What kind of car did you give up for your HHR?
Member
Joined: 06-01-2009
Posts: 33
From: Seattle
I gave up my 98 S10 ZR2, I loved that truck. That was the best truck Chevrolet ever made. I've had it up to the headlights in water runnin up a creek, a few feet off the ground jumping it, and still drove it everyday. Drove it a few times about 9 hours to northeast Ohio. I do love my HHR though, even though i can't jump it.
New Member
Joined: 09-14-2009
Posts: 13
From: Bush, Louisiana
A 2002 Ford Ranger 3.0L that finally gave-up after 190K miles. Wished it had done it a day earlier and could've gone "Cash For Clunkers." Driving 110 mile r/t to work and back I decided on mileage and looks. Now I fill-up once a week instead of 3 times. And look good doing it!
New Member
Joined: 04-08-2009
Posts: 22
From: Allentown, PA
It was a few things.
-The MINI was nearing the end of the warranty period and it had needed a lot of things repaired under warranty, making me nervous.
-The nearest dealer was an hour away, so I needed to take a day off of work to get it fixed. The nearest Chevy dealer, 2 blocks.
-It was a room issue to some extent. I actually found the MINI to me more roomy up front, but my family was expanding and I needed 5 seats and room for more kid stuff.
In terms of how they perform. There are trade offs for both: MInd you, I used to AutoX quite a while back, so I know a little bit about what's important.
-The HHR isn't as tossable as the MINI was (for quick turns) yet the HHR seems to allow me to take more of my favorite roads at Higher G's with no complaint (A credit to the well tuned suspension and good tires, this was proven by my G-meter). The same turns I used to take at ~35 with the MINI would hit .84G and the tires would be howling, now, the same turns I take with the HHR at ~>40, hitting .90G and room to go.
-On the Highway the HHR rides much smoother over the rough stuff and you can actually take it on a long trip without being tired at the end. Yet you can still take the back way and have some fun with it if you want, but you'll get tired faster than in the MINI.
-The MINI steering was more responsive, but the HHR is less "squirrelly" and more predictable (longer wheelbase being the reason).
-The Brakes on the MINI were MUCH better, but that may have been a function of weight to contact patch ratio, I seriously feel the brakes are undersized for the HHR, (yes, I have the brake and differential kit)
-The engine of the MINI was much less restrictive through the first two gears (I have the stage kit), but once you get through second and then third, forget about it, this thing is nuts. The mini was fast, but the HHR is faster, for sure.
In regards to the interior.
-The HHR does not have nearly as good of a quality interior or as many features as the MINI and I do miss the panoramic sunroof, HID lights and the amber dash illumination).
-Even the premium stereo is not as good (although it cost a lot less than the one on the MINI)
-The only thing I like better on the interior is the seats, which are great.
-All the seats are comfy on the HHR, which you can't say for the MINI.
-THe MINI had a much more open greenhouse, which I do miss, I think the interior of the HHR is a little dark, I wish the windows were lower (larger)
-THere is an infinite amount more cargo space with the HHR it seems, I just can't beleive how much stuff I can haul with it. We hardly take our other cars anywhere because the HHR can do it all.
On the MPG front, I'm getting between 22 and 24 with the HHR in 70% city driving. On the Highway, I can get 28. With the MINI around town I would get 23-25 and on the Highway, if Ihypermilled, I could get 33. But I think the compromise/gallon ration is well worth it for this car.
New Member
Joined: 07-06-2009
Posts: 17
From: Mt. Vernon, KY
Traded my wife's 2000 VW Beetle in on our 2009 HHR. It was bittersweet for her as it was her first car and the Beetle was always her dream car. She seems to enjoy driving the HHR though and I am much more at ease with any repairs that may need to be done on it in or out of warranty. The German cars are EXPENSIVE!
Senior Member
Joined: 01-21-2010
Posts: 1,700
From: The Middie OHIO
Recently rid myself of a 1997 Saturn SC2 with 210k on it. It was a fun little (that's the main reason we got rid of it) car that I got for a steal, but it's time has come and gone. Kept the 1990 Lumina with only 60k on it
Was a Ford man growing up (5 SHO's, 2 TBird SC's, 1 F150) and now I'm all GM. Felt kinda dirty at first, but now I likes!
Was a Ford man growing up (5 SHO's, 2 TBird SC's, 1 F150) and now I'm all GM. Felt kinda dirty at first, but now I likes!
Senior Member
Joined: 01-27-2010
Posts: 128
From: Bakersfield , CA
I also traded a VW New Beetle...a 2003 Turbo. I had been VW for eight years, and Mr Vette is so right - German engineering is just too expensive! Loved my 1999 Beetle - it was totaled in an accident 3 years ago, so I got the Turbo. Was a member of a New Beetle club for seven years, and really enjoyed it - I am happy to have found a new Chevy home! I am really glad to be back to a Chevy, and love my HHR so far!
