My .02? Get the auto w/the 2/4 for several reasons, as others have posted. Of course, it's your personal preference, but if you're in bad traffic often, then auto is the way to go. Also, as stated earlier, w/the auto you get the auto-start option, which is really helpful on cold mornings or hot afternoons. I am a bit biased, though, partly because I'm really lazy and don't feel like working a 5-speed.

 

Edmunds.com says you can't get leather with the 2LT. How come? Or is leather standard with a 2LT? Maybe that's why?

Also, the reason we would favor a 5spd is for the "fun" factor. We had owned an Alero for about a year. It was loaded with options, looked great (black looks nice on that car), and performed well with a decent ride. I truly believe the reason we sold it was because it was an auto.

 

Leather is available on the 2LT and it is not standard. It I can remember correctly I think it is an $800 option.

 

I think you just answered your own question, my friend - you sold your last car because it was an auto. I agree that there are folks who enjoy the 'fun' factor of a manual tranny - have fun and good luck!
As for the 2LT w/leather, two things -
1) Leather is not standard on the 2LT, it is an option
2) You CAN get leather with the 2LT - I should know, that's what I got!

 

Here's features on Victory Red Spring Edition.

HHR 1LT in Victory Red
Silver stripe decal running from hood to rear quarter panel
Two-tone interior with Ebony/Gray cloth seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with redundant audio controls and leather-wrapped shift knob
Body-color running boards with step pad
Foglamps
Roof-mounted side rails
Bright-chromed exhaust tip
Bright Chrome Exterior Package
16-inch Sport chromed wheels

Other available features not included in the Spring Edition Package:

2.4 Liter DOHC ECOTEC four-cylinder, 172-horsepower engine
Two-tone leather seating surfaces with heated front passenger seats
Power sunroof with express open and close
Available dealer-installed rear spoiler (primed)
XM Satellite Radio

Difference between 1LT & 2LT can be found here.

Hope this helps a bit in determining the differences.

 

Looks like we type at the same speed, Captain.......

 

Just found out that Edmunds.com is not the best place to price a vehicle. I just built a $27,740 HHR.

It let me select every option even if it was standard.

 

Did you build one on Chevys site yet?

 

Can't get to the Chevy site from work.

I've been using carsdirect.com though. I was just trying to figure out how cheap I could get out of the dealer with.

When I called the dealership and told them I qualify for Employee Pricing Plan Plus, they told me that would be about invoice. Well, on carsdirect.com I can get it for less than invoice, and obviously carsdirect is making money, so I should be able to do better than that.

Still can't decide all my options though. Wish I could get Katskin seat covers from the dealer.

 

You and me both!