2008 HHR SS Quality Controll Problems
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: 09-23-2008
Posts: 34
From: St. Charles, MO
The car is at the dealer now, the vacuum pump has been installed, and we are waiting on the sunroof rails, shock, and boost gauge.
Banned
Joined: 10-24-2006
Posts: 1,761
From: The Show-Me State
that is very true, but as someone who doesnt post here very often, are there a lot of people on this forum who are really cranky, or is it just me? It seems like in response to most of my posts I am getting attacked or talked down to, and I am really not appreciating that. 
As for the Lemon Law suggestions, no arbitrator is going to give anyone a new car over a replaced shock absorber, squeaky sunroof, or blinking light. Especially if none of those items have rendered the vehicle unservicable for an unreasonable amount of time to repair.
Senior Member
Joined: 01-28-2008
Posts: 357
From: INDIANA
I have been very pleased with my HHR SS for the almost year I have had it. I've had lots of new cars, all GM, and never really had much issue with any but a 03 Trailblazer. I have remarked to many how pleased with the HHR I am. I understand it's lacking some features my more expensive vehicles have, but hey, its $15k less in cost too.
It works well, functions well, and is a ball to drive to boot, when I actually get to drive it. ( my wife stole it from me when the gas got so expensive last summer). No complaints here.
It works well, functions well, and is a ball to drive to boot, when I actually get to drive it. ( my wife stole it from me when the gas got so expensive last summer). No complaints here.
Senior Member
Joined: 08-23-2006
Posts: 1,720
From: So Cal
This is one of those touchy threads so I will be careful. I don't have an SS but I have been here for a while.
It all boils down to the original HHR concept. It was born as an alternative to GM building yet another ho hum econo-wagon. It was built in place of a Cobalt wagon using Cobalt components. Rick Waggoner said "make something cool" and they did. Some of the first year models had a few issues but GM seemed to address them. 2007 models in my opinion had less problems. Again this started as an affordable alternative to a Ford Focus or other small wagon. The styling however draws people to these cars. Just look at the diversity on this forum. Even within our group, SoCal HHRs we have all walks of life in our group.
Then came the SS, with just the rumor of this car it attracted a different type of person. With the exception of IVTECH (Charles) a lot of people saw the SS and bought one. Charles had an 06 HHR and when he got his SS he knew what he was getting into. In my opinion, (and I am sure there are a few exceptions) many SS owners traded in high end sports cars and other performance cars thinking that the SS was an exotic high end sports model. Sure, it has some credibility with the 260HP turbo, but the bottom line is it is still the basic Cobalt based station wagon now in its second year of production. This year should have less problems than last year and so the progression goes. The SS is what it is and if you like it you are set, if you don't sell it and move on.
It all boils down to the original HHR concept. It was born as an alternative to GM building yet another ho hum econo-wagon. It was built in place of a Cobalt wagon using Cobalt components. Rick Waggoner said "make something cool" and they did. Some of the first year models had a few issues but GM seemed to address them. 2007 models in my opinion had less problems. Again this started as an affordable alternative to a Ford Focus or other small wagon. The styling however draws people to these cars. Just look at the diversity on this forum. Even within our group, SoCal HHRs we have all walks of life in our group.
Then came the SS, with just the rumor of this car it attracted a different type of person. With the exception of IVTECH (Charles) a lot of people saw the SS and bought one. Charles had an 06 HHR and when he got his SS he knew what he was getting into. In my opinion, (and I am sure there are a few exceptions) many SS owners traded in high end sports cars and other performance cars thinking that the SS was an exotic high end sports model. Sure, it has some credibility with the 260HP turbo, but the bottom line is it is still the basic Cobalt based station wagon now in its second year of production. This year should have less problems than last year and so the progression goes. The SS is what it is and if you like it you are set, if you don't sell it and move on.
Senior Member
Joined: 07-05-2008
Posts: 5,464
From: Akron Ohio
If you have the time could you scan or post the information on the Vacuum pump. The part numbers and any related work they listed done with it.
This would really help many people here and give them the information they need to tell the dealer when they go in. It will uncranky most of them and some may elect you our King.
Seriously the information would be a blessing to many.
Senior Member
Joined: 03-31-2008
Posts: 772
From: CLEVELAND
This is one of those touchy threads so I will be careful. I don't have an SS but I have been here for a while.
It all boils down to the original HHR concept. It was born as an alternative to GM building yet another ho hum econo-wagon. It was built in place of a Cobalt wagon using Cobalt components. Rick Waggoner said "make something cool" and they did. Some of the first year models had a few issues but GM seemed to address them. 2007 models in my opinion had less problems. Again this started as an affordable alternative to a Ford Focus or other small wagon. The styling however draws people to these cars. Just look at the diversity on this forum. Even within our group, SoCal HHRs we have all walks of life in our group.
Then came the SS, with just the rumor of this car it attracted a different type of person. With the exception of IVTECH (Charles) a lot of people saw the SS and bought one. Charles had an 06 HHR and when he got his SS he knew what he was getting into. In my opinion, (and I am sure there are a few exceptions) many SS owners traded in high end sports cars and other performance cars thinking that the SS was an exotic high end sports model. Sure, it has some credibility with the 260HP turbo, but the bottom line is it is still the basic Cobalt based station wagon now in its second year of production. This year should have less problems than last year and so the progression goes. The SS is what it is and if you like it you are set, if you don't sell it and move on.
It all boils down to the original HHR concept. It was born as an alternative to GM building yet another ho hum econo-wagon. It was built in place of a Cobalt wagon using Cobalt components. Rick Waggoner said "make something cool" and they did. Some of the first year models had a few issues but GM seemed to address them. 2007 models in my opinion had less problems. Again this started as an affordable alternative to a Ford Focus or other small wagon. The styling however draws people to these cars. Just look at the diversity on this forum. Even within our group, SoCal HHRs we have all walks of life in our group.
Then came the SS, with just the rumor of this car it attracted a different type of person. With the exception of IVTECH (Charles) a lot of people saw the SS and bought one. Charles had an 06 HHR and when he got his SS he knew what he was getting into. In my opinion, (and I am sure there are a few exceptions) many SS owners traded in high end sports cars and other performance cars thinking that the SS was an exotic high end sports model. Sure, it has some credibility with the 260HP turbo, but the bottom line is it is still the basic Cobalt based station wagon now in its second year of production. This year should have less problems than last year and so the progression goes. The SS is what it is and if you like it you are set, if you don't sell it and move on.
This is the cheapest platform, based of darn near the cheapest car... done well, very well.
What this is...
Is a great deal! Not to many out there anymore. If you want examples, check out the vw website and fully spec out a tiguan, golf, ...or an aud a3, or and all option mazda 3 (not the mazda speed)... or (lol) a mini clubman speced out (at nearly 38,000!!!) You got the fastest car that can carry more than the all the competition, for a lower price with a 100k warranty. For crying outloud what more could you ask for......and if you did ask, i doubt you could get it with another brand (foreign or domestic).
Senior Member
Joined: 07-05-2008
Posts: 5,464
From: Akron Ohio
I hope no one mistook a HHR SS for an "exotic high end sports model"......lol at 25125 at full sticker with all options ('08), most minivans, soccer mom cars, and any truck cost more.
This is the cheapest platform, based of darn near the cheapest car... done well, very well.
What this is...
Is a great deal! Not to many out there anymore. If you want examples, check out the vw website and fully spec out a tiguan, golf, ...or an aud a3, or and all option mazda 3 (not the mazda speed)... or (lol) a mini clubman speced out (at nearly 38,000!!!) You got the fastest car that can carry more than the all the competition, for a lower price with a 100k warranty. For crying outloud what more could you ask for......and if you did ask, i doubt you could get it with another brand (foreign or domestic).
This is the cheapest platform, based of darn near the cheapest car... done well, very well.
What this is...
Is a great deal! Not to many out there anymore. If you want examples, check out the vw website and fully spec out a tiguan, golf, ...or an aud a3, or and all option mazda 3 (not the mazda speed)... or (lol) a mini clubman speced out (at nearly 38,000!!!) You got the fastest car that can carry more than the all the competition, for a lower price with a 100k warranty. For crying outloud what more could you ask for......and if you did ask, i doubt you could get it with another brand (foreign or domestic).
Agree.
I just drove one and thought this is a affordable, good mileage car that hauls a pay load and just hauls!!!
Also it road well and still had enough handleing to make it fun to drive. It is as close to an American Mini as anything sold here.
The bottom line is it is a fun car you can justify to buy as a daily driver and family car. Not many of those left.
Senior Member
Joined: 05-05-2008
Posts: 128
From: tampa
This is one of those touchy threads so I will be careful. I don't have an SS but I have been here for a while.
It all boils down to the original HHR concept. It was born as an alternative to GM building yet another ho hum econo-wagon. It was built in place of a Cobalt wagon using Cobalt components. Rick Waggoner said "make something cool" and they did. Some of the first year models had a few issues but GM seemed to address them. 2007 models in my opinion had less problems. Again this started as an affordable alternative to a Ford Focus or other small wagon. The styling however draws people to these cars. Just look at the diversity on this forum. Even within our group, SoCal HHRs we have all walks of life in our group.
Then came the SS, with just the rumor of this car it attracted a different type of person. With the exception of IVTECH (Charles) a lot of people saw the SS and bought one. Charles had an 06 HHR and when he got his SS he knew what he was getting into. In my opinion, (and I am sure there are a few exceptions) many SS owners traded in high end sports cars and other performance cars thinking that the SS was an exotic high end sports model. Sure, it has some credibility with the 260HP turbo, but the bottom line is it is still the basic Cobalt based station wagon now in its second year of production. This year should have less problems than last year and so the progression goes. The SS is what it is and if you like it you are set, if you don't sell it and move on.
It all boils down to the original HHR concept. It was born as an alternative to GM building yet another ho hum econo-wagon. It was built in place of a Cobalt wagon using Cobalt components. Rick Waggoner said "make something cool" and they did. Some of the first year models had a few issues but GM seemed to address them. 2007 models in my opinion had less problems. Again this started as an affordable alternative to a Ford Focus or other small wagon. The styling however draws people to these cars. Just look at the diversity on this forum. Even within our group, SoCal HHRs we have all walks of life in our group.
Then came the SS, with just the rumor of this car it attracted a different type of person. With the exception of IVTECH (Charles) a lot of people saw the SS and bought one. Charles had an 06 HHR and when he got his SS he knew what he was getting into. In my opinion, (and I am sure there are a few exceptions) many SS owners traded in high end sports cars and other performance cars thinking that the SS was an exotic high end sports model. Sure, it has some credibility with the 260HP turbo, but the bottom line is it is still the basic Cobalt based station wagon now in its second year of production. This year should have less problems than last year and so the progression goes. The SS is what it is and if you like it you are set, if you don't sell it and move on.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: 09-23-2008
Posts: 34
From: St. Charles, MO
Not cranky, just direct. Cars are complex mechanical devices that are designed and assembled by mostly imperfect human beings and purchased by customers who demand absolute perfection at every price point. To assume that every car is going to be assembled and perform with absolute perfection over time is more ridiculous than speculating the chances of a defective shock absorber being installed on your car at the plant.
As for the Lemon Law suggestions, no arbitrator is going to give anyone a new car over a replaced shock absorber, squeaky sunroof, or blinking light. Especially if none of those items have rendered the vehicle unservicable for an unreasonable amount of time to repair.
As for the Lemon Law suggestions, no arbitrator is going to give anyone a new car over a replaced shock absorber, squeaky sunroof, or blinking light. Especially if none of those items have rendered the vehicle unservicable for an unreasonable amount of time to repair.
Being direct and being downright unpleasant are two different things. Nowhere did I state I demanded perfection from my car. The fact that my car has spent, like I said, over 1/4 of its in service life in a service department is unacceptable by any reasonable person's standards. The majority of this time was due to the hard brake pedal issue, and the lengthy stay followed two brake controller reprograming attempts, and I simply told my service writer I didn't want the car back until you can fix it, or tell me when it can be fixed.
And as far as the Lemon Law comment, in MO you can make a lemon law claim if ANY defect is not fixed within 4 trys in 18 months, so yes, I could concievably get a new car out of a squeeky sunroof
