Greetings all. I've been researching the HHR SSs now for a few weeks. It seems like a great vehicle: fuel economy, fun, and practical. It may replace or come along side our other 4 cylinder... an 07 Nissan Versa.

I do have a couple of quick questions, though. Up until last year, I've driven primarily manual vehicles: 02 Mustang GT, 86 Thunderbird Turbo, 07 Ram 1500. Now both my Jeep and the Nissan are automatics and my wife is not familiar with manual.

I would prefer the manual for the "fun factor" and it just seems more engaging to drive them. However, I'd have to buy a plane ticket to bring back a manual SS. There are automatics within driving range. Additionally, the wife may decide that she doesn't want to deal with the manual.

So, all that being said... what is the reliability of the 4t45 transmission? I'd love to tune and add some bolt on modifications. Which transmission would be in it for the "long haul?" I've read the manuals will need the clutch replaced to handle additional power and then I've read the automatics can't handle the extra power. Yet, I've also read of heavily modified SSs with the stock automatic.

Any input?
#tl;dr

 

Give THIS GUY here a private message. He's got 2 modded HHR SS's 1 manual and 1 auto. He may be better able to enlighten you.

Good luck with buying and to the HHR community!

 

Welcome to the site there are some nice SS model HHR's for sale here on the site. I'd choose the standard , but get the auto , happy wife , happy life and all that!

 

Thanks for the welcomes! This could be my first GM vehicle and first "sport" vehicle since I sold my Mustang GT for a sparkly rock on white gold a few years ago!!! I'll definitely take a look at the classifieds section as well.

 

Welcome to the site.

Get the manual. Then maybe the wife won't want to drive it and it will be "all yours" !

I got a 5 speed and my wife hasn't ask to drive it in 4.5 years. And, she does know how to drive a manual.

 

pro's and con's to both
auto has launch control
auto has auto start

5 spd has no lift shift feature
if you go 5 spd route look for one with the brembo and lsd, think it was standard on 2010's

2010's come with the RPD display, some like it some dont

I myself came from a 07 WRX 5spd to my 09 SS auto and I love it. I would love a 5spd but I am in no way disappointed with my auto. plus I love the auto start feature!

 

Yeah... I'm a bit of a research fiend, so I've seen the different option packages and such. There are a lot of attractive items that can be had. In regards to options... the main thing is that I want to know everything before I contact a dealer. There have been too many times when I would've been duped if I had gone in without doing my research. A couple of HHR SS descriptions I've seen perusing Autotrader over the past weeks: "heated seats!"..."6 speed manual!"..."navigation!"... Even if you don't know the vehicle.. the pictures don't support the lie.

At any rate... the biggest factor I'm trying to consider now is the reliability/longevity of the automatic transmission with tune and light modifications. I'd prefer the manual, but like I said... I'm a bit of a research fiend... Haha.

 

[QUOTE=paperboy72;760572]pro's and con's to both
auto has launch control
auto has auto start

5 spd has no lift shift feature
if you go 5 spd route look for one with the brembo and lsd, think it was standard on 2010's



Nope. It was an option.

 

I haven't gotten to the extreme power levels with my MAN as I have with the auto and that is solely because I have only had the MAN for a little over a month.

What was nice about the MAN I bought is it had the GMS1 installed and honestly I am pretty happy with the power. I finally got the exhaust and downpipe on the MAN and it sounds GREAT and is definitely approaching the power level of my Auto.

This is the first stick car Ive ever owned. The reason I got the stick and bought a second HHR is because honestly the Auto was SUPER reliable, cheap to maintain and very fun and peppy to drive.

I have NEVER had an issue with shifts on my Auto and I am pretty much modded out to the max without going to a bigger turbo. The 5 spd is also stout but I'm sure like all manuals, the clutch needs replacing but again is stout from the factory and can handle a good amount of power.

That being said here are a few key differences
- Believe there are less Autos then Manuals
- Auto's have 30 less HP and 30 less Torque (definitely less, #'s might be slightly off)
- Auto's have the engine moved forward by about 3" making some mods tougher to do at home
- Cannot get the LSD on an Auto (I think the same goes w/ brembos too) both I wanted
- I personally don't like the RPD (never owned it but don't like that it steals the little cubby

Pretty much everything else is the same. No arm rests on the performance seats and the manuals.

Buy my Auto, I'll make a great deal on it for ya cuz I need it gone!! :)

 

Thanks for the input jmm121783! It's nice to see you have had a positive experience with a modified automatic.

I actually stumbled across a certified 2010 with low miles... Is there a way to check the vin to determine if it has the performance package? The only straight on picture of the wheel is the back and I believe the Brembos were on the front only, right? It looks mint, though.