My thoughts on my 2007 HHR (so far)
Senior Member
Joined: 08-17-2006
Posts: 1,851
From: Ottawa, Ontario
I've been a Chevy and Olds man all my life. Working for a GM supplier also has it's perks.
I don't like the Ford or Chrysler products enough to buy one, and it'll be a cold day in hell before I slap my money down on an import.
I don't like the Ford or Chrysler products enough to buy one, and it'll be a cold day in hell before I slap my money down on an import.
Member
Joined: 02-13-2007
Posts: 84
From: Ticonderoga, NY
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.
Platinum Member
Joined: 05-09-2006
Posts: 6,805
From: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
hhrmajesty....
Glad you caught all that. You raised the same issues that I saw regarding his dealer.
454....
I think the dealer is "selling" you, and you are believing it. Why did the dealer "split" the cost of the splash guards? Who said the splash guards would solve the paint chip problem....GM (for sure, did you talk with GM directly) or the dealer??? I believe the dealer was to inform you of the need for the running boards when doing the paint repair....according to the TSB. I'm looking for the TSB, now.....
Edit..... It is TSB 06-08-51-002. It does say each case needs to be judged on its own merit AND the customer is to be informed that RUNNING BOARDS MAY BE NECESSARY to reduce the exposure.
Glad you caught all that. You raised the same issues that I saw regarding his dealer.
454....
I think the dealer is "selling" you, and you are believing it. Why did the dealer "split" the cost of the splash guards? Who said the splash guards would solve the paint chip problem....GM (for sure, did you talk with GM directly) or the dealer??? I believe the dealer was to inform you of the need for the running boards when doing the paint repair....according to the TSB. I'm looking for the TSB, now.....
Edit..... It is TSB 06-08-51-002. It does say each case needs to be judged on its own merit AND the customer is to be informed that RUNNING BOARDS MAY BE NECESSARY to reduce the exposure.
Senior Member
Joined: 03-15-2007
Posts: 125
From: Homer Glen
Wow, so sorry you have all of those concerns with the HHR.
Did you drive one before you bought one?
I mean, when I drove I noticed the things you have stated, but I liked the HHR.
The light in the vanity mirror your driving, just an added distraction.
The cup holders well they hold my extra large coffee cup, just fine.
The door locks changed out to stubby no bruise.
The arm rests, can be mod with a washer for height.
No problem with the seatbelt for me.
Running Bds I ordered on the HHR.
I am over all Happy with NEMO (my HHR).
A few problems you learn to live with, or learn to adapt.
This coming from someone who has had 1968 Buick Special, 1974 Capri, 1978 Ford Ranger, 1983 Toyota Tercell 2 door, 1984 Toyota Tercell Station Wagon, 1995 Van, 1999 Explorer, and a 2003 Explorer.
Each one I had to adapt, I find this is no exception.
Again so sorry for your dislike in the HHR.
Did you drive one before you bought one?
I mean, when I drove I noticed the things you have stated, but I liked the HHR.
The light in the vanity mirror your driving, just an added distraction.
The cup holders well they hold my extra large coffee cup, just fine.
The door locks changed out to stubby no bruise.
The arm rests, can be mod with a washer for height.
No problem with the seatbelt for me.
Running Bds I ordered on the HHR.
I am over all Happy with NEMO (my HHR).
A few problems you learn to live with, or learn to adapt.
This coming from someone who has had 1968 Buick Special, 1974 Capri, 1978 Ford Ranger, 1983 Toyota Tercell 2 door, 1984 Toyota Tercell Station Wagon, 1995 Van, 1999 Explorer, and a 2003 Explorer.
Each one I had to adapt, I find this is no exception.
Again so sorry for your dislike in the HHR.
Senior Member
Joined: 08-20-2006
Posts: 21,640
From: Hillsdale, Michigan
The stubby door locks were purchased through Socal who is no longer in business. Not aware of any other vendors off hand. I've also heard of people just removing the existing lock and reusing it. You just need to remove it carefully so you don't mark it up. Then cut the lock rod and replace with the original knob. I think the originally knob may also need cut some?
Senior Member
Joined: 07-15-2006
Posts: 4,179
From: n/a
Senior Member
Joined: 03-15-2007
Posts: 125
From: Homer Glen
Thanks Hill,
I'll look into shortening the rod on the two front doors. I can't understand 454's dissappointment. You bought a car designed to look cool but still be "cheap". I have just over 500 miles on my HHR. My first tank of gas got an average mileage of 30.2 mpg. I came from driving an Explorer with a 4.0 and i was getting 16mpg so that alone makes the car worth every penny. As for your opinion on not wanting to spend money on the car to truly enjoy it, your gonna spend money on any car to enjoy it. If you dont then its just like everyone elses. For instance
this is my other ride. In order to "enjoy" it i could just drive it as is, or to make it "PERFECT" i can spend the $20K it will take to restore it and improve. Take things as they come and enjoy the car, its just a hunk of metal and plastic afterall. As an afterthought, the vette gets 6mpg
I'll look into shortening the rod on the two front doors. I can't understand 454's dissappointment. You bought a car designed to look cool but still be "cheap". I have just over 500 miles on my HHR. My first tank of gas got an average mileage of 30.2 mpg. I came from driving an Explorer with a 4.0 and i was getting 16mpg so that alone makes the car worth every penny. As for your opinion on not wanting to spend money on the car to truly enjoy it, your gonna spend money on any car to enjoy it. If you dont then its just like everyone elses. For instance
this is my other ride. In order to "enjoy" it i could just drive it as is, or to make it "PERFECT" i can spend the $20K it will take to restore it and improve. Take things as they come and enjoy the car, its just a hunk of metal and plastic afterall. As an afterthought, the vette gets 6mpg
Senior Member
Joined: 03-15-2007
Posts: 3,329
From: WNY
Paint damage?
OK...I've read through all these posts and now I'm beginning to see why there were so many HHR's with running boards on the lots when I was shopping. Naturally, I bought one WITHOUT RB's because it had other features I wanted that weren't on the ones WITH RB's (and in the color I had to have). So now I'm worried about the potential for damage.
Question for you veteran HHR's (those without an ax to grind, that is) - what do you recommend? Having RB's installed? Having splash/stone guards installed? Coating the fenders with plastic?
Thanks!
Doc
Question for you veteran HHR's (those without an ax to grind, that is) - what do you recommend? Having RB's installed? Having splash/stone guards installed? Coating the fenders with plastic?
Thanks!
Doc
Senior Member
Joined: 08-20-2006
Posts: 21,640
From: Hillsdale, Michigan
OK...I've read through all these posts and now I'm beginning to see why there were so many HHR's with running boards on the lots when I was shopping. Naturally, I bought one WITHOUT RB's because it had other features I wanted that weren't on the ones WITH RB's (and in the color I had to have). So now I'm worried about the potential for damage.
Question for you veteran HHR's (those without an ax to grind, that is) - what do you recommend? Having RB's installed? Having splash/stone guards installed? Coating the fenders with plastic?
Thanks!
Doc
Question for you veteran HHR's (those without an ax to grind, that is) - what do you recommend? Having RB's installed? Having splash/stone guards installed? Coating the fenders with plastic?
Thanks!
Doc
