I own a 2004 Ford Ranger V6. The thing is well built, reliable, and never lets me down (knock on wood). However, I want something that gets better gas mileage and has a covered cargo area. My two main considerations are either a VW Jetta Wagon or an early model HHR. I prefer the body style of the HHR but have read some negative reviews in regards to glove box latch problems, door handle problems, etc. I can only spend around $7000 so I know this sets me at a vehicle with 70-80K miles. How reliable are your HHR's? I love the look, but would rather pay a little more for gas and keep my reliable vehicle than nickle and dime with something for defective parts/cheap manufacturing. Also, what kind of gas mileage do you guys usually get? Is there anything I should specifically look out for when inspecting potential purchases?
Thank you much for your help,
Geoffrey

 

Most of the items that mine had problems early on were all covered under warranty. None of the items would have left me stranded though. Mine's an 05 build date so it's definately one of the earliest models. I'm at 68K miles at the moment and have absolutely no issues with mine.

What was covered under warranty early on:

A/C growl
Blower motor

What I've had to fix out of pocket:

Butyle patch fix for water leak
Brakes

The upper storage compartment "issue" had a new piece that was added. Mine has that installed, but I never had any problems with mine.

 

Same here, I also have a very early 05 build date. 90K with little if any problems. You will see more post here on problems then good ones like myself and Solman's HHR. My wife has a 07 with 56K same as mine. Did put a cooling fan motor in last may.

 

Have an 06, the dealer had to replace a thermostat which threw a code and didn't allow the remote start to work at about 40k miles.

The stock speakers have been a nightmare, the dealer replaced them and now the two rears aren't working again, they're not abused....I normally just listen to Clark Howard etc so not exactly thumping any rap in our car. I suppose I'll get some good ones to replace the stock ones from crutch field.

Had to replace the dome light, the switch stopped working in it.

A/C / Heater blower motor started leaking when it rained and eventually failed. The dealer replaced a seal above the blower motor and the blower motor itself.

Rear window washer has started leaking inside the vehicle.

Have a noise coming from the front end, sounds like it could be a slightly warped rotor....(wear/maintenance item).

This may sound like a lot but it really isn't that bad. When we first got it, th ecar was at the dealer a few times to fix the issues, but since then we've had not issues other than normal wear items. Like rotors and also a right rear shock that I replaced.

 

I have an early build too, bought Dec 2005 it now has 57k on it and it has been very reliable. If you are getting an older HHR you can get a carfax and it will tell the issues that were corrected early on. some early 2006's had some electric steering problems and the brake/rotor problems, and the shifter had a part break and the ignition key wouldn't come out.
Mine had the steering motor problem, and the shifter problem but was fixed early on under warrenty.
The last 30,000 miles have been problem free,all I have had to do is buy tires oil changes, and gas.

 

I have an '07 that I recently bought used from the dealer - it had been driven by their parts manager. Since it was dealer owned, I was able to see the entire service history and nothing major had been done. They even Certified it before selling it to me. I spoke at length with the Parts Manager, after I had bought it so he was not "selling me", and he loved the car and found it very reliable.

 

'06 2LT with 64K. Had to replace the shifter just out of warranty. Rust on the bottoms of a couple of doors. Trouble with the pulsating brake issue, resolved by being a little harder on the brakes to clean off pad residue and switching to cheap semi-metallic pads. And now I need both front struts and a left control arm bushing.

 

I have an early 06 2lt just turned 52,532 miles the only problem were the cam solenoids I replaced myself for $105.00 thanks to Whoppers photos andparts needed took about 20 minutes no other problums love the HHR, have done many mods.

 

Have an 07, build date of December 2006. Now have close to 35,000 miles on it. Only problem was several years ago, the instrument cluster went wacky. Dealer under warrantee installed a new one the next day, have never had another problem with it.

 

I have a 2007 LT with 20,000 miles. No problems what so ever. Great little car. Loved it so much we bought a 2010 SS. Both cars were bought new.