The rust thing is way over blown. First off has anyone seen a HHR of any hear rusted out yet. They have been around since 2005 and even these models are not showing rust or gaping holes out side the normal underbody rust that any car see's.

The rust spots on the doors is like what many cars see and often the car is well into 6 figure miles and 12 years before it even starts to show any issues.

My GMC saw this same rust and it was 12 years old and it was just in the seem on the inside and still never made it to the outside of the 3rd door. My SSEI also never got anyworse than that we have seen here.

I would be more concerned about the rockers on many cars as these are where most of today rust is on many cars. I have seen many rotted out or rotted under the plastic rocker covers.

For the most part even in the most rust prone areas you will wear the car out before rust is even a hint of a major issue.

 

I wish you were right my friend, but I have physically seen HHR's as late as 09's from Eastern Canada (Ontario use way to much salt)with bubbling and rust. I would guess; and I'm saying only guessing that Eastern U.S. would be the same.

The unfortunate part is sometimes an owner doesn't properly wash under the doors in the winter, causing that salt to sit there. I wish I knew if it was a defect or lack of cleaning.

 

Sorry but in the snow belt here where they spray brine on the roads 2 sunny days before a storm we have as bad or worse than the east coast and most else where for salt.

Find a 05 with rust through and not just some small bubbles on the inside of the door and then I will agree there is an issue. You would be suprised how long it takes for small bumps to grow.

It has nothing to do with washing. It has to do with metal prep and where the seem is folded. It is a slow rust that has effected GM cars for years. It is nothing new.

My GMC was washed and cleaned often but it started in the fold and took 12 years to amount to much and even then the truck was worn out.

 

commenting on the auto vs stick. has it been proven yet if the auto can hold over 350hp??? haven't seen many auto's over 310-315. just asking cause i don't know and i know that was a concern when they came out. hence why they were detuned in the first place.

 

I have auto, and trifecta, when shes pulling the running gear make a slight groan, I wouldn't try 350hp, I think the groan would become a broken part. I must be 300 or a little more and it works grand.

 

thanks! i know on the 5 speed you have to upgrade the clutch to run 25psi or more. if not,you will upgrade when it starts slipping. so with that, i know it has to be a limit on the auto. still good numbers for the auto.

 

I'm thinking we scared away the OP. He hasn't returned.

 

Ha Ha Ha, You may be right, But he should be well informed. Did anybody mention the tick, tick, tick at start-up ?

I hope we didn't cause Him to run out and buy a Mazda 3

 

And don't forget the ''clok'' when we shut off the engine.

 

Same here, but couldn't figure out how to spell that sound. Caalok?