Hi all. Sorry if this is long winded.
Im on a vehicle hunt for my in laws. They are 70 yrs and 69 yrs. Mom in law has minor mobitity issues. They own a Corsica and a dodge hemi 1/2 ton. They arn't comfortable falling into the Corsica, so they end up driving the truck (gas hog) a lot, because they are comfortable in it.
My folks are in their late 70's, mom has major mobility issues. They Love their pt cruiser. Easy to get into, sitting upright, etc. In laws think 'Chrysler' is a swear word. I dont know anything about hhr's, but I suggested it.
They wont buy a stick shift, turbo, or panel. Is the small 4 cyl sufficent? Do any models come with 'holy crap' handles? Whats the real mileage you're getting? What should I be looking out for? I am a Heavy duty mechanic.
Other vehicles on their radar are an equinox or a mini van.
Thanks for your input.

 

I have had my HHR model 2lt I love it and Im 80 1/2 years young.

 

to the forum gkenworth!

I guess to answer your first question, either the 2.2 or 2.4 liter engines are more than sufficient, I have both and there really isn't that much difference between the two displacements. In my opinion, the 2.2 is the sweeter engine, they seem to have more of a willingness to rev and wind out than the 2.4's.

No "Oh Bleep" handles offered in the HHR, and they are mighty hard to retrofit due to the design of the door apertures and the side airbags if so equipped. OK, lets say they're well nigh impossible to retrofit.

Real world mileage varies greatly depending on driving styles, but you can expect mid 20's in town and low to mid 30's on long highway jaunts. Mine average out to 26mpg in mixed driving, biased about 60% towards in town versus highway.

HHR's have a few well know issues mainly relating to suspension noises and somewhat marginal OEM brakes.

The suspension noises take the form of clunks and rattles from the sway bar end links and sway bar bushings mostly. You can get noise from a bad intermediate shaft in the steering column, and if the mileage is high-ish, you'll get noise from the strut mounts.

The brakes as they come from the factory feature only "so so" pads up front, and rear brake self adjusters that don't self adjust. Those of us in the know, adjust our rear brakes every 5,000 miles or at every oil change/tire rotation. Failure to adjust up the rear brakes will cause a case of the dreaded "HHR brake judder", as the front brakes take more than their fair share of the braking effort causing rotor warping and premature wear.

All that being said, don't be afraid of an HHR, they do run like Swiss watches and they are mighty fun to drive. I think if your In-Laws try one out, they'd like it right off the bat.

The important thing is to check out a potential candidate thoroughly, including a CarFax report on it.

 

We're 77 and 66 and we each have one. Don't be afraid to suggest the HHR to the in-laws. They'll love it.

 

They are in their 70's and don't have one already? Seriously, it would be a great car for them, that being said the ford focus wagon is another option. I see a ton of retiree's driving these as well. although the HHR is a little roomier, and since its production is over, much cheaper. I'm sure I dont have to tell you about carfax. You should have good luck finding a well cared for car, and if by chance they are a active forum member the car your gonna buy will be in better shape than what a used lot will offer. Most of us are pretty anal about our cars here, and tend to keep all reciepts, early oil changes, etc.

Good Luck and Welcome!

 

Thanks for the input.



I guess 4 of you guys like them. :)


Just kidding