Talk to me about 5th Gens - NJFBOA - Home of New Jersey's Camaros and Firebirds

ar0ck · 03-31-2017, 10:43 AM

I'm just curious, but whats the word on 5th gens, specifically 14-15's. Good? Bad?

Also has anyone dealt with Bridgewater Acura?

Sure I could google, but I like to see activity on the forums.

BonzoHansen · 03-31-2017, 10:56 AM

I like the looks of the later ones better than the early ones that is for sure.

ar0ck · 03-31-2017, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BonzoHansen

I like the looks of the later ones better than the early ones that is for sure.

The headlights & taillights are what do it for me. I'm obviously looking at SS packages. One thing Im trying to find out if there are tall tell signs of being able to distinguish a 1LE from an SS car too.

Blackbirdws6 · 03-31-2017, 11:11 AM

I'm not familiar with the 5th gens too well but I recall the 1LE was easily distinguished from the others as having the matte black hood. I also recall the SS M6 got the LS3 whereas the auto cars received a 400HP LS based motor (L99?).

Anti_Rice_Guy · 03-31-2017, 11:36 AM

I could've sworn Paul (V) bought one or multiple of his cars there years ago.

ws6 jim · 03-31-2017, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ar0ck

The headlights & taillights are what do it for me. I'm obviously looking at SS packages. One thing Im trying to find out if there are tall tell signs of being able to distinguish a 1LE from an SS car too.

The 1le should have the black zl1 style wheels quad active exhaust and Recaro seats along with the wrapped hood as obvious exterior cues.

They are the nicer cars then the earlier years of the 5th gen for sure.

PolarBear · 03-31-2017, 01:03 PM

I think they weigh around 5,000lbs, you need an air brake endorsement on your license to drive one

wretched73 · 03-31-2017, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PolarBear

I think they weigh around 5,000lbs, you need an air brake endorsement on your license to drive one

Didn't they switch over to an engine brake in '14?

qwikz28 · 03-31-2017, 01:58 PM

Newer cars have updated suspension design and 1LEs (I believe) have wider wheels also.

They are really fast couches compared to a 4th gen.

unstable bob gable · 03-31-2017, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PolarBear

I think they weigh around 5,000lbs, you need an air brake endorsement on your license to drive one

And ya should run twin stacks out the hood.

LS1ow · 03-31-2017, 02:47 PM

why do they have 26 camaros ?

Blackbirdws6 · 03-31-2017, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LS1ow

why do they have 26 camaros ?

Their used car manager seems to have a thing for used performance cars. They typically have a bunch of fun cars to check out. I guess they do OK on the deals since they seem to show quite a bit of turnover.

qwikz28 · 03-31-2017, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LS1ow

why do they have 26 camaros ?

They always have a bunch of sports cars over there. Their used car inventory is always interesting. Once in a while, they will carry a low mileage 4th gen also.

Blackbirdws6 · 03-31-2017, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qwikz28

They always have a bunch of sports cars over there. Their used car inventory is always interesting. Once in a while, they will carry a low mileage 4th gen also.

Pewter SS and a couple Termi's there too. Kirk would love him some more pewter.

Jersey Mike · 03-31-2017, 04:09 PM

Funny. They just tagged us in a photo of a white V6 4th Gen they're selling. There are definitely some FBody roots in the building.

unstable bob gable · 03-31-2017, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LS1ow

why do they have 26 camaros ?

Where are we talking about?

V · 03-31-2017, 05:53 PM

I bought my old CTS-V from Bridgewater Acura. Weren't too bad to deal with. Just check out the car really well. I found out after the fact that there was a leak and the spare tire well was full of water. Turned out to be the drain line from the sunroof not properly ran into the fender well. But other than that they were fine. Oh, and the starter went 2 weeks after I bought the car and the one that was in it was modified and not the correct one. I complained to them and they actually came through with a check to cover the cost of a new starter.

I liked my 2014 Camaro. Lease was up in February. RS package gets the HIDs and LED taillights. Non rs headlights arent bad looking but the base taillights looked like junk imo. I swapped all lighting out for RS ones I bought. Wiring to convert them is tricky but I figured it out and then resold the RS lights for a profit.
Since mine was just a v6, I can't tell you much about the good. But I can give me opinion of the bad things. The base seats suck... I broke the upper seat frame on the outside while sitting and reaching back to grab my wallet. Took way too long to get fixed at the dealer, even got a loaner the second time around since they didn't reinstall the inner cushion properly and I had a metal bar sticking in my side. Visibility is limited as you probably know, many blind spots but you do get used to it. Suspension makes all sorts of noises. Both my front sway bar end links were destroyed and had to be replaced under warranty. Apparently its a common issue. But keep in mind, I turned the car in with only 21k miles. The base models also had an interior that really did feel cheap. Maybe some leather would have made it nicer, but who knows, too much plastic. Rear seats weren't horrible, fit a rear facing baby carrier on the passenger side. But even then, front leg room for the passenger was limited. All-in-all the 5th gens are ok with a v8, with a v6, I feel they are pointless

DadsZ28 · 03-31-2017, 06:39 PM

Talk to them once or twice before (bridgewater acura) and a guy i work with son works there as the finance mgr., he told me that the owner is pretty cool guy and lets them buy alot of high performance cars at auctions you can see that on most of the carfaxes.(dont know if thats good or bad) The prices seem a little high but they must still make a nice profit like someone said because they do turn over alot of them. They have some vettes too and alot of mustangs.

deadtrend1 · 03-31-2017, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wretched73

Didn't they switch over to an engine brake in '14?

Only when equipped with the 350 hp cummins or above.

maroman88 · 04-01-2017, 02:26 AM

that is an impressive inventory for an acura dealer... i think they have every lease return 1LE on the east coast lol

WayFast84 · 04-01-2017, 07:36 AM

Bridgewater Acura is like most car dealers but I don't think they hide many fees. My sister worked in the parts department there for a bit and I almost got a car there before I got my current daily.

LS1ow · 04-01-2017, 10:13 AM

i dont know if anyone has seen Park Ave Acura on rt17, but they have some great used cars there as well. AEV Jeeps, Lifted Diesels, Challengers, AMG Benz, ect.

Super odd coincidence that 2 acura dealers are killing the used car game lol

Frosty · 04-01-2017, 10:28 AM

They're decent cars. I liked my '14. Decent performance,visibility sucks, rode OK for a domestic performance car. One thing though, they're heavy, very heavy. The car feels bulky, it still handles well but you'll notice the weight as soon as you drive it. There's plenty of aftermarket support, you can easily mod it and have some fun.

My personal opinion? Wait until the 6thgens drop a bit more in price unless you don't like the looks. They make the 5thgens look like turd mobiles in terms on weight reduction, handling, overall performance interior quality etc. There's no comparison IMO.

elle · 04-01-2017, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LS1ow

i dont know if anyone has seen Park Ave Acura on rt17, but they have some great used cars there as well. AEV Jeeps, Lifted Diesels, Challengers, AMG Benz, ect.

Super odd coincidence that 2 acura dealers are killing the used car game lol

Prob same owners. Most owners have at least 2 or 3 different dealerships.

Like everyone else has said they always have performance style cars. I looked at WRX there once. Looked for a 5.0 there but they never have autos.

elle · 04-01-2017, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frosty

My personal opinion? Wait until the 6thgens drop a bit more in price unless you don't like the looks. They make the 5thgens look like turd mobiles in terms on weight reduction, handling, overall performance interior quality etc. There's no comparison IMO.

Ditto. My dad had both and the 6th is soooo much nicer.

5th rode awesome, comfortable, had enough power for a street car. More bang for buck over a 4th gen.

As I have said before. I loved my 4th and shouldn't have sold it. After looking at ridiculous prices to replace it I gave up.