Actively looking for a SS with higher mileage probably over 80,000 or so.

I professionally inspect vehicles for general condition but would appreciate what I need to look out for on a SS or even an LT.

What are the important maintenance items or recalls that should have been done on HHR's with this mileage ?

Thank You very much in advance for your help.

 

Best bet is to give it a good thrashing on the highway. Make sure turbo boost is good, shifting is smooth, no leaks in the plastic intercooler piping.
Check for stored trouble codes, many issues show up there first, including deteriorating wiring.
Check for looseness in the front suspension, the rubber bushings are a little soft.
Some hard to see issues are carbon buildup on the valves (remove intake manifold) and a rare cracked block problem between cylinders 3 and 4.

 

Plus a clean CarFax report and a maintenance history, SS's are highly strung and subject to abuse.

Due diligence and patience will pay off in the long run, don't let "gotta have it-itis" overrule any doubts you might have, if you're looking at one and something seems off....walk away.

 

How do you make sure turbo boost is good? I've never had a turbocharged vehicle.

Who gives you/ how do you determine stored trouble codes? If I'm looking at one at a dealership- do they have/can they get that info?

You guys rock- thanks for this info!!

 

Trouble codes can be checked for free at the big auto parts places, or ask the seller if it's a well trusted dealership. I use an android cellphone with Torque app and obd adapter, it's a cheap setup that works well and lots of people have it.
Full boost should be around 15-18psi, 20-23psi if upgraded i think.

 

There is a gauge that displays the boost. It will be located either on the A pillar or the top of the dash on a display screen.

 

Thanks guys - looking at a silver SS today at a dealership. Has 57,000 miles.

Asking 14,000 m+ $600 dealer fee.

Clean Carfax but has not been registered for 8 months.

Something wrong with the car ...or greedy dealers looking for a kill.

However, the price is not far off dealer pricing on KBB.

 

KBB pricing isn't a good indicator right now, there's a glut of used vehicles on the market keeping prices down a bit.
What year is that one? If it's 08 i would say you could talk him down.
A quick search on autotrader.com show 2 near ft lauderdale with higher mileage, 80k and 100k, priced at $10k

 

What year was it?

I paid 14,9 for mine 2009, 53K, Auto with the RPD, and USB in the radio that I wanted

 

Checked out the car on Friday and is is a good car. Boost at 19# at idle, paint meter indicated original paint, shifted and handled normal.
They ran the codes and there were no issues, also ran the Vin# in service records and it showed a couple of minor repairs.

Dealer claims they just have not had a buyer and we agreed 14K may be high for their market.

I had to leave so I just threw out "I may get back to you with an offer to buy after I do some research" When asked what ball park I'm thinking I said about $12,000, maybe.

Nobody batted an eye so I think they may go for something close to that.
Dealer fee is $600.

At 57,00 with no real issues I think it's a fair price.

However, at a lower [ 9.5 to 10.5K] price I could get an LT loaded panel I model i also like.

Decisions, decisions.