Just my second post and, like I said in my intro, time for some new wheels and I'm looking for something with some utility(remodeling my house), that is decent on gas; HHR could be it.


My budget is 7000-7500, but I'd like to stay under that if possible. I have cash.

Just starting my search and I have a couple of questions.
Are some model years better than others? How's the overall realibility?
What engine is best? I'm leaning towards the 2.4L
Are there any red flags, unique to this car, that I should be on the lookout for?
Thanks for your comments and looking forward to learning a thing or two.

 

I'm more of a 2.2 l auto guy, for my '07 doesn't have ABS, Traction control or Variable Valve Timing to deal with.
Now don't get me wrong I would go for a clean 2011 2.4 auto but there aren't many to be had in that price range!
No real better years than others except maybe the 06 2.4 with the oil cooler mounted on the block ! It's not fun to change those orings!

 

You should be able to find something in that range. Heck, in another year or so, with a few more miles, I might even sell my SS for something like that! (Has almost 110K miles).

I don't know that there consistent trouble areas, but if you search, you'll find what people have been talking about on here. These cars are generally pretty solid, though.

 

I own a 07 auto with a 2.2 and a 08 5sp. With a 2.4. I have no real complaints with either.

They both get good fuel mileage with the 2.2 getting slightly better mpg. Than the 2.4 but the 2.4 is a 5sp so I probably drive it more aggressively.

The 07 had tan cloth seats that are a nightmare to keep clean.

I have now converted it to leather seats and are much easier to keep clean and I really like the heated seats in the winter time.

If I was looking for another hhr I would not care if it was a 2.2 or a 2.4. The only real thing to concern yourself with is what options your looking for and as oldblue mentioned the early 06 has a lot of stand alone parts that are different then the later year hhr's.

 

when i was looking 07..09..an 11...didnt matter the milage all where the same price range at dealer.....11 had 80.000.....07 had 50.000 and the 09 that i got had 27.000....they where all in the $9000 range.....little tin boxes seem to keep there value....i will say just took a long highway ride and was impressed with the ride quality

 

look on this forum under classified you may find a few golden nuggets for sale.or use the search on the top of the forum, good luck the 2.2 is a great motor my wife had a 2.2 and for 60,000 miles never put a penny into it except for maintance, very dependable!
Good luck
Tm

 

I am one of many with multiple HHRs . This would not happen if they were a POS.