I'm considering purchasing a 2008 HHR panel. In the back they have used up a lot of space with the lockable storage bins etc. Is all that plastic/rubber easily removed.
I know this is not the ideal place to ask this question but is everyone generally happy with the HHR. My concerns are there seem to be a lot of used ones for sale in autotrader. This is a well equipped car that had a sticker price of 31k and they are asking 23.5. It has 150 Km, so it's basically new.
I am in Canada so the prices are higher than the US.
Thanks

 

to the best place for anything Here's a pic with all of the panels removed from the cargo area...there is alot of wasted space in there, but would take alot of custom work fabricating new panels to gain more space...worth it? Maybe, I'm considering lowering the load floor later

 

My wife and I each have 2006 LTs. Both are 5-speeds. Both have 60k plus miles on them. Our experiences have been very positive. I had a security system module fail which Chevy replaced free of charge even though the warranty had expired. My wife's car received a fuel pump under warranty. We really enjoy the cars and they are very durable and dependable. Excellent mileage too. For winter we added Blizzaks to each car which really help. I like mine so well that I am considering upgrading to an SS when the time is right. Where else can you find a high performance fun-to-drive car that also will haul a reasonably sized load in comfort? Good luck!

 

Hey you're the same restlessone from zx6e, aren't ya? Well, I had an 06 and now have an 08SS. For the size, these things haul stuff pretty well. I don't know much about whether you can remove those parts in the panel,but someone here probably will. Is the one you're looking at a 1LT or 2LT? The 2LTs are worth a bit more, and nicer. Resale is pretty poor so I would not be suprised if you can get the price down even further. These cars were used extensively as rentals so that is partially why you see so many used.

As to how I like mine, here are the pros and cons that I can think of:

Pros: Good gas mileage
The LS/LT with auto can actually tow a small trailer, such as a utility trailer or open bike trailer with one bike
Good cargo space considering the mileage
Factory remote start (auto only)
Many nice options are available that others in its pricerange don't have
Cons: The plasticky interior often develops rattles/squeaks
The reliability on my 06 pretty well stunk, but then again they were all small issues and according to consumer reports, the 07-08 are now average reliability
In 08, ABS was optional on all models but the 2LT and SS. I would make sure the car has it.

 

about the storage.i could not find ANY minivan that gets the mpg the hhr does. i am required to have a van at my work. i have managed to sqeeze by by taking the smallest but longest route. i am a little dissapointed in the mpg , but it is still better than a minivan and the panel is 1 of the coolest things on the road. if you are looking for more mpg , get the 2.0 or 2.2 , they get a little better mpg than the 2.4. you may want to compare to a toyota rav , i think the rav will hold a little more even though it doesn't look like it from the outside. i almost got 1 , i just couldn't walk away from the 08 2lt 2.4 auto panel i found preowned from a private seller. i just think i'd rather have the 2.2. unless you tow or race everyday why have a bigger engine?

 

Yup, removing all that stuff in the rear does open up a lot of room as you can see from the picture in post #2 above. I did the same as the picture and then put most everything back – I liked the flat rear from lift gate to the rear of the front seat. I use my vehicle as a service/work truck and am constantly getting boxes and ladders in and out. I did go back and remove the rear drivers side seat(27 lb) – actually cut it in half. This brought the storage area up some and if needed I can still squeeze in four people for short trips. Sorry, you were taking about the “Panel” version without seats, unless you get the quarter panel option you wouldn’t have seats. The storage boxes can still be removed.

By removing everything in the back I was trying to reduce the weight and thus increase the carrying(weight) capacity of the vehicle. The seat weighted the most, but all the plastic panels add up as well.

As far as the vehicle; it has it's deficiencies, but I’ll get use to them – I’ve had mine for less than 1.5 months.

 

[QUOTE=jeffs396;351628] to the best place for anything Here's a pic with all of the panels removed from the cargo area...there is alot of wasted space in there, but would take alot of custom work fabricating new panels to gain more space...worth it? Maybe, I'm considering lowering the load floor later

I'm surprised I expected more room if the interior plastic was removed. I guess I was expecting something like an old style van where the floor went down and exposed the wheel wells. Is the front part where the storage compartments removable seperately?

Gordon

 

Hey Gordon, mine is a regular sedan with the back seat...floor pan is the same, sedan or panel, the storage compartment just takes the place of the rear seat.

 

[QUOTE=pitbull76;351631]Hey you're the same restlessone from zx6e, aren't ya?

That forum doesn't ring a bell, what is it.

Gordon

 

Thanks everyone for taking the time to answer, it really helps. These forums are great. They must be a nightmare for the manufacturers though.

Gordon