Chevrolet killed the Camaro in 2024 with no confirmed replacement, so you're shopping a discontinued platform with uncertain parts support ahead. The 6th-gen V8 models, SS, LT1, ZL1, are holding value at shocking rates while V6 trims crater: one 2LT owner lost $10k in equity after just 8,000 miles. The engine choice matters more here than almost any other car on the market. If you want a modern muscle car with a future, the Mustang is still in production. If you want a V8 Camaro before they're gone, buy the SS or LT1 and skip the four- and six-cylinders entirely, those are the ones dealers can't give away.
Quick enough to embarrass pricier metal, practical enough to haul a 65-inch TV, and genuinely fun in a way most modern performance cars forgot how to be. The Mk7 and 7.5 (2015-2021) hit the sweet spot: bulletproof EA888 engine, sharp handling, and interiors that punch above their weight. The catch is maintenance, skip an oil change or ignore a clogged sunroof drain and you'll meet your VW specialist more than you planned. The Mk8 stumbled with maddening touchscreen controls and software that occasionally forgets how to play music, though the 2026 refresh claws back the driving feel. If you're the type who actually enjoys cars and doesn't mind being on a first-name basis with your mechanic, this is still one of the best daily drivers under $40k. Skip it if you want appliance-grade reliability.