I'm an independent contract medical courier, and I'm looking to replace my 2001 VW Golf Turbodiesel (370,000 troublefree miles) with something just a tad bigger. On my short list is the Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe (same car as the Matrix), and the Chevy HHR with the AA5 rear window delete option.

I put almost 100K miles per year on my car, 90% of it rural highway driving. What I'm wondering is if anyone else is using an HHR for similar purposes, and how well it's held up and what kind of common problems they have had.

Also, since I'll be spending 8 hours per day behind the wheel, mainly at speeds of 65-70mph, I'm interested in opinions on ride quality, comfort, noise, etc. You get the idea. Also, what kind of gas mileage are you getting on long trips doing mostly the speed limit with the automatic transmission? I know it won't get the 47mpg I'm getting with my Golf, but with diesel prices 75 cents/gallon higher than gas right now, I'd be happy with 35. Is that possible?

Thanks,
Jeff in Texas
Maybe a future HHR AA5 owner.

 

A company in Arizona used HHRs for their courier service. The last time they posted there was over 100,000 on theirs in early 2006, they got their in July or Aug 2005.

 

My HHR was actually used as a medical courier before I got it. Has about 105k miles now. Everything still works great. Still seems like new. I find it very comfortable. I think you'll be getting about 30mpg in the HHR at those speeds.
A friend of mine has a Vibe and gets anywhere from 32-40 mpg in the 5-speed version - i not exactly sure on a general average. But that is a really nice car as well.

 

I average about 700 miles a week, so it wont be long.

 

Can't address the mileage issue, but can address the comfort; get the LEATHER seats, they are VERY comfortable! Much more comfortable than the cloth seats. (I rent HHRs when I travel and the rental cars have cloth seats.)

 

I've driven mine 10+ hours many times on long trips. It's more comfortable than many cars will be for that many hours. Make sure you get the power seat so it can be adjusted on the fly. I get between 28 and 30 mpg with the 2.2L and automatic. Wind will greatly affect your mileage and handling. Buy and after-market anti-sway bar!

 

Avg 500 miles per week minimum not counting weekends...29K since May 16th last year. Leathers seats are more comfy but watch out taking corners with ANYTHING on the seats...it will go flying

My travel is 95% highway...during the winter months avg 70-80 mph I would get anywhere from 27-31 mpg 2.2 automatic. Right now I am forcing myself to stay between 55-65 mph and so far through 350 miles (just under 1/2 a tank) the DIC has me at 34.3 mpg. I expect to get 32-35 mpg during the summer blend months.....Found the HHR drafts real well and your mpg will go up as long as you aren't gong solo down the road. I had a Matrix before the HHR and I could sometimes get over 400 miles per tank in a smaller gas tank....that was the older style Matrix though, not the new style.


I'm not worried about the Ecotec, I more worried about the rest of the parts doing the flounder..the Matrix pretty much gave me 64K trouble free miles in just under 2 years...original pads and rotors, exhaust, struts etc....no issues, nice car




Goose

 

Like the other posts, I'm sure that you will be pleased with an HHR. I bought mine in Nebraska as a former rent-a-car. I also use mine for business purposes and I spend my days doing warranty inspections for third party warranty companies. I travel in North Carolina and Virginia with a mix of rural and interstates and still squeak out 30-31 mpg average. The terrain is hilly as well. I also see many HHR's with medical lab insignias. I have put 10,000 miles on in three months and also kept a log of every drop of fuel that I have used and I am pleased with its performance.

 

I have 08 black 2LT with the A5 option.. I drive over 20 miles to work everyday each way. 80% freeway. MPG is getting real close to 24 mpg... Very fun to drive it and the enhanced 260 watt stereo is worth the extra bucks.

 

I average 174 miles a week on my 2006 2LT. But I still think it's a pretty good vehicle.

None of the problems some others complain about !!!