mr.nice

Just to add, those with the AT see even a bigger boost. Stock setup for my HHR SS is 25hp (235) less than the manual...but with this tune, both are rated at 290hp and 315lbs. Wish it wasn't snowy here...but something that will be seriously looked at by me come spring time. And yeah, I remember the days (2003) when I was looking at a heavier, bulkier Grand Prix GTP that was getting 240hp, and I thought that was a lot. Pushing almost 300hp, under warranty, along with a great suspension on the SS...really can't go wrong.

As an owner of an direct sibiling to the Cobalt SS, having an 08 HHR SS, I can completely agree with that article. HHR has a bit more practicality for us as a second car, and the height and weight lessen some of the stats, but the turbo, engine and suspension that the HHR has and shares with the Cobalt are phenomenal. Fit and finish are tops. I had a 98 Cavalier Z24, and these blow the doors off that ok but not great car, any day of the week. Unfortunately for this, with GM's troubles, and the fact that links on this model are still to close to the Cavalier name, and the previous Cobalt SS (supercharged) couldn't hold a candle to this version for pure driving fun, will maake this a truly unappreciated cars by the masses.

Well, this still all comes down to the UAW getting on board. Fine, cut 2-4 brands...given the UAW contracts, you're still going to have to produce roughly the same number of vehicles, but you'll have 1.5x the Impala's on the road, 1.5x the Silverados on the road, as they get all still get produced, just now strictly under Chevy badges instead of thier rebadged twins from the now defunct divisions. Simply, its still cheaper to produce cars and get some value out of the workers, as opposed to have those guys paid out not to work under the current structure. Keep in mind the US Congress will want to see a combination of cost cutting and the maintaining of jobs in any plan.

Just picked up a preowned 07 Denali XL on the weekend. Arizona vehicle, brought up by a broker into Canada. Speedo just over 46500 km (28000k miles). Did all the checks, Carfax was clean (undetailed) as well as some other reports up here in Canada. Talked to GM Canada, warranty will obviosuly be honored until 60k km's or Decemeber 2010 etc etc. So I saw it, drove it, went ahead with it. Vehicle in great shape, headsets and remote not even used. Little to no rock chips or anything. Had a battery drain issue right away, but that may or may not have been my issue from leaving something on, although it just happened with the vehicle sitting and the wife and I playing with the accessories within 30 mins of it being in the driveway. Next thing I know, the battery's dead and needs a boost. Hasn't been an issue since (haven't played around with accesories unless vehicle is running) in the last 2 days. Really, 10 mins of playing around with nav and dvd really shouldn't drain a(n orginal GM) battery, but nevertheless. After a google search I did notice that this drain was an issue...reprogramming of the BCM seemed to help this.Again though, its not draining it now I don't think. Going to take into the dealer this week for an oil change, check things like differential and transmission fluids, and do an electrical test/ BCM update and hopefully its ok. Also will inquire about getting a block heater on it, and, to do the heated washer fluid recall. But at this late hour, something struck me...earlier today I noticed the engine hour meter only had 69 hours on it. Obviously given the miles, there's no way that math works out. I should've checked that before buying, but forgot that was on those trucks (used to have an Avalanche 2 years ago). So what gives? Can that engine hour meter be reset? Can't imagine so. So was the engine replaced at some point? Or am I missing something at this late hour? I got little paperwork from the seller, just the inspection reports needed to be passed to bring it into Canada, the title and all the importation documents. He actually had a GM VIS report, but it was only the summary page and it shows nothing. Having dealt with GM dealers in the US in my search the last 2 months for an SUV like this, I have gotten many VIS reports emailed to me on cars I was potentially looking at, and particularly useful was the claim history. So I am hoping that someone here with access to VIS can assist me with that...I'd like to see the entire VIS report on this truck, or at least the claim history on this truck, and see what was done. Again, its mine and there's nothing I can do now anyways and everything with it is fine it appears. Obviously it didn't need an engine because of an accident or anything, as checks have shown nothing like that, and talking to GM directly, they didn't wave any red flags when talking to them about this vehicle (I gave them the VIN), so everything was and is covered under warranty. But for my own peice of mind, I would like to know as much history on this vehicle as I can and if its got a new engine or what. I'd also like to know what other warranty claims have been made. Anyways, if someone can help me out with a VIS claim history, please PM me and I can provide you the VIN. I realize I can probably get this with some sweet talking a local dealer, but given their relucatance to do much of anything in my experience, I'd prefer to try this route first. Thanks very much, and hope to see a PM from someone who can help me, soon. Cheers,

Since debadged...waiting on some new retro badges. Newest addition.

Well, after a breif 2 years with an 03 MDX, back to a 2 GM family. Very fortunate to be the owners of a 08 HHR SS, black on black, auto, purchased April 2008 brand new. Last night, picked up a 2007 Denali XL, preowned with 26k miles. Black on black. Months of searching and moreso, waiting for prices to drop a little bit. Will purchase the extended warranty on the Denali within the next year. That will be it for a number of years for me..probably spent too much on vehicles, but got exactly what I wanted in the end. Pics soon.

Am close to doing a deal on a preowned GM vehicle for our 2nd vehicle...come on General..one day only all GM vehicles are 10K off! ha! Big congrats...always had at least one GM car in our family and can't see that ever changing. In chronological order, including my parents and brother: 78 Impala 91 Lumina APV 94 Cavalier 86 Camaro 89 Sunbird 92 Grand Am 98 Cavalier Z24 01 Grand Am GT 96 Monte Carlo Z34 03 Avalanche Z71 04 Avalanche Z71 03 S10 04 Optra 08 HHR SS

Sorry for the super old bump, but I have a question regard the CPO program. I understand that the CPO warranty would not be valid at a Canadian dealer if imported one to Canada as a Canadian, however, if I had enough of an issue that warranted taking it down to a Cadillac dealer in the US, or I was down in the US already and wanted some little things looked at, I assume a US dealer would still honor the warranty? I guess I am asking, it has nothing to do with where the vehcile is registered in, does it? As long as that car is sold as a CPO, the warranty is valid within the US, right? Can anyone (a dealer) help me out with this. We're looking at something that's a CPO vehicle that's just been in service 3 years and just past the 50k mile mark, and knowing that a major issue could be looked at, even if it meant driving 6h to get there or on one of our semi annual trips to the US, and get fixed over the next 3 years and 47k miles, would possibly seal that deal. Cheers,

Further: Called the GM Nav Disc center, as entering the VIN on their website states that the VIN is not of a valid Suburban with Navigation. The likely scenario is that it was dealer installed, but not from the factory. The guy on the other end says that if I bought it, I would need the RPO code from the NAV (which means it has to be pulled) in order to make sure I get the correct disc for the correct NAV (and get my potential vehicle in the GM database as having a Nav). As this is a independant, not private dealer, they can't/won't pull out a Nav system, or would they let me take it to a dealer to do. I asked this guy if aren't all Nav's that fit in Subrurbans the same for navigation? I know there are two different models as showcased above, but within each of those models they are the same...basically, no other GM Nav system looks like this and would work in a Surbrban/Yukon, meaning this is like a factory installed Nav, and thus, all the RPO codes should be similar. So if it looks like this, and works with DVD, can I safely assume it's the same Nav system as would've been factory installed, and as such, have the same RPO as one from the factory?

Thanks very much... Yeah, it has those logos as it has the rear seat entertainment. I did an ebay search myself and found these head units...just couldn't tell if there were different head units, but this confirms it. I couldn't belive you'd be able to get a screen just for DVD's when in park or a touch screen radio. So clearly it has it, and obviosuly missing the disc. Obviously not going to reveal this to the dealer...its certainly priced at a level that doesn't take Navigation into account in the price. Really odd for it to be optioned out like that, yet have only the base 17" wheels. That and the interior color is 3rd on the list (grey) for us, but everything else other then the wheels is exactly what we want...but wheels can be changed out. But nothing else near in that price range has Nav. Anyways, thanks again.

Looking at getting a preowned 2007 Suburban, and I have a question that hopefully some expert/dealer can answer here. There is one available in another city (an LT3), so I am going by the website and the pictures. The pictures show it has a front screen. When I asked the dealer about it having navigation, he was suprised. that it even had a screen. Supposedly it has the front screen in the dash that is a DVD (also has the 2nd row DVD), it has a backup camera, but supposedly no navigation. Was/is that possible? A google search brings up nothing, and attempting to build a 2008 one on the Chevy site seems to have a Sun and Sound package, not able to pick those individual options. I find it odd to put the DVD, backup camera and touch screen for radio and xm, (and DVD slot) yet not to stick an antenna and have it Nav capable. Is the dealer mistaken (its not a GM dealer) and it just is missing a Nav disc? Or could it actually hjave everything in the dash except the antenna to make it Nav capable? If this is the fact that it doesn't indeed have navigation, is it just a matter of getting a factory antenna and a Nav disc to be able to have navigation. Thanks,

Had mine going on 4 months now. Seen very few in these parts before, or since. Black on black SS, and bought it off the showroom floor...my favourite dealer had no idea when they were getting one in again, and wasn't one anywhere nearby that they could get in for cheaper than what I got mine for. Love it..sips gas, goes like stink, and very versatile for our second car. Will see what it drives like in winter up here, but getting winter shoes for it...don't want to damage the wheels or any undercarriage with the tight gaps on those wheels. One issue that hasn't seemed to be solved on some people's SS's. Little to no power brakes on a cold (3h+) startup, unless you let the engine startup and idle until it drops below 1k rpm. (about 30 seconds). Had this issue right away...the dealer did a reflash on the system, but hasn't solved the problem. Definately a safety hazard when pulling out or backup up on startup and having to hammer the brakes to bring it to a stop from a slow roll. Anyways, enjoy and congrats! On another topic, anyone have any info on how many HHR SS's were produced for the 2008 MY?

No plans for a Suburban/ESV/Yukon XL Hybrid? I thought those door graphics for promo pictures...not on every unit! All things equal, depending on how much you drive, the amount extra you pay up front for Hybrid technology in any car may take 2+ years to pay off to make up the extra 20% you'd pay at the pump, no?

Well, back in the day while borrowing the parents car (which were 14 years old vehicles at the time) I saw the value and need for a block heater. Ok, those cars would 30 years old now, but have always used the block heater since when it dipped below -20C (5 -10 nights a year here in Calgary) and the car was parked outside (cirrently we just a single car garage) on all my new and used cars since. Since this is (picked it up today!) the first new car I've owned and not leased, and we plan on keeping it for a long time as a result, and less stress I can put on the starter from Day 1, means by year 10, there will be that much less stress in that cold weather. Bottom line, we would use it. Problem is, I don't think it is going to work on the HHR SS. The salesman showed me that the turbocharger is attached to the back of the block, and thats where the blockheater would usually go. Basically, he doesn't think its going to work because there's simply no room to put it anywhere. I really won't worry about until next winter...plus by then maybe there will be a solution, as this is a very new engine variation, and when more Cobalt SS's start rolling up, there will be more info on this engine.

Well, Chevy.com states them as all season tires, but for the sake of the rims, and it being the first new car I've actually owned (am 32, have had 5 GM leases over the past 10 years), I'll be putting better winter tires with either steel wheels or hubs caps come the fall, as its technically our second car that the wife will drive to and from work, at least in the summer, unless of course I need to drive to work! I will ask the dealer, I just figure boards like this often have much more reliable information then the dealer.

About to pick up my brand new HHR SS. We live up in Canada, and the block heater is standard on most Canadian ordered vehicles, and is used 4 or 5 days in the winter, every winter. However, there is no block heater option available on the 2.0 turbo charged engine, currently in the HHR SS and soon to be new Cobalt SS. Being new to turbos, the turbo technology seems to be the only difference between the usual normally engine. So, is the fact that its a turbo the reason that a block heater isn't a factory option? I can't imagine what it would conflict with with a turbo charger and an engine block, but there also has to be a basic reason a block heater is not an option either like it is on virtually all other GM motors, to my knowledge. If there is no technical issue, I assume the dealer can install a block heater? TIA.

Well, the previous H2 interior had the same parts shoe-horned in (radio, climate control, dash, steering wheel, to name a few) as GMT900's too. Nice upgrade...flows a little bit better (although it may just be the beige interior with the old radio and climcate control and sterring wheels, all in grey) then the old interior did.

I know its not easy to be different in the small SUV market these days, but these look like a step back from the current version IMO. I see too much KIA/Hyundi in the back end..the Red Line also looks a bit too "busy".

Wife and I really enjoyed it last summer. Good value for 10$, especially in Vega$., and no line if you got there it seemed before 11am They said back then that they thought they'd be around until Fall..seems to have gone a little longer. Although, it did annoy me,after driving the Corvette and a GTO, that we cannot get the GTO up here. Strictly on performance (and, I guess, practicality driving around town), I was more then a little suprised that I preferred the pop of the GTO over the Corvette. Wasn't too sold on the STS-V they had there like I thought I would...but I guess that was comparing it again to the nimble GTO. The wife enjoyed doing the H2 obstacle course....being tilted 60 degrees in the H2 Hopefully it returns somewhere down there again.

This sound about right? In a deep, threatening voice: "For years, full size pickups in North America steered straight when you didn't turn the wheel and had minimal front end noise off the lot. What you REALLY wanted is the random danger of head on collisions and repeated trips to the dealer. Happy Birthday."

Love the agressively front end, decent rear end. Love the AWD option. Love the 268hp engine being standard, and finally the interior that is that of a Cadillac. Neat on the ambent lighting on the door handles etc. Still not a fan of the rear quarter panels on the 3/4 look. Has the same higer rear end as the Pontiac Gran Am/Grand Prix, at least in that one picture it seems. Watching the video, a high trunk line that doesn't look right with he body height at the rear pillar. Maybe its just me, just looks a little odd. Wondering what the base CTS will look like. Same front end or are parts blacked out? Video has a sound of the engine...doesn't sound like a Gm engine! Overall, a very nice looking CTS.

I like it. As long as they stick to making it sporty, I think it will be a home run. Catchy naming, too.

Thanks Northstar. Just got back from driving an 04 SRX with V8 AWD, and Nav..no 3rd seat. 46000KM's, meaning still 35K under warranty (so 4 years will be up long before 80K). You're right, it is world class. Love the V8. Love it. I guess I owe myself to drive the V6 too, but love the rumble on the V8, and the push back in the seat performance/torque. Also like the touch NAV..although being an 04 (Canadian) it doesn't have XM (although I assume it is "XM ready"..although I have to do some more research if XM was "turned on" by buying the module if it would work on the touch screen). Looking at the ones without the Nav, not a big fan of all the black plastic in the console. The dealer had 2, neither had the 3rd seat. Now, I can't imagine how people get back there, but the fact that it is a lie flat 3rd row, means at least its an option to cinsider. But, you lose the storage areas with the 3rd seat. That would be something the wife would decide on if we had the choice. And we'd both have to decide if it is enough utility. I'm so so....I know I am greedy about that, but after having a truck, you do get used to the ability to having a lot of extra room. It had the huge sunroof. The wife will want it just for that, but I am leery of sunroofs of any size in the climate here (8 years ago my 98 Z24 Cav started leaking just before the 3 years were up), let alone a massive one like this. Again, warranty would cover it at least for the next year or so. So overall, very impressed with the power, interior, and likely the utility would be sufficient. But, like the Escalades (actually, even worse), the prices up here are ridiculous. First, there are not that many around here for sale. Both I was looking at today were $45K CDN (about $40K US). Both V8 AWD, both 2004. The one I had with NAV had 45K KM (about 28K miles), and the non NAV had about 22K miles (35K KM). A quick look at ebay/autotrader.com/cars.com (the only useful sites I know for used cars in the US) show that I could get into a similar, loaded 2004 for (retail) under $29K Canadian after exchange rate. Even getting the dealer (a large GM/Caddy dealer here) down a bit, say $5K off their price (the SRX I drove, didn't start thanks to a dead battery..and salesman said there was a buildup on the rotors as it hasn't been driven in a long time) still means that, even if I pay a fee to a broker to get me a US SRX, I would still save over $7K+ then this one I drove today. And I would get integrated XM as a bonus. (That brings up a US/Canada warranty issue, which I asked in the Lounge..it appears to transfer over ok). Anyways, this is a definite option after today. As far as the HHR goes, if thats the route taken now, or, in 16 months (in 16 months, if we get a utility vehicle now, we'd look at mid size sedans, not needing utility) we'd be looking as cheap as possible, to save $$, so no need for the SS package. I would "sacrifice" driving the 149hp engine for a year, and look for something of mine, ,ore significant, used, in 16 months. Thanks for your input....more is appreciated from anyone.

Hey all. This is part getting things off my chest, part asking for advice and opinions from Cadillac owners. Nowhere better (ok, maybe Cadillac Forums) then here. My story is my lease is coming up in less then 6 weeks on my factory ordered 2004 Z71 Avalanche. The buyout is significantly more then what I could pick a similar one for off a lot tomorrow, so I am going to walk away from it. I love it...I had a 2003 for a year after choosing it over a Trailblazer at the time, and my salesman got me into a fully loaded one a year later, for very little more per month...so I have had an Avalanche for 3.5 years. At times it was more then I needed (driving to work everyday), both in a vehicle and in a payment, but sure enough, there was reason every so often that having such a vehicle was very handy. Obviously no issue in feeling comfortable driving something so big, or spending $$ on gas. The wife and I camp in it 5 or 6 times a year, with the tent accessory. Of course too, the saying once you have a truck, its hard to give it up. For me, who jumped from car to car for 7 years prior to 2003 and my first Av, for me to be happy with a vehicle for 3+ years, and liking it enough to get another one, is saying something. For the past 2 months I've been preparing myself for what's next. I'm 30, married, 80lbs dog. Kids aren't immenent, possibly not even down the road. We (wife and I) both drive to work. She sometimes needs to drive people she works with around the city. My wife is leasing an 2004 Optra sedan. Nice car, its lease is done in about 16 months. The original thought was to get something NEW, and finance it. Something we'd be happy with and keep for at least the life of financing, probably longer. It would have to retain some form of utility, as giving up the Avalanche means we'd need some utility. It also had to be as inexpensive as possible, much cheaper then the Avalanche payment, and I would have to be content driving it for 18 months until her lease is done, when she takes it over. With that said, we had (and still do) our eye on a new HHR. It provides something different, with the fold flat and plastic backs on seats. Coming in at $22K (CDN), it would be nicely priced, saving a couple hundred bucks (fiananced) over the current Avalanche lease payment...and I would only have to drive it for a year before moving onto to something nicer again. We've done the dealer thing, and know exactly what we'd want if we went that route. A new AV is too much, both to lease and to finance. Option B) is me getting the "nicer" vehicle now, and having the wife continue to drive the Optra, except for maybe days she needs to carry people from her work around (and she'd drive the utility vehicle)...and decide on her next car when this is up. Again, we want to get out of leasing, so this would be a finance. Anything new is out of the question. So, I started looking at something that I would want long term, and be excited about long term and remian its class. An Avalanche similar to mine would be fine, but in a couple years, I know I'd probably want to get out of it. So, with the passion and love I have for GM cars, I'd want something that I would be excited about tomorrow, and in 5 years from now. For me, that means it has to be powerful, and unique, and classy..all rolled into one. Obviously, this is where Cadillac comes in. I always prefered the look of the EXT to my cladded Avalanche (but preferred my cladded Avalanche to the WBH Avalanches). I was a bit surprised to see how much those depreciated (2002, 2003). Even then, what they were going for here a couple months ago was out of our anticpated pricepoint for a monthly payment (ie wife demanded the payment had to be a fair bit less then what we've been paying for the Avalanche). I've been looking high and low, and although prices are creeping down slowly, there is not a lot of supply up here. I discovered that US prices and availabilty are far superior to Canada. I've explored a few options (doing it myself or through a broker) as to importing. Thats a topic for another thread, but its viable, and what I am leaning to, as its much cheaper, and allows me to get little things not available here (such as XM integrated) in Canada. Back to the models. The EXT was a natural choice obviosuly because its an upgrade over the Avalanche, looks wise if nothing else, while still having the truck capabilities. In the last month, as I have done a lot more research, other things have come up. 2002 models are out...the interior isn't as nice as the 2003, nor is the reliablity of the electrical system. Then, the dealer we were talking with the HHR got 2003 ESV in. I drove it, and couldn't believe that that engine had 60K miles. I fell in love with the 6.0L, so much smoother then the 5.3L, and the non off road suspension made it feel like a car compared to the Av. The wife, usually pretty grounded, loved it..in part because it was a (Dimond White) Cadillac. That blew me away that she like it simply as it was a Caddy. It was in ok shape, and, even though it was as long as the Avalanche, much easier to mauneuver with the glass instead of the high sightline out of the back of Avalanche. It has the size of the Avalanche, albeit carpeted, but the seats fold flat, giving as much cargo room as we're used to with the Av. With us both liking it, we almost got it, but held off as it was that bit too much. It got sold a couple days later...as did another we inquired about at another dealer. Exploring all Escalade options, has me spending too much time looking all over the place. The regular Escalade doesn't do it for me, styling wise. The body panels just look off somehow...but in the ESV and EXT, the lines look smoother. I can't put my finger on it. Plus, the Escalade 3rd row is virtually inaccessable in comparo to the ESV, and we'd likely have that 3rd seat out anyway with the dog. And, its not long enough to sleep in (like the EXT/ESV are). Not sure how big an issue that it but we are used to that...but combned with the styling, and the fact that the price is not much different then a used ESV, its just not a big difference. That said, its shorter, and will work for us 90% of the time, especially as I'll be driving it everyday, and, we're not having 5 kids. (I realize that a Denali and Denali XL also have the 6.0L..and I don't mind the styling of the Denali or paying a couple thousand less..but its not a Caddy). The other thing that has come up just today, is the notion of an SRX (only the V8 AWD). Now, it doesn't have the same utility as any of the Escalades, but the seats do lie flat. The gas mileage is better, and its a car platform, so a bit smaller. AWD will work well in the winter. All the reviews on it are good (I'm leaning toward a 2005, the 2004 has first year issues). I hope to drive one tomorrow to see what kind of punch the V8 has, but with 320hp on that body, it should be more agile then the 345hp Escalade. So, what it boils down to is a)Do I want to get a used car now to replace the Avalanche or b) get a new HHR, and get "my" used car in 16 months when the wife's car lease is up? I have been leaning towards a) for a variety of reasons. Secondly, if I do get a used vehicle, what do I get from the Cadillac lineup? -2003-2004 Escalade ESV/EXT or regualr Escalade -2005 SRX V8 AWD Assuming I can get the deal I want through the US, they should all come in at the same price ($27-30K USD). The SRX would still have factory warranty, the Escalades would be around 55K miles. Although having a factory warranty would be nice, its not neccessary, as due dilligence will be done in inspected the Escalade...plus the 6.0L is pretty bulletproof. The Escalades have the great looks (ESV and EXT) that I have admired for 3 years now, and they have the interior and headroom that I like very similar to the Av, just everything upgraded. The 6L V8 is smooth and powerful, and doesn't want me to even look at anything with a 5.3 in vehicles that big. It has max utility...if we need it (not sure we do). The SRX would be more nimble, sacrificing some utility for (I assume) a better ride and a smaller size and better milage, even with a V8. Insurance on the Escalades are virtually the same as the Avalanche, which somewhat suprised me, so thats not an issue. I know this is a long boring read, but any insight as to what you think you'd get into given my (or your) the situation, and the fact that its going to be something you're going to have and be happy with for 5+ years. This is something that I am thinking way too much about, so much so that the wife is sick of me talking about it to her. As long as it is as inexpensive as possible, she'll be happy. Thanks for taking the time, and, adding your comments.

First, thanks for the replies, all. Secondly, is the above GM policy, sounds a bit odd as far as intervals go? Regarding the insturment cluster, I can't imagine there's any issue. The speedo reads in KM's and miles, and the digial odometer can be switched back and forth between metric and imperial (km and miles). I have seen a used dealer here with an imported Escalade...there's a sticker, assumeably from Transprot Canada and all the border paperwork and regulations, that was placed on the door jam indicating that the vehicle meets the neccessary requirements, and listing the mileage (in km) as of when that sticker was placed/vehicle imported.