Sorry, I meant Patriot - not Liberty. I always flip flop the two. My original post I meant Jeep Patriot.

454Taylor - where did you read/see that about the 2008's? I've been searching high and low for this? If they moved the window controls to the doors, they would almost have to redo the center console dash portion to a degree. Plus there was this email that people got awhile back about arm rests and a survey which makes me think they are considering some updates here too.

I'm starting to think the best thing is to wait for HHR v.2 ;-)

-Mike

 

Hello and thanks to all who've started this forum it's very helpful. I'm at the end of a weekend rental of an HHR LT 2.2...got it from Avis for $25 a day for anyone who wants to try this. It's a worthwhile way to check out something you liked from a test drive. I tested a Pontiac Vibe, a Kia Rondo, and a Dodge Caliber along with the HHR. The Rondo and the Caliber do not interest me at all, I couldn't find anyone who had a Vibe to rent, but I just happened to find that Avis rents them although not listed on their website. I am impressed. Now to the fellow who started this thread I should state that I've owned 3 SUV's in my time...2 Mitsu Monteros, both stolen, and a Jeep Grand, still sucking gas on my Son's dime...okay 4 if you count my old Subaru 4WD wagon...which I DID take off road into Colorado one Summer. But in 2002 I downsized quite a bit to an SVT Focus pocket rocket. As a result I've been well adjusted to a 4 banger for some time now. In comparison to that little HI REV Ford the HHR is pure silk. No you won't be slammed back into the seat but I think enough power is there...though I will say I'm considering the 2.4 for a little more on hand grunt. My SVTF churns out 165+ HP (butt dyno) and relines at 7500 RPM, but still gives me 23 MPG (tho you have to run premium), so 4 bangs are inherintly efficient once you learn how to work them...can you say "short shift"?. I love the way Chevy has the auto trans working with the ecotec. It maintains very low average RPM (1500 to 2500) which helps the MPG stay decent. I've been at 27.3 for the 200 miles I've put on here in mixed LA driving. I've hauled 8 4x4's and even impressed my wife with it. As far as your concerns about the interior, again I guess I'm used to the more austere design since our other car...a 2004 Subaru Forester...is even more basic than the HHR and the SVTF. Again very in step with the vehicle class. In closing to this long first post I feel that your concerns seem to be more catagory based and can only be balanced against testing more products from other Car makers in this class. It's time consuming, but buying a car is like a second job and it's been that way for a long long time now. Oh by the way, after I turn the rental back in, I'm testing a Premiere edition w/ 6 CD and Sunroof added to the usual package...I looked at one thru the showroom window today and all I can say is it's Very Elegant. If I like the test tomorrow, i'll report back...the sales person already made me a ballpark offer of $22k out the door...which was $200 over invoice.

Thanks for reading,

Wilson

 

to the site tonepad!!! Keep us informed of your Car Buying Adventures!!!

 

Sort of off topic but do you just go to Avis and ask to rent an HHR?


Goose

 

I did call in ahead. I had spoken with the local office about a Vibe listed online but no office in the area had any on the lot. But the kids there were seemed very helpful in assisting me on this and said to keep checking. I found from another Forum that Avis rented HHR's in other areas so I called back and asked for one and indeed they HAD them regularly so within a few days I was able to reserve one. It's really been a great way to feel out a car. Too bad we can't do it on all models.

Wilson

 

Agreed...I think I will try to track down an HHR to have for a week to see if I like the commute etc in it. Being on vacation and tooling around in it is fun but would like to try it every day for a week doing my normal routine to get a better feel

Thanks!


Goose

 

Absolutely what I was trying to achieve...although I don't have a long commute, work out of my house and only travel out 3 days a week, I did throw it on the 405 freeway here in socal which always sucks and everyone dreads. I think I was able to get a real feel for my usual routine, including running down to Home Depot and tossing 6 4x4x8's into the back, shopping several widely located stores and various local short hops, and several long, less congested freeway runs. The thing has been stuck @ 27.3 mpg. That's a decent real world average out here in Socal what with all the additives and the huge amount of traffic, not to mention the price we pay per gallon.

Wilson

 

Lol...I got stuck on the 405 trying to make a quick getaway out of Hollywood...holy cow that is some thick traffic! (I think it was the 405)


Sorry for the thread jack but Wilson made some great points!


Goose

 

Welcome tonepad! Hope to see you here w/ that Premiere Edition!

 

I have a good friend who works with Chevy engineering. He has been telling them about my compaints for months. So far all I have is the window control move.