Hi! Thinking about a Lumina SS

[Boerseun]

Hi all,

I've been thinking about getting a Lumina SS sedan, a model from around the years of 2007 - 2008. I like the look of those and it ticks all the boxes of manual gears, 4 doors, V8, power, and price (vs other cars I looked at for what you get).

I was wondering, though, what it is like owning a car that old and also that's not made here anymore. Are the parts still available from places like Masterparts, etc? Any issues anyone can see cropping up?

I'm someone coming from a modern hatchback but have always wanted to work on cars and own a V8 (so very noob). I never worked my car or done any mods (as much as I wanted to) because of the warranty so I feel it would be freeing to live a dream of mine with an SS.

Any thoughts? Maybe it's just a bad idea because of issues I might experience, especially as I'd want it as a daily.

Please let me know, Lumina owners and anyone else with an opinion or advice
The idea is to leave the hatchback behind and go all in.

I have got a 2007 Lumina SS, very modified but I have been doing research on Lumina's since they were launched in 2001.

Manual: the clutch will need to be upgraded, there was a recall that was done in other markets but GMSA didn't do it, basically if you drive the car very hard the clutch pedal can get stuck to the floor, you need a new clutch slave cylinder to mitigate in part this problem. If you aren't driving it like you stole it all the time I don't think this will be a problem.

2007-2008, auto's and very rarely some manuals had DOD lifters, basically displacement on demand, there have been instances where these have failed, the cure is new lifters and while you are about it a performance cam is nice to have.

Suspension, shock mounting bushes can fail, again relatively inexpensive to fix, places like Pyro performance can supply replacement upgraded parts.

In terms of spares, body parts, quite difficult to find but mechanically places like US Powersport, American Motorsport, Akkerman Motors, they can all source anything you are likely to need. I wouldn't run away, GM was always stupidly priced with spares so arguably they never had proper spares back up anyway.

Diff, this oil needs to be changed but it needs to be changed with the correct oil with a friction modifier else the diff eats itself. It is vital to have a good workshop with the right expertise, in Cape Town the only place I would use is Akkerman Motors.

Modifications, sky is the limit but we aren't as fortunate as JHB is when it comes to performance shops so bear that in mind.

Thank you for the info, just took the plunge on one and will need advice - direction for spares and a manual I am in Gauteng region.

In Gauteng I would suggest either US Powersport of American Motorsport.

Thanks a span will reach out to them