[Spdkills464XC]

Hello all, looking at used ZL1’s and of course noticing more 18’s than anything else out there at the moment. My question is would you stay away from a lower mileage (sub 20k) 1 owner 2018 for the oil pump concerns? I’m under the impression that late 2019 production saw this issue mostly remedied from the research I’ve gathered on here. So in my search I’ve been mostly trying to look at 2020 and up, but the pickings are slim to be honest.

What are your thoughts on it roll the dice on a 2018 or find the newest best version you can?

Thanks in advance.

[Corbs09]

It seems like there are users with 19s and 20s that have had the same issue. I recently picked up an 18 and bought an extended warranty to go along with it, so I am not worried about it. If it happens I will get an updated pump, or a new motor.

[NG329]

I personally would absolutely not buy a 2017 and a 2018. Hence the reason why I bought a 2019. Others I'm sure would disagree with me but this is my personal opinion.

[Dave777]

Yes.

Hopefully the new cars have less problems.

[Z OH 6]

Originally Posted by Corbs09

It seems like there are users with 19s and 20s that have had the same issue. I recently picked up an 18 and bought an extended warranty to go along with it, so I am not worried about it. If it happens I will get an updated pump, or a new motor.

No, there isn't. This affects the 2017 and 2018 model years. It was corrected by 2019. Wise choice getting the extended warranty. That's one option or wait until it fails and come out of pocket and replace with an aftermarket pump like Katech and replace the timing chain tensioner/guide with an aftermarket one or the updated 2019 version.

[Z OH 6]

Originally Posted by NG329

I personally would absolutely not buy a 2017 and a 2018. Hence the reason why I bought a 2019. Others I'm sure would disagree with me but this is my personal opinion.

It depends, the value of the 2017 and 2018's are about $8-10K lower than the 2019+ so the money saved there is enough to replace the oil pump with an aftermarket piece and a new timing chain tensioner/guide. If you're not comfortable having that replaced at some point, you're right, stick with the 2019+ models.

[1badtie]

I bought my 18 ZL1 with 19k on it and flew halfway across the country and drove back in it. I have put 6k miles on it so far and all is well. I have the factory power train warranty for another 7 months and also plan on driving it to BG for camaro fest in July. Also newer ones are hard to find and from what I have seen used ones have only went up in price since I have bought mine 6 months ago. I would jump on the first deal you come across used or new.

[NG329]

Originally Posted by Z OH 6

It depends, the value of the 2017 and 2018's are about $8-10K lower than the 2019+ so the money saved there is enough to replace the oil pump with an aftermarket piece and a new timing chain tensioner/guide. If you're not comfortable having that replaced at some point, you're right, stick with the 2019+ models.

Once the oil pump fails you are almost certain to have bottom end bearing damage. If my pump failed I'd honestly want the engine replaced altogether... even if everything seemed okay initially. It doesn't take much starvation to damage the bottom end.

[L78toLT1]

Originally Posted by NG329

Once the oil pump fails you are almost certain to have bottom end bearing damage. If my pump failed I'd honestly want the engine replaced altogether... even if everything seemed okay initially. It doesn't take much starvation to damage the bottom end.

Doesn't the ecu set off a low oil pressure warning message when the pressure drops below normal? If so, and assuming you shut the engine off immediately, there shouldn't be any damage to the bottom end. An oil pressure light or message isn't like an overheat light where you can get away with driving a minute or so to get off the road, you've got to shut down almost immediately. I worked as a mechanic for several years and you would be surprised how many folks don't know that.

[TXCSSU]

I tend to stay away from used cars in general. Some people will claim that I'm a fool for paying for all that depreciation, but the peace of mind that you get for knowing the car's history from when it was built is worth the extra few thousand in depreciation that I'll see. Also, I have been telling people that with used prices so high you should probably look at new as the depreciation argument isn't as big a concern in the current market. And hell, if the Camaro is done for in 2024 you'll at least be able to get what you want (constraints not withstanding).

[Z OH 6]

Originally Posted by NG329

Once the oil pump fails you are almost certain to have bottom end bearing damage. If my pump failed I'd honestly want the engine replaced altogether... even if everything seemed okay initially. It doesn't take much starvation to damage the bottom end.

Not really though, you'll get warned when the oil pressure is low before that happens. As many people as I've seen that had them fail, I don't know of any that any engine damage.

[NG329]

Originally Posted by L78toLT1

Doesn't the ecu set off a low oil pressure warning message when the pressure drops below normal? If so, and assuming you shut the engine off immediately, there shouldn't be any damage to the bottom end. An oil pressure light or message isn't like an overheat light where you can get away with driving a minute or so to get off the road, you've got to shut down almost immediately. I worked as a mechanic for several years and you would be surprised how many folks don't know that.

You're not wrong on your logic, but you're wrong for "assuming it was shut off immediately" as you put it. Since you're buying used you don't really know if the previous owner shut it down immediately or the circumstances surrounding the failed pump? .....which is why I avoided those model years.

I've worked on Motorcycles for years and once the oil light came on due to starvation you were screwed.

[AZ_1LE]

No. Its a problem with about 4% of the cars.

[Xelor]

Run from a 2017-2019