My wife can't drive stick so we had the added expense of
an Automatic.
We went with the 2.2 because of overall price.

Surprised that the cost of fuel hasn't been mentioned.
The 2.4 requires higher octane level.

Here in Canada it is a difference of twenty cents a gallon
between the 87 octane and the 91. Forget the 94 Octane its
about 40 cents a gallon difference.

I can't speak to the actual difference
of running the lower octane in the 2.4 .

Something to be considered.

If I had to do it over again I would go with the 2.4. That extra
pep during the morning commte would be nice.

Either way you will love the experience.

 

EZ-
It was stated by my dealer that the roof rack can 'only' be put on by the manuf (Chevy) at build time. Yes- as CH stated, it's bolted on. I'd imagine an aftermarket company or two will have a rack for it soon enough. **NOTE: the stock rack has it's weight limits, etc...
As for running gas in a 2.4L- I always run 89, sometimes throw 92 in it, even though Chevy may recommend otherwise. In my experiences, I typically let the engine tell me what to run and haven't heard any complaints (knock) as of yet. If others run what's recommended (or better... or worse) it's a personal preference. IMO I can say my 2.4L hasn't complained to date.

To summarize, the HHR is very economical (to purchase, insure, and operate). IMO- the 'options' will kill you as far as purchase price is concerned, especially if you're trying to keep it *reasonable*... but this is (literally) true with ANY purchase - not just a car.
Also keep in mind, as others have stated, any modifications you'd like to do after the purchase (e.g. aftermarket wheels, sound system, etc...) - no need in paying for something twice.

And we haven't even began to mention versatility!!

 

Versatility is right. Not to mention the room. The other day, I put both a washer and a dryer in the back of my wagon. Took a little maneuvering, but they fit without a problem. Like to see THAT happen in a PT Loser!

 

At the same time??? That's crazy!!!

You should have got a pic of that.

 

Scoot-
I know what you mean about the options. I just hate the fact you can't get "this" without getting "that". For example, I think I'd like the suspension of the 2LT (I'm an autocross nut), but I really don't want the stereo, wheels, etc... I'm pretty certain I do want a sunroof (kind of expensive to add later), but it doesn't come with the LS.

And no, I highly doubt the HHR will ever find its way to the autocross course. I just like a nice spirited drive.

 

If you plan on lowering it I'd save the 2LT money as you will be replacing the "performance" springs with real performance springs! Lowering + adding the aftermarket rear sway bar will have you autocrossing again in NO time! (Even with a "wagon") I bought a 1LT as I knew I'd soon be replacing the stock wheels with custom, and lowering it with springs.

IMO - save that money for real mods later!

 

So the only difference is the springs and a sway bar?

Struts are the same?

I still have an autocross car. No way will I give that up.
Wife already banned me from taking the new car out to an autocross.

 

My personal preference is the manual. Both my wife and I just don't do automatics. I've been driving manuals so long the shifting just comes natural even in heavy traffic, we just don't think about it. I had to order mine to get the 2.4 with a manual tranny. I installed a short shifter made for a Cobalt in mine and it really shortened up the shift a bunch, I love it.

 

I was referring to lowering with aftermarket springs and aftermarket sway bar.

The 1 & 2LT have a front sway bar and rear "stiffener bar" inside the torque tube, but adding the (aftermarket), rear sway bar makes a day and night difference in flattening out the HHR's handling.

 

Nope.