SandyBeach

Do you think the newer one was better, worse, or the same as the first one you owned in quality and reliability. I have an '06 with few problems. I'm considering buying a new one but, with the price increases and additional standard equipment, I don't know if it's worth it. I've heard rumors they will stop producing them in a few years so I want to have the latest model available. I plan to be driving an HHR for quite a while.

What do you think ?

Old Ray

I think with all respect……………… that you should have qualified your question or in my case disqualified SS purchasers. Two completely different animals, absolutely no comparison, for the better.

Also IMO what you should think about buying someday.

hyperv6

I am not a second HHR buyer but have purchase second GM cars.

As a rule they are usally improved with age. Also more standard equipment or new options make it more interesting.

I know everyone wants the newest vehicle out but with GM the best editions are the later years of any model they sell. Most problems have been fixed.

mixman

I first bought a 2008 panel van in May. Then a 2008 shadow edition in June. The shadow drives smoother than the panel and unlike the panel, it has not had mechanical issues.

Len McRiddle

I just replaced my 06 with an 09 and the 09 has definitely improved.

Desert Coyote

Had to replace the '06 (Stitch) with an '07 (Stitch II) because of a wreck, and to tell the truth, each had their own lists of likes and gripes.

Likes with the '06:
Quiet engine with a lot of power
Great fit-and-finish

Dislikes with the '06:
Gray upholstery stains far too easily
Awkward engine layout prevents use of certain cold-air intakes

Likes with the '07:
Better engine layout allows CGS use
Black interior easier to keep clean

Dislikes with the '07:
When new, engine was much louder at idle
Some fit-and-finish issues (tailgate popping)

It all balances out, to tell the truth.

HHR4JK

My brother in law who is retired from GM got an email stating that 2010, but then again who knows by then it might just be DodGM.......

Cokeybill

'06 2Lt to a '08 SS...no comparison

esmarkey

my 1st was an 1LT, 2nd was a Fall Limited Edition (2LT) and 3rd is an SS.

It really isn't comparing apples to apples as I am getting more and more options with each newer car.

My wife drives the 1LT and it is perfect for her (enough power and smoother ride), I drive the SS and LOVE it My wife thinks it rides to stiff and she doesn't like the manual transmission. They are 2 different animals.

I have been happy with all of them.

TY&HHR

Our '08 2LT is different than the our '06 1LT. But, with the '08 we have ALL the options available and that's sweet. We really only traded models because of the longer warranty. Here's my comparison.
'08 white ...................'06 black.................white is cooler in summer
tan leather............. gray leather........tan looks more expensive
chrome pkg............ satin pkg.............toss up I liked the satin on black
suspension stiffer.... touring suspension....like both
less brake issues..... lots of brake turning, till replaced
headliner good........ headliner fixed 4 times
tranny shifts funny.. very smooth
paint very crappy.... paint job good
7,800 miles............ 37,000 miles