I found this forum during my research of the HHR for a possible purchase. So far I like what I see and I test drove a 08 2LT and was pretty impressed. Then once I looked at the versatility of the HHR, the value just kept getting better. But I know everything has a downside.

So, can you guys let me know what to expect.

I am looking at an 09 and 08 now. Both 2LT's. I like the window controls on the door. Is that about the only difference?

Ups downs? This will be my wifes primary "run the wheels off of it" car. Of course I will drive it too.

Thanks,

 

In my opinion the key to success here is don't close your eyes and think you just bought a BMW. I paid 15k for a car, to beat on it, drive, and use it like I need to. Which most around here will tell you, i use it hard. I have had zero problems besides one sway bar link. What I mean by the BMW statement is, these cars are not a 50k luxury car, so they arent going to act or feel like one. There will be creek, rattles, rolls, etc..it comes with the territory of a cheap vehicle. At 78, xxx miles, this car has been good to me. It doesn't have all the trick gizmos my relatives have, nor does it handle on rails, or feel like I am gliding on ice...but it gets the job done.

I would certainly recommend HHR's to anyone looking for a fairly cheap vehicle to drive the wheels off of.

 

How often are the sway bar links a problem. I live on a dirt road on a farm that it will see daily. This going to create problems for the front end. (no not dukes of hazzard style drving down it) LOL

I agree about it not being a BMW and don't expect it to be one. What I am hoping is that all of the 130k+ mileage used ones for sale with virtually clean car faxes, are good indication this vehicle won't leave my wife stranded, or be one that spends the majority of it's time getting repaired.

I briefly considered an SS. Really don't want to spend that much but man I sure do like it! Won't drive it because I know I won't settle for less if I do. LOL

 

It really depends on what your expectations are. I was looking for an inexpensive veheicle, that I could tow behind our motorhome, with some utility value. I bought our 2007 LS new, and had it fitted for towing, and have never regreted it. Its good transportation, reliable, comfortable for its size, and gets good mileage. I was specifically looking for a vehicle with a manual transmission, since we were going to tow it, and again no regrets. I just replaced tires, put Michelin Hydro Edge, what a difference those make. Other than that and regular maintenance, the only problem I have had with it, was an instrument cluster that went bonky, but the dealer replace the cluster, which has been fine since. In summary I would buy the HHR again, but unfortunately its being discontinued.

 

I live on the coast, I also frequent the woods. My car has seen anything a 4wd truck would see and then some. I have driven past the 4wd trucks more than once, because they were scared to get stuck. It has seen, dirt, mud, tall grass, salt water, snow, trails, big holes, hauled barn parts off after hurricane..etc. Once again, I got my car to use, and use it I have for 78k miles.

The early models had a few issues, but most were pretty much fixed by 08+. My 07 has been fine however, only that one 25$ part. Besides oil changes, that is the only maint. my car has had. This is what normal is for my vehicle...

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v4...Picture017.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ent=gmc024.jpg

 

Go with the 09 if you can afford it. I have an 09 LS with 2.2 from new. Have 21,000 on it now and no troubles...

Welcome to the forum & you will enjoy the ride!

 

I like my hhr it's been a fine vehical. the problems that some hhrs are having is the same problem you will find on any make or model car. so far its been all minnor stuff. I would buy another one in a heart beat if anything happen to mine. aside from all that it just looks cool Good luck with your car shopping. as far as sway bar links i have only changed them one time have not had any problems with them after.

 

Perfect!

Loved the pics, and my wife is gonna give you a run for the money in the dirt department. Biggest chore I could see would be a trip by the feed store for a few hundred pounds of feed every now and then. We have trucks for the heavy stuff.

And I assume that sway bar link was $25? Can't complain about that.

The good part here is the more I learn about it, the more I like it. I just want to understand the downsides of the car, which seem hard to find.

 

I am thinking the same. I guess I will end up with the 2.4 with the 2LT but can't seem to find any negatives about it either. Both seem powerful and efficient for their size. You agree?

I have not found an HHR yet where the carfax showed multiple trips for a problem, and in reality, few problems have been found all together. Most just service trips. I was actually pretty impressed. I know Carfax doesn't know everything, but...

 

I like mine it's like the station wagon when I was a kid only on steroids.