I am 66 yrs old. I bought my 2008 new. It will roll over 100,000 miles this week. I want to take a cross country car trip. Will my car make it? I know it needs new brakes and tune up. I plan to have the mechanic go over it with recommendations. I just keep looking at newer cars for $18k and keep thinking, "What if I put $18k into my HHR? Will it give me another 100K miles?"
I love my car and would love to keep it but I don't want to wind up stranded out in the middle of no where.

 

Welcome to the site!
I'm at 237,000 miles, runs strong, I don't think you'll need to sink $18,000.00 into your HHR to enjoy it for many more miles!

 

A "tune up" is new spark plugs, due at 100,000.

Probably need to check the suspension parts, don't be surprised if parts are needed.

 

With 18000 you could buy a fleet of hhrs! Plenty of us have over 200 000 miles and still going strong. My Gregg is somewhat spoiled being a Florida car but hell slot of members who are snow each year have over 200 000 . They are great and cheap to fix!

 

Snow? Oh , mines seen snow!

 

Awesome. Gregg doesn't even know what snow is!

 

These cars can go for a very long time, just keep up with maintenance. A little money now will go a long way, before a problem hits you.
You have the right idea, getting it checked out before a long trip.
The regular diagnostics should be done, check for leaks, fluid levels including transmission, check cooling system full cycle, timing chain/tensioner for excess slap, suspension isnt critical but a good idea too. An oil change wouldnt hurt either, checking the used oil condition.

 

Top of the line AAA.

 

I had the automatic transmissions serviced at 100k on both of our HHRs.

 

Here's my 2006, still running strong. Took it yesterday just before getting out of the car.