Thinking about buying a 2011 Camaro 2SS RS3 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Soul Reaver · 07-23-2014, 11:22 PM

Thinking about buying a 2011.
I've been lurking on this forum for about a week now and like the feedback and opinions I've seen.

The beauty I've been eyeing has the following and I would like to get some advice on buying this car. Such as potential issues/problems to look for (known recalls?) etc, etc.

2011 2SS RS3
Convertible
6.2L V8
Manual transmission
MagnaFlow exhaust
K&N cold air intake

3 possible issues I know of so far for this model/year.

1 - Problems with programming of the air conditioner. This can potentially cause problems with it cooling and even make the compressor go bad. The car I'm looking at was not affected by this that I know of, but I am going to check the VIN to verify.

2 - Possible problems with the top detatching/rubbing/wind-tunneling/leaking by the doors. This car has not had any issues with those that I know of. Is there anything I should look for specifically to indicate if there is/could be a problem?

3 - Recent recall on the ignition/keyfob. The seller is checking into this for me.

Any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated! If I don't pick this one up, I plan on buying something newer next spring.

Thanks in advance!!!

satxrider · 07-23-2014, 11:45 PM

I think you're referring to the LS3 engine. I haven't heard of issue with the AC but I haven't met anyone yet that had any problems. My AC works extremely well even in the 100+ degree weather in south Texas.

But being an SS with some mods completed, I would look for unussual wear and tear. I would run the VIN through Carfax to get an idea of regular maintenance.

Post up some pictures or if its for sale on-line, post a link.

Mark114 · 07-23-2014, 11:59 PM

Check the top for unusual rub marks, tears, holes, and pinch marks along the sides where it folds and unfolds. Have somebody raise/lower top while you watch to make sure it moves smoothly and evenly (no slight twisting or binding). Check for indications of water or mold in rear seat footwells (water will collect here if the top leaks). Maybe see if owner will let you run it through a touchless car wash or spray top with a garden hose to look for leaks. There are numerous threads with pictures of things to look for in the convertible subforum.

All key fobs are on the recall list. If you read the details the fobs are fine. It is just a risk if you drive in a position were you can bump it with your knee while driving.

Good luck!

Mean Green Z28 · 07-24-2014, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by satxrider

But being an SS with some mods completed, I would look for unussual wear and tear. I would run the VIN through Carfax to get an idea of regular maintenance.

With many owners swearing by never letting anyone touch their car and doing maintenance by themselves, that's not really possible on our cars. You'll just have to trust the owner on that one if no service history is on carfax.

Soul Reaver · 07-24-2014, 03:33 AM

Thanks for all of the feedback. I will definitely need to do some checking and ask him more specifics. I'm now wondering if it is truly the 2SS or just the SS. I was assuming the RS3 he mentioned was a tire upgrade/package, but as satxrider mentioned, maybe it's the LS3. Mark114, thanks for the extra advice about the top, that was another one of my big concerns as I believe 2011 was the first year they did the convertible.

I also forgot to mention, the car has only about 8K miles so not sure if that's too few that some issues may not have had a chance to present themselves yet.

Thanks again everyone! I'll report back with the outcome.

Mean Green Z28 · 07-24-2014, 03:39 AM

Pull up the trunk carpet and the option code sticker should be on the left trunk floor.

Demon War Horse · 07-24-2014, 07:15 AM

Good luck!

Demon War Horse · 07-24-2014, 07:16 AM

Accidental double... Darn phone!

bwk1971 · 07-24-2014, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soul Reaver

Thanks for all of the feedback. I will definitely need to do some checking and ask him more specifics. I'm now wondering if it is truly the 2SS or just the SS. I was assuming the RS3 he mentioned was a tire upgrade/package, but as satxrider mentioned, maybe it's the LS3. Mark114, thanks for the extra advice about the top, that was another one of my big concerns as I believe 2011 was the first year they did the convertible.

I also forgot to mention, the car has only about 8K miles so not sure if that's too few that some issues may not have had a chance to present themselves yet.

Thanks again everyone! I'll report back with the outcome.

It is probably a 2SS/RS with an LS3 (manual transmission). Check out the convertible section on this forum. There have been a plethora of discussions respecting top issues on these cars, specifically 2011 and 2012, although 2013s are not immune.

Good luck!

cadyshac · 07-24-2014, 07:53 AM

You are correct, 2011 was the first year for the 'vert, and as others have said,thoroughly check out the top.

As for the 2SS, does the car have leather, 4 gauge pack, heads up display, Boston Acoustics stereo? All of these were standard on 2SS package.

its a syn · 07-24-2014, 08:27 AM

Go to the thread " Iowa members get in here" there are a couple of guys with 'verts that you could pick there brains with some of your questions. Good luck and hope to see you at some of the Iowa shows.

07-23-2014, 11:22 PM	#1
Soul Reaver Drives: 2011 2SS RS Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Iowa Posts: 3	Thinking about buying a 2011 Camaro 2SS RS3 Thinking about buying a 2011. I've been lurking on this forum for about a week now and like the feedback and opinions I've seen. The beauty I've been eyeing has the following and I would like to get some advice on buying this car. Such as potential issues/problems to look for (known recalls?) etc, etc. 2011 2SS RS3 Convertible 6.2L V8 Manual transmission MagnaFlow exhaust K&N cold air intake 3 possible issues I know of so far for this model/year. 1 - Problems with programming of the air conditioner. This can potentially cause problems with it cooling and even make the compressor go bad. The car I'm looking at was not affected by this that I know of, but I am going to check the VIN to verify. 2 - Possible problems with the top detatching/rubbing/wind-tunneling/leaking by the doors. This car has not had any issues with those that I know of. Is there anything I should look for specifically to indicate if there is/could be a problem? 3 - Recent recall on the ignition/keyfob. The seller is checking into this for me. Any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated! If I don't pick this one up, I plan on buying something newer next spring. Thanks in advance!!!

07-23-2014, 11:45 PM	#2
satxrider Bad 45th Drives: 2012 45th Anniversay Edition SS Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: San Antonio Posts: 548	I think you're referring to the LS3 engine. I haven't heard of issue with the AC but I haven't met anyone yet that had any problems. My AC works extremely well even in the 100+ degree weather in south Texas. But being an SS with some mods completed, I would look for unussual wear and tear. I would run the VIN through Carfax to get an idea of regular maintenance. Post up some pictures or if its for sale on-line, post a link. __________________ - Carl 2012 45th Anniversary SS - LS3 Magnuson TVS 2300 Supercharger / Alky Meth Injection / Lingenfelter GT12 Cam / Kooks LT Headers, 3 inch exhaust & QTP electric cut outs / Monster LT1-S Twin Disc Clutch / MGW flat blade short throw shifter / Haltech CAI / VMax Throttle Body / DSS Stage 3 axles/ BMR Trailing Arms, Toe Rods, Suspension Bushing and 1" lowering springs / Taylor 8MM Plug Wires / Tuned by Henderson Performance Technologies / EBC dimpled and sloted rotors / G2 Painted Calipers / GM Tower Strut Brace / ZL1 Factory Rep Wheels

07-24-2014, 03:39 AM	#6
Mean Green Z28 Drives: 2010 2SS Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Annapolis, MD Posts: 941 View My Garage	Pull up the trunk carpet and the option code sticker should be on the left trunk floor. __________________ 2010 2SS - CAI Intake, ADM Scoop, RotoFab Washer relo. LT Headers and off-road pipes, X-pipe, Muffler Deletes, ZL1 Spoiler, Technostalgia Tail-lights '98 T/A (Sold) - Forged 6.0ltr, MS3, P&P'd Heads/Valves, 90MM FAST/TB, Headers, 3" Y-pipe, 4" Mufflex Catback. Koni Adjustables w/GC coilovers (550/175), Strano Sway Bars '94 Z28 (Sold) ... LS1 swap (basically same setup as the T/A), TH350/3500 stall ... swapped it all into the T/A -- >> Some of my Projects My Fquick Page

07-24-2014, 07:15 AM	#7
Demon War Horse War Horse Pilot Drives: 2017 NFG 1SS 1LE Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: N.Texas Posts: 2,458 View My Garage	Good luck! __________________ COTW 09/07/2015 - 2014 AGM 2SS/RS - RIP 6/01/17 2017 Nightfall Gray Metallic 1SS 1LE Born 5/17/17 - *Click Sig Pic below for for Demon War Horse 02 Build Thread* SigPic by Hazman

07-24-2014, 07:16 AM	#8
Demon War Horse War Horse Pilot Drives: 2017 NFG 1SS 1LE Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: N.Texas Posts: 2,458 View My Garage	Accidental double... Darn phone! __________________ COTW 09/07/2015 - 2014 AGM 2SS/RS - RIP 6/01/17 2017 Nightfall Gray Metallic 1SS 1LE Born 5/17/17 - *Click Sig Pic below for for Demon War Horse 02 Build Thread* SigPic by Hazman Last edited by Demon War Horse; 07-24-2014 at 07:54 AM.

07-23-2014, 11:59 PM	#3
Mark114 Drives: 2016 2SS Convertible Join Date: May 2012 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,716 View My Garage	Check the top for unusual rub marks, tears, holes, and pinch marks along the sides where it folds and unfolds. Have somebody raise/lower top while you watch to make sure it moves smoothly and evenly (no slight twisting or binding). Check for indications of water or mold in rear seat footwells (water will collect here if the top leaks). Maybe see if owner will let you run it through a touchless car wash or spray top with a garden hose to look for leaks. There are numerous threads with pictures of things to look for in the convertible subforum. All key fobs are on the recall list. If you read the details the fobs are fine. It is just a risk if you drive in a position were you can bump it with your knee while driving. Good luck!

07-24-2014, 03:33 AM	#5
Soul Reaver Drives: 2011 2SS RS Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Iowa Posts: 3	Thanks for all of the feedback. I will definitely need to do some checking and ask him more specifics. I'm now wondering if it is truly the 2SS or just the SS. I was assuming the RS3 he mentioned was a tire upgrade/package, but as satxrider mentioned, maybe it's the LS3. Mark114, thanks for the extra advice about the top, that was another one of my big concerns as I believe 2011 was the first year they did the convertible. I also forgot to mention, the car has only about 8K miles so not sure if that's too few that some issues may not have had a chance to present themselves yet. Thanks again everyone! I'll report back with the outcome.

07-24-2014, 07:53 AM	#10
cadyshac It's in the hole! Drives: '11 2SS L99 SGM, '18 2SS, M6, HWSE Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Kentucky Posts: 1,378	You are correct, 2011 was the first year for the 'vert, and as others have said,thoroughly check out the top. As for the 2SS, does the car have leather, 4 gauge pack, heads up display, Boston Acoustics stereo? All of these were standard on 2SS package.

07-24-2014, 08:27 AM	#11
its a syn B.O.D. 02/16/10 Drives: 2010 SGM Sp. Edition 2017 RS Conver Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Albia,Iowa Posts: 3,959 View My Garage	Go to the thread " Iowa members get in here" there are a couple of guys with 'verts that you could pick there brains with some of your questions. Good luck and hope to see you at some of the Iowa shows. __________________