2006 Chevy HHR LT

Hey everyone, new here from Michigan

I just recently got in a bad car accident and totaled my car out. I was on my way home a little after midnight and i was on the freeway doing speed limit between 60-70 mph when the driver in front of me suddenly swerves out the way and by the time I see what he was swerving away from "BOOM" I hit a car that was parked in the middle lane of the freeway with no hazard lights on or anything with the NEGLIGENT driver standing off to the shoulder.

Thats a whole different story though but the point is that I totaled out my car and nearly died so im looking for a replacement vehicle.

The car will be used as a daily driver for work. I drive 60 miles a day round trip to work mostly freeway so I accumulate miles quickly.

I need something reliable. I'm looking at this 2006 HHR with almost 132k miles.

What should I be aware of or ask or look for when buying this vehicle? Seller said that recalls have been serviced.

I am a little scared of the mileage as it will go up quickly or should I not let the mileage scare me?

The link is at the top and I plan to go buy it tomorrow. Any tips would be appreciated

 

to the forum!

I'm glad you found our site, and even happier you came away from that accident in one piece, it sounds like it was one super scary deal.

With 132k on the clock, I wouldn't be afraid of that HHR, but you need to practice due dilligence. Forewarned is forearmed, as the saying goes.

If you haven't run a CarFax on it, that's usually a good first step. CarFax isn't perfect, some things don't get reported, but a vehicle with a clean report is a good place to start.

Since you're buying it from an individual, ask to see its service records for oil changes, recalls, and other repairs.

Take it for a good long drive, pay attention to any suspension noises, or brake judder when you stop from moderate speeds. HHR's are known for creaks, clonks, squeaks, and rattles in their front ends. They're easy enough to rectify if your patient. And HHR brakes are known to develop a judder because the self adjusters on the rear drum brakes seldom work correctly, so the front brakes do more than their fair share of stopping. Another issue easily rectified with fresh front brakes, and manual rear brake adjustments every 5,000 miles or so. All of the info can be found on our site.

I have 315,000 miles on my 2006, and I have no qualms about hopping into it and driving it 500-600 miles in a day on occasion.

Good luck, and let us know how you make out.

 

ditto!!! What he said.

I'd add that if you are not mechanically minded/experienced, have a mechanic you trust give it a once-over. I'm reasonably capable (well not everyone thinks so - LOL) but due to the word "reasonably" I've used a local AAA type mechanic (BCAA up here) to give a survey on a truck I was picking up for someone a few years back. Their report was pretty comprehensive and pinpointed a couple issues.

I'm not a fan of high mileage purchases, but if it's been well maintained it should have many miles left in it.

good luck - let us know how it works out for you if you can.

 

Welcome to the site! Enjoy that HHR, have it inspected by your mechanic!

 

and aboard
Greetings from Texas