Well folks, after 167k miles of nearly trouble free ownership (aside from wear and tear maintenance), it's time to move on. The HHR has been a 3rd vehicle for the past few years, mostly for driving back and forth to work (40 mile round trip) so that I could save the miles on my aging Sierra. But since mid-March of last year I've been working from home and have only been in the office 3 times since. The HHR sat most of that time and it drove me nuts to see it sitting doing nothing. I've been considering selling it since last August as at that point it was clear this was continuing for a while. The Sierra has developed some sort of battery killing issue since wires were chewed on under the hood by what we believe was a squirrel a couple of years ago. I'm finally in a position to replace the truck and am picking the replacement up tomorrow, a 2016 Chevy Silverado crew cab Z71 LTZ. With only 37k miles, I no longer need the HHR. Though I will really miss it. We bought it in 2008 with only 7800 miles on it. It's the closest to new we've ever purchased. And we've never kept any vehicle this long.

The good news about the HHR is it's a "soft sale". It's staying in the family, my dad is buying it from it me. He's been driving it daily for the past month or so and he absolutely loves it. And I get to see it every day, my dad lives next door to me.

I'll stick around here. My dad who is a competent mechanic, but not good with the Internet, will need help from time to time so having ChevyHHR.net as a resource is an invaluable thing.

 

So, sad.... but so good, your dad can let you drive it once in a while. You can help him with the inter webs to ask us about what ever it is that needs attention.
So, you can still stop by often and contribute as you have the last nearly 13 years! Sound good? Why yes it does!
I’m glad you let you Dad have a chance to get to know the HHR, they are addictive, maybe you’ll have your eye in the Holy Grail SS AA5, only 85 miles on it!

 

Thank you sir! No plans on leaving the site. I have a good knowledge of cars that I'm happy to share.

 

Doc- This is sad & happy. You've been a great member that has always helped & shared. Good your Dad will continue with your HHR.

Also, Congrats on the new '16 Silverado, 37k on the clock, like new. They are sweet. I test drove one. And my Bro-n-law got a 2016 Colorado Z71 & he loves it.

Best of all you're not leaving.

 

Thanks Sleeper! This truck is the cleanest used vehicle I've ever purchased. I could not find a flaw on the body or in the interior. Nothing obvious anyway. And it's got more toys on it than I know what to do with. Lots to learn!

 

Doc- Awesome you found such a sweet truck.. You deserve it. One I test drove was black. It was loaded up very nicely as well. Enjoy learning all the new things about it..
I was looking for one w/standard cab & short bed. They quit making them just after '16 or so, according to my Dealer.

 

Advancing age and mileage marches on and we can't stop the decline in useable HHRs. Decisions will have to be made-
I had 5 years of trouble free usage with my HHR, selling it for a new owner 2 years ago.
I have finally bought the vehicle that better fits my needs this past week- A 2020 Dodge Journey SE with the 173Hp 2.4L World engine. Its just a larger version of an HHR, with 3rd row seating for seven. With 6' 4" of room in back behind the front seats, a person can actually throw a sleeping bag in back and do some stealth camping. My wife and I just feel more comfortable when traveling in a new vehicle that has a warranty. Having a real backup camera, hands free blue tooth calling is a basic necessity for most. I can live without Apple CarPlay.
Anyway, through Feb 1st, you can get up to $4250 in rebates on a new 2020 Dodge Journey right now.
Comment to me from a fellow Chrysler retiree, about their 4cyl Journey that they traded in on a new 2020 model-
"The old Journey had 175K on it. The only thing we had done was a Alt at 150K and a thermostat at 130K, brakes at 100K and 170K".
Once I found out about the rebate, I just walked into the dealer, pointed, and said, "I'll take that one".
The extra ground clearance and raised seating height compared to the HHR, is most appreciated by me.

 

Congrats on the New Journey.. You obviously know of the hiding spot for the battery.,.

 

YUP.
If you had owned a Honda Element you would say, Great Idea! Now you can get to the starter, without removing a whole bunch of stuff!
It's really hard to beat these 4cyl, 4 speed auto powertrains for longevity and low cost of ownership.

 

True enough, wife has a '08 Dodge Avenger SXT 2.4L, that has been a great ride from day one. Lately a couple bugs that needed sorted out tho.