesome bro :)

[@marks_02]

Note that many of these prices seem to be for parts only with DIY installation. You’ll pay double or more if you have to pay a regular mechanic to do the work. Even more if you take it to a dealership.

[@gvaspirated]

Yeah pretty much! It pays to be some what mechanically inclined. I have a lot of DIY's for that reason too.

[@SEVENFOOT]

They’re known for coolant leaks I live in az and I’ve had a coolant leak happen three times over the years

[@CJBuilt]

15:05 Hondas at 2AM

[@yamahaguy1732]

Make some more driving videos with it!

[@TheBigdixiedog]

How is the clearance of the front end for speed bumps?

[@InfinitePCGaming]

2011 2SS here 135k, 120k with a Whipple on it. Still fun to drive

[@gvaspirated]

How was installing the whipple? Costs and what not? I want to add it to my wish list hahha

[@InfinitePCGaming]

@@gvaspirated I installed the Whipple myself so cost of install was a day and a half lol. Got 99% of it done in one day. I got a great deal on it by chance. Randomly browsing Camaro5 forum. Was $5500 for the Whipple with everything - ejectors, MSD boost a pump and few other sfuff. The instructions they give are very well put together. I think anyone that can follow instructions can do it themselves and save thousands. I will say, if you do this and you've already had your car tuned, you'll need the original stock tuning so the Whipple tune can be flashed. After that, find yourself a good tuner.

[@eurotom288]

I would Wrap the Roof Gloss Black, it would look Great and it doesn’t cost a lot to get it done, but the car looks great for the mileage that is on it, Drive safe.

[@Dariolmao]

Debating between a 5th gen 2ss and a g8gt both about the same price both roughly 61k miles

[@AlbertoMorales4016]

Hey is a bone stock manual ss Camaro with 69k miles for $18k a good deal?

[@gvaspirated]

if it's a 2010-2011, YES!

[@AlbertoMorales4016]

@@gvaspirated Yeah it’s a 2011 2SS I just got. The owner wanted 20k and I gave her 18k. Also keep up the good content and your car is really cool :)

[@edwarddamico5836]

Have you reset the computer after using regular gas?

[@gvaspirated]

Not sure. do you mean like the AVG MPG feature?

[@josephpezza3062]

These cars are honestly a hit and miss sometimes you get a good deal depending who had it before u bought my 2011 Camaro SS about 3.5yrs ago in the first 3 months of owning it it bit up a cam 9000$ in a motor rebuild and install with cam kit and here I am all brands especially sports car will always cost u like my dad always you gotta have deep pockets for this hobby all there is to it cheers 🍻

[@egor_yakovenko]

fantastic car and cool owner

[@gvaspirated]

Thanks bro :)

[@seanjames9662]

Should have went with a ported TB when your replaced it

[@Kevin__.5]

Hey bro I know it’s a little late but if you can reply it’s be greatly appreciate, my headlight went out a while back got it replaced and the bulb brunt through the housing so now the light bulb doesn’t stay in place to light up the road straight ahead, what should I do or replace?

[@Noah_Boschh]

3k oil seal repairs, fried ecu; new cam; new injectors; slipping transmission. Leaking coolant to main line. Misfires. These were all my problems lmao

[@bigcod14]

I had TRX for a worktruck Driving it around job to job was costing me 800 to 1200 a month for gas At about 11-12MPG. Got it November 2019 to Fill up $60 after The election it Basically doubled to this amount and I sold it.

[@gvaspirated]

Yeah man the surge in gas prices left me questioning the worthiness of my ownership so many times

[@vmmramos]

These 5.6k were on parts only right ? You do everything yourself ?

[@donmillmizzy1522]

The coolant leak is very common now am driving my fourth Camaro I was the only one putting regular gas in V8

[@royals9746]

What’s the paint code?

[@clubcamaro4632]

There’s no good 6th Gen video on KZbin but I’m approaching 100k in my 2018 and I feel unnerved since I plan to keep it forever. I hope to stop using it as a daily before 150k miles so the engine will last the rest of my life.

[@08turboSS]

Good ole LS3 (manual trans only).

[@GM_Trent]

If you think gas is expensive now, wait until you install a bigger cam. Literally every time you drive it, will include a trip to the gas station. Ask me how I know 😅😢😭

[@gvaspirated]

I'm dreading the thought of it, lmfao!!! Especially premium!!!

[@WhoisZamar]

I put 80k miles on my 2ss in 2 years and im at 173k miles now

[@adamfrbs9259]

I hope very. Mines only at 51k miles now.

[@hmuvee]

Next year surinf spring i plan on getting a 5th. Im a mustang guy but you not getting a 5.0 with low miles under 20k in my city. Mod for mod the 5th gen is better plus transformer's lol.

[@s3836]

It looks like, most of the people dont understand mechanic. I had a lot of cars and 15tm or once a year is enough for an oil change. But for the lacquer, my BMW 285.000Km from 2004 looks better

[@Phantomstriker98]

👍

[@donramon2501]

Wow just buy a Camaro 2 weeks in one injector was bad two day later a sensor from the muffler went bad that's almost 550 In two weeks . Watching this got me more scared

[@tonygu2958]

Note: she has a LS motor, not the LT. Beware of the id's of march.😮

[@gvaspirated]

what?

[@tonygu2958]

She has the Ls engine vs 6 gen Lt, look up the differences. I have the 6th gen 2018, 2ss. A. Upgrade from 5th gen ss.not knocking the 5th gen, but definitely a upgrade.😮​@gvaspirated

[@NeoTheOne41]

Im at almost 123k on mines. I've have over 20k in repairs and 15k in mods. I know a total waste of money...lol

[@gvaspirated]

xD

[@MGB000DRIVER]

at 166,000 on my 2015 Camaro v6

[@Axeman428]

I’ve had to change starters three times on my 2015 Camaro at 61,000 miles and needs another one now. Brakes once. It sounds like a rattle trap and uses oil. I won’t be buying another one.

[@noshynosh3249]

My 2010 ss had/has a lemon for a transmission. 6 speed manual. Flywheel bolts snapped at 21000. Again at 30000. New transmission lasted 500 miles. This current tranny has lasted 10000 plus but is still clunky at 2nd and 3rd. You can feel the 2nd gear blocker for 1-4 shift. 1-4 is the worst most useless invention. Why have a manual that forces me to shift to a specific gear. 1-3 maybe but shifting to 4th is a big rpm drop. Too big. I will have to upgrade the tranny if I want to keep the car until classic years.

[@jeffb243]

My 2004 Grand Prix GTP COMP G with 207,000 miles is in better shape than that Camaro. I guess I take better care of my car(s).

[@luispesina88]

7 years with 65kmiles, just oil changes

[@benjaminmeza5372]

Yeah but the older it gets the more you're going to beat it up because you realize it's getting old anyway.

[@indang3r610]

well if u sell it, u probably get the repairs money back :)

[@chaos4495]

87 octane in a muscle V8…

[@iamwashed1844]

I hate to say it hut mannn you really aint even gotten to the meat and bones of these cars

[@gvaspirated]

wdym?

[@CoyotePark]

Sounds absolutely horrible :o

[@CJBuilt]

Do a walkthrough of the Honda!!