Hello all. I have a 2007 trailblazer ss and my responsible daughter likes the hhr. She has been driving my beast for 8 months and wanted to see if s hhr ss is too much car for a 16 year old. My 23 year old has a lead foot like me so I bought her a pt cruiser turbo for her 16th . Would never consider a fast car for her when she turned 16 but my youngest daughter is like her mom. Follows laws. Can't find one to drive yet. Any thoughts are appreciated

 

In my opinion, an SS may be pushing it for a 16 year old. I would say find her a solid 2.4 HHR and she will have enough power to make it fun but not dangerous. She can graduate to an SS later. LOL. The HHR SS is more aggressive and more powerful than the PT Cruiser Turbo.

 

bhobbs, to the forums!!

If your daughter drives like her mom, obeying all laws, the added power of the turbo would be of little use. You need to be in the throttle pretty good before the turbo really kicks in.

The combo of forced induction and direct injection presents added maintenance/repair issues, namely gunk deposits on the intake valves. This requires shell blasting of the intake valves, and the installation of oil catch cans.

Once mom and dad aren't in the car anymore, her driving habits may change, with this much available power. Add to this the front wheel drive, which, with this much power, causes torque steer that can be quite challenging to maintain control of the vehicle.

The 0-60 and 1/4 mile times are quite close to your blazer. But the HHR can reach speeds over 150 MPH.
Chariots With Fire: 2007 Chevrolete TrailBlaser SS
View the latest first drive review of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS.

Ultimately the decision is yours, just want you to know what she would be getting into. I love my SS, but I had 30 years driving experience(with a lead foot) before I got it. Maybe you let her show she can handle driving for a while, before she gets a beast.

 

My initial reaction to the question surprised me! I am officially an old fart.

 

Welcome to the site, so long as it's an HHR, enjoy the drive!

 

If I remember right, the turbo PT is just barely even with a N.A. 2.4 HHR. So... yeah, I'm thinking if nobody offers me a great amount for my '06, I'll let my daughter drive it when the time comes.

 

Sounds like way too much car I can't find one close in Atlanta to drive so I'll stick with the Lt version . Maybe an ss for me. They are crazy cheap used

 

Whatever you decide, we'll be here to help you make it a great ride for your little girl!!

 

put her in a ls 2.2 first , then maybe at 21 bust out a ,SS ,, she's safe in ether one but if she gets crazy the other driver may not be so lucky !!!!! good luck

 

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