Need help with buying a SS
#1
Need help with buying a SS
I am thinking of ss, but not sure if I should get an used 2008 or new 2009. also wondering about automatic vs manual.
Questions:
Any improvement or changes '09 over '08? An used '08 is about $4 cheaper than a new one, so tempting. What about '10? any known improvement that we know by now?
I would prefer an automatic, but these are my concerns:
1. I understand the certain "must have" ie the brembo brake/limited slip are only available on manual?
2. Since I will be upgrading to stage 1 ... and GM's auto box can't handle the power? Will the stage 1 kit work with automatic without negative effect?
Anything else that I should think of before buying? Thanks for helping.
Questions:
Any improvement or changes '09 over '08? An used '08 is about $4 cheaper than a new one, so tempting. What about '10? any known improvement that we know by now?
I would prefer an automatic, but these are my concerns:
1. I understand the certain "must have" ie the brembo brake/limited slip are only available on manual?
2. Since I will be upgrading to stage 1 ... and GM's auto box can't handle the power? Will the stage 1 kit work with automatic without negative effect?
Anything else that I should think of before buying? Thanks for helping.
#2
for the money.... get the '08. I have the GM Tune and an AUTO, and I have not seen any problems! with the GM Tune the auto gets a little more HP/T than the manual. From other threads the Manual guys are starting to burn through clutches. You can still add the Brembo brakes for around $800 and some greasy knuckles. After you add stage 1 its time for IC hot/cold piping, exhaust, BOV spring, Bigger Intercooler, and another tune on top GMS1. Yes the tranny is the weak link here, but there are a couple of guys reading 300+ at the wheels, with more toys. Its your call, as far as a '10 model I'm not sure? I've heard that the whole HHR line goes down in '10 but I could be wrong. If it was my money (and no kids) i'd get the Camero SS2 and put it in the garage until barret jackson could get me half a mill for it!
#3
Here are a couple of posts I started when I was still shopping:
Is There Any Reason *NOT* To Get A GM Certified HHR?
Auto tranny strong enough for stage 1?
I got my questions answered and bought the new 2008 SS because the used one got auctioned out from under me.
My only regret I have is that it has the grey/black interior not the red/black I wanted.
There's nothing wrong with the the grey/black, I like it a lot.
I just like the red/black better but it wasn't available around here when it was time to buy.
That's it.
I love it.
Is There Any Reason *NOT* To Get A GM Certified HHR?
Auto tranny strong enough for stage 1?
I got my questions answered and bought the new 2008 SS because the used one got auctioned out from under me.
My only regret I have is that it has the grey/black interior not the red/black I wanted.
There's nothing wrong with the the grey/black, I like it a lot.
I just like the red/black better but it wasn't available around here when it was time to buy.
That's it.
I love it.
#4
Between '08 and '09 is money. Some enhancements on the '09 are the RPD, bluetooth and USB port. I personally like the latter 2 options. Can do without the RPD as I prefer vintage analogue in a retromobile such as this. In my case, I could have bought an '09 with about 1k mi for about $21k, but kept shopping as it was more than I wanted to part with. You can get them for less now. Used units all avg about $18k regardless of year.
I opted for an '08 because I found a black one with a manual trans, limited slip diff and sunroof for $16.8k with 6k mi. You couldn't tell it was used. Most of my friends assume it's brand new. The extra 4 grand left me with enough for the ST1 (which was already done) plus more to spend on other upgrades. The factory warrantee is still intact and I was given 3 mos OnStar free.
I opted for an '08 because I found a black one with a manual trans, limited slip diff and sunroof for $16.8k with 6k mi. You couldn't tell it was used. Most of my friends assume it's brand new. The extra 4 grand left me with enough for the ST1 (which was already done) plus more to spend on other upgrades. The factory warrantee is still intact and I was given 3 mos OnStar free.
#5
Thanks guy for your advice. Sounded like there aren't any significant difference between '08 and '09 so a low mileage '08 may be the way to save a few $$?
Stage 1 seems to be fine with Auto too? the only 'sacraffice for taking an auto would be the lack of Brembo and limited slip d.
I guess it would void the warranty if one simply install the limited slip? Anyone knows how big a job is that?
Stage 1 seems to be fine with Auto too? the only 'sacraffice for taking an auto would be the lack of Brembo and limited slip d.
I guess it would void the warranty if one simply install the limited slip? Anyone knows how big a job is that?
#6
Thanks guy for your advice. Sounded like there aren't any significant difference between '08 and '09 so a low mileage '08 may be the way to save a few $$?
Stage 1 seems to be fine with Auto too? the only 'sacraffice for taking an auto would be the lack of Brembo and limited slip d.
I guess it would void the warranty if one simply install the limited slip? Anyone knows how big a job is that?
Stage 1 seems to be fine with Auto too? the only 'sacraffice for taking an auto would be the lack of Brembo and limited slip d.
I guess it would void the warranty if one simply install the limited slip? Anyone knows how big a job is that?
#7
Thanks guy for your advice. Sounded like there aren't any significant difference between '08 and '09 so a low mileage '08 may be the way to save a few $$?
Stage 1 seems to be fine with Auto too? the only 'sacraffice for taking an auto would be the lack of Brembo and limited slip d.
I guess it would void the warranty if one simply install the limited slip? Anyone knows how big a job is that?
Stage 1 seems to be fine with Auto too? the only 'sacraffice for taking an auto would be the lack of Brembo and limited slip d.
I guess it would void the warranty if one simply install the limited slip? Anyone knows how big a job is that?
Ask yours when you find one to buy.
I don't know about the LSD.
I'm not sure if it will work with the auto.
Hopefully someone in the know will enlighten us.
That's a mod worth getting real dirty for as long as it's warranty friendly.
I'm not sure it would be worth my time/money though.
I don't do much stop/start driving.
Most of the time I'm rolling & rolling & rolling...
I think it would be excellent for someone in the city that likes to race light to light or at the track.
#9
When I bought mine in April I went w/ the new '09. I just like knowing I am the only one who drove it for an extended time. I know how I beat on it and didn't have to worry about a previous owner beating the heck out of it. But that might just be me.