I have a '08 SS and no problems with sunroof for 4 years now.

 

Our's is going on five years with no issues as of now, oh that's right we don't have one ..... Here's just one thread of several while searching .....

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...nroof+problems

Best-O-Luck with Your Hunt for Your SS ,

 

Only real con is that there is more that could go wrong. The reality is generally most never have that issue.

I have been happy with mine and would have bought it again if I had too.

As for sunroofs. To mee it is worth the risk as I use mine every day in the summer and love it. The HHR really needs one as you feel so closed in as it is.

Also with the SS they are like most performance vehicles either really good or really bad. About have to two thirds will run them into the ground and the rest are like me where I will get on it now and then but I am not out busting big burn outs and the like. Mine so far is in near show room condition even with me driving it daily.

As for looking for one try to get low miles, the most options and stock. Some of the modified ones are ok but you really need to see documentation on what was done and how it was done or if you have issues it at times can be hard and expensive to sort out.

 

My feelings exactly but haven't owned 75 vehicles.

I have owned 7 Harleys and a Kawasaki. Have also owned new 65 SS Chevelle 327-300, 67 Corvette 427-435, 69 Chevelle SS 396-375, 70 Dodge Charge RT 440-375, 72 SS Chevelle, 86 T-Bird 4cyl Turbo Coupe and the HHR SS rates at the top overall for value, performance, fuel economy, reliability, braking, and handling.

Also about the sunroof - its been over 4 years since car was purchased new and absolutely no problem.

With a 4 cyl Turbo car, I also found that for me the 5 speed manual transmission was the only way to go but realize feeling like that makes me somewhat of a dinosaur.

 

I too have owned some very fast and powerful cars. I bought the SS with some worry I would not like it over the long run but I was impressed enough to start to give it a chance. To this point it was worth it.

Keep in mind I never was a HHR fan, hated 4 cylinder turbo engines and FWD. Today I am fully happy with my daily driver.

My only worry now is when I go to replace it will I have an option for somehting that I like as well as the SS.

One thing with sun roofs that can effect their durability is care. Too often people never lube them or check them for dirt and items in them. Plugs drains and lack of lube on the rails, slides and gaskets can all create issues. Also many never check the drains and get leaks. A little preventitive maitnance can prevent issue. Note the top in the HHR is the very same one in the CTS Cadillac so it is not just a low buck addition.

 

Thats my problem..when it comes time to replace.....with what?? Cant go backwards, the power and handling is too good.Guess I'll have to go up....New Caddy ATS with 6 spd? Vette? Or just keep the SS running........

 

I really do appreciate all the feedback. It's very helpful. Now I really want one. I found one but the thing is that I don't have avoid enough paying job to afford one. And plus I was going to wait until my warranty on my LS is about to be up then trade it in

 

Just buy the best one you can afford and just don't settle. In the end if you settle for less than the best you will pay for it anyways.

 

If you're looking for a Panel SS, remember that there were only 216 made. Not going to have many for sale to choose from.

 

I actually get better gas mileage with my ss on the highway compared to my
07 2.4
Since the car is geared. Better I get better mileage o. The highway.
35 mpg @ 65 mph. With 10percent ethanol. Closer to 40 with pure gas.
As mentioned above buy a stock one and if you can get a gm certified one even better.