RC F (2015-present) Discussion topics related to the RC F model

Traded "her" in for a '16 Chevy Camaro SS

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Old 12-29-16 | 10:14 AM
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Originally Posted by gipsonke
That's incredible! I've never had that much problems with cars. And have owned a large variety, foreign and domestic.

I guess I never have taken my cars to dealers, whatever the brand. Have been lucky and had the same mechanic for 20+ years (for stuff that I absolutely can't do myself).

My Camaro is the 2nd GM car I've had (I had a Buick Skylark - I think that what is was, back in '88). My Dad swore by his Pontiac Bonneville, and was definitely an old school
(Proudly) "Made in the USA" kinda guy.

I've owned a variety of cars over the last 40+ years, including:

1971 VW Beetle
1977 Ford (Mercury) Capri (my "roaring 20's, whale-tail, Centerlines, "Wink" mirror, you get the idea)
1985 Mitsubishi Mirage (cheap/reliable College transpo)
1988 Buick Skylark
1991 Nissan 240SX (Hands down my FAVORITE!)
1995 Ford Thunderbird SVE! (WHY did I sell that car!!!???)
2000 Chrysler 300M
2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS V-6
2003 Ford Taurus SHO
2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse (4-cyl)
2008 Toyota RAV4
2015 Lexus RCF
2016 Chevy Camaro SS (current)

All of these cars went 150K+ miles with no major issues, except one - which I'll get into in a minute.

I change the oil + filter (myself) every 3K to 5K miles.

Engine oil:
Either Pennzoil, Mobil 1 or Valvoline SYNPOWER. The latest choice (for the SS) was Pennzoil ULTRA Platinum,
The RCF was the exception, since I had a pre-paid maintenance plan with it. I (reluctantly) took it to the dealer
to have the oil changed.

Ironically - the ONLY car on the list that I had major issues with (the Ford Taurus came close 2nd) was the TOYOTA RAV4!?

OIL CONSUMPTION / Defective RINGS

On their 2AZ engines, Toyota considered oil consumption to be "NORMAL" at one quart of oil used per 1,200 miles or LESS of "normal driving, which
is total BS. Toyota (like most manufacturers) refuses to use the "R" (RECALL) word and I believe there is a class-action lawsuit over this. My RAV4 (which I still have) - BLEW UP
exactly one month ago (at least it made it to 160K miles), so it's back at home now with a new (re-built) engine ($1,600). I know the oil consumption issue contributed to it because
I bought the car used and it was down 2+ quarts, and when I first added oil to it - I noticed the dipstick had a "crust" of burned oil on it.

For the past 4 years of owning it I "babied" the engine, dropping the oil pan, cleaning the pickup, which would get fouled every year.
De-"Sludging" the journals/internals in it periodically. My wife and I had to keep oil in the back of the car and constantly check and top it off (I'm talking weekly).

Needless to say, I discussed the issue with my mechanic (who was aware of the 2AZ engine issue) and he bored the block out and fitted over-sized (NEW) pistons and RINGS on the re-built
engine. Normally on the "break-in" I would drive-the-hell-out-of-it for the first 500 miles, but my mechanic told me to take it easy, don't drive
over 50 MPH, vary the speed, etc. It started "rod-knocking" after only a week, so I had to take it back. My mechanic said that given the history of the engine, he decided then
to buy another used block, ditch mine and re-build that one. I've got it back (the 2nd time) and it's been good for about two weeks.

I still have the 09 Mitsu Eclipse, it's running well - my step-son's gonna take it as his first car. It's got close to 200K+ miles on it.
Rebuilt the engine myself about a year ago as a Thanksgiving/Christmas vacation "project".

What were the issues with your GM's, particularly your Camaro - if I might ask?

I've had nothing but Domestic since 1978,

1968 Ford Thunderbird - dads car I learned to drive on.
1978 Trans Am - my first car
1986 Silverado
1990 Ford Escort (don't ask)
1993 Ford Probe GT
1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (owned with the Probe, it is when I started getting in to restoring)
1996 Silverado
1999 Impala SS
1999 Silverado Z71
2002 Impala SS
2005 Chrysler 300c SRT
2010 Avalanche LTZ 4x4
2012 Camaro SS/RS Convertible
2015 RCF.

out of all those vehicles,

the 2002 Impala SS - lemon law, Car would not start if the outside temp was >95° known issue the ECU was in the engine bay UNDER the air intake box.. the 2002-2005 Impala and Monte Carlos had the same issue, GM NEVER FIXED IT
the 2010 Avalanche - lemon law. Truck electronics would complete shut down randomly while driving, while the truck would still function, all gauges, HVAC controls, Radio, lights, etc would cease to function, only a key cycle would restore it, GM replaced every module in the truck over the course of 3 months and it would still randomly shut down.

the 2012 Camaro SS/RS - lemon law, Known issue with the 2011-2014 Convertibles, where the power frame on the convertible top would pinch the top when opening, and when you closed the top it would grab that pinched area and tear the top, it was a design flaw in how the top retracted, GM did put a recall out for it, which consisted of putting some tape on the edges that would grab and pinch, that lasted a whole 3 months before the tape wore through and the top tore again, owned the car for 3 years, and in that time the top was replaced 4 times each time taking 3-4 weeks in the shop.

these were all major fights with GM and the dealerships to get the repairs done, and the buy back was a major hassle (except the Camaro, GM owned that without me having to get a lawyer)

Prior to 2000 every GM I had lasted 150K -200K miles and the only major issue I ever had was the 1996 Silverado - alternator failed @ 30K, 1999 Silverado and Impala water pump failed on both >160K miles.

my 1993 Ford Probe was recalled for a design issue where the air scoop was mounted below the center line of the vehicle and in heavy rain it would suck water into the motor, mine did and Ford replaced the motor no questions asked.

now in the same time frame my wife owned a 1999 Toyota Camry - 264K miles and traded for a 2007 Camry, 145K miles and we just traded that for a 2017 Camry. Not one of those Camry's went to a dealer for anything but routine maintenance.

I used to do all the maintenance myself, but a motorcycle accident in 2003 that left me semi-disabled makes it difficult to do oil changes and brake jobs now, so I just take it in. In 2015 I bought a 1995 4Runner for off-roading and camping, I rebuilt that myself and do most of the service on it myself because it is a lifted truck so I don't really have to get on the ground to do the work..
Old 12-29-16 | 06:03 PM
  #17  
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I can't even imagine trying to compare a lexus to any Camaro. Facts: the Camaro will Never holds its resale value like the lexus, the Camaro will never be no where close to having the reliability the lexus will have, you just downgraded my friend over 0-60 times but hey to each their own....
Congrats but why come here to brag about something that makes no sense. . Get that mullet hair done up and head on over to the Camaro forums!!!!
Old 12-29-16 | 06:14 PM
  #18  
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I guess some people are just proud of American Muscle Cars. LOL

I wonder what % of actual US made components are on that Camaro?




Originally Posted by cosmo1
I can't even imagine trying to compare a lexus to any Camaro. Facts: the Camaro will Never holds its resale value like the lexus, the Camaro will never be no where close to having the reliability the lexus will have, you just downgraded my friend over 0-60 times but hey to each their own....
Congrats but why come here to brag about something that makes no sense. . Get that mullet hair done up and head on over to the Camaro forums!!!!
Old 12-30-16 | 09:12 AM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by lexusrus
I guess some people are just proud of American Muscle Cars. LOL

I wonder what % of actual US made components are on that Camaro?
very few, a good percentage (35-40%) of GM parts are Chinese or Mexican made, GM has a large auto part manufacturing presence in China.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/26/bu...s/26chevy.html
http://www.fool.com/investing/genera...-vehicles.aspx
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2012/03...n-america.html


There is nothing wrong with American Muscle Cars, bang for the buck they are the best deal out there, lots of power for 1/4 mile runs, The Camaro does pretty decent in Auto-X as well.

It's a difference in value, lots of power in a big oversized low mpg motor instead of quality interiors, good mpg, long life, and better resale.

The resale issue is because American Car companies sell a lot of fleet vehicles, the more of a thing there is the less resale value it has, you'll find 10:1 ratio of American cars on rental lots over Imports. And with the Camaro the big issue is the massive (50,000 or more) amounts of the lower end versions that are sold to both fleet and the public. For 2015 Lexus sold 14,784 RC-F. Chevy sold 77,502 Camaros.

I don't see the trade of an RCF to a Camaro as a down grade myself, I see it as a compromise. More power vs. more Luxury. To each their own.

Last edited by mjeds; 12-30-16 at 09:20 AM.
Old 12-30-16 | 09:58 AM
  #20  
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Wow, a brand new 2017 Camaro SS for like $33k?

http://m.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=440329526&zip=92592&endYear=2017&pageLayout=list&sortBy=distanceASC&startYear=2016&searchRadius=300&offset=15&mmt=%5BCHEV%5BCAM%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D

http://m.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal...5D%5D%5B%5D%5D

That is a lot of car for the money!!!


Originally Posted by mjeds
very few, a good percentage (35-40%) of GM parts are Chinese or Mexican made, GM has a large auto part manufacturing presence in China.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/26/bu...s/26chevy.html
http://www.fool.com/investing/genera...-vehicles.aspx
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2012/03...n-america.html


There is nothing wrong with American Muscle Cars, bang for the buck they are the best deal out there, lots of power for 1/4 mile runs, The Camaro does pretty decent in Auto-X as well.

It's a difference in value, lots of power in a big oversized low mpg motor instead of quality interiors, good mpg, long life, and better resale.

The resale issue is because American Car companies sell a lot of fleet vehicles, the more of a thing there is the less resale value it has, you'll find 10:1 ratio of American cars on rental lots over Imports. And with the Camaro the big issue is the massive (50,000 or more) amounts of the lower end versions that are sold to both fleet and the public. For 2015 Lexus sold 14,784 RC-F. Chevy sold 77,502 Camaros.

I don't see the trade of an RCF to a Camaro as a down grade myself, I see it as a compromise. More power vs. more Luxury. To each their own.
Old 12-30-16 | 10:18 AM
  #21  
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ok ill bite, i truly do not understand why if you wanted more power you didnt go to the m4
Old 12-30-16 | 10:32 AM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by shadow1118
ok ill bite, i truly do not understand why if you wanted more power you didnt go to the m4
probably to save money and have the same amount of fun. he got a nice trade in value for the RC-F as well.
Old 12-30-16 | 10:36 AM
  #23  
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Default Here's a comparison for you

My Lexus RCF $76K
My new Chevy Camaro SS $38K

I guess "makes sense" is relative?

Oh, and I prefer my Afro to a mullet any day brotha.

Peace out
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Old 12-30-16 | 11:02 AM
  #24  
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Actually RCF can be had for like $62k and the Camaro SS for $33k. Both brand new.

Still the difference is significant.

I would not do it though even knowing the dollar difference. It's just me. I guess bc I don't have to. Also when I get inside the Camaro I don't see nor do I feel special or pampered. To me it is like I just landed at some airport and picked up another rental car.

It is true that the bang for the buck is tremendous.

Originally Posted by gipsonke
My Lexus RCF $76K
My new Chevy Camaro SS $38K

I guess "makes sense" is relative?

Oh, and I prefer my Afro to a mullet any day brotha.

Peace out
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Old 12-30-16 | 12:36 PM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by lexusrus
Actually RCF can be had for like $62k and the Camaro SS for $33k. Both brand new.

Still the difference is significant.

I would not do it though even knowing the dollar difference. It's just me. I guess bc I don't have to. Also when I get inside the Camaro I don't see nor do I feel special or pampered. To me it is like I just landed at some airport and picked up another rental car.

It is true that the bang for the buck is tremendous.
"Bang for the buck" - THAT is the comparison. I don't know how much you guys paid for your RCF's but I pre-ordered mine and got one of the FIRST in the South Bay (Los Angeles) area, two+ years ago when they first came out.

There was no negotiation possible, some dealers were selling them for a $5K/$10K PREMIUM (over MSRP).

It was fully loaded USB - had every option with the exception of the CF hood, etc. $76K out the door. I put 40+ Grand DOWN on it.

And don't regret a thing.

Look I'm HAPPY with the choices I've made. The RCF is a FANTASTIC car, definitely the nicest car I've ever owned. I enjoyed the two+ years I had her.
Meeting up with some of you guys at the "F" meets, etc. But we're CAR (general) enthusiasts. One of our members (I'm sorry, I forgot his name
came to the Escondido "F" meet with his BEAUTIFUL Chevy Corvette Z06! And he rolled with us! Left his Lexus ISF at home. We were all cool with that.

When I went to the L.A. Auto Show last month - I saw two new beautiful car models that I was drooling over. The Chevy Camaro (ZL1) and the NEW Lexus LC 500.

Both were "the stars of the show". In fact, as I said in my original post, my SON was actually the one looking at Camaros. I just drove the Camaro SS myself - and just couldn't believe it.

When I sell my software company in 2-3 years, know that I will most likely be right back here on Club Lexus, showing off my latest (twin turbo??!!) Lexus LC 500!

If I ever became RICH - the FIRST car in my collection would be the LFA - one of the most compelling super cars on the planet.

Until then - I wish you all the best. It was great getting to know some of you guys personally. I'll be back - and enjoying whatever my ride might be - at that particular time.

Keith G.
Old 12-30-16 | 05:41 PM
  #26  
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Guys - The OP had a very nice Lexus RCF and decided to change things up which I respect. I know we are on a Lexus board but the dude chose to go a different direction and shared it with us. I do not think the guy, or anyone should get semi-toasted for that in my opinion.

I could be mistaken, but I did not see him say anything negative about the RCF's or Lexus, nor did he ask for anyone's input before buying his SS. He just chose to change things up.

Just my worthless 2 cents...
Old 12-30-16 | 08:43 PM
  #27  
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I'm happy to hear you are very happy with the Camaro. Back in high school one of my "dream cars" was a Camaro (80's).

I too, was looking at the RCF when it first hit the dealers. I told my friend who was driving a brand new corvette Z06 at thr time which he had to order and wait for its arrival. He traded his Z06 for RCF at about the same time I got mine.

I just could not see me paying premium for the RCF or any car for that matter. I kept watching the RCF market conditions and read all the auto journals about the RCF. As you know, many of the auto journals were bias and favorEd the Euro brands. The public believed the auto journals!!! Then I noticed the inventory of RCF started to pile up at the dealers. And subsequently the prices started to drop. I eventually pulled the trigger on a L certified 2015 RCF with 2k miles on the odo at a major SoCal Lexus dealership. I was told some elderly lady bought it and then a few months later came back complaining about the stiff ride hurting her back. She just went ahead and traded in that RCF for another brand new LS460 sedan for a more cushy ride. I guess SOMEONE HAD TO BUY THESE THINGS BRAND NEW SO I CAN BUY IT LATER. It had all options except the TVD, CARBON STUFF. It did have the ML system which I liked on my other Lexus vehicles. MSRP wad around $76k. I picked it up for exactly $59k plus TTL. No trade involved.

I am very happy with the RCF. Sure there are cars out there faster, lighter, more powerful, and etc. It is all good.



Originally Posted by gipsonke
"Bang for the buck" - THAT is the comparison. I don't know how much you guys paid for your RCF's but I pre-ordered mine and got one of the FIRST in the South Bay (Los Angeles) area, two+ years ago when they first came out.

There was no negotiation possible, some dealers were selling them for a $5K/$10K PREMIUM (over MSRP).

It was fully loaded USB - had every option with the exception of the CF hood, etc. $76K out the door. I put 40+ Grand DOWN on it.

And don't regret a thing.

Look I'm HAPPY with the choices I've made. The RCF is a FANTASTIC car, definitely the nicest car I've ever owned. I enjoyed the two+ years I had her.
Meeting up with some of you guys at the "F" meets, etc. But we're CAR (general) enthusiasts. One of our members (I'm sorry, I forgot his name
came to the Escondido "F" meet with his BEAUTIFUL Chevy Corvette Z06! And he rolled with us! Left his Lexus ISF at home. We were all cool with that.

When I went to the L.A. Auto Show last month - I saw two new beautiful car models that I was drooling over. The Chevy Camaro (ZL1) and the NEW Lexus LC 500.

Both were "the stars of the show". In fact, as I said in my original post, my SON was actually the one looking at Camaros. I just drove the Camaro SS myself - and just couldn't believe it.

When I sell my software company in 2-3 years, know that I will most likely be right back here on Club Lexus, showing off my latest (twin turbo??!!) Lexus LC 500!

If I ever became RICH - the FIRST car in my collection would be the LFA - one of the most compelling super cars on the planet.

Until then - I wish you all the best. It was great getting to know some of you guys personally. I'll be back - and enjoying whatever my ride might be - at that particular time.

Keith G.
Old 12-31-16 | 12:40 AM
  #28  
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It's just hard for me to consider a camaro, the numbers are great, the sound the power the handling is outstanding but still the quality....How is it? Must be lots of fun though
Old 12-31-16 | 01:21 AM
  #29  
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Default Too early to tell

You know, honestly the long term reliability is my biggest concern. You just kinda take quality for granted with Japanese cars.

Not so with domestics, I guess for good reason? The longest running car I ever had was my college 1986 Dodge Colt (MITSUBISHI Mirage). 300K+ miles....on the ORIGINAL Engine!!! That little car took several of my nieces and nephews through college. Incredible. My Mitsu Eclipse is still going strong, 200k+ miles.

So with the Camaro...we'll see. Initial quality is good. Paint, fit and finish, but again, it's only got 4k miles on it. Means nothing. I do think that people don't realize the amenities that come with (admittedly) the fully loaded SS.
hot/cool seats (that you can really FEEL)
HUD!
Bose sound system
Back up camera
Full navigation with voice recognition
Great seats
24 color interior footwell/accent lighting
Auto pivoting mirrrors
Heated steering wheel
Apple / Android phone integration
phone CHARGING platform on center console
Mobile WiFi hotspot (up to 8 devices)
On-Star concierge/telematics services (GM invented this)
Brembo brakes
LAUNCH CONTROL
HID lights

This car is very nicely appointed.
A poster mentioned a "rent a car" interior, it is FAR from that.

My intent is NOT to try to "rag" on Lexus/RCF. Nope. I've got nothing but positive comments for Toyota, etc. But I do want to clear up some misconceptions about the Camaro, as well as provide insight into my thought process, motivations in this matter.

Finally, regardless of the past, GM is actually catching up on quality according to the revered JD Powers survey. They've already passed HONDA!

http://www.fool.com/amp/investing/general/2015/07/07/youll-never-believe-who-just-beat-honda-in-quality.aspx

IF the majority of the Club Lexus forum membership is interested, this former Lexus owner is willing to provide occasional updates in the future on my long term experiences with my new Camaro SS? If not, that's fine too. No hard feelings. I really don't wanna get FLAMED for posting here.

Regards,

Keith



Last edited by gipsonke; 12-31-16 at 01:32 AM. Reason: Minor addition too
Old 12-31-16 | 11:39 AM
  #30  
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I dig the new Camaro, My buddy was contemplating between an F and the new SS. Money was the deal breaker and for 38k fully loaded all in, he couldn't pass up the deal. He opted for the quad exhaust system Chevy offers. Man! Does it sound bad ***, it crackles and pops very nicely. My initial impression is that Chevy indeed has improved on the quality. The RCF has a plush luxurious feel, while the Camaro has more simple, direct look to it. Quite frankly you forget all about that once you floor this beast! Pulling from the 1-3 gears felt brutal! It pulls you back so hard! We immediately put his Camaro and ISF head to head...lol. It was a lot of fun! I posted a thread on that awhile back. Happy Motoring!



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