Hi all, I'm new here.

I am looking at buying one of these sporty little HHR's and would like some thought's and idea's from all of you.

What options did you get on yours?
What options do you WISH you had gotten?
What options can you not live without?
Rough cost?
Anything you know now that would change your mind?
Anything you would change to your ride?

Looking at going to the dealership this weekend. Want an Summit White '07 with the works. From what I have seen in the area, they will have to have it built for me.

Thanks
Dan

 

to the site! I have an 07 LT1 Black Automatic with running boards. Mostly happy with the ride especially for the price. For the most part got what I wanted besides color. The only 07 they had was black and I did not want to wait. Things that I would change are mostly ergonomic such as the power window switches, the poke your arm locks, etc.

 

Automatic (with remote start), Running Boards, and the Leather heated seats are a must. (as i would think in your area).

 

hadn't thought of the remote start or the heated seats.. and yes in this area.. is a BIG must.. :)

 

The remote start and heated seats are great in the winter. I love having a sunroof (its a must for me.) To me, the 2.4L engine is a must as well.

I wish I had the side curtain airbags and running boards (those will be put on once this winter is done and the gravel is removed from the roads.)

Some things I wish the HHR had would be heated sideview mirrors, a 5 speed automatic or 6. I also wish it had 4 wheel disc brakes.

The HHR is great but my only complaint is not really doing enough homework before buying the car. I bought it on impulse back in Sept 05 and in the summer of 06 I went to look at the Audi A3. I would have greatly preferred the Audi but becuase I bought the HHR the depreciation would have really hurt me. Might make it a Christmas present to myself this year, maybe.

 

I have the 2006 DSM 2LT.
Things I can't live without:
- Auto transmission
- Power windows
- Power Door Locks
- Auxilary audio jack
- Premium Pioneer sound system
- A/C (it is Phoenix, but this may be a given)
Things I'm glad it has:
- Remote start
- Running boards
- 2.4 engine
- Cruise control
- Tilt wheel
- Power driver's seat
- Audio controls on steering wheel
- Fold-down seats (standard)
- Digital compass on rear view mirror
- Fog lights
Things I wish I'd gotten:
- Sunroof
Things I can do without:
- Leather seats (again, it is Phoenix)

I'm sure I'll think of more later. I'll be back!
P.S. The only thing I've done to the car is tint the windows - nothing else, as of yet.

 

Cadman
I purchased a 2006 2LT, I have everything except Onstar, I love my HHr and I love every feature that came with it, Its Loaded. Check out my Gallery and others if your looking for Ideas.

Rudy (Z-Man) aka LLB
South East of Chicago

 

Hello cadman,

I got my ride factory ordered last November. So far, I have had ZERO faults or problems. I have come close on previous cars but never ZERO. I am partially disabled, and wanted a car with a high seat that also powers up higher, to ease my getting in and especially out. The HHR has this plus a very nice car attached to it. I would say the 2.4 engine and auto trans are essential, and the usual power stuff - brakes, steering, windows, doors. I said no to a sunroof - I know these can sometimes leak, but I should not prejudge the HHR's - maybe it is leakproof. Also no to remote start - these things should be made illegal. Anybody who can't stand a cold car or a hot one in summer, for a couple of minutes until the heater or AC gets going, should be banned from owning a car - they must have money to burn at today's gas prices. When Carmen (my car's name) starts, the wheels begin to turn within 30 seconds. Heated leather seats in a cold climate seem to me to be unnecessary, get the nice warm cloth seats. Onstar is expensive but given my condition it is peace of mind for emergencies - I couldn't even change a tire by myself, and a long walk to a phone would be a challenge also. I passed up the XM radio as there are plenty of choices on the AM AND FM bands, and a CD or two in the top storage bin provides even more. The only things I dislike about the HHR are the Firestone tires (they are okay but not as good as Good Years) and the lack of a key-unlock on the tailgate. I can recommend the HHR and hope yours will be as trusty as Carmen. I have been a GM owner since 1965, so I may be biased, but I believe this is one of GM's best ever. As always, shop around to all your local dealers. The first one I went to said absolutely no discounts on 2007s, but I ended up with a discount of $2075 at the place who made the sale.

Peter in Edmonton

 

I bought an '06 Summit White a couple of weeks ago. There are still hundreds of '06 models available at considerable savings. You should be able to get at LEAST 3K off the MSRP window sticker on a fully equipped model. Mine is:
2LT pkg which includes:
2.4 VVT engine with bright chrome exhaust tip
Sport tuned suspension
Bright Chrome appearance pkg.
17" Wheels
Fog Lamps
Pioneer 7 Speaker Amplified sys.
Leather wrapped Steering wheel and shift knob
Auto-dim I/S mirror with compass

Options:
Automatic w/remote start
Sunroof
Leather
Side Airbags
17" High Polished Forged Alloy Wheels
XM Radio
6CD Changer
Roof Side Rails
Running Boards

The only thing I could do without would be the 6CD changer. The single one would be fine since it has XM and the aux. input jack. That said...I did load six discs in it and use it anyway. Remember with leather seats you get the seat heater which is nice in my neck of the woods. I didn't think the XM radio would mean all that much, but now that I have it...love it! The pioneer 7 speaker 260 watt amplifier system is excellent for a factory system IMO.

Have your dealer do a search for one with the options you want and possibly do a dealer transfer. That is how I got mine. Use the chevy.com website to search for what you might be interested in. If you can be flexible on color choice you will obviously have more selection. I was lucky...even got the color I wanted. Go ahead and get one...you won't be disappointed.

 

I ended up with a fully loaded HHR, buying Oct of 2005, shortly after release.

I did not want to wait and went with what was on the lot and available. Early on a custom ordered HHR, took a long time to get.

Most important option, many discussions on these should be standard equipment is RUNNING BOARDS!! Running boards help with the flared fenders getting beat up from road debris. Plus my opinion finishes out the look of the car.

Options: I am really glad I ended up with, the running boards definite, have been really please with the leather interior, sun-roof nice, the 17” wheels are good (although I have changed style, the larger wheels nice). I like the factory XM satellite radio option and did keep subscription, going.

Been really pleased with 2.4 engine, good pep and great MPG, routinely 28-29 MPG.


Options that I could of lived without:
Premium sounds system is OK, but lacking in performance for what it is billed as. I think others have ended up upgraded and more please with after-market. Frankly, the premium speakers, suck.

On-star I have not subscribed and did not really need in the vehicle.

Cost: Back when I got mine, not much haggle-room, now pricing much better, plus more warranty, lucky for buyers now. Seems like great deals now.

Changing an HHR, this is the best thing, HHR are mini Hot Rods, I have changed wheels, lowered, tinted windows, dash kit, misc…. Customizing and having fun with HHR is what it is all about!!!!