The 5-speed is standard on all the current models, according to Chevy.com.

While hard to come by with the 2.4, the best recommendation I can make is to just test drive one with an auto. The car will drive pretty much the same.

If you want the 5-speed, just do a special order and get the whole car equipped just like you want it. Yes, you'll be faced with that impatient waiting period!

That's what I did and am glad I went that route. Got the 2LT, color and interior, and only the options I wanted.

In the end, you'll be much happier!

 

joe, did you end up paying premium price for your HHR cuz it was special ordered? i have boughten only 3 brand new vehicles in the past (the rest were all private and used) and they were always cars sitting on the dealer lot. When a dealership has an excess of cars for sale, they are more willing to whittle down the price if its a slow selling car. If its a special order, i believe their isnt any room to negotiate a final selling price in your favor. What was your buying experience? help me out here! thanks!

 

Got a very good deal.

What I did was to spec the car out from the Chevy site just like I wanted it. Then, did some DD on the pricing and dealer costs.

Made up a list of options and went to several dealers asking for a quote and began negotiating from there. A few dealers didn't want to negotiate and were quickly dropped. Heck I had one that wanted a $3,500.00 premium! In the end, I had two dealers down to a nearly identical price. I chose one because of the excellent person (not your typical!) and the overall experience.

Made the deal, signed the papers and waited, and waited and waited....

Do your homework first. Know exactly what you want and research some of the car buying sites to know what a good deal really is. When you go to the dealers you will be prepared to deal and see who is willing to work with you pretty quickly.

But also be prepared to be pressured into all sorts of extended warranties, "protection packages" (wax & Scotchguard on interior), etc. These all generate a lot of profit to the dealer. Know what you want ahead of time and be prepared to deal with that issue.

Yeh, it takes some time, but in the end you get exactly what you want, don't have to comprimise on colors or options, and be much happier in the end.

Good luck and happy shopping!

Hope this helps.

 

Hey Chooch, why not look at as the glass is half full, not half empty? A special order vehicle for a dealer is a BONUS order, one that he did not expect to sell, with no carrying cost to him. Comes in - goes out! The other thing about a special order is that the price, terms and financials are / should all done and finished before you order (read Contract). If you don’t get the price you want after shopping dealers, don’t order it. If you special order you will get what you want (2.4 5 speed) at the price you are willing to pay! DO IT! (Thanks for the PM - will get back to you)

Anyone?
What ever happened to the guy from California that ordered with out getting a firm price that was on his way to his dealer? Did I miss a message, anyone know?

 

He is definitely right on this one.. You get the color you want, as well as the options you want, no extras. It's more personalized, so in the end you'll be happier. The waiting period is the only bad thing about it, but patience is most certainly a virtue to learn/have

 

JoeR, no longer can you get the 2.4 with a 5 speed, even the website says so. Read the footnotes. The build site defaults to auto when you select the 2.4 but you can force the 5 speed to show, but Chev just will not build it. Thats why I am requesting people tell GM they are wrong in not offering the 5 speed or better yet a 6 speed, which Dodge offers with the Nitro.

 

Unless I am doing something wrong the Canadian "build your own" site doesn't have a 2.4 available at all ! That can’t be right?

Update: Seems OK now?

Poor Chooch, Toyota for sure now.

 

I paid way below invoice when I ordered my 5 speed. I actually paid almost $400 under GM Suppliers price.I ordered mine at a no BS dealership and paid no hidden charges, doc fees, $1k wax job, etc. Just do your homework and be straight with your salesman. Tell him what you want to order, have a check in your hand for the down payment, then let 'er rip.

 

I have a 2008 2LT, 2.4 5spd. I ordered it, but I have it.

 

What do you mean stuck? They where America's number one brand in 2006. That's just the Chevrolet brand, and not including all of GM's brands. GM is also "stuck" as the world's largest automotive manufacture.