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Ever since I got my first HHR (a 1LT) a few years ago and got into their history and quirks, I have been on the lookout for a Panel SS.
I only wanted an Aqua Blue, Silver, or Victory Red, so I was limiting myself substantially. More than half of the 216 made were black.
When I found my AA5 SS (half panel) a couple of years ago, I thought that would take care of it, but it did not.
I never stopped looking and kept saving up for that "unicorn" to appear.
Well, that happened a couple of weeks ago, when my German friend Manni messaged me about a 1-owner Panel in Silver that was listed on a site in Orlando with no pictures and a ridiculously low sales price.
After he established that the dealer was not interested in shipping to Europe, he asked if I wanted it. Of course, I was on the phone with the salesman within minutes!
Longer story short, I bought this 2009 Panel SS with the 5sp Performance Package (short throw, Brembos, LSD) over the phone that day on the assurance that it was "solid and everything works."
I had them transport the car to Mobile, AL where I work and I was able to pick it up Tuesday. Since I can only drive one car at a time, I had to leave the AA5 at the dealer while I drove the panel.
I am in love with this thing! I didn't realize that I missed shifting so much, especially with something as smooth as this Saab 5sp.
I also lucked out that the previous owner was a GM engineer, who took care of it like it was his child and even saw fit to add the Stage 1 tune!
I cannot tell you all how much of a difference the tune makes. I used to think my AA5 (untuned AT) was fast, but I was mistaken.
This thing makes the other one feel a lot like an LT in comparison. If you are on the fence about getting tuned, JUST DO IT!
You said most of the 216 SS full panels were black.
well i test drove one back in '09 was an auto.
Salesman was trying to get me to trade my
1 yr old Trail Blazer SS for it now i wish i had.
You said most of the 216 SS full panels were black.
well i test drove one back in '09 was an auto.
Salesman was trying to get me to trade my
1 yr old Trail Blazer SS for it now i wish i had.
