***copied from another forum i post on***

Ok, so i've sold the jeep, and should have my dakota sold soon too, and should have around 3,300, maybe closer to 4,000 for a down payment. i still have the MINI, and my explorer (which isnt driveable right now) and the MINI isnt a good daily driver becuase of the wall and all the stuff im doing to it, so it stays in the garage and only gets driven probably a few times a month if that.

i need something reliable, and good gas milage (honestly i could care less as i daily drive an excursion right now so it cant get much worse lol)

but this is going to be vinyl wrapped for a business advertisement, and be my daily driver, for a while. nothing will be done to it as far as system or anything lol, and im set on getting this car, ive driven a few and like them, theyre pretty room inside, cheap, get good gas milage, and i personally like how they look. they are also popular for vehicle wraps, as is the scion xb etc...my dad has an xB(the older one) and i like it, but i like these better. i drove a nissan cube too, i like those but they are a little TOO goofy looking lol.

thought about getting a panel version of the HHR, since the rear glass will be covered, but those dont come with rear seats, then i'd find myself swapping in rear seats, and all that so im just gonna get the regular model.

they come with 3 engines. 2.2L(155hp), 2.4L(tad bit more power, 172hp) and 2.0L (SS version, 260hp). i drove a manual SS, and it was pretty nice. i drove an auto 2.4L, was nice too. from what im reading, the 2.2L manual gets the best MPG (30+ on highway, some reporting as high as 37-38mpg)

i kinda wanna stick with a manual.

so im deciding between a couple options here... a BRAND NEW 2010 HHR LS (manual 2.2L) is 18,720, then its showing online theres a 2,000 dollar discount, making it $17,440 after dealer destination charge etc. then i have about 3-4g down, so lets say id be financing around 14k.

the other option is buy a used SS, theres a used 2008 that i drove, stick shift, for 18,xxx (plus all the tag dealer fee all that ish) with 12,000 miles and a 5 yr warranty. this obviously wouldnt get as good fuel as the 2.2L either, but not too bad at the same time.


which route would you guys go? i know for sure i want black interior (all black) and leather or anything doesnt matter. i drove one with leather and its nice, but i actually like the cloth seats alot as well.

problem with buying a used LS model is most of them are automatic (which if i have to, ill go with that, its not THAT big of a deal, but i prefer manual) and then alot of them arent full black interiors (some have gray on the dash and seats, or tan, etc)


give me some opinions here guys

 

First and foremost. The sticker doesn't mean anything. It is not too difficult to get these cars down to $15k with some persuastion. I paid $14,980 for mine, and the dealership (Classic Chevrolet Grapevine TX.) did so voluntarily. Libscolm auto in Bowie, TX has one for $15k brand new on the window. You might want to find one with the AA5 option, that deletes the rear windows, but keeps the seats. Mine is equipped in the same fashion.

Mine has the 2.2l 5 speed combo, and I love it. Keep your foot light, and speeds down a bit (I do 55 mph max), and 40 mpg is not out of the question. I have never needed to do any warranty work at all on the car. Buying an LS trim level will gurantee you the one color interior, and Ebony seems to be the color of choice for most of the ones that I've seen on the lot.

 

alot of the ebony interiors ive seen used on autotrader have like a gray in the center of the seats, is that on all "full" ebony interiors? or does the LS have FULL black seats without that gray texture in the center?


and yours was 15k brand new? im gonna go next week and see if i can work a deal out.

 

This is the time to deal as few dealers are selling.

The LS can be had pretty cheap and don't even think of anything near sticker.

I have averaged $7000 off sticker on my last 3 new GM cars.

Now on the LS they may not have that much room but they still should come down.

Like stated $14.9 would be a good deal.

 

also, i was comparing the LS to the 1LT, and if i want a sunroof, i'd have to start with the 1LT right? also, id get steering wheel audio controls, power drivers seat, and power mirrors+body matched color. its 1,000 extra to go from LS to 1LT (on the sticker at least) and then $750 for the sunroof, and the last thing i MAY add would be fog lights which is $115.

trying to decide which route i want to go. i think i may start off with the 1LT so i can get the power seats, audio controls, sunroof, fogs, and power/paint matched mirrors.


lmao the LS is extra for floor mats too? says standard with the 1LT+.

 

thats good to know. becuase in my area i see alot of LS and LT's with a few options, with 20k or less miles going for around 12k or so. why not spend a few grand more to get a brand new one haha

 

Yes, mine is full ebony cloth - no grey inserts.

 

My 08 has full ebony seats too..

Plus, I seem to be the only 2LT Panel around my area, (at least)..
Which I'm ok with..

 

There are a lot of LS and 1 LT's dumped on Enterprise fleet sales. They often end up on Dealer lots cheap. But not much cheaper than new at least in the LS case.

Now if you want a loaded one they are often much higher.

 

Anyone got a pic of the full ebony cloth seats? I swear all the used ones I've looked at have gray inserts lol.

I think I'm gonna buy a brand new 1LT, with a few options, if I can work a good deal.