beachbum1970

Well my 2009 HHR is coming up on its 3 year anniversary and I'm just about to hit 36,000 miles. The bumper-to-bumper warranty will expire then, leaving me with the less comprehensive engine/powertrain warranty until 5 years/100,000 miles. Since this is my only vehicle and I need something reliable to get to work, with very little extra money for any surprise repairs, I'm looking at either keeping the HHR (which I love BTW, and it's in perfect condition and well cared for) or lease a new 2012 Chevy Cruze.

I'd actually LIKE to keep my HHR. The thing is, I've had some problems with it mechanically since buying it. I had an engine sensor go bad within the first month of owning it, then I had the steering column rattle issue which required the entire steering column being replaced, 4 days in the shop waiting for parts. Then I had the front suspension rattle problem, which the dealership kept the car for 2 days.

Having read these wonderful HHR forums over the years, I know there are several problems that tend to creep up on our HHRs. Front suspension issues, steering column problems, interior door handle snapping off (requiring the ENTIRE door panel to be replaced, $450). So if I do decide to keep my car, I'm looking at the GM Extended Protection Plan.

Has anybody had experience with these plans? There's the "Major Guard" which pretty much covers everything, except things like brake pads, tires, paint, rattles, and throws in road side assistance. Then there's the "Value Guard" which I'm looking at because it covers the major stuff like the steering system, front suspension, braking components, electrical system, A/C, Fuel system, front drive assemblies, transmission and engine. Do you think that would be "enough" to cover any serious repairs that our HHRs are prone to have? This plan also throws in a loaner if my car has to be kept overnight.

Just need some advice here. Again I really like my HHR, but I'm leery of some of the problems that the HHR is known for. So the question is, keep the HHR with a GM protection plan, or get a new Cruze?

Thanks again for all your help! This forum has been so helpful over the years and you guys (and gals) are great! Chris

Laco

In general extended warrantees are not a good deal for the consumer. Having said that, I have had them on several cars I have owned over the years, though not on my 2007 HHR. My experience has been just about a break even over the course of the extended warrantee. As far as my HHR, have not had a single problem with it since the bumper to bumper expired. I think if you cost out an extended warrantee, you may be surprised at how expensive it would be. You might consider putting that amount of money away, instead of buying the warrantee, just so you have that much available cash, just in case.

tntwolt

only 36k? got 60k on my `09. warranty will cost more than repairs over period of time. have no probs with mine whatsoever. rapping with other HHRs here fixed a lot of issues i had.

oneton

I'm getting real close to 90k on my 06 LS that said not much to say other then it been a great car! Did a service 2wks ago, picked up oil ect. also pads & shoes for brakes. still have OEM pads & shoes never turned rotors. Felt it was time. when pulled wheels to do brakes I said no not now still good to go. Cleaned & adjust rears lubed pins & slides on front I'll look at again next oil change. That about all I do or had to do to this thing. Does it have a rattle now and then when its cold out ? YES Has it stalled at idle at times YES Does the steering column make noise over bumps or dirt roads it has it all. Oh right front hub is starting to let me know that its about time but hell I drive the it every day. It is a machine that starting to let me know. I just turned 62 last tue. I make noise when its cold , I am a little slow in the AM but it is all good. It has and is a great car

sleeper

oneton-

Happy be-lated B-day man !!

843de

In general you have to think of an extended warranty as pre-paying for repairs that you may or may not ever need. From your post is sounds like you've already dealt with the problem areas known to HHR's and I wouldn't make the assumption that you'll have those same issues all over again once the basic warranty expires.

If you do decide to go with an extended warranty at least stick with the plans offered by GM, some of the third party warranties aren't worth the paper they are printed on. A classic trick of the third party folks is covering things that never break like the transmission case(but not the internal components), if you break the case you've hit something and your insurance takes over, not the warranty.

If it were me, I'd save the money, stop worrying needlessly, and just enjoy your HHR. If something breaks in the future it breaks, deal with it when it occurs instead of fretting over the possible eventuality of a failure that may never occur.

And Happy Belated Birthday oneton!

Old Lar

I have an '06 1LT with a 2.4L and 91K miles and had no serious issues with the car. I just put a second set of tires on the car last month and still have the original brakes. Extended warrenties are costly, and when I had one on a car, anything that broke, seemed to NOT be covered under the warrenty. Like life insurance, the sellers have the odds on their side that they wont pay anything.

Doctuh

You still have coverage for most expensive repairs with the power train warranty out to 5 years and 100K. If you feel paranoid, figure out how much the warranty would cost and put the money aside instead of paying for one. The company selling you an extended warranty (and it should be GM to avoid hassles) prices them based on making money on the average cost of repairs. In other words, buy an extended warranty only if you like giving money to the casino because the house always gets its cut.

DAVE YOUNG

This is a simple question with a even simpler answer....If you truly love your HHR then it's a no brainer keep it right ??? Remember Your covered for all major drive train repairs on the remaining GM 100,000 mile warranty. But On the other hand if your using NOT having a bumper-to-bumper warranty as a excuse to go get a new 2012 Cruze my advice is be honest your ready to give up the HHR and get a new Cruze which by the way is one fantastic car!!! But keep in mind if you go for the current factory GM Cruze no money down lease it's only for the cheapo Cruze LS it's a nice car but is very underpowered & you'll be very dissapointed because it doen't have the turbo-engine that comes standard in the Cruze LT-1 that enables you to get the 40mpg on the highway!!!!

hyperv6

The extended warranty is a bet with GM that you are going to spend the price or more on repairs than the cost of the warranty. Note that this is seldom the case. It is like the lottery. Millions spend money on tickets and only a few win.

In short if you have the money to buy a warranty the odds are in you favor that you can save it and cover any reapair and still have money left. THink of it as self insured.

Yes there are some out there that do see the extended warranty as a wise investment as they have collected more on it than they paid. This happens but not often.

GM sells the warranty as a for profit item and guess who is seeing the profit.

As for selling the car it would be cheaper to buy it if you need the peace of mind of you can keep money in your bank account.

Now if you want a new car then have at it. There is no sin in buying new if you want a new car but if you are buying a new car just for a 3 year warranty then you live up to the saying there is a Sucker Born Every Minute.

Sorry not trying to be harsh to you but I see too many other people spend more money than they save and think they get a good deal. They are the ones often upside down on loans and often end up with a worn out used car till they get back on their feet.

The bottom line is if you want and can afford a new car buy it. If you like the HHR just drive it. As for warranty just put the money in a bank account and save it so if you do have a repair use it then.