Hi..I am picking up my HHR tonight and I am excited and look foward to the fourm. I have a question about running boards. I would like to add them to the car. would anyone know what the cost of instlation might be...Thanks Oh and is that seven speaker stero system all the hype that the sales person makes it?

 

No.

 

When I was shopping for quotes it varied from $625 to $750 installed. If you purchase just the rb's online will cost $425 + $50+ for shipping.

If you think you'll be happy with the head unit and not replace it later on then get the package. I know some members with the premium sound replaced their speakers, sub and head unit.

 

Maybe I can help you a little. I bought my HHR w/o the running boards and added them after I read about the paint chipping issue. Dealer ordered them for me and was going to charge me $525 + $100 install for them, but after I showed them the posts from forums about the chipping issue, they agreed to sell them to me for the option price of $445 but still charged the $100 to install them. From what I understand...it you're mechanically inclined and want to save the install cost, you should be able to install them yourself...takes an hour or two from what I understand...and it would probably be helpful if you had a 2nd person to help hold them in place.

As for the radio, mine came with standard 1 disc system with 6 speaker system, but that's what my car was equipped with off the lot. Had I ordered mine, I probably would have gone with premium system, but I have upgraded to the premium radio with 6 disc...but don't have the cargo area subwoofer.

If you don't plan on upgrading with an aftermarket head unit any time soon, it might be worth getting the premium system. I will eventually upgrade my entire system when aftermarket harness is available (don't want to direct wire like others...but that's just my own personal preference), but until then I'm satisfied with what I have.

 

You definitely need the boards, I will need paint soon because I didn't check the forum before buying...I am trying to get the best deal possible before I get the HHR repainted, or I will try flaps...

 

Thanks for the info!!!...looking foward to picking it up tonight....and getting the running boards very soon!!!

 

Running boards.....Yes, looks better in my opinionand no chips with nearly 10,000 miles of all types driving. As for the premium sound system, the rear speakers on the doors make the sound really low and the rear subwolfer really doesn't shine that much due to that, soo no I don't think it is that great of a deal. You be the judge though,try both and see.
Again my opinion and you know what they say about opinions.

 

Thanks for the info...I am going to call the dealer and set up running boards, dont think I will try installing...I am not to mechically inclined!

 

I bought mine from www.gmpartsdirect.com for $445. They are quite easy to install yourself. The hardest part is getting the old rocker panel covers off. You only need a few basic tools and there is no drilling or modifying anything on the car

 

My previous ride was a 2000 VW Golf with the Monsoon radio system. The system in my HHR matches it note for note.