Used Chevy SS: Should You Buy One?

Sadly, the Chevrolet SS was never a big hit. Maybe it was the confusing name, maybe it was Chevy’s sheer lack of marketing, or maybe Americans just weren’t ready for a 415-horsepower, rear-wheel-drive sedan with a manual. Whatever the reason, the SS never found much of an audience.

Chevrolet sold the SS in the US from 2014 through 2017 before production ended after just a few model years. But while the SS never came close to mainstream success, that’s part of what makes it so appealing today. If you know where to look, you can still find one for considerably less than its original sticker price.

The SS started at more than $45,000 when new, but used examples can now be found in the $20,000 to $30,000 range. For enthusiasts who want something genuinely special without spending BMW M5 money, the Chevy SS makes a pretty compelling case.

Why Buy The Chevrolet SS?

There are two big reasons: V8 and manual.

The SS packs a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter LS3 V8 making 415 hp and 415 pound-feet of torque. It sends all that power to the rear wheels through either a six-speed automatic or, more importantly, a six-speed manual transmission.

And Chevy didn’t just drop a big engine into a regular sedan and call it a day. The SS also came with Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential, a sport-tuned suspension, and eventually Magnetic Ride Control. Despite weighing around 4,000 pounds, it handled itself surprisingly well.

When we drove the SS back in 2017, we had plenty of praise for the big performance sedan:

• ‘It’s more than just a big four-door with a muscular engine… the SS drives more like a Camaro than a full-size sedan.’
• ‘This thing sounds bitchin’.’
• ‘Mash the throttle and rev high, and the exhaust will sing its small-block sound all day long. It’s intoxicating.’

How Much Is A Used Chevrolet SS?

The SS has held its value surprisingly well compared to more ordinary Chevrolet sedans. Still, depreciation has made it significantly more affordable than it was when new.

According to Kelley Blue Book‘s current values for examples with around 50,000 miles in good condition, here’s roughly what you can expect to pay:

• 2014 Chevrolet SS: $23,050
• 2017 Chevrolet SS: $33,200

Those aren’t exactly bargain-basement prices, especially for a Chevrolet sedan that’s more than a decade old. But keep in mind that the SS cost roughly $48,920 when new. And unlike most other $25,000 sedans, this one comes with a 415-hp V8, rear-wheel drive, Brembo brakes, and an available manual transmission.

Check Used Chevy SS Listings

Which Chevrolet SS Should You Buy?

There aren’t too many decisions to make here.

Every Chevrolet SS uses the same 6.2-liter V8 making 415 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Your biggest decision is whether you want the six-speed automatic or the six-speed manual. Pick the manual.

As for model years, we’d favor a 2015 or newer example. The 2015 SS gained standard Magnetic Ride Control and Brembo rear brakes, while later models received additional updates and equipment.

You’ll probably pay the most for a 2017 model, too. It’s the final model year, and low-mileage examples have become particularly desirable among enthusiasts.

What Could Go Wrong?

The good news is that the SS uses a relatively straightforward GM powertrain.

The LS3 is a proven engine with a huge following and massive aftermarket support, so finding parts shouldn’t be difficult. But you are still buying a 10-year-old performance car with a 415-hp V8.

The first thing to look for is how the previous owner treated it. Look for aftermarket tuning, questionable suspension modifications, worn tires, excessive brake wear, and evidence of accidents. The clutch deserves particular attention on manual cars, too.

You’ll also want to make sure the Magnetic Ride Control system is working properly. It’s a fantastic feature when it works, but replacing components of the system won’t be cheap. A well-maintained example is worth paying extra for.

What Else Could You Buy?

There are plenty of alternatives, but surprisingly few offer the same combination of performance, practicality, and sheer weirdness. Some obvious options include:

• BMW M3 / M5
• Cadillac CTS-V
• Dodge Charger R/T / Scat Pack
• Pontiac G8 GXP (hell yeah)

The Cadillac CTS-V is faster and more luxurious, but it’s also likely to be more expensive to buy and maintain. The Dodge Charger Scat Pack offers similar V8 muscle and is considerably easier to find, while the BMW M3 and M5 remain the obvious benchmarks for a performance sedan. But the German cars come with a very different ownership proposition.

And then there’s the sweet, sweet Pontiac G8 GXP. Essentially the SS’s predecessor, the G8 uses the same basic performance-sedan formula and a 6.2-liter LS3 with an available manual transmission. They’re even rarer today, though, and clean examples can command serious money.

Why The Chevrolet SS Makes Sense

The Chevrolet SS makes a surprisingly strong case as a sleeper enthusiast car.

For roughly $20,000 to $30,000, you can get a rear-wheel-drive sedan with 415 hp, Brembo brakes, Magnetic Ride Control, a limited-slip differential, and, if you’re patient, a six-speed manual transmission.

It’s practical enough to use every day, fast enough to be genuinely entertaining, and rare enough that you probably won’t see another one in the grocery store parking lot. More importantly, it has all the right pieces.

Big naturally aspirated V8? Check. Rear-wheel drive? Check. Manual transmission? Check.

The Chevrolet SS might not have been a sales success, but it’s a weird, low-volume performance sedan that Chevy probably couldn’t build today even if it wanted to. Find the cleanest one you can. Get the manual. And enjoy the hell out of it.

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