Hello Everyone and thanks in advance for your suggestions,

I just bought a used 2010 HHR on 10/27/11 with just under 40k miles, also bought the extended warranty and was told today that I still have the Chevy powertrain warranty. It is supposed to get 22/32 mpg, I've been lucky to get 20-21 (got better gas mileage in my 2002 honda accord 3.0L V6) with mostly freeway driving in which I usually use cruise control. I've also left work which is about 20 miles from my house with the gauge reporting I have 70-80 miles left in the tank, but will literally run out of gas about half way home.

I've also noticed that my coolant is running in the 200-215 degree range, a bit hot? It's reporting my oil only has 70% life left and haven't even put 1,000 miles on it!

The front driver side tire is making a low kinda "thwump-thwump" noise (bearings?). Will powertrain warranty cover this?

My engine light is NOT on, the Chevy dealership told me there's "nothing wrong with it" unless the light is on. Is that true? (I'm thinking no.)

I've called 2 Chevy dealerships and the Nissan dealer I bought it from and haven't gotten a straight answer from any of them.

So my question is why such low fuel economy? Are the problems I listed contributing or indicating what's causing the low mileage? And do you think either of my warranties will cover it or will it be one of those "normal wear & tear" BS lines and I'll be stuck with a $400+ repair bill? And can I "return" the car under some sort of lemon law protection? What should I do, any suggestions what my next move should be?



PLEASE HELP! I'm SO frustrated, and REALLY regretting buying a Chevy at this point...

 

Definitely not right. I know nothing about fixing cars but have the brakes checked. Sound like you might have one hanging up. Might explain the thump and mileage but not the oil life. My SS gets high 20's on the hwy, 25 on trips loaded with all the gear going 75+ with kids and a roof top cargo box, and low 20's around town because I can't stay out of the Turbo.
Hope you find the solution, the HHR is a nifty little car.

Jim

 

Thanks for the read Jeda.

I know for a fact it's not right either. Especially considering I drove my V6 EXACTLY the same way (plus even a bit of *cough*streetracing*cough*) to the same places and consistently got 22-25mpg. Sucks that it seems the dealerships want to do nothing, just keep giving me the BS run around "oh the MPG ratings aren't always right or are exaggerated. blah, blah, blah..." but when LOTS of other owners of the same vehicle are getting the EPA rating or very close to there's obviously a problem.

 

As far as what the dealer told you.....

The dealer I went to told to me the exact same thing.....they said they can't touch my car under warranty because the CEL hasn't come on....even though it runs like complete hell 90% of the time I drive it. They said they are going to charge me $85.00 per hour to look at my car....

Getting very fed up with whole HHR/GM scene....

 

That's exactly what they told me.

 

Try resetting the dic on your next fill up. Your numbers should be better. However its still depends on your driving habits.

 

How do I do that?

 

You had better read your manual. It will tell you how to do it. Right now your dic is reading an average of all the previous fill ups.

 

Major problems? I don't think so. Are you freaking out a bit? Yes. I understand your concerns but you need to take a deep breath.

Do you even know when it was changed, other than what the nissan dealer states? What was the OLM percentage when you bought it? I would change the oil and start fresh so that you know exactly what kind of mileage you are going to get between oil changes.

What speeds is it running this temp. At idle? 45mph? 75mph? What is the ambient temperature when you get this reading?

No, Hub bearings are not covered for the 2010 and 2011 model years. Your extended warranty should though.


Yep great advice so you can see what mpg YOU are actually getting. It may have idled in a technicians stall during the pre sale check out for 30 minutes or more, which would reduce the DIC reading.

 

Welcome to the site. I live in SoCal as well (Long Beach) I drive the 405 everyday - My average speed is 22 and I get about 21 as an average. You quicker you can get into the high gear the better. I speed up to past 40 in town and when it shifts into OD I back off to the speed limit. You will read of owners getting UNFREAKIN believable gas mileage in these cars. Also welcome to the "if the light's not on" there's nothing wrong club. It depends on the Dealer. Harbor Chev here in LB is horrible - They just yes me to death.

Brad : Do independant repair places have access to the scanners you guys have at the dealers? I want someone to reset my TAP dealio for the trans. - Don


SoCal HHR's are going to San Juan Capistrano for a car show in Feb. Check the site.