I suppose I'm mostly posting to say "hi!", but just doing that is rather boring, so I'll post why I'm here.

I have a business that does computer repairs, websites, and other tech stuff, including on-site service. My current DD is a '99 Saturn SC2 that is moderately modified, and it doesn't look professional, and the trunk isn't that great for hauling my toolbox or the occasional computer.

So, I've been eyeballing getting an HHR of some sort for a DD & biz vehicle. Since I'm not hauling anything particularly huge or heavy, a compact-based hatch vehicle makes a lot of sense for easy loading and good mpgs. I've always been more of a GM fan than of most other makes, and love the styling on the HHR. Seems like it'd be a downright ideal biz vehicle for me, especially with some well done vinyls.

Anyway, while a purchase is probably 6mo-1yr down the road, I'm trying to sort out just what I'd want in one. About the only thing I've ruled out is the panel. I like the look, but I don't need the extra hauling space, and being able to occasionally haul some other people would be handy. I wouldn't mind a half-panel though.

I can't make up my mind about 2.2 vs 2.4 vs 2.0 though. Or auto vs manual.

Much of this debate comes down to whether I want this to be a vehicle that meets both my biz and fun needs/wants, or if I want it to just be a biz vehicle that I leave alone aside from minor visual mods. If it's just going to be a biz vehicle, then the SS is out, as I'd be mainly wanting it to be cheap to purchase & maintain.

But still, since it seems the 2.4 doesn't carry much, if any, of a mileage hit, I'm tempted to go ahead and get one (plus enjoy the extra goodies that will come with a 2LT).

I already DD a manual trans with a stiff clutch, and enjoy rowing through the gears, so that tempts me toward a manual. Plus knowing I can wring more power out of whichever engine it is has a lot of appeal to the go-fast part of me. However, an auto would perhaps help keep me from beating on it as much, and be good if I ever throw my back out again like I did about a year ago. I do know that if I were to get an SS, it'd be a manual without a doubt. Part of me also thinks if I'm going to go as far as a manual 2.4L, I might as well get an SS, though that increases some of the operating/maintenance/repair costs. But I just know that I'd be left feeling like I almost bought the one I wanted. lol

So yeah... a part of me wants to just get a bare basic 2.2 LS in great shape as cheap as possible, and leave it the heck alone. Another part of me thinks if I'm going to be spending $8-10k on a nice low mile LS, I might as well tack another grand or two onto that & find a nice 1 or 2LT with goodies & a 2.4L. But then it's sooo close to a nice SS...

Anyway, enough rambling. Not looking to be spoon fed info, just figured I'd say hi, mention my situation in case anyone cares to chime in, and go back to reading the info that's already here. :)

 

Having both the LS and LT models I can straddle the fence and say I can recommend either one just as strongly. Some here might have different results, but I have no real gas mileage differences between the 2.2's and the 2.4, they are within 1% of each other when everything is averaged out.

No opinion on the manual trans as leg injuries suffered 14 years ago mean I can't drive a stick except for rare occasions, no complaints on the automatics though.

The SS model is an impressive machine and the owners of them will weigh in I'm sure, just look for one that is bone stock and do your own engine mods, its better than undoing someone's mods and starting over.

After all that, almost forgot to say to the site, glad to have you here, have fun looking around.

 

SS!!

Style and power. I do not have one regret about buying it

 

WELCOME purdueguy

I also put miles on going to my clients homes. I carry a pile of samples they fit behind the back seat. I picked the SS because driving 1000miles a week is boring enough,and life is short. I just love it the best sales vehicle ever.

 

Noticed something that might make me lean away from the SS a bit more - living in Idaho, we do tend to have a long winter. I've seen some comments about SS's being difficult or even worthless in the snow. I have a Suburban I can use when needed, but that doubles my fuel costs obviously.

*edit* Guess I'll also throw in a pic of the Saturn for the heck of it. Here it is on its autox wheels.



bought the car for next to nothing, tossed out the malfunctioning automatic trans & changed it over to a manual. Has suspension mods, performance bolt-ons, swapped the entire tan interior over to black, and did a custom black headliner & trim above the beltline. Added an overhead console out of a suburban.



Still need to redo the visors & a few other small details for the black interior swap.


Will definitely be avoiding the tan interior on an HHR purchase, and probably giving preference to a black interior.

 

I drive mine all over Canada snow ice whole time with a set of F1's just a all season tire it was like a goat.

 

I am partial to Panels, no matter what flavor. Really, unless you happen to get a clunker (which can happen with any version) you'll be getting a great, stylish, economical ride.

 

Sounds like you are a manual trans type of guy. I bet you would miss it.
And quite a few have gotten a panel and then added the rear seats, sounds like you could handle that job. No windows for rear seat dwellers, but they get the fancy remote door poppers.
My recommendation: get a used '09 panel, 5spd, probably good to stick to the 2.2L LS as the power was upped for 09 closer to the 2.4L. Then give it a few good mods like lowering springs and rear swaybar. Would be a fun work/play mobile!

 

You can't really go wrong with any of the choices. Manuals are harder to find. If you want a black interior, I think your only choice will be an SS though. Not sure if the LS/LT's came with a black interior in later years. If they did, I'm sure someone will chime in. I guess in this case, it all depends on how much you want to spend.

Mileage is about the same across the board on all of them.

 

You can get Ebony (Black Cloth) or Optional Black Leather in the LT models. And I believe the LS offers the Ebony, maybe leather as an option, not sure on the LS's

The Panel was marketed for small business use just like yours.

Don't let the lack of a rear seat keep you from buying a Panel, it is an EASY bolt in swap out from the tool box in back to adding a rear seat with the oem seat belts. All the holes are drilled ready to install the seat and seatbelts. Some said they had to use a Tap on some of the seatbelt bolt holes, I did Not have to do anything but bolt it right in all the threads were there.

I first added an Ebony cloth rear seat and belts to mine, then I upgraded to full solid Black Leather seats front and rear. I got the Leather seating for Under $300.00 on ebay and the warehouse was only 61 miles from me so I went and picked them up, saving the shipping costs.

When I added the Ebony rear seat I went to the salvage yard and removed it myself, to make sure I got every nut bolt and anything else for a Complete install. It was really Easy to do.

I added rear interior door panels from a windowed HHR so they have the arm rest, map pocket, and door pull so passengers can close the rear doors themselves.
I did some Customizing to finish the upper part of the rear doors off nicely.

I picked up a Spare pair of Panel rear interior door panels and cut them to fit in with the lower windowed versions. Finishes it off quite Nicely, and gives it a genuine Factory installed look.

Kept my originals in case I ever want the tool box back in the Panel.

Every "Mod" I have done can be brought back to OEM Stock any time I'd want to switch it back.

These are Fun little cars and should fit your needs very well.

The rear seat Adds alot to the Panel, add some prebuilt headrest monitors and your rear seat passengers can watch a movie or play video games.

My kids love them and don't complain about not having a rear door window.

I can now seat 5 when I have to, and I have a pretty cool looking Panel to run around town in.

My Panel is a 2LT with 2.4 and Automatic.

Panels are pretty Cool and your tools will be more out of sight with less glass.

And for you the Panel will allow you alot of Advertising space on the sides.