im about to go look at an 09 ss this weekend and am wondering if theres anything in particular that i should look at/check while im test driving it, any opinions would be great!

 

Rpd

 

check and see if it has an LSD, you want one. look for the code G85 on the stamp in the trunk under the trunk mat

 

check for clutch slip. give it some throttle in 4th gear......if you hear an RPM spike then its has some slip. other than that good luck with the new cobalt and enjoy the LNF

 

check the boost gauge or rpd and see what its boosting.. anything over 24 i wouldnt buy it just to the fact you have no clue if its seen over that for reliability,even though some people have been 27-30 psi no problems.

 

its got a rpd, and ill make sure to check the boost and clutch slip, but just wondering how big of a deal is clutch slip? and if it still has warranty, would that cover the clutch?

 

Its about 7-900 for the new clutch + labor. No it would not be covered unless you get something in writing from the dealer (assuming it is a dealer) that says you have a warranty that includes wear items like clutch for XXX amount of miles.

 

how long can i drive on a slipping clutch? is it something that needs to be replaced immediately or can i drive it carefully for a while until i get the cash?

 

Is it this one? (fixed)

 

Depends on how bad the slip is. If you can't even accelerate in 1st gear then it's pointless.

You should definitely drive it with the stereo off. Some salesmen will turn it on and I swear it's to distract you from noises. These motors are noisy but you will know if it's a bad noise. Ask for verification that the ECU hasn't been modified. They will have to scan it. If it shows it's been flashed with anything other than GM Stage 1 upgrade, I'd walk away.

 

haha i cant see that :P and haha obviously if i cant accelerate in first gear im gonna turn that bad bitch down i dont know near what i want about engines and way less about trannys so if its got transmission problems ill probably be straying away from it

 

id check for any mods to engine, then if it boosts over 16psi, if it has the blue letters BOSCH sensor on the intake manifold
when test driving and getting on it, press the cruise control button so that the orange light is off and put the car in comp mode by pressing the traction control button 2 times, this is to also see if it has an aftermarket tune

 

A better way to check the clutch is put it in 3rd and try to take off like your in 1st if it dies your good if it goes it needs one. Also get ahold of chevycobalt3 if you buy it and it needs a clutch I'm sure he would work you out a good deal. Also pm me ill give you my number so that way if while at the car you have questions I can answer them 4 you. Also welcome to the site

 

Fixed!

 

I'm in the same position, waiting to find an unmolested one, something real low volume that I can keep a long time, keeping it stock, besides bolt ons and a tune. The low volume colors only come around in my area once in a while, so keeping my eye open.

Any structural issues with the car, does anything break or wear easily I should look out for? Or any other paint issues, I've found a few different paint problems searching through the site, didn't know if there's any other major ones. Any brake problems or electrical problems we should watch out for? Would like an '08 (or 09 sedan), is there any major difference in reliability between 08-09?

 

haha yes! im looking at two actually that one and then one like three hours the other way, i live directly between them so each is an hour and a half from me basically

 

Take a picture of the engine bay. Take a picture of the MAP sensor on top of the intake manifold.

 

You're a stand up dood to offer that kinda help.

 

Some mechanical issues to look for are: Check right side of engine for oil leaks. Oil seeps from direct injection fuel pump area. I just clean the oil off with some degreaser every six months or so. The dealer won't fix this most likely but some people have done the work themselves using RTV sealant. Also If steering feels hard then it may need the new power steering motor, this was a major recall. Otherwise I have been happy with my TC so far at 24k miles.

 

ATTENTION: just wanted to add what I think is the most important factor!

if you are at all suspicious or unsure( gut instinct) WALK AWAY..........SS Turbos are few and far between yes, BUT if you look hard enough you will find the EXCaCT one you want that is in perfect shape.......


remember.........you could be buying someone's old headache/ money pit

just ask any DSM guy hahahaha

 

leave one for me!

 

No rear wing = modded and abused :P Weird that there's no engine pics there tho..

 

i found a different one that has a wing :P and its less miles and cheaper now, they put four new tires on it too, it looks cleaner than that one in lombard krisBkreeme :P im checking the one that he posted tomorrow in the morning sometime and then another one hopefully monday, my eye is set on the other one but ill see what theyll do for me since the other is such a good deal