When your Wife just can't get the hang of shifting it makes that decision real easy!

 

The 5-spd was very difficult to get in michigan. In fact, there was only one here when i purchased my HHR (At least in the LS and 1LT models). The dealer I was trying to purchase my HHR from couldn't get it from that dealer either. Luckily for me, it just happened to be at a dealer that was driving distance from here, and I just happened to stop in there.

I've driven both (at least in the 2.2 version) and the stick is the way to go!

 

I've got a 2LT 5-speed... and I too had problems finding an HHR with a manual tranny. I ended up ordering... and it took 8 WEEKS to come in!!! Gotta love Mexican assmebly and shipping!!! (but that's a different story).

So I ended up with a loaded 2LT (2.4L, 5-speed), less the XM, On-Star, or side-airbags. Note the 2LT comes with a LOT of items standard (leather/heated seats, ABS, premium sound, etc...). Also note the 5-star crash test rating is based on an HHR *WITHOUT* side impact airbags!!! (<-- selling point for your wife!!!)

Initially I test drove a 2LT (2.4L) auto and was surprised with the power- but knew I wanted a stick. Never touched the 2.2L... always thought the 2.4L was the way to go. The problem is this... most dealers order their 'option heavy' vehicles (e.g. 2LT's) with AUTOMATICs- being that (generally speaking) ~most~ people that could purchase would *not* want to mess with a clutch, etc... I know- a bit confusing... but the bottom line is the dealer feel's it's easier to move an AUTO than a STICK.

Although "L" on an auto will help in the snow... so will doing a start from 2nd gear with a manual. What it boils down to is a matter of preference... albiet the auto is classified as an "Option" - thus increasing the price of the vehicle about $1K USD.

Either way you go... if you get an HHR, I'm sure you wont be disappointed! Happy shopping...

 

I bought my 1LT with the 2.2 and the auto. Because I gave up racing when Captain Howdy got his driver's license, I don't need the stick. I don't even know what the "I" is for. Cloth seats. I hate leather! And who needs an a** heater? Up here when it hovers around "0", we drink more coffee and wear long underwear. Make sure you get the running boards. They help keep the paint on the rear doors https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=817. It's one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. I think you will love it too!

 

Leather seats have seat warmers..
Don't forget to check for ABS brakes.. option...
running boards are a must....
2.4 engine....

 

I got the 1LT, because I have no need for a seat warmer in Az, did not want the xm or onstar, upgraded sound speakers, since I know they would come out sometime. PLus I did not want to wait 8 weeks, and I got lucky to find one close to what I wanted. Only thing it did not have I wanted was the fog lamps.

 

Thanks for all the info!

I'm still trying to figure out the difference between the spring edition, 2LT, etc...

Yes, I've read that running boards are a must. Just wondering why the rear spoiler is only available in certain colors?

Also, are the roof rails screwed in or are they taped on? I think I want them, but I don't really want holes if I decide to take them off.

 

Bolted on of course. I have never heard of roof rails being taped on because they wouldn't stay.

 

I got the LS with the auto tranny as the only option. Plenty of pep and I hate changing gears (getting old). Recent vacation trip got me 31 mpg. Can't beat that.

 

They major differences are:
LS - pretty basic and not all options are available on it
1LT - More standard features than the LS and almost all options are available on it
2LT - The most standard features and the all options are available. The only way to get the sports suspention is on a 2LT.
SE - The spring edition is a special 1LT. It has more standard features than the normal 1LT plus it is the only HHR available in victory red, it has a special vinyl stripe, two tone interior, and 16" chrome rims.