Potential new owner with questions

[SSX]

I am considering purchasing a 2006 SSR. I love the vehicle and am excited about this purchase. However, having had limited production vehicles in the past I'm a bit concerned about the availability of parts in the event repairs are needed.

A couple of questions:
1. Are there certain parts that are already obsolete or hard to find?
2. What common problems do the SSR's exhibit that I might need to check for before buying

I appreciate any help and feedback that could educate me before buying.

[Dragon2U]

Originally Posted by SSX

I am considering purchasing a 2006 SSR. I love the vehicle and am excited about this purchase. However, having had limited production vehicles in the past I'm a bit concerned about the availability of parts in the event repairs are needed.

A couple of questions:
1. Are there certain parts that are already obsolete or hard to find?
2. What common problems do the SSR's exhibit that I might need to check for before buying

I appreciate any help and feedback that could educate me before buying.

First off, welcome to the group.

1. Yes, most of the body/electrical related items are a little hard to find. If not new they can usually be found from a wrecking yard or the parts exchange here on this forum. The members here work together and usually find a solution or location to resolve issues. The drivetrain parts are pretty common since it is all based from the Trailblazer/Envoy.

2. Common? Hmmm, I've had 3 SSR's and rarely had issues that were specific to this model other than some minor roof movement problems that were solved with cleaning and periodic maintenance. Common GM problems that are with other models and follow this one as well are speedometer servo failures (most gm trucks), auto transmission issues (mostly with the 03-04), wiper motor failures due to moisture (gm trucks), manual trans clutch sticky (Corvettes similar), ignition switch causing a varieity of issues (various GM models), weak hood and trunk struts, etc....

These issues are not widespread nor would I consider them a deal breaker when looking to get one. I have enjoyed all of the 3 that I have owned and would never talk anyone out of getting one. Do they have little quirks? Yes, but not unlike any other vehicle. If you are interested in ownership, do it and enjoy it now becasue they are really a kick to own and won't last forever.

Curious, what other limited vehicles have you owned?

Good luck!!!!!!

[WOW_FCTR]

Originally Posted by SSX

I am considering purchasing a 2006 SSR. I love the vehicle and am excited about this purchase. However, having had limited production vehicles in the past I'm a bit concerned about the availability of parts in the event repairs are needed.

A couple of questions:
1. Are there certain parts that are already obsolete or hard to find?
2. What common problems do the SSR's exhibit that I might need to check for before buying

I appreciate any help and feedback that could educate me before buying.

I have over 200,000 miles and have always found the parts I needed.

[rlt328]

Welcome! I purchased my SSR last December and this site is definitely the place to get most any info you need. One thing I found very valuable when I was looking to purchase was a book "The SSR Experience" by Jim Gnitecki. It is 300 pages in length and will tell you everything you want and don't want to know about the SSR. It has a wealth of info for the potential buyer and I can't recommend it enough. I purchased it on this site and Jim emails the file to you. Once I received it I started reading and found myself up all that night and finished it the next day. I hope you find a nice one and I wish you the best of luck with it. They are an absolute gas! Bob

[RUN ROD RUN]

Welcome from So Calif.

Wouldn't hurt to buy this e-book so that you'll feel a little more educated about the SSR.
Jim G's e-book "The SSR Experience"

[sangus]

I concur on the purchase of Jim G's e-book. Also, this site is reference central for ongoing and past issues/cures as they come and go.

Welcome to the SSR family and enjoy the purchase (should you decide to accept it). What you'll never be able to successfully/accurately describe to others (once you become the owner) is the permagrin that comes with the R. Only owners truly know that feeling and it requires no description when sharing with other R owners.

[REBEL]

Dont buy one, you dont want it bad enough.

[Kathjim]

Originally Posted by SSX

I am considering purchasing a 2006 SSR. I love the vehicle and am excited about this purchase. However, having had limited production vehicles in the past I'm a bit concerned about the availability of parts in the event repairs are needed.

A couple of questions:
1. Are there certain parts that are already obsolete or hard to find?
2. What common problems do the SSR's exhibit that I might need to check for before buying

I appreciate any help and feedback that could educate me before buying.

THE 06 SSR IS OUR ONLY VEHICLE. WE LOVE IT, KEEP IT MAINTAINED AND NO PROBLEMS WITH 75000 MI GO FOR IT!

[Quest]

Originally Posted by REBEL

Dont buy one, you dont want it bad enough.

When we bought ours, we had a hard time sleeping until we brought one home!

[jeauxbleauxsr]

Originally Posted by REBEL

Dont buy one, you dont want it bad enough.

Unless you like $4.00 gas & 15 mpg

[DOOPHUS]

WELCOME, SSX . . . from Southern Arizona.

Go for it, you won't be sorry.

I adopted The Doophus way back in the Summer of 2005 (a hefty 18 miles on the odometer) and I still consider the "little yellow bugger" PRICELESS.

! ! ! ! ! !

[pikeville904]

Welcome from Tennessee.....

I'll re-interate what the others have said...I bought mine in July of 06, it was a leftover 05. For two years I drove it as a daily driver, and only had one problem. The front end was out of alignment and it ate up a set of front tires. Only other thing I have done is just the normal maintance things, oil changes ect. NOT ONE PROBLEM!!
It has now become my toy, and lives a "life of Reily"... she sits in the garage, get regular baths and waxes.....still getting little blings added every now and then.
Would I buy one again....you betcha. I have never had a vehicle that gives ya that smile that everyone on here refers to as a PERMAGRIN. That great feeling of happiness when you fire it up and pull away with that great exhast note and sometimes the smell of burning rubber.
Go for it...I really don't think you will be disappointed.
Like Quest said, you'll be so excited, you'll have a hard time sleeping, I know I did...wanted to drive all the time, get it and drive it like ya stole it!!!!!

Dale

[mike in orlando]

Originally Posted by pikeville904

Welcome from Tennessee.....

I'll re-interate what the others have said...I bought mine in July of 06, it was a leftover 05. For two years I drove it as a daily driver, and only had one problem. The front end was out of alignment and it ate up a set of front tires. Only other thing I have done is just the normal maintance things, oil changes ect. NOT ONE PROBLEM!!
It has now become my toy, and lives a "life of Reily"... she sits in the garage, get regular baths and waxes.....still getting little blings added every now and then.
Would I buy one again....you betcha. I have never had a vehicle that gives ya that smile that everyone on here refers to as a PERMAGRIN. That great feeling of happiness when you fire it up and pull away with that great exhast note and sometimes the smell of burning rubber.
Go for it...I really don't think you will be disappointed.
Like Quest said, you'll be so excited, you'll have a hard time sleeping, I know I did...wanted to drive all the time, get it and drive it like ya stole it!!!!!

Dale

So much so - I now own two!

[IFytFyrs]

We have been enjoying ours for the last year and a half... LOVE IT!

...Things to look out for... Well, if it hasn't been a "Garage Queen" (as mine was not), I would strongly recommend starting at the battery and working your way forward, cleaning and dielectric grease treating ALL grounds... I had some intermittent issues that disappeared after some careful cleaning! Also check the fuses/relays in the under-hood fuse block for corrosion. Shouldn't be a problem, but if you see green, the fuse block is going to require some TLC or replacement too.

One thing that has struck me with this truck is that unlike most others, there is only ONE website dedicated to the SSR. This means that the ENTIRE online braintrust for this truck is located HERE! There is a huge advantage to this.

Other than that, BUY THE DAMN THING and get out to an event or two and meet your new "family"...

["BLACKIE"]

Buy one....

Take your pick..... and of course the best color ......

Anything can be fixed..... I wouldn't worry about it, there are a lot of knowledgeable members here that own these rigs.... You won't be left out in the cold.... That is, if your ignition switch desides not to work on a cold lonely night


BLACKIE

[nulogic1]

That's right! There's a blinding lust that
drove me to my Super Hot R. My tongue is still
on the floor! Get the 06' with the chrome package!

[MIKESMITHMNSTRY]

SSX:
Go for it! Believe all the postings already, you won't regret it, these things are a blast to drive and draw more attention than you will ever dream of; from little kids to "The Greatest Generation", people fall in love with them and start interesting conversations no matter where you go. Only minor issues to deal with if any; info on this site will prepare you and be there if they happen.

[nulogic1]

Do you like lots of attention? Then you are getting
the right ride!

[SSX]

Thanks for all the replies. Very good information. I won't have time to read the book before I have to make the purchase decision.

A little background...I've had many low production cars, mainly Corvettes of which I've had 23 ranging from 1982 to 2011. I currently have a 2011 392 Challenger and my daily driver is a 2011 RAM pickup.

I also am restoring a 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII. I say restoring but I'm actually creating a show car. Parts for this car, especially external parts like trim and headlight assemblies are virtually impossible to find. I'm probably going to have to have some of these pieces custom made.

Thanks again for the advice and if I can get the seller down to earth on price I should be joining you soon.

[CJ]

the g/f and I were driving around firewheel after stopping in and having a beer and a glass of wine for her
drove around looking at the shops and got all kinds of comments and what is that questions
even a Ford truck driver said i love your truck till i lowered the top, then he said,,,, now I am really jealous

LMBO

love my 05 SSR i just bought
Love it Love it Love it
so will you

[billfatora]

I've owned mine for about 2 months now - traded a Chevy Colorado in on it... loved that Colorado ! Was coming to work this morning, and the darn thing... well, that dashboard lit up like a Christmas Tree and I do believe that every light came on, it started running rough, then stopped. I got it running again and got it into a parking lot - and I am now having it towed to my garage (not MY garage, the garage I take it to for service !) Also had to do some "general service" on it and a "boat-load" of cleaning.... And with all that being said - as the rest have already told you, I WOULDN'T TRADE IT FOR THE WORLD ! I never knew a vehicle could make someone smile... and yet, even the drive to work, every day, is fun ! Do yourself a favor and go with your heart on this one, instead of your head ! I did - and you will never regret it !

[nulogic1]

This is a Vette that's easy to get in and out of!

[billfatora]

Originally Posted by nulogic1

This is a Vette that's easy to get in and out of!

Now I like that ! And considering my age (and size !) no truer words were ever spoken !

[XSELER8]

I bought my R new in June 06 knowing there might be issues. Felt secure because of this Forum. I have no regrets....only that I do not drive it enough.

[billfatora]

Originally Posted by XSELER8

I bought my R new in June 06 knowing there might be issues. Felt secure because of this Forum. I have no regrets....only that I do not drive it enough.

I hear ya' ! I've been a "Disney" fan for years... and all but "lived" on their "main fan site"... got to know a lot of people, made a heck-of-a-lot of "friends" and learned so much.... But I gotta' tell ya', it has absolutely nothing on "SSRfanatic.com" ! It's really a true "brotherhood" (and "sisterhood") here. All you need to do is to ask for help... and people are right ther to help you ! Love It... LOVE IT... LOVE IT ! ! !

Thanks !