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So I recently purchased a 2009 LS with 123000 miles. I just have a few questions.
Does anyone know the ruff mileage life span of the engine and trans?
Also, trying to make it look a little like the late 40s Suburbans that were the influence for their design. Any advice? I know I really would like to try and find the baby moon hubcap with chevrolet if possible that will fit on the stock 16inch rims.
Take a good look at the steel wheel and see there’s no way to attach conventional baby moons. You can buy different steel wheels. There have been some hacks. Try typing this in the Google search window:
baby moons site:chevyhhr.net
Lost of stories of these cars going 300K and beyond, that almost always involve frequent oil changes. Learn the warning signs of pending timing chain problems, and know that ignoring them is often fatal to the motor. The automatic transmission are also used in some 6-cylinder cars and typically outlast the rest of the car.
Because there is so much in these forums, finding what you need may take a little effort, it it’s worth it.
The base 18-hole steel wheels are a classic look that suits the car well. Low budget approach is to clean them up and paint them, them maybe add some nice black or chrome lug nuts, and just skip the hub caps as a superfluous luxury. Red is fun. If going the rattle can route, I have found “wheel paint” to be MUCH more durable than all-purpose stuff. My “Winter” wheels:
Oh, I got ahead of myself, the engines can go a long way with preventative maintenance, at your mileage and age , change the spark plugs , use AC Delco 41-103 Iridium plugs. The coolant lasts for about 5 years , but I bet it’s never been changed , drain the rad and while you’re at it change the thermostat, use an AC Delco 131-158 180 degrees thermostat, don’t ask , just trust us! We know these trucklets.
I also suggest, seeing as the timing chain lasts 100,000 to 150,000 miles , but the front timing chain guide can break at 60,000 miles, change the timing chain and balance shaft chain, sometime soon. A fairly easy job , and we have lots of how to help .
Have a look at the lower control arms , the rear bushings are prone to fail , and if the arms are stamped steel, someone went cheap on them , they should be aluminum!
I could go on, but it is fun to personalize these things and enjoy the ride!
Thank you everyone for the great advice I know Gonzo is a old man but his engine is just getting broken in. The previous owner has a great log history of all the maintence done but I didn`t see anything about coolant flush or the timing chain. Also, I use to drive the panels sometimes when I was a OTR driver. From previously driving them I already know that I have to replace the power steering. I wanna keep the unique beauty of my HHR on the road as long as possible and wished they didn`t stop making them. Once again thank you everyone for welcoming me to the group. Also, I will be getting better pictures. The day I took this was a crazy day. I had to buy a car that day because I had to take the 150+ mile drive to Chicago in cold rain. He made it there and back that weekend with no problems.
A service record log helps so much! Now you’re not guessing as to whether something was changed or not! 11 year old coolant, , definitely needs to be changed!
newbie to the beautiful HHR world
