Also, although SS themselves are reliable, the 2.2 and 2.4 are damn near bulletproof! My 2.4 just passed 200K miles yesterday and still runs perfectly.

 

I got my HHR SS at 24, before that I had a 6.0L GTO and 2 Mustangs and a Camaro. You know your child better then all of us but personally I do not think it is too much. 240hp, crap 260, whatever the auto is haha I forget, geez, but anyways really is the norm anymore on "new" cars especially if you get a v6.

 

I offered mine to my daughter (16 next month), and she declined. So I feel like an old fart, because my car isn't cool enough.

So far, she wants a Jeep or nothing. Used Jeep prices are going to mean it's nothing...

Anyway, unless she really is into Fast & Furious stuff, I don't think it's too much car. That said, I would actually encourage some experience with hitting boost and its effect - to help prepare for the time she decides she needs to punch it to pass or avoid trouble. Knowing what to expect is most of the battle.

 

It isn't your daughter you should be worried about....it is her 16 year old guy friends who will want to drive it and she might give in if she likes the guy. Then you have a 16 year old boy driving the car....most likely like a maniac. Stick with a low power model. The boys won't be interested.

 

my 09 HHR SS can be a handful compared to my 06 cobalt ss/sc especially when passing and getting on it. torque steer can come in to play.

 

I think the torque steer problem could get a youngster in a heap of trouble real quick!

 

What is it about Jeeps and young girls? I have a 13 year old daughter and all she talks about is jeep this and jeep that, oh and my Harley (that I sold)! So we'll get her a different motorcycle when the time comes.