Nope, here is hitec4you's 2008 HHR. No smooth bumpers.

The SS has smooth bumpers however.

 

Only difference between the 07 and 08 2LTs is that now the running boards come with the 08 2LT.

 

The rotors on that car probably had a bit of light surface rust from sitting out on the lot and the pads would have re-seated themselves after a day or so. No biggie.

On extended warranties--after selling cars and appliances, I will always buy one. Even on the so-called "reliable" brands, they're still mechanical pieces and something will ALWAYS break. Sure, you could put your money into an ING account and start drawing interest on it, but figuring taxes and withdrawal penalties when your $1500 BCM takes a dump in the middle of nowhere, the GMPP looks like a pretty good plan.

 

Mine did the same thing on brakes. Note the build date vs. buy date in my signature. It is "lot rot" as mentioned above. Normally the dealer should take care of the brake rotor grind as part of pre-delivery procedure after sale.

What happens is as the car sits unmoved the rotors get some rust everywhere except right under where the pad contacts the rotor. This makes a smooth spot in a sea of chaff on the rotor surface and thus the pulsation when brakes are applied. They have to remove VERY little rotor surface to make it uniform again, so it doesn't effect rotor life noticably.

 

All your advice Lone Ranger is excellent. THANK YOU very much!!