I bought a 2011 2LT that was first registered as a rental vehicle in California. It was then bought at auction to a Cadillac dealer in Wisconsin and I bought it from them. It had 16861 miles on it when I bought it in 2012. I enjoyed driving that HHR until it had a bit over 174,000 miles on it and especially enjoyed the comfortable ride and good handling. The build sheet showed a FE3 suspension as all 2LT's had at that time. I only sold it because I found a very clean 1 owner 2011 2LT with only 57,000 miles on it. I have the same Pirelli tires on the newest 2LT, but to me it doesn't seem to have the same quality of ride as my previous 2LT. They both show FE3 on the build sheets. Is it possible that rental HHR's had something different than standard 2LT's? If not, does anyone have any ideas as to why the difference in ride in these 2 cars?

Thank you,

Freddiez43

 

Your new to you had struts changed in the last 12 years since it was built, or the original 12 year old struts are toast , leaking oil or the nitrogen charge has leaked out.

not all 2LTs had FE3 suspension the 2.2 litre versions had FE1 , if you look in your glove box there should’ve an RPO code sticker , look for FE3 , LE9 , 1LT or 2LT .

My 2011 2LT was built in May 2011, the last week of production for Hertz rent a dent, only thing missing is remote start, sun roof , leather interior, and heated seats. Those where not included in the buyback rental cars

 

Not sure what rental company had my original 2011 2LT, just know that Carfax shows that it was first registered as a rental vehicle. It did have the 2.4 engine, sun roof and heated leather seats. No remote start, XM or bluetooth though. My newest one was one owner and had all that plus FM radio and backup camera. I guess I will try your recommended KYB struts, though, thanks. Right now I am sure that the original 174,000 mile struts on my pervious 2LT rode better than on my latest 2LT with 110,000 fewer miles on it.
The sticker in the glove box does confirm it is FE3.

Per your reply to my question in another thread, it sounds like the quick struts would be the best choice?

Thanks again,

 

Yes, for you quick struts are perfect. Have a close look at the ball joints and lower control arm rear bushings.

 

Whatever you might think the signs are, struts and shocks are worn out at 75,000 miles. The manufacturers recommend replacing less than that, and they don't warrant them anymore.

They don't show oil leaks anymore so shops find it too hard to sell them so, they don't bother . Used to be "new tires" "sell shocks", back when 40,000 mile tires were rare.

 

Thanks. I am at 63,000 and plan to replace shocks and struts both soon.

 

Order a set of KYB shocks and replace them as well.

 

Yep. Edited my previous post to include both struts and shocks.

 

Kyb 349043

 

Hard to say what your old rental had because fleet orders can do all kinds of things. Maybe the big rental customer wanted a softer ride.

Maybe someone replaced the dampeners on your new buggy?

My 2008 2LT had Sachs stickers on the shocks. You should look underneath for tags and stickers on the shocks, struts, anb springs. Also measure the diameter of the sway bar and the lenth of the links.links.