Hey Everyone!

I've been lusting after an HHR since they were new on the market when I was in high school. Now, many years later, I am the proud owner of a 2006 HHR 2LT. It has a little over 200k miles but it runs and drives nicely and it was only $900. It's one of the most loaded HHRs I've seen which isn't an SS. It has power heated leather seats, power sunroof, premium audio with subwoofer, roof rails and running boards. It needs tires, but I've got a set of DWS06 Continentals from another car ready to go on. There's an oil leak down the front of the engine which appears to be the valve cover gasket and there's a small exhaust leak somewhere. I've always been a wagon guy, so this little guy fits my tastes very nicely.

Based on what I've read in this forum, I'm planning on upgrading the front brakes to the non-brembo SS rotors and I'll probably also get a rear sway bar in the spring.

Is there any general maintenance I should consider that would be outside of the usual, given the mileage? I'm talking about things like the water pump, VVT solenoids and O2 sensors

 

At that mileage first I would change the timing and balance shaft chains tensioners and guides
I would not change the solenoids if there’s no CEL on give a code about them.

 

Is the timing chain something that can be done with the engine in the car?

 

Yes, I’ve done over 75 of these , I’ve never removed the engine , you will need to support the engine and remove the upper engine mount to get the water pump bolt out. Loads of YouTube videos.

 

Does the engine have the oil/water heat exchanger?
If so the leak could be from the o-rings.

 

In his profile it’s a 2007 , doubtful there’s an oil cooler. Might just be sloppy oil filter changes.

 

As I found out when I actually got my hands on the title, it's actually an 06. Does that make a difference with regard to the oil cooler?

 

Yes early 2006 2:4’s had the external oil cooler, I fixed your profile for you.