I do like my SS. It is the most practical "fun" car for me. Heck, did you know that if you rip 4' x 8' sheets of plywood in half (length ways), you can hall 5 or 6 sheets. Like to see someone in an STI or Mazda do that. I feel like the drive train will last 100,000+ miles without a problem. It is just the ECU controlling the crap out of the turbo that worries me. I'm afraid that it is going to be ongoing problem. I don't get the feeling that those of us who had the problem and had it fixed, really believe it is fix-fixed. I stopped by the dealer today to get the troble code. It is a P0299 which I believe is pretty common for this condition.

 

GM has a history of bringing out some real neat cars, not advertise them well, then after a couple of years, pulling the plug. They have been doing it for years now, and looks like it will be the same, in the comning years.
Case in point: In 1996, I bought a 1996 Impala SS[very limited run], and the next year GM[after deciding to build more P.U.'s] pulled the plug of the RWD Caprice/Impala model. They could have sold a ton more of these, if they had advertised them better, and continued making them.They have just done the same thing with the HHR-SS. Think the condition is called "head real far up the anal cavity".
I bought my HHR-SS because it was different, and reasonably quick, for what it was. Sure it's a little rough around the edges, but it is a kick to drive[after I have done my mods, to it].So far[knock on wood], I have zero problems with it, other than a couple of strange noises in the right front and right rear over small bumps, which I will track down and fix. It's sure no race car, but it is quick for a four banger[especially after the Trifecta tune], and the handling is much better now[after the Pedders springs and a extra OTTP "Hardcore" bar]. Sticks like glue, and will put you against the seat.
The thing that still is amazing me, is all the attention this thing gets, everwhere I go. One guy yesterday,after taking a pic. of it on his cell phone said " That is one wicked looking ride"" Looks like something Darth Vader would drive". I guess I got the looks right on this one. But, I digress...Yeah, I like it! "Moon"
P.S. Again zero problems at 8400 miles. And I sure don't baby it.

 

besides my issues from day one(cracked ic pipe)my car have not given me MAJOR problems,knock on wood. the small problems:bad clutch pedel bracket(replaced with better one by the dealer),power steering failure(warranty),and tire pressure sensors(warranty). i do get on mine and DO NOT have the gm tune. 30,000 miles...so far so good.

my other hhr ss(my wifes) NO PROBLEMS hers is bone stock auto.

 

I apologize for hijacking the thread. It was not my intention to change the subject and to be clear I love the SS, just wish it was much more reliable, or heck I'd even go with reliable.

But to be honest, none of us should have paid close to a grand for an upgrade and then gone through what we've gone through. If I could have it removed I would, that's how much it worries me.

I wish you best of luck with your issues and I hope someone from GM reads some of the posts here to realize that they not only are making things somewhat difficult for their customers, but losing a lot of brand equity with loyal owners.

That equity is hard to come by nowadays.

 

Never said they were self inflicked.

Just if people have issues even GM related they go to a web site and post them. While most that do not have issues seldom post that everything is great.

 

With todays markets long term models are going to be more and more a thing of the past. Every company wants to mine a new niche for themselves and will continue to come out with new models all the time.

The HHR was never expected to go long term. While it still has many fans the average buyer is moving away from the retro look as a whole. Also it is difficult to upgrade a retro look as it turns into to a love hate relations ship with the base.

As for fun cars we are not at the end of the line. GM has plans for many new and interesting cars to come.

Just note you will not hear of them 2 years ahead like you used too. GM used to have to leak future info to keep stock prices up and that is no longer a factor.

My SS has been great. The Turbo Upgrade issues I had were only related to the accident I had and not the install or kit itself. THat was not GM's fault.

I had the brake issue upgraded fast and for free so I can not complain there. I took it in and they said I may have to bring it back after they got the parts. But 8 hours later they had the parts and it was fixed.

I did have rust on the bottoms of the right two doors. THe dealer also fixed them with no issues.

The key to my happiess with my HHR has been not a lot of issues and when I did I had a good dealer and service department to take care of it.

Often a car is only as good as the dealer servicing it.

The HHR has been a good neat car and has done it's job. It is time for it to move on. We will get new and exciting cars soon that will only add to GM's history of cool cars.

Note GMPD people are working on the cars from the start and not just taking cars already on the marketi and fixing them like the HHR. THe performance cars of the future will be right from the start. This will improve event he basic cars too.

 

Well, when I first installed my BSR PPC tune, I had the same thing happen, I was on the freeway in 5th gear, opened up the throttle and about 3 seconds later the boost went away, I mean no power at all. I pulled off on the next exit and looked all over under the hood-I thought I blew a boost pipe or something, turned out to be nothing. I just turned off the ignition and re-started, everything was fine and I never had the same problem again. My Trifecta tune has never done this.

 

I've had some minor problems with my SS but then again I've had problems of some sort with every vehicle I've ever owned...

I've had no issues with the install of the Turbo Upgrade or Turbo itself... thought I did but it ended up being a broken wastegate actuator (cheap GM part)

the dealership I dealt with (Joseph Chevy in Cinci ) took care of it in a timely manner and ended up replacing my whole turbo, to resolve the issue

still at under 28 G's including all mods she's still the best bang for the buck I've ever owned

 

Ruby is what she is so far so good 4039 on the clock, no issues at all. Still waiting to get Stage kit. 4-0 in some races. Gets alot of looks and comments all the time. We dont baby ours all the time either. She stays clean all the time and under the hood. We fell in love with this car first time we seen her. Changing oil & filter Thursday Valvoline full synthetic & Purolator filter. 55% still left in oil life but its her first and wand to get any debris out of her. Then go by the DIC. Love everything about the car! Best thing we have ever drove and plan to take her on any road trip that planned. Confidence in stage install is unknown, but will discuss with service manager the issues with install Ive learned here and try to avoid any issues if possible. We just looking foreward to 290 ponies and 315 of torque to play with. Already have a race lined up with a 2010 mustang after our install hehehehe. I will learn how to best launch her in the street and strip and will post time slips. im getting off topic but it also demonstrates our love and enthusiasm for this car.
Kev&Chers

 

I'm suprised at all the issues, maybe I am just one of the lucky ones. I was the guinea pig for the tubo upgrade at my dealer. I didnt make it off the side street before heading back. They found the issue and fixed it immediately. That was at 1400 miles. I have not been in for warranty work since then. I currently have 48K miles on it. I have loved the car since new. Its a blast to drive, wish it could keep up with my Trailblazer SS, but its nice to have a 5Spd in the family too!