ramblemutt

Won't go thru my intro again...it's in the intro thread. Bottom line, I am considering the HHR as a second car, probably an '05 or '06 (budget considerations). Can someone give me an idea of what I should be looking for here? I live in the mountains (7000') and I need to handle the ups and downs around here. Should I disregard the 2.2 in favor of the 2.4? How can you tell which engine from just looking at one (without lifting the bonnet). Were 05/06 good years for these guys? I'm impressed with the HHR on paper. Others being considered are Matrix/Vibe and Mazda 3. Obviously I'm looking for hatchback with plenty of room for my 3 dogs in back, 4 doors, gas sipper (if they exist). Also looking for comfort on 5-6 hour trips.
I understand these guys pretty good in the snow w/proper rubber. We have a crossover AWD and work our own schedules, so this is not too much a factor. This change will take some getting used to. I'm coming off a 7.3 PSD Excursion. I can always go to Subaru, but I'm tired of them. Also want to get away from timing belts...understand the HHR has timing chain(s). Thanks for your help.

swerv0428

Good luck on finding a 05. first year was 06. We happen to own a hhr and a mazda 3. The mazda is not nearly as good on gas as ths hhr. 2.4 will have more power in ths hills. Dont know how the altitiude affectz them as i live in the flat state of florida. I find the 2.2 to be adequate.
Also the hhr has a higher roof line then the others to help accommodate your dogs.

ramblemutt

Yep...been thinking about 05 and 06 stuff so just erroneously stuck with it. I just saw an 06 advert, but photo shows an SS emblem. Thought they didn't come out until 08. SS not so good on MPG I would guess. The ads I'm going through are posted on local TV classifieds, so lots of mistakes.

swerv0428

SS was only made in 08 09 10. And they do great on gas. Really about the same as a normal hhr, maybe one mpg less. But you have to keep your foot out of it to get that. If you drive it easy they do real good

badassbowtie

X2

SS fan

Don't assume too much , like I did. My SS is pushing 300hp on the Areoforce. It gets 27mpg, the 2.4 gets 23 with premium fuel.

5speed4

I'm at 7200 ft elevation and my 2.4L has great power. My niece had a 2003 Grand Am with the 2.2L. I drove it a few times and it was also fine for roughly the same weight, so I think you'll be fine either way. These Ecotec engines are very torquey. I know a lot of people complain about the quality of the HHR, but my 2006 has been very easy to own so far.

I also had a 2005 Pontiac Vibe and it was a nice car, but the 1.8L is underpowered compared to the 2.2L or the 2.4L. Still, it was adequate, but I ended up having to sell it when I needed something to tow our new camper.

jay loukakis

I have an 2006 HHR a little over 59,248 miles greatm perfprmance and good gas mileage on the hwy.

ramblemutt

I see premium fuel used by some. Is it required on any of these power plants? If not, where are the advantages? I can see the SS maybe using the premium, but the 2.4? And what is the 2LT trim?

5speed4

Technically, premium is recommended for the 2.4, but it will run (albeit with poorer fuel economy and reduced power) on regular. The 2LT trim gives heated leather seats, 2.4L, and 17-inch alloys, I believe.