2.2 or 2.4 Best? I'm still searching for "MY" 2.4
 

I'm coming to the point of having to accept I'm not going to find a 2.4 in the area I need with the loan I'm approved for.
I haven't ever even looked at a 2.2 because I've been drawn to the 2.4 2lt from the first time I saw one.
I'd even be very happy with a panel LS or a SS.
But other than a 2.2 there is nothing affordable, for my situation, in my area.
So, I'm curious, IF you had to make a choice again would you be struggling between 2.2 or 2.4?
Or would one choice be clear to you?

I've been waiting for over a year and I just want to be "doing something to MY HHR today" rather than just reading what you all have been doing to yours.
Don't misunderstand me, I really do like reading your posts and looking at your pictures. I would just like to be sharing mine with you, too.

Thanks for reading,
Sher

I wouldn't be picky. I've had 2.2s. LS should be less money than LT or 2LT, SS a lot more.

Many used LTs have most of the options of 2LT. Lots of them have running boards and roofracks, some even have moonroofs; those are mostly the difference, plus the 2.4.

Is there a difference in repair costs?
 

Or does it make much of a difference?

It makes a difference if you're a racy driver or carry a lot of people or stuff in your HHR.
If you just need a ride to work, by yourself, I'd say the difference isn't that big of a deal.
It's all about your needs from the car, really.
My 2.2 carries me and sometimes one passenger, accelerates up the on-ramps fine at about 2/3 to 3/4 throttle and runs relaxed on the freeway. I catch it speeding so much I have been using the cruise control to avoid tickets.

I have the 2.2, and it fits my needs. Daily driver to work, long road trips with passenger dogs and luggage, and haul the occasional trailer or boat. None of that for me needs a ton of get up and go. But I couldn't speak to the difference in driving the 2.4.

If you do want a 2.4 in your price range, maybe consider searching a little farther away. An hour or two travel, possibly more, to get exactly what your looking for in your price range is worth the drive to me.

Repair costs between the 2.2 and 2.4 should be about equal across the board.

One difference to note between the HHR 2.2 and 2.4 as far as mechanicals.
All 2.4's will have VVT. So they will have the CP actuator solenoids that have shown to have a higher than usual failure rate.
The earlier 2.2's (non Flexfuel) did not have the VVT. The later 2.2's, 2009 and up, were Flexfuel capable. Those will have VVT and thus the actuator solenoids.

I won't go through all about the difference's , but Oldblue is a 2.2, runs strong, handles long trips, doesn't have VVT. Best car I've had in 47 years of driving.

Never had an issue with the 2.2, and with the 5 speed performance was neck in neck with the 2.4 auto.

Gregg is a 2.4 auto; yes I had to replace the solenoids but they were very easy and hassle free since. Gregg travels over 70 miles a day and does so without issue. All I have replaced is what is expected of an HHR, plus the Alternator.

I've recently owned the 2010 & 2011 ...2.2L and the 2.4L Auto Trans. so I have had quite a bit of time to compare them.

The 2.4L had a slight edge up to 60 mph just from a "seat of the pants" comparison, but when I started using 92 Octane gas in the 2.4L and gave it a little time while pushing the acceleration so it could adjust to the fuel there was a considerable difference in the two. Both were completely stock.
I also have owned 7 different 2.4L HHR's and all with low mileage. I must say I have noticed slight differences in Stock engine overall performance from car to car.
Both were 1LT models with 16" tires. Both had the same tire pressures. Both had the same load. Both had the same mileage approx. 24,000 miles.
The main difference I noticed was the 2.2L drive train has a different feel and sound when accelerating. It is a softer overall sound.

I prefer the 2.4L myself but they sold more 2.2L HHR's.

As a side note, I add Techron Complete Fuel System Cleaner for 2 tanks full each time I buy a used HHR. They all ended up with a smooth quite idle.

Hope this helps.

Silverfox