Hey everyone!! I'm am probably jumping the gun by signing up and all, because I haven't gotten an HHR yet, but I am trying my hardest to get one!! There is an 08 with the chrome package at the dealer I am looking at however I don't think they are going to work the deal I want, as I've already tried and failed. They also have an 07 with something over 12,000 miles, however it has...HUBCAPS. No offence to anyone who has them, but I hate the things. Anyway...I won't bore you with details of my life or anything at this time, haha, since I don't know if I'm even getting the HHR. I owe more than my Vibe is worth so that's my biggest hurtle at the moment.

Anyway, a few questions to bother you guys and gals with before I go through with the 07. I've been looking around other forums and websites and I don't yet know the best place to get new wheels. I see fantastic moon wheels at http://www.californiacruisers.com/hhr_parts.htm that I REALLY like, especially if I had them painted black to match the car, but I don't know if it's worth it to spend almost $800 for four wheels and who knows the price I'd have to pay to get them shipped to me and THEN get someone to put them on because I have no skills whatsoever with cars. There are also pinstripes going down the sides which I hate, what is the best way to remove them? Do you think they will peel right off? They are very tiny and look simple enough but I don't want sticky lines left if I did peel them off. Also, what would be my best bet to get tiny scratches and dings fixed? I know a local auto body shop who just does regular cars, and I don't think there are many easy to find specialty shops here in PA, and I don't fancy driving into Philly if I can help it, haha. Anyway, some ideas of potentional(dreaming) mods I'd want to do if I can work a deal...

moon wheels to get rid of the nasty hub caps.
get rid of the pin stripes
get an afterstock antennae, any ideas?
vertical doors
visor
eyelids
have someone paint the grill and beauty bar to match the body and make the bow ties silver, i HATE gold

Well, I probably wrote WAY too much for a guy who doesn't even HAVE an HHR yet, but I thought I'd finally sign up and ask around before I get into it. I'll probably call the dealer today to get the final word on the 08 and then ask about the 07 if the 08 won't work. Thanks for ANY and ALL help!!

JC

 

Well, that is a lot for someone who doesn't even have one yet ...
First things first - to the club.
It doesn't matter if you have one or not (but having one is better )

moon wheels to get rid of the nasty hub caps. The moons will look sharp but beware of CaliforniaCruisers. I think some others here have had problems with them.

get rid of the pin stripes Are they painted on or tape? If they are tape, they should come right off (may need to heat with a hair dryer) and a little goo gone if there is any residue. Not sure about the paint - would probably need to sand and re-clearcoat.

get an afterstock antennae, any ideas? Go shorty - get rid of the fishin' pole. There are a few vendors that have them for the HHR and also the VW Jetta (I think) stock antenna works.

vertical doors Will look sharp if you can pull it off.
visor, eyelids & have someone paint the grill and beauty bar to match the body and make the bow ties silver Check out the pictures section. They all have been done.

It looks like you're about an hour away from me (and a few others). We like trying to get together from time to time. The more the merrier. I'm sure someone will be able to steer you in the right direction

Good luck with your purchase

 

No need to be an owner to post here. Just ask O6, never had one and has over 3200 posts.

 

Hey! Thanks for the reply! I hope I can find a good place for wheels then around here if that place isn't known to be great! I'd hate to spend the money to get bad ones!!!! How can I tell if the pinstripes are tape or paint? I stopped by this morning and the pinstripes are raised, does that mean they are tape? I swear I am SO bad at knowing about cars...it's almost a crime!!

Assuming I get the 07, I'd love to take care of the wheels first, but if I have to wait then the antennae and visor, as well as wind deflectors which I forgot to mention would be next. My mods would be an ongoing project for years most likely as it probably is for the average HHR owner. :)

Thanks again!

 

HA...true! Who knows, maybe I'll have an HHR soon, if not I'll shoot for one for next year when I might have a better chance of getting a newer one.

 

to the forum and buy it SOON

 

HA! I wish I could. The dealer isn't calling me back so I'm guessing it's a no go on the 08, but I didn't express interest in the 07 yet, so they would focus more on the 08 first. I'll call him back this afternoon or go in and check out the 07 more closely and see what happens.

Thanks for the welcome!

 

Welcome. I'm not an owner at this time either but come Spring I'll have a nice shinny new one without any road salt on it from this coming Oh winter

 

Well, if I can get an 07 now for cheap, I'm gonna try. In a years time there will be salt on the road again anyway, so I don't stress too much about that, although I always worry about the snow and ice and other cars, haha!!!

Thanks for the welcome...the dealer I was at didn't help me, so I'm on the hunt once again!!!

 

Welcome to the Club...

Now's the time to get a model year close-out...the '08's are coming off the line and if you're not fussy on color or equipment, you can swing a really super deal. The dealers have computer access to all existing inventory in their respective "zones" so don't be shy. If a salesperson says he/she doesn't have what you want, go to another dealership.
My advice is to get the running boards. It avoids the stone chip issue.
The 2.2L is peppy with the automatic trans. (My opinion)
Don't forget any used models, They qualify for Optimum Warranty and are good values,too.

Good Luck,

Clare