Thanks Doc. I've rules out the SS, that is why I won't drive one. I haven't seen nor did I even know the 2LT came with a manual. I would take either but odds say I will end up with the auto just due to numbers alone.

Another question. Sunroof. Yes or no? Any problems with them?

 

Sunroof is a known issue, particularly with earlier cars. There is a part of the mechanism for the popup wind deflector that eventually fails on most of those vehicles. There seem to be fewer reports of failure on later HHRs. My 2007 had a sunroof broken in this manner when I got it. There is a technical service bulletin (TSB) with a fix and new parts that replace the defective ones (see other threads). The repair costs a few hundred dollars. An aftermarket replacement fixed-position wind deflector is much less expensive, and may actually work better. I do like the sunroof and once repaired they don't seem to break a second time.

The 2LT with manual transmission is EXTREMELY RARE. Mine came from 400 miles away, hers was driven here more than 1000 miles by its seller. The LS often came with the manual due to low cost, and SS buyers often chose the manual due to better performance. Few bought a new loaded non-SS with the manual, and I believe such vehicles had to be special-ordered. Since similarly few are interested in them used, they sometimes have lower prices (my 2007 with 57K miles cost $9000 a year ago, her 2006 with 85 was $7500 plus about $500 to reimburse for delivery a couple of months ago). Both of our used 2LTs required repairs at acquisition, but no factory part on mine has broken during the year I've owned it.

 

When I bought my 2007 LS with a manual transmission, the dealer had only two on the lot with a manual transmission. They really wanted to move them, I got a killer deal on it brand new, right around 14K including tax license etc. There really aren't that many of them, even LS's around with manual. I just had tires put on it, the kid that pulled it onto the rack, said it was the first he had seen. Had a valet kid at a hotel a couple of years ago tell me the same.

 

When I bought my used HHR 1LT I used both CarFax and AutoCheck(equifax) and the AutoCheck showed repairs that CarFax did not show.

Here's the linke to AutoCheck http://www.autocheck.com/?WT.mc_id=2...2191&WT.srch=1
Lovin my little Black HHR. Go for the 2.4 - I have the 2.2, but occasionally I would like a little more oomph out here in SoCal with the freeways. Still, a great vehicle, and for the long distance trips, I get 32mpg at 65+ ;-)

 

We bought my wife a 2009 LT Victory Red. After driving it some in Oct I bought Me a 2010 LT Metallic Red . I guess that kinda answers the question.

 

Love, love my 2009 LT. Bought it new in May 2010. Has the sunroof...no issues so far. I compared many cars and I am so happy I ended with the HHR. One feature that stands out for me is the folding passenger seat... I have used this feature way more times than I had expected that i would. Also, get the pioneer/usb stereo if possible cause having only the audio line-in is just lame... I love that I can charge and control my ipod from the h/u and the sound is impressive for factory. I live in Manitoba, Canada and the HHR has flawlessly started and performed in our winter (lowest temp this winter was -35 C or -31 F). I have also recieved way more compliments on this car, inside and out, then I expected.

I wish u good luck with whatever you end up getting.

 

It seems you have a good take on what you want with no unreasonable expectations.

I use mine as a work truck – I get almost as much stuff into it as I had in a long bed Ranger. A great plus for me is it has no leaky camper shell. I had trouble excepting all the interior plastic; of course the plastic was all very visible before purchase. Being a work truck my interior is now very scratched up.

One thing I still haven’t gotten use to is all the new computerized interior systems. I like to be able to add on self-designed “features” as I wish and the BCM and the CAN does not allow me to do that in a manner I wish. I believe I would have this problem with any manufacture of new vehicles. Get all the features on the vehicle at the time of purchase you want, do not think it will be easy to add things onto the vehicle.

Would I buy it again today? The answer is yes! However, in the future I hope a manufacture brings out something a bit better and priced reasonably like the HHR. “Better” is to be determined by my idiosyncrasies at a future date. Even the wiring harness is minus most extra wires many optional features would require, all this GM does to save money, weight and thus better fuel economy.

Unlike many on this site I do not like the “look” of the vehicle – it was function I was buying. Cheap, good gas mileage, enough space for tools and equipment. I am happy with it.

I like the window controls on the door as well in my 2009, however it is the window controls that are one of those systems I wish to modify and can’t.

Do have one ride complaint - when the front tires hit a series of asphalt pavement joints at just the same time on this one local road the bumps are hard felt. Note that this is my first car in 25 plus years of pickup trucks – none of my trucks ever did this.

 

I am on number 2. I had an 09 lt2 that I just loved so much that when I found the SS I had to have it. I love to looks, the gas mileage, and i am a big, tall dude and the room in them are just amazing,

 

Had my brand new '06 HHR for nearly 5 years. Loved every day I owned it! Mileage was great, car was extremely reliable, and just plain fun to drive. My folks are elderly and I needed more backseat room so I traded my HHR in last summer for a '10 Enox. I got a great trade in price, and I am sure with the price of gas going up, the HHR will remain a desireable trade in for years to come. You cannot go wrong with this car! I still smile every time I see an HHR!

 

I agree that the only time anyone is going to report something about their vehicle is either when they are having an issue or if they want to illustrate a modification.

I have 26k on my '08 SS and never had a bit of trouble with it. The only time it went to the dealer was for the Turbo Upgrade install 1.5 years/19k mi ago. Didn't have any trouble with that either. Having a troublefree ride to date, I typically respond to posts. I rarely create them unless I'm polling for opinion or knowledge from the group.

On the other hand, I am looking into buying a sedan next year (BTW, I'm keeping the HHR, just buying an additional vehicle), and found similar doomsday "horror" stories from owners posting problems on the "almighty" Honda, Toyota, Suzuki and Ford sites.