My 2008 LT 2.4L is right around 160K. Unfortunately it is in need of a set of hubs in the front, inner tie rods, tires, shocks for the rear (again), probably due for a timing chain replacement (oil changed regularly - but startups are a bit noisy), and other things that due to the lovely SE Michigan roads have these little trucklets shaking, rattling, and rolling. It seems that I can never get the rattles out of this.

Not sure if it's worth it, or time to bid this fair well. Body wise it's pretty solid - although if I had to do it all over again it wouldn't have been black. Still getting good fuel economy.

Suggestions / Thoughts?

 

$3,000 VS a new monthly car payment.

 

Often least expensive vehicle to operate is the one you own. That may or may not be your first priority. Timing chain is your most costly repair.

For me (2008 2.2 LS 133k) carfax says dealer replaced cylinder head at 55k under warranty. In my mind engine has many use-able miles left with regular maintenance. No body or rust issues for me so I will replace wheel bearings when a little noisier and keep on running it.

 

If your handy these trucklets are easy to work on a timing and balance shaft chain chain kit is not that expensive and can be done in a day with no fancy tools.
Parts are still available and as long as there isn’t a rust problem, fix it .
did you replace the rear shocks that might have a lifetime warranty?

 

I PMed him. Since he is local, I might be able to help with shocks that fit nothing in my yard any longer.

My daughter's BF lives in Livonia... really.

 

Awesome!

 

That is a big benefit to our "trucklets" fairly simple to work on with basic mechanical skills. Shop labor rates here in CA are over $90 in the independents. Can't pay that.
Parts cost economical compared to imports.
Or is it? If I never replaced wheel bearings on my Camry (270k Convertor failure, transaxle whine I junked it) that's zero $$. The HHR are noisy at 135k and need service/replacement.

 

EBay, search prime choice hubs a pair under 100 bucks

 

Hubs are easy enough to swap, this will be the third time since ownership and its straightforward. Little leary of bargain basement ebay hubs, as the these roads are brutal.

the timing chain gives me pause. im a single car family, so i cant have this done for more than a single day for the chain swap ( no hickups, etc...)

 

Could be just a failed timing chain tensioner, and pretty cheap & easy (but NOT foolproof) fix. My 2008 LS started making chain-like noises on startup so I replaced it with the updated part and that took care of it.

This (very good) thread says it’s only about the 2006-2008 2.2L but I don’t see why it wouldn’t apply equally to the 2.0 and 2.4 and that’s mentioned in the comments:

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...-rattle-46159/