Greetings all,
I'm a long-time HHR fan. Yesterday I finally purchased one, and I'm now the proud owner of a 2010 LT 2.2 in Aqua Blue/Blk Interior. 120k miles in 8/10 shape overall.
As I've been following the production of the car, I realize it's far from being free of issues, and being a long-time Saturn SW2 fan and current owner, I'm used to GM quirks.

My question is, should I know of any potential things which I need to address right away, given that it's a new playing field for me?
So far, on Tueday, I'm going to take care of the 3 Factory Recalls (two ignition and the Power Steering Pump) that were never taken care of by the previous owner.
I'm also aware of the common leak issue by the fresh air intake cowl and the rubber cover that often needs replaced. I'm going to be leaving plastic sheeting on the passenger floorboard when it rains to see if it needs attention. Lastly, I have put on a new Stant Gas Cap, as it seems that I was getting a OBD2 Code for Evap, and now resolved, along with the occasional light whiff of Gas vapors - gone.
I really appreciate any input on this, and I look forward to being able to contribute when I can! I am active on my "Saturn S-Series Fans" page as well.

-RJ

 

Welcome to the site, and congratulations on your purchase.
Have a listen for engine noises or rattling at cold start, could be a timing chain issue, some times the upper engine mount is worn out.

 

The cowl leak was 2006 models and a few early 2007 only.
The Power steering MOTOR, not pump is not a recall for 2010 it is a lifetime extended warranty.

The only for sure weak point is Lower Control Arm bushings. Lower Control Arms are cast aluminum not stamped and weled steel, as you may have seen on Saturns

 

I haven't noticed rattling (yet), but should I open the hood before I listen for this, or should it be obvious even when sitting in the driver's seat with the hood closed? My best recollection so far, is that the motor is very quiet, and about 20% of the dB that my Saturn has. Is there a typical pattern of sound that the chain sounds like, and how would the upper motor mount sound? Would it be more of a vibration or enging rocking issue? I've replaced the upper mount on my Saturn, so I am familiar with recognizing that symptom, but maybe you could describe what I should look for? Thanks!

 

Thanks for letting me know this. For the Control Arm Bushings...Is there a "clunking" noise that's more noticeable on one side than the other? Is there a good supplier for these, just in case? The owner I bought it from said it never needed anything replaced except for tires, brakes, and liftgate struts. So, I would bet that it's due.

 

Moog or Prime Choice on eBay, we get a discount from RockAuto.

to inspect the upper motor mount , look thru the oblong hole in the passenger side front wheel well , if the bolt head is lower in that hole , the rubber in the mount is toast. It can make a clunking sound from metal to metal contact

 

Great info. Going to check today. Does the same or similar sound go for the front end/bushings? I am thinking that possibly the right front bushing might be needing replaced. I'm getting a little clunking noise when going over potholes but localized on that side. I suspect it's not shocks because it seems to recover very quickly, and not bouncy and resists compressing when bearing down on that corner. I know rebuilding a front end on a Saturn S Series is really inexpensive. Have you all found the front end parts to be relatively inexpensive to attain? Also, are there any superior aftermarket front end parts that may last longer than the aluminum OEM parts? I don't plan on letting go of this car until the total collapse of the new world, or when cars start flying....lol

 

Always use the aluminum lower control arms on the HHR... Do not go with the cheaper steel versions, even though some sellers say they "fit"

 

This is very good to know. I have a friend who's a good front end mechanic, and he'll look at these, and if they need replaced, I'm going to try these sources (above) first.

 

It’s hard to notice the rear lca bushings , roll the car forward a apply the brakes on f there is a clunk it’s those bushings , while you’re at it replace the sway bar end links and the sway bar bushings .

Apply liberal amounts of penetrating oil to the lca bolts at the cage nuts. Do not use an air impact wrench to break the loose , it force can start the nut spining