First Time HHR buyer - Needs Advise.
Thread Starter
Joined: 02-04-2016
Posts: 8
From: Granite Falls, NC
First Time HHR buyer - Needs Advise.
Hi everyone my name is Jase and I'm from North Carolina. My wife and I have a PT Cruiser (no boos or hissing) and looking to add to our family of cars and I really want an HHR. Been on Autotrader, Cars.com, CarsforSale, Carfax, and a few others. Anyway I found an excellent deal on a 2006 HHR LS with 120k miles - clean CarFax and no accidents. Inside and out the car is sharp as a tack. Since you all own a HHR already - is there anything I should be looking out for or keeping an eye out for? Taking on a test drive this Friday and would be looking to purchase then too if all goes well.
Thanks in advance and take care - Jase
Thanks in advance and take care - Jase
Senior Member
Joined: 09-16-2013
Posts: 1,408
From: Tampa, Florida
WOW ITS GREGGS TWIN. Gregg is my HHR. WELCOME.
first issue was the Camshaft Position actuator solenoids, then the butyl patch water leak issue. After that its been smooth sailing. Overall a generally worry free car in my opinion.
first issue was the Camshaft Position actuator solenoids, then the butyl patch water leak issue. After that its been smooth sailing. Overall a generally worry free car in my opinion.
Platinum Member
Joined: 12-06-2009
Posts: 11,721
From: Alabama
The OP's shown car is a LS, so it will have the 2.2. If I remember correctly, the 2.2's that year didn't have actuator solenoids.
Those 2.2's were only used that 1st year of the HHR so they are kind of "unique" in that aspect. The years following got the newer versions of the 2.2.
The 06's also had that butyl patch issue that could lead to water leaking into the cabin area. If that was never addressed, chances are that the passenger floor interior has been flooded before. Check the carpet for any dampness or evidence of previous water stains. Those leaks could also cause problems with the blower motor and it's resistor.
If you're looking to own an HHR for a long period, I would suggest maybe a newer model with fewer miles.
Those 2.2's were only used that 1st year of the HHR so they are kind of "unique" in that aspect. The years following got the newer versions of the 2.2.
The 06's also had that butyl patch issue that could lead to water leaking into the cabin area. If that was never addressed, chances are that the passenger floor interior has been flooded before. Check the carpet for any dampness or evidence of previous water stains. Those leaks could also cause problems with the blower motor and it's resistor.
If you're looking to own an HHR for a long period, I would suggest maybe a newer model with fewer miles.
Platinum Member
Joined: 12-06-2009
Posts: 11,721
From: Alabama
Correct Steve. Don't think the 2.2's got the VVT till the Flex Fuel year models came out(2008 or 2009 ?)
Just remember our Admin. Mike saying the 06 2.2's were a "one off" type of engine and only used that one year.
Just remember our Admin. Mike saying the 06 2.2's were a "one off" type of engine and only used that one year.
Senior Member
Joined: 07-17-2006
Posts: 6,053
From: Dallas, GA
As far as the 06 2.2, absolutely nothing wrong with the motor. It's just not compatible with some of the newer 2.2 parts. But that also means nothing. Great motor, extremely reliable.
Odds are, the patch issue has already happened and been addressed. Usually happened in the first few years.
Have a mechanic check it out.
Odds are, the patch issue has already happened and been addressed. Usually happened in the first few years.
Have a mechanic check it out.
