Does Stabilitrac solve the same problems that a rear anti-sway bar would? From what I've read, everyone thinks this option will prevent tons of accidents.

Also, I was reading the Chevy website and they show that all '08 HHRs come with OnStar. Is that correct? Has anyone used it and do you think it's worth it? Can you deactivate OnStar if you chose?

After that women in Oregon was lost deep in the woods for a week, I'm considering getting a vehicle with OnStar. I'm almost always driving alone and this may be worth the money.

 

My 2008 came with OnStar FREE for a year and I beleive it's very useful.
First you have HANDS-FREE telephony (through the radio speakers and small built in microphone). I live in the Montreal area and I've used OnStar to make long distance phone calls as far south as the HHR Boutique home. Then there's the 'PANIC' button which would be very useful in case of an emergency or accident. If you should forget your keys in the car, they can unlock your car doors remotely no matter where you are (well nearly anywhere). Plus, your insurance company should give you a discount because OnStar can trace your car if it's stolen. They offer diff. packages but the 'basic' one that's free for the first year is cool.

I'm not sure if you can deactivate it though.

 

Yes, All 08's come with OnStar with 1 year safe and sound plan free and after that you can renew or just let it expire, no need to disconnect anything.
Go to www.OnStar.com for info on their plans, etc.
Stabliitrak (only on 2Lt's) will automatically apply brake to which ever wheel requires it, if that is what the computer feels is necessary to prevent loss of control if going around a curve (for example) and can also adjust engine torque to help you get the car under control. I think as long as you don't drive like a teenage kid thinking he is running a Daytona 500 race, this feature really isn't necessary except for maybe some emergency maneuvers in a traffic situation.
SandyBeach, stay in Fl and you won't have to worry about the snow. Hope this info helps.

 

I don't think it's worth it unless you are a delivery vehicle or maybe in your situation.But I only drive 10 miles a day. So for me its not worth it for the few times I may travel long distances per year.

Wish I could find a way to use the roof microphone for a built in BT system.


The biggest advantage for me is the answer to an engine light is immediate as to what it is. Thats a nice feature.
$299 a year is not too bad for one who drives a lot.

 

They also have different options for packages. If you never want to use the phone feature, you don't have to pay for it. You can do a basic package that has the emergency alert and stolen vehicle tracking, but you won't have the remote diagnostics or remote unlock included. I think my parents pay like, $80 a year for the most basic package.

 

Has the rotor problems been corrected on the 08's? Took our '06 in for the 3rd time today for the brakes to be fixed.

 

Don't believe they ever admitted there was a Rotor problem, to fix!!!!

Stay after them, I let mine go, and had to replace rotors, on my own.


LAter,
Mark

 

It would be nice if they were to include Blue tooth technology

 

You can elect to not subscribe to Onstar if you wish!

My vehicle is equipped with it, and the first year, was free. I did not use it, and did not subcribe, which meant a monthly fee.

Something, about a voice appearring, and going through the vehicle, freaked me out. I guess, I have gotten used to using, my Cell Phone, if more directions, are needed, or emergenicies!!

Later,
Mark

Do you go DEEP in the Woods with your HHR?!?!?!?

 

[/QUOTE]Do you go DEEP in the Woods with your HHR?!?!?!?[/QUOTE]

No, I don't go into the woods at all. Unless you consider remote parts of Alabama "the woods". Neither did that woman in Oregon. She swerved off a major highway and and down a ravine and no one could find her vehicle for a week.

As for Stabilitrak, I've had problems with high cross winds. I was travelling north on I-75 and the winds were blowing me into the next lane. Others have stated the rear anti-sway bar would fix that. Will Stabilitrak solve that problem?

My other complaint with my '06 is the cloth or synthetic upholstery. I spent several hours steam-cleaning it and the spots never came out. I'd like to go to leather. Are leather seat covers available from any websites?

I've been very fortunate not to have most of the problems described all over this board. I just hope they don't start appearing at 36,001 miles!