I have found a 2008 SS within a 3 hour drive and was wondering if there are any drawbacks to an 08 vs newer. I don't think it has side airbags and may not have bluetooth. The button on the steering wheel lacks the phone icon.

Any reliability issues I should be aware of ?

Thanks,

-Scott

 

well one thing is that the 08's had the boost gauge on the a-pillar on driver side...the newer ones have them in the middle of the dash with a digital display (where the dash compartment is) that you can check out almost everything thats going on with the car which is pretty neat..

i thought the SS came with the steering wheel buttons standard ?

 

My 08 has buttons, but did not have bluetooth, so I changed the radio.

 

Bluetooth, USB, and performance display only became options in 2009.
The performance seats were rare in 2008 I think, more in 2009, then standard in 2010. Earlier ones were onlyt he drivers seat.
As far as reliability goes, have a look at the ss forum here. Some had issues with the turbo upgrade wiring, some had carbon buildup on the valves causing problems.

 

Thanks for the replies. The carbon buildup on valves is for all years though right ?

 

yes it is a very common issue for ALL direct injection engines. IF you dont mind paying a little more and doing some searching, find a 2010 SS. they have all the goodies and are more refined compared to the earlier models.

 

go see the car, sit in it, drive it, and let your gut instincts make your decision if it rocks you, you will love it, if not try and find another, there are some in the classified ads here