Hi, I was interested in buying an 09 HHR SS with 133k miles for 6 grand at a local car lot. I was curious, what should I look out for? This is my girlfriends car, so I would like for it to be reliable and practical. Coming from an LSJ cobalt ss, I was told the LNF motors in the hhr/cobalts aren't as strong, is that true? and is 6k a good deal?

 

Hi Sponge to the forums!!

Look at the normal things, drive it, listen to the engine for timing chain chatter, and the suspension for worn parts https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...-pop-s-50648/?

A compression, and if necessary a leak down, test would be a good idea. Also check with a reader for any stored CEL codes.

I can't speak to the the strength of the LSJ, but I have learned that the axle shafts for the LNF are much stronger than the LSJ shafts. The LNF has more HP and Torque, in stock configuration, than the LSJ.

One thing to be aware of is the direct injection. With no fuel wash, the intake valves can get gunked up, required cleaning. Here's our catch can thread that deals with that.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/2-0l...tch-can-54350/

Is it a good deal? If it checks out mechanically, probably so.

 

Welcome to the site.

quote: "This is my girlfriends car, so I would like for it to be reliable and practical."

Honestly speaking. An 8-9 year old performance based car with that many miles on it,,, not something I would be looking at for reliability or especially practicality.
I would suggest finding a regular HHR, 1LT or 2LT. Maybe something with lower mileage than that SS.

 

Welcome to the site, X2 what he said ^^^

 

Welcome to the site. You'll like the car. I've had no issues with mine thus far.

 

I think you will find within the Cobalt community that LNF got a lot of little tweaks that LSJ did not. Check for yourself, but the HHR SS has the same stuff as the '08+ Cobalt SS mechanically. HHR has more hauling space and a fairly serviceable back seat.

Generally, LNF is an evolved LSJ. However, HHR >> Cobalt...