Just test drove a LT2 and SS. The LT was quieter and quicker than I thought it would be. The SS is IMPRESSIVE in acceleration but had a lot of tire noise and a little firm on road bumps. Is the tire noise common in the SS?

Dealer wants about $20K for the LT and $25K for the SS.

 

Tough choice, but I believe the 2LT can run regular with premium recommended but not required, while the SS only takes premium gas. With gas prices the way they are I wouldnt want to be stuck with that.

 

The SS is recomended premium, not required and probably gets better fuel mileage than the 2.4 liter. I find the firmer suspension nicer than the one in the regular HHR. 25,000 is too much for the SS. You need to decide if you want a smooth quiet ride or performance. There are always trade offs. My SS is my dailey driver and I find it very comfortable.

 

Tough choice. I've wondered about whether I'd have been happier if I had waited until the SS came out. I'm exceptionally happy with my 1LT 2.2L as my daily driver. It rides well, is quiet and very comfortable. The gas mileage is terrific, and the flexibility is worth more than I paid for the car. My partner wasn't thrilled with my choice, and told everyone "it's his car, whatever he wants." Now that I've had it almost 6 months, he's sold on the car.

 

to the site grouch!!! I guess the question you need to answer is whether the acceleration is worth the extra $5,000.00.

 

I've got both, 2LT and a SS, the 2LT is a 2006. Tire noise seems to be dependent on road surface and tire wear. I have just over 31K on the 2LT and tire noise in minimal so far. I have yet to hear tire noise from the SS but I expect to start hearing it around 14K miles. That seems to be the magic number for performance tires from my experience.

One other thought, dealers seldom correct the tire pressure on newly delivered vehicles. The factory ships tires with 40 or more PSI. My SS had 40 PSI in the tires when I check it. That can influence road tire noise.

Disclaimer: The wife just peaked over my shoulder to reminded me that the SS is hers.

I recommend the SS, it is fun to drive, very peppy, and when you put your foot in to it, it goes, I mean it gooooooes!. The MPG is the same or better, our SS is a manual and my average MPG is a few miles better than the 2LT automatic.

 

I agree with monster. I traded in an '06 2LT for my SS and I can't stop getting behind the wheel. The SS has what I need...MORE POWER!:twothumbs

 

Sounds like I was mistaken, I guess you can put regular in the SS. In my experience with turbo cars, they always required premium gas to prevent knock under compression. Good to know things have changed.

 

^i wouldn't put regular gas in TC car. If you're gonna be willing to spend the extra 5k at the purchase for the faster, performance oriented car, you should also be willing to pay an extra $3 every time you fill up.

 

monster5601 makes a good point, "depends on what road surface you are on"
I run 30 to 31 psi in my tires, and on blacktop roads smooth & quiet, on cement roads, you will hear the tire noise, I assume it is just a characteristic
of the tires on the SS. I don't like it myself, but can live with it and when it comes time to change tires, will go to a different tire........

get the SS..........