Hello all.


​​​​​​I'm looking for a potential replacement for my 07 Vibe, which is starting to develop some problems now that it's turned 200k. Unfortunately, the car I'm looking for doesn't seem to exist in the new model lineup available these days. I want a fun car with a manual transmission and 4 doors that has a cargo area capable of hauling large boxes. In other words, another Vibe, or an HHR (preferably an SS).


I don't really know much about the HHR aside from basic specs. I'm wondering, if I do happen to find a unicorn out there, are there any particular model-specific issues or repair histories I should be checking for? Things like the 1st Gen Dodge Neon always needing a new head gasket around 100k miles.


Also, I've done some (admittedly brief) research online and see that the general price range for an HHR is somewhere in the $5-8000 range. That seems slightly low for a hard to find car like a 5 speed SS version, at least to me. Do you think that range seems accurate, or should I expect to spend more for what I'm looking for?


Thank you in advance for any advice or suggestions you might have to help me on my search.

 

$5-8,000 is low for SS.

 

Welcome - and here is a rather detailed list of things to check on used HHR's courtesy of our member Silverfox:
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/main...sed-hhr-60144/

Don't let the long list scare you - it is quite comprehensive, and would apply to pretty much all other vehicles as well.

 

A low mileage, very good condition SS should be in the $8-10,000. Anything for less, would be higher mileage and/or not that good of shape.
The AA5 SS (rear window delete) and the full panel SS (2009 year only) can bring even higher prices Those 2 are pretty rare as only about 200 of each of those were made.

 

 

Welcome & Happy Hunting.

 

If you decide to opt out for ss instead of lt/ls models, just be ready for more expenses. The weakest part of hhr would be front suspension, imho. Other than that it is great vehicle, if it was maintained properly by po.

 

Wow, thank you all for the information. In regards to the SS's for sale here, I'm looking for something that has a financing option unfortunately.

Firemangeorge, you said low mileage would be in the $8-10000 range; what qualifies as low mileage? Around 100000 miles?

 

Low mileage to me would be 75k or less. Kind of depends on the year. 08's would maybe have more miles than the 10's.
My 2010 is at 53k miles.
There are a lot of low mileage SS's out there. Just have to look around. May not be one local to you and you may have to go out of state.