Hi all. Been a long time. Havent been around in a long while. Long story short, a drunk hit and totaled my beloved 2008 black Panel in a parking lot. Buckled the body right at the back of the rear passenger door.
I have a line on a black 2006 window version I think I can get for pretty cheap. Thinking about buying it as I have truly missed my HHR. My daily is a 19 Silverado Trail Boss so its not all bad, lol but I would like another HHR.
I know the 06 is kind of a stand alone engine but other than that is there any common problems with the 06 that would keep me from purchasing it?
I dont know much about the 06. They did tell me its black, needs tires, has an exhaust leak and said something about the sway bar needing to be replaced. I am thinking bushings on the sway as I had to replace those on my 08. I am sure I will have to give the LCA's some love also.
Also would you guys think a fair price on an 06 might be? I am sure it hasnt been cared for like I would but hopefully hasnt been trashed.
Thanks for any help and suggestions.
Vince

 

Welcome back Vince. It has been a long time. Sorry to hear about your Panel. I know that was your baby.
I'm sure others may jump in here & give you more specific advice on the 2006 models..
sleeper

 

Thanks sleeper. I know i would still be driving my Panel had it not been totalled. It was 10 years old but I had no plans to replace her any time soon. All she required was regular maintenance.
Hopefully the 06 is cheap enough and not any major issues. Fingers crossed.

 

The 06, 2.4 had the oil cooler , no major problems, maybe orings, then the possibility of water getting in from the patch under the cowl. Easy fix . All the rest is pretty much the same as any other year , welcome back!

 

Thanks oldblue. I didn't remember hearing anything too derogatory about the 06 unless you were trying to put a different year engine in it. Thanks for reminding me about the patch. Will check passenger foot well for water when I go check the car.

 

That’s a C note off the price right there! But, seriously you know most of the problems, how to read the RPO sticker in the glove box and make sure you know what the car has, like a sunroof and leather interior with 2LT is a nicely appointed HHR , my 2011 didn’t have the sticker, so members here helped me out to confirm what I was buying . How much is the asking price, is that as is or certified?
Darn now I want to go out and shop!

 

The car actually belongs to a friend of my fiance. Had been sitting for about a year off and on that I know of. She drove it a little here and there until she couldn't afford to get whatever it is fixed and tags expired. I am thinking I can pick it up for about a grand. Have not been that close to it to know options or what kind of shape it is actually in.

 

It will tell you if it likes you! Listen for timing chain noises, and the like, start thinking what mods you want, interior mirror comes to mind !

 

Yeah. Was already thinking what I had done to the old panel. Upgraded to newer shifter with boot, Cobalt leather wheel with radio controls and running boards. Of course with the panel i added rear seat with belts. Damn I miss that little thing.

 

Vince- I guess life happens. I'm still hanging onto to my old '08 Panel.

Some say the '06 was the best one made.