when do you throw in the towel? 2011 188k miles
Thread Starter
Joined: 05-11-2026
Posts: 1
when do you throw in the towel? 2011 188k miles
transmission is shot. $3600 to rebuild it. i have high confidence in the mechanic.
transmission was replaced in 2022 due to a cv axle failing and damaging the transmission, but it was covered by my after market warranty. i havent had any problems with the car since, except minor things here and there. dead battery, taillight broke, etc and put 80k miles on it since that transmission replace.
there's some kind of oil leak too, apparently, that the transmission guy found. somehow this leak has not been mentioned by anyone until now and i had it at another mechanic's shop last week thinking it was the catalytic converter. t
that mechanic did mention that the lower control arms need replaced. and two new tires.
current list of problems:
transmission
lower control arms need replaced
need 2 new tires
ac doesnt work - probably the blower motor. had that replaced back in 2021 or 2022 but its out again. but i can live without it.
i just really don't want a car payment. if i knew that rebuilding the transmission would give me another 5 years id be totally okay with it. but i'm worried that i'm going to spend this money then the engine blows up or something.
transmission was replaced in 2022 due to a cv axle failing and damaging the transmission, but it was covered by my after market warranty. i havent had any problems with the car since, except minor things here and there. dead battery, taillight broke, etc and put 80k miles on it since that transmission replace.
there's some kind of oil leak too, apparently, that the transmission guy found. somehow this leak has not been mentioned by anyone until now and i had it at another mechanic's shop last week thinking it was the catalytic converter. t
that mechanic did mention that the lower control arms need replaced. and two new tires.
current list of problems:
transmission
lower control arms need replaced
need 2 new tires
ac doesnt work - probably the blower motor. had that replaced back in 2021 or 2022 but its out again. but i can live without it.
i just really don't want a car payment. if i knew that rebuilding the transmission would give me another 5 years id be totally okay with it. but i'm worried that i'm going to spend this money then the engine blows up or something.
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,512
From: Fredericksburg,VA
What is wrong with the trans?
Is the CEL on?
Where is the oil leak?
LCAs are normal wear & tear parts.
Do you do regular maintenance? How many miles?
How does a cv axle failure damage the trans? I am having a problem envisioning that.
Is the CEL on?
Where is the oil leak?
LCAs are normal wear & tear parts.
Do you do regular maintenance? How many miles?
How does a cv axle failure damage the trans? I am having a problem envisioning that.
Last edited by donbrew; May 14, 2026 at 11:34 AM.
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,045
From: Welland,Ont Canada
Replace the LCA’s yourself
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...ol-arms-44378/
A comprehensive how to
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...ol-arms-44378/
A comprehensive how to
Senior Member
Joined: 05-09-2018
Posts: 260
From: NorCal
You don't have a location listed. Looking from long range first. How's the body? Have the tin fleas (rust) revealed itself anywhere?
Cheapest car to run is the one you own. You know it best over the last 80k. Anything moving needs maintenance.
No experience with the motor life of the HHR but many have many more the 188k with good service habits.
For comparison a 2011 with 87k miles clean Cali car is listed for sale at $6800 and has been NOT sold for a month or more on c/l
Other thoughts are the insurance and reg costs. The older ones cost less in each of those operating expenses.
Cheapest car to run is the one you own. You know it best over the last 80k. Anything moving needs maintenance.
No experience with the motor life of the HHR but many have many more the 188k with good service habits.
For comparison a 2011 with 87k miles clean Cali car is listed for sale at $6800 and has been NOT sold for a month or more on c/l
Other thoughts are the insurance and reg costs. The older ones cost less in each of those operating expenses.
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,045
From: Welland,Ont Canada
I’ve got 230,000 miles on my 2011 and put 385,000 miles on my 2007
both had timing chain and struts replaced, a cv axle seal or 2 but nothing major, I changed oil and filter every 5,000 miles .
keep them clean and drive them often.
both had timing chain and struts replaced, a cv axle seal or 2 but nothing major, I changed oil and filter every 5,000 miles .
keep them clean and drive them often.
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