Looking to buy my first HHR, what should I look for?
08-08-2011, 02:46 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: 08-08-2011
Location: Canada
Posts: 3
Looking to buy my first HHR, what should I look for?
Hello everyone,
My name is Craig, I currently have a Neon and I am looking to trade it for a 2007 HHR LT. It is grey, 2.4L automatic, 30k, fully loaded with leather heated seats, sunroof etc.
It is a very nice car but I am wondering what common problems are associated with these vehicles or other items I should look out for. I know neons need control arm bushings, tie rods, etc.. I also have a few mods to my neon, intake, exhaust etc.. how friendly is the HHR with modifications?
Any help would be great! I love the car and am looking forward to one day owning one.
Craig
My name is Craig, I currently have a Neon and I am looking to trade it for a 2007 HHR LT. It is grey, 2.4L automatic, 30k, fully loaded with leather heated seats, sunroof etc.
It is a very nice car but I am wondering what common problems are associated with these vehicles or other items I should look out for. I know neons need control arm bushings, tie rods, etc.. I also have a few mods to my neon, intake, exhaust etc.. how friendly is the HHR with modifications?
Any help would be great! I love the car and am looking forward to one day owning one.
Craig
08-08-2011, 03:17 PM
#2
Banned
Join Date: 10-02-2010
Location: Port Huron, MI
Posts: 5,933
Welcome! My first suggestion, is look for one that appeals to you. Color, options, etc. There are many possible variations, so decide what you want, and go from there. While no vehicle is perfect, I would do a background check on the vehicle to see how many owners there's been, how many miles have been done by them, oil changes done regularly and such and if its been in any accidents.
08-08-2011, 03:41 PM
#5
Deceased
Join Date: 06-30-2010
Location: Kannapolis NC
Posts: 25,739
to the forum Craig!Glad to hear that you are going to be joining the HHR community soon, its a decision you won't regret, just make sure to do a little background check on the one you plan to buy. Run a CarFax on it, either through the dealer or on your own, better to find out about any skeletons in the closet before you write the check.
HHR's have a known issue with the front sway bar end links causing noise, its an easy and inexpensive fix. There are some issues with the front brakes in that the OEM rotors and pads do leave something to be desired, when the time comes for a brake job its easy to upgrade to better parts and the brake judder goes away for good.
They are very mod friendly, just check out the thread on what people have done to theirs today, you'll find everything from "I washed it" to complete tear downs involving the addition of superchargers(lunchbox, talking about you man). They have quite the range of aftermarket "go fast" goodies available, along with lots of appearance options. I'll go out on a limb and say that hardly any units owned by members here stay "factory stock" for very long, my three included.
Use the search function up in the toolbar and get some ideas, but never be afraid to ask questions here, someone will have the answer you seek and advice to help you along.
08-08-2011, 08:04 PM
#7
Thread Starter
Join Date: 08-08-2011
Location: Canada
Posts: 3
thanks everyone, im happy some people want to be friendly lol. Neons do suck that's why I want something new :)
It is good to hear that these vehicles have improved over the old cavaliers and sunfires. I had a HHR as a rental vehicle while on vacation in Las Vegas and now im hooked. I've checked it over and requested a Carfax from the dealer. I hope it goes well.
It is good to hear that these vehicles have improved over the old cavaliers and sunfires. I had a HHR as a rental vehicle while on vacation in Las Vegas and now im hooked. I've checked it over and requested a Carfax from the dealer. I hope it goes well.
08-09-2011, 09:26 AM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: 10-21-2008
Location: hemet, calif.
Posts: 1,831
! That said with just turning 30,000 miles every day seems to be a new sqeak or noise! Just tired 
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