by Gabrielle DeSantis

With only 2,600 miles on the ticker, this 2015 Chevy Camaro ZL1 is practically brand new. Some prefer this generation over the current sixth-gen. If that is how you feel and you wish you had bought one when new, this could be your lucky day. It’s the right Camaro all murdered out and ready for some fun.

A ZL1 Camaro with super low miles and a stick

It even has a six-speed manual transmission. Combine that with the supercharged ZL1 6.2-liter LSA V8 and it is optioned just right. That amounts to 580 hp and 556 lb-ft of torque. Or put another way; zero to 60 mph times are four seconds and 184 mph top speed. 

But there’s more. The optional Sueded Microfiber Package gets some added daylight with a power sunroof. Recaro performance seats, dual-mode performance exhaust, Brembo brakes, magnetic ride control suspension, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, and a limited-slip diff all enhances this special Camaro. It is also equipped with a nav system, heads-up display, cargo mat, and carbon fiber accents. 

The ZL1 was the top-of-the-line Camaro in 2015

When new, this 2015 Camaro sold for $62,490. It was the top dog for Camaro offerings in 2015. The current bid is at $30,000 with three days left. Based on Hagerty’s valuation tool, in this type of condition, it is worth around $52,000. A new ZL1 comes in at $62,000. 

This was the last year of the fifth-gen Camaro. It made its first appearance in 2010, looking similar to the concept Camaro seen in the Transformers movies. The ZL1 package debuted in 2012. It should be noted Chevy said at the time that more than 30-percent of the components used in the ZL1 were unique to this model. 

Chevy made only 1,850 ZL1s in this final year

So these were special Camaros. Only 1,971 were built the first year. In 2013 almost 8,000 ZL1s were built. Then the numbers fell. 

Only 2,436 came off of the line in 2014, and just 1,850 for the final year, of which this is one. So, even if this comes close to what Hagerty says it is worth, this ZL1 is still $10,000 cheaper than a new one. And for some, it is the better-looking of the two. 

RELATED: 2021 Camaro Sales So Bad Chevy Kills Planned Z/28 Return

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by Gabrielle DeSantis

Like Audi itself within the US market, the A4 model has been through many ups and downs over the years. Examples from the early 2000s were notoriously problematic, but the vehicle has improved significantly since 2017. In fact, Consumer Reports has not only recommended the B9 A4, but rated it higher than its more popular SUV sibling, the Q5.

Is the Audi A4 reliable?

Not only is the current B9 generation incredibly reliable overall, but it’s one of the most dependable compact luxury sedans on the market. Starting in 2018, Consumer Reports has given the A4 its best 5/5 rating for Overall Reliability. A key factor is the well-proven 2.0-liter TFSI engine, which has been continuously updated since 2006.

For 2021, Audi unveiled a 12-volt mild-hybrid setup for the 2.0T motor, which adds a new electric variable. While that doesn’t necessarily mean the new engine will be any less reliable, the additional complexity could lead to problems as the 2021 models get older. Or it might not.

Since the Q5 shares the same engine, it should theoretically be reliable too, right? Consumer Reports doesn’t seem to think so. They gave the 2021 Q5 a 3/5 for predicted reliability, and the 2020 Q5 received a 2/5. Clearly, there are other components of the Q5 that bring its score down. Yet, Audi has sold over twice as many Q5s as A4s over the past few years.

Is the B9 A4 fun to drive?

The lost art of deciding which gear you’re in. #40YearsOfquattro pic.twitter.com/AyMKvEVzph

— Audi USA (@Audi) March 10, 2020

If you like sedans with a near-perfect balance of performance, all-weather capability, and ride comfort, the latest A4 is hard to beat for the price. From the factory, a B9-chassis A4 can keep up with sports cars on a mountain road, yet be luxurious and practical as a daily vehicle. With quattro all-wheel drive, it can also do that in the rain, sleet, snow, or dry weather.

The B9-chassis was even available with a six-speed manual transmission until the end of the 2018 model year. Thankfully, the A4’s seven-speed dual-clutch is so good that most drivers will rarely miss having a clutch pedal. With a DSG gearbox, you can really have the best of both worlds. Manual engagement via flappy paddles or the gear selector is available when you want that experience. But traffic jams are much nicer with an automatic, and especially Audi’s twin-clutch. If you must have the manual trans in your B9 A4, you’ll need to scour the market for a 2017 or 2018.

Are there any drawbacks?

Not many, actually. The body design is boring, according to some in the automotive media establishment. But some like to fly under the radar, and will have no problem with that. If turning heads in a small sedan is your mission, then go for a purple RS3 or an Alfa Romeo Giulia instead. The backseat and trunk of the A4 are a bit cramped when compared to a crossover SUV. Integrating the long-wheelbase that Audi offers on Chinese A4s on a non-Allroad wagon could solve those problems, but then you basically end up with a lowered Q5.

So the only question that remains: When will we see an all-electric A4 etron?

RELATED: Audi Design Chief Envisions Car Interior of the Future

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