I washed the 2007 HHR Sunday, found plenty of "blasting" on the back doors / fenders on both sides. The car has 5700 miles. I only drive on paved (blacktop and cement) roads. GM split the cost of factory HHR splash guards when the car was new that have not helped. I went to the dealer body shop Monday to find out what could be done to repair and correct the issue. The estimate to replace/repaint and add running boards(assist steps) was $1323.92. More than 10% of the dealer offered trade in value of $13,000. What should my next step be? What can mend my disappointment?

 

The running boards should not cost you that much and in fact at most you should only get charged dealer cost for them and not any charge for the install. The repair/repaint cost should be covered by GM since there is a TSB out for this very problem.

 

454Taylor,

I would fight/insist on getting them to repaint under warranty, and would likely offer to pay for the running boards myself (The whole give / take of negociation).

I've had to have rocker panels repainted on a 6 months old car before, there was clearly a paint defect as it was flaking away just with the fingernails. They first said no; I insisted. They still said no; I filed a complaint with Chysler. They contacted me 2 or 3 weeks later and told me to bring it in.

In your case it may be harder to fight, It's like hood paint chips: they won't cover those. However, if there's a TSB and enough people with the same problem, you may end up getting a "goodwill" repair. But you're likely going to have to work for it.

Yves

 

There is no need to fight, insist, or negotiate this issue. As Hills has already pointed out there is a TSB for this very problem, w/ the exact same solution that you have proposed.

 

Well, Taylor has already stated he will not spend another penny on this car so he is not willing to negotiate. In my opinion he has to options. Get rid of the car at a loss or try to work with the BBB to see if a solution can be derived at. But that will take time and thats as valuable as money.

 

I'm just tired of spending more time trying to "fix" issues (electrical, brakes, paint) with this car than enjoying it. I expected more. I don't think spending more money is a wise decision on my part. I feel as if I'm throwing it away. I bought the top of the line 2LT, very disappointing. I never expected to have problems like this with a new car. I even waited until second year to buy, damn shame to me. GM does not explain the issue, they let you buy it and hope you never complain. They know about this problem. Deception is sad.

 

That really depends on the dealership, doesn't it? My comment was aimed at him getting an "I won't go away" attitude while negotiating. A TSB is not an automatic warranty repair. It just shows that the manufacturer is aware of the problem and has a fix for it. Approval to repair is usually done case-by-case.

454Taylor,

Virtually all new cars have issues in the first year. Those who don't are lucky. My current car (not an HHR) had to be in the shop 3 times to diagnose and replace the passenger air bag, another time for the clutch cylinder and twice for a block heater coolant leak. All in the first 8-9 months. It's been trouble-free ever since. My point is that you either need to be willing to work those initial issues out or part with your car and try your luck with something else. Your decision. Either way it's going to cost you time and some money. Would you still like the car if it was trouble-free? You don't sound like you would.

Good luck !

Yves

 

I liked the HHR enough to buy it. If it had been trouble free I would not be here as a disappointed consumer, I'd be praising the vehicle. I have less than 6,000 miles on this car. My dealership has been fantastic and cooperative. I don't think negotiation at a cost to me is an option any longer. I noticed a problem with road debris early (under 1,000 miles) at which point GM paid 1/2 of the cost for splash guards, I paid 1/2. I was told this was all I needed, not so.

 

454Taylor, I can certainly understand your frustration. One of my previous GM vehicles was a complete letdown. Pretty much anything that could fail did. Numerous electrical, fuel delivery and suspension issues. GM had to give me a new motor after a year and a half (26,000 miles) due to a design flaw with the pistons that was gouging the cylinder walls

I've had my 2006 HHR for almost 5 months and have about 6,200 miles on it. After reading about the possible issues with sandblasting, I bit the bullet and bought the running boards myself (not installed yet). I don't know if I have the sandblasting issue or not yet. Once I can get the car cleaned again, I'll have a closer look.

Do they use sand/gravel on the roads in your area or salt? That could play a large part in the sandblasting.

As others have stated, you should not have to pay to get your HHR repainted. Unless you have a stellar dealership to work with that can get you the running boards for free, you're going to have to spend some more money if you want running boards installed (gmpartscheap.com sells the boards for under $400).

 

Salt only is used on our area roads. Why did you buy GM again?