Works for us. Wifey's daily LS gets the LT stock 215/50R17 at 25.46" diameter for Summer, 205/60R16 at 25.69" dia. for Winter, somewhat larger and narrower profile than the stock 215/55R16 at 25.31".

For Summer I was really tempted to go with wider 235/45R17 or even 245/45 R17, which was an option as the aftermarket wheels are 8" wide w/ 35mm offset, but thought better of it because they just weigh more, cost more, and Wifey doesn't care. If it were my daily, it woulda been the 245/45R17's.

Still thinking about leveling it by lowering just the rear a bit. Found some old-stock springs that are supposedly Cobalt SS (not LNF) aftermarkets by Moog. But again, she doesn't care. So far, haven't found the motivation.

 

I just looked at a 2011 NC car with 165k on it. Silent on start up, so I don't know if timing set has already been replaced. I talked to my car guy and he'll put a timing set in it for 700 bucks total.

I'd consider that on any high mileage HHR I look at, if it helps anybody else to think about it.

 

If you’re capable, change the chains yourself, that way you know you torqued the fasteners correctly, and installed the correct parts! You might just be replacing new parts for no reason.

 

He's reliable and honest. He'll check it before he does anything to it.

As with any used car, sometimes you get the bear, and sometimes the bear gets you.

I know the 2.2 Ecotec had issues, but I don't know how widespread they are after the new design tensioners were available.

Appreciate the feedback

 

I don’t know of the 2.2 having issues, I had a 2007 for 10 years , 458,000 miles no big issues