While waiting for delivery of my 2008 HHR SS 5 sp manual, with just over 47,000 miles, I'm interested in suggestions y'all may have for maintenance items that ought to be performed due to it being a 13 year old car.

Because of the low mileage, I'm thinking it still has many if not most of the original wear items and wondering if I should just plan on changing belts, hoses, and such. It's going to get an oil and filter change, for sure.

 

I have had a "new to me" HHR for about 2 months now and running the wheels off of it. The only thing I don't like about it is taking it to a gasoline station. My primary vehicle is one the most popular BEVs (which is an incredible car) and I hadn't been to a gasoline station in three years prior to the HHR.

Here is the list new used HHR check list I used to check my HHR as soon as I purchased it. I took it to the local GM dealer to do the analysis and work. It was very expensive! I could have probably done the work myself for about one third the cost, but I have a disability and I can no longer do that kind of work. There were a couple of potentially serious issues with a leaking water pump and a minor oil leak. I also had a lot of "pre-emptive" maintenance done too. BTW, in my opinion, a low mileage HHR needs just as much maintenance, if not more, as a high mileage HHR. All is well now and really having fun with my HHR.

 

X2^^^^ what he said! Sometimes you have to have a close look at some items and decide what to do

be aware of ball joints !

 

Thanks for the link to that list - it will definitely come in handy.

I used to do my own wrenching, for the most part, but then got in the habit of taking my cars to the shop for anything beyond an oil change. With the HHR I'm thinking I'll be more hands-on. We'll see.

As for preemptive maintenance, especially with low miles and high years, I'm with you. I bought a low mileage older Suburban once, and it had some seals and gaskets that needed replaced because it had sat except for seasonal use. I would expect that this car could have some of the same issues.

 

Matz,
These vehicles are quite easy to work on, AND
there are plenty here that have done the work and are more than willing to help.
Welcome to the HHR community.

 

Thanks. That sounds like a great combination. I appreciate it.

 

We have collectively done pretty much everything there is to repair these trucklets, and we can advise what parts to use what’s obsolete and that sort of thing. We’ve been here advising HHR owners since 2005.

 

That's a big part of why I'm here. When I was lurking prior to joining, it became apparent to me that there's a lot of knowledge here, and good folks like yourself willing to share it!