I've put about 100-150 pounds of tin roof from a barn in it with no problem at all, just stuck out a little bit. I've hacked up a steel cattle gate and shoved it in there. I've put a few hay bails in there..it's truly been the perfect MPV.

 

I love mine, just found a problem with mine that I think I just solved. Right rear tail light kept shorting bulbs, $8 part. Typical Chevy Tail Light problem. Other then that have had no issues. 13 months old and 17k miles on it.

 

You just have to remember, more people will post when they have problems than when they are happy..so just because there may be a lot of issues online, doesn't mean everyone has them. Just whoever does are the people who then mention it.

 

^^ Couldn't have said it better myself. This forum is floooooooded with complaints, because the people without any, dont post. That is why I frequently post things about my car. It can take abuse, and still go!

 

I think the only complaints I've ever posted have been about our miserable winter, overrated singers who screw up the national anthem, and occasionally the drivers in and about Charlotte who think they're the late Joie Chitwood.

As far as the HHR is concerned, I can't recommend them highly enough, be they LS, LT or SS. The best advice before you buy is to drive some different units, see how they fit you and your driving style, and then once you've picked a likely candidate....check it out very carefully.

 

I chose a 2LT Panel, cause I really like the look, it's very well loaded, rides Very Good, & I use it to haul stuff as well.. & the 2.4 got plenty of Zip for me..& excellent gas mileage..

No Complaints about mine..

You have:
LS = base model HHR
1LT = a cut above, & 2.4 available as an option
2LT = most loaded with Goodies & the 2.4
SS ........

FWIW: a clean CARFAX report is good, but still don't be shy about crawling around everywhere on & under the vehicle & go with your instincts.
CARFAX is only as good as the things that get reported. And some things may not show up for a while.

Happy Hunting.

 

Welcome to the site!! Hope you end up getting an HHR!

 

Thanks and it's looking more like I will. I think I am a month or two away from the purchase but unless I find out that the HHR is junk (which doesn't seem to be the case), I just can't seem to find a vehicle that offers as much for the price.

 

Correct and I agree. Those with the loudest voices are most times those with the most problems. I don't know the production numbers, but from what I've seen GM has sold a ton of the HHR's so I expect a percentage of unsatisfied owners... of course there are those people that will complain about the littlest things no matter what too.

 

There is not much significant difference between 2LT in 2008 vs 2009. The Stabilitrack stability control appeared on the 2LT and SS in 2008, and was made standard everywhere else in 2009. The engine in the 2009 2LT can run on E85, which no one uses. So, the big difference is the one you noticed, which is the relocation of the window controls to the doors, and also the increase in dome lighting in the headliner from one to three lights (and removal of the LED "light wash" which lit the center window controls). Some 2008s may not have the optional side airbags (that's my only issue with factory options on my used 2007), which only became standard in 2009. In my opinion, the 2.4 gets as good mileage and has better performance than the 2.2 on regular fuel, so there is no reason to get the 2.2. However, there is a small improvement in mileage and a big performance improvement going from the automatic to the standard, and earlier automatic shift mechanisms had a problem with a metal pin encased in plastic that predictably failed. Heated, leather seats are only available on the 2LT (and maybe rarely a 1LT, but never on the SS) and this time of year they come in handy. The SS becomes a wild card after its power train warranty expires. There are a lot of people on here, when being candid, who will admit that their love of the SS will end at 5 years or 100K miles, whichever happens first. Just for perspective, there is a bigger acceleration difference between the automatic and standard SS than between the automatic SS and the standard 2LT. So, if you plan to "run it into the ground" I strongly favor the 2LT over the SS due to repair cost and parts availability later. My girlfriend and I each are happy with a rare loaded, manual 2LT (sunroof, heated leather seats) but we went with 2007 and 2006 due to lower cost at the time.