We're shopping for an HHR and have a question: does anybody know if the running boards that come factory installed can be removed-- and if so, once it's done, is there any visual evidence that they were ever there?

Not that I don't like the running boards, I do. But my wife is disabled and the running boards make it significantly more difficult for her to enter the car-- enough so that it's a dealbreaker for us. I know you can buy HHR's without running boards, but I've found a car with the 2LT package that meets our specs in every way-- except, of course, it has running boards. I'm sure if I ask the dealer, he'll say, "sure, no problem"-- but I've learned not to trust the sales people on questions like this.

Thanks!

Denny

 

Yes, they are removable and there is no visual evidence that there were even there once they are removed.

 

As Sindy states, they are removable, but however there are rocker panels that would need to be reinstalled. Otherwise you would have something that looks like........


(Picture credit goes to TCRNCOB)

 

And then you could sell the running boards. There's always someone looking for a set

 

Yeah, and if you're dealer doesn't want to give you back the price for the boards, minus the cost of the replacement rocker covers, keep and sell 'em here. You'll get your money back in NO time, depending on the color, of course.

 

That's terrific news, folks, thanks, the photo in particular clears up a lot of questions for me. Looks like an easy swap, so that opens up a lot of cars in the dealer inventories that I didn't think we could consider. Still waiting to see whether the rebates are being extended, once that's settled, we're going car shopping....

 

Denny,

Drive both, on a bumpy road, the 2LT with sports suspension and the 1LT with touring suspension, big difference on bumpy roads the touring suspension gives a much smoother ride.

For us the touring suspension gives us the ride we prefer, factory standard 16” wheels and with the all seasons tires.

 

Good advice on the different suspensions, Bob, thanks!

Denny