Hi guys, new here, new to HHRs, but not new to GM. I'm looking to buy a car for my wife. I found a 2010 HHR LT1, 2.2L/4 spd auto, good options, very clean inside and out, barely 36k miles, and I got the dealer to agree to $8700 out the door price for this car. Carfax is clean, two owners, no unusual mileage gains to suggest a rental history, full service records, all seems good. It's a dealer some distance from me, but I felt so good about this deal that I agreed to pay a refundable $500 deposit just to make sure it's still there when I come to look at it on Friday. If I want to buy, the purchase will be finalized then.

My question is this: Would you buy this car If you were looking for the car I want? I want something economical, reliable, easy to work on, and safe for my family. For those of you who have owned one for an extended period of time, is it a good, dependable family car? Something that will last and not end up being plagued with problems?

I've driven an HHR once...when my 3.6 Malibu LTZ (freaking love that car) was in the shop and it was given as a loaner by the dealer. I thought it was pleasant to drive and liked the car but didn't spend enough time with it to form any further opinions.

What do you guys think?

 

Here's the link to the dealer posting of the car:

http://stiverslincolnofmontgomery.com/Montgomery/For-Sale/Used/Chevrolet/HHR/2010-LT-w-1LT-SUV/32139622/

 

I have a 09 1lt 2.2 5spd with 108k, and I've had very few problems. It's fairly easy to work on, but harder than other cars. A lot of the exterior lights are a pain to get to, but unlike the sonoma I had years back, I can actually change the spark plugs on this thing.

Economical? I average about 26mpg with 2/3 to 3/4 city driving, others avg 32+.

Safe for the family? I have seen some wrecked cars that were completely FUBAR that the people came out with bruises or less.

Sounds like a pretty good deal if it's as clean as it seems, I say go for it.

 

There are many like myself on the forum with twins or triplets

 

I have quadruplets, and I'll second Frency's "go for it".

 

I'll go third on FRENCHY'S suggestion, and move to pass this motion.

 

Motion carried! Now go get that HHR! Great price! Clean low mileage! Welcome to the site !!
I have 173000 miles on my '07 2.2 LS love it!

 

Thanks for your input everyone! I'm excited to go take a look at it on Friday. If all looks good and everything works out, should be rolling out with it the same day. Wife's excited too, can't beat a four year old car with 36k miles for that price as long as everything checks out.

I actually have a 4.3 S10 myself as a third car, so I know what you mean. Lifting the front end off the ground and taking the wheels off to get to them is bad enough, but the center plug on the driver's side? Forget it. Don't know what genius decided to put that one directly behind the steering shaft.

 

Go for it I have a 10 1LT.

 

Make sure you go for a proper test drive. There are a few parts in the front end that can develop a rattle as they age, so listen carefully. You want to start the engine cold if possible and listen for timing chain rattle as it turns over. Then drive fairly slow over bumpy roads to listen for loose rubber bushings in the front suspension. Might as well have them take care of any issues before signing.