Considering buying an SS. What to look for, what to avoid, etc?
 

Hello all! I am considering purchasing an HHRSS to replace my current daily driver. I have done a bit of research, and my parents also own one (2010 Aqua, auto), so I have some experience with these cars, but I want to know what else to look for, and any other tips you guys can offer me in my search.

I am definitely looking for a manual with the performance package (I want the LSD, and the brembo brakes don't hurt either). I would also like the RPD. I am not considering 2008s, as I have read they had a few problems with QC, and some had block issues, and I am looking for something to make my daily commute with (100 miles a day, 5 times a week) and want something that is very reliable that I don't have to worry about.

I would be looking to spend less than $13-$15k, so I would most likely be looking in the mileage range of 50-80k.

Currently, I am only looking through ads for 2010s, but wanted to know if there were any differences between the 2009s and 2010s, in terms of reliability, power, etc. I know the 2009s are available with the LSD and RPD optionally, but I am not sure of any other differences between the two years.

Also, in that mileage range, are there any possible issues I should keep a lookout for, or any big ticket maintenance items that could be in the near future?


Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you immensely in advance.

The 2010 SS manual car is what you want. They came standard with limited slip diff, front brembo brakes, reconfigurable performance display (rpd), and they have the bugs worked out that 2008 and 2009 models didn't.

:welcome8: aboard!

Well you've found the right Sub-Forum for SS info, so poke around a bit a read up on them.

Some good advice courtesy of Xtreme above, and there'll be other owners chiming in too.

As with any HHR, a clean history is a good starting point, so run a CarFax check on any possible candidates. SS's are highly strung, and some have been pampered from new. Then you have the ones that have been beaten and run into the ground, stear clear of those, because the bills will add up like crazy.

Not correct about the 2010 SS manual. The performance pkg (LSD, Brembos) was an option.
RPD was standard in 2010. Sunroof was standard. Ebony was also the only interior color. Roof racks were not available. Both front seats were the performance style.

Attachment 16655

Before you buy, make sure it really IS an SS. There have been at least 2 fakes reported on this forum. Look under the hood for intercooler, turbo etc.

Thanks for all the info so far! I will keep my search narrowed to 2010s then. My parents own one, so I'm not too worried about buying one without realizing it is a turbo haha. I should mention that I am a "car guy" so little stuff and labor doesnt bother me, I just dont want to buy a car that the turbo is gonna go in a month or something like that.

Also, what is the RPO code for the LSD or Performance package, just in case a car I'm looking has brembos, but they were added on or whatever, as the LSD is the reason I want the perf package.

Thanks again, and thank you in advance for anyone else who chimes in!

G85 is the code for the limited slip axle.