I've had my '06 HHR for many trouble free years and still really like the car. My thought is to let my 16 yr old daughter inherit the HHR as it is reasonably economical, safe, and reliable. So, that puts me in the market for a replacement.

I am trying to decide if I should go with another crossover type vehicle (read station wagon), a small SUV, or something sporty. The third option is my "mid life crisis" vehicle and really just a wild card. I know that I would be happier with something that has similar versitality to the HHR and maybe gets a bit better mileage (mine never averaged more than about 24 MPG).

The optimum vehicle would have the ablility to carry two bikes inside with a weeks worth of camping gear for two people. It would have to be available with leather seats as I much prefer the ease of cleaning (think muddy bike shorts) of leather over cloth seats. I would also be happy if I could improve my avg fuel efficiency.

I have looked at the Mazda CX-5, The new Ford Escape, and the Subaru forester. What other cars would you suggest?

I have also looked at some used Nissan 350 Z's. Damn, those things are nice!

 

HHR........SS. The little wagon that "can" definitely..

Hey all that talk about a Ford has ford adds popping up all over..

 

I have an HHR already. As nice as the SS's are, I am not a big fan of having two of the same car.

 

Have you considered the Chevy Equinox and the GMC Terrain, and the new Hyundai Santa Fe?

 

IMHO, After driving my HHR's as a comparrison.

I bought a new 2012 Forester and sold it within 3 months.

1. Didn't like engine compared to the echo tech... No contest.
2. Didn't like the 4 speed auto trans. Crappy shift points and noisy.
3. Doors really tinney and rattles from parts that cannot be fixed .. and I can fix most any rattle.
4. Fuel mileage noticeably below my 2.4L HHR.

SF

2012 Santa fe now updated in the 2013. Came close to buying but lost interest.

1. Very impressed with the overal workmanship and most materials.
2. Terrible harsh ride on anything other then smooth hiway paving. Very dissapointing.

2013 may be better but have not driven one yet.

 

You must mean the same shape, right ? I found the A6 or s6 wagons nice.

 

Have a look at the buick encore/chevy trax. They are nice in person, a bit smaller but not as much as you'd think.

 

Is the Trax available in the states?

It is not on the chevy website for 2013 as far as I see.

SF

 

Nope. We have the Buick Encore which is its direct sibling.

 

The Trax is for Canada naot available in the states.

I was test driving a Sonic hatchback on Saturday and was unimpressed with it.

I did test a Ford Fusion hatchback on Friday and liked it. Of course the dealer was pushing for an immediate sale and kept dropping the price for a sale. They did not have one on the lot that I wanted. Their initial offer was $5000 for my 06 HHR. for a bottom line of $17K out the door. They were at $14-$15Kwhen I told them I am just researching cars.

My HHR has had no issues and I doubt that I'm ready to trade the car.