Is an HHR for me?

I currently have a 08 Fit Sport which has 108k miles on it and has been a good car but there are a couple downsides. It could use a little more power sometimes, gets a little buzzy on the highway and I wouldn't mind a little more cargo room. Also, I figure it might be a good chance to trade the car into a dealer while I still have a little resale value left on it. My criteria is three pedals, 25-30 mpg all around, decent cargo room and fun to drive. I have narrowed it down to an 2007 HHR most likely. It has ample cargo room and I have found decent mileage examples in my area in my price range. My price range is $7-8k max due to figuring I can trade in the Fit and not owe too much after and get it paid off in a year or two.

I would love a Mazda 5 but can't find one with decent miles in my price range in the immediate area. Am I crazy for thinking HHR?

I am pretty sure my mom drives one. I've driven it occasionally, its fine. The tall seating position means that my head is almost touching the headliner and I don't have a good place to rest my arm.

Make sure you fit in it the way you'd like. My aunt has an HHR and I really don't enjoy driving it; I'm 6'4" and it seems like the windshield is about six inches shorter than I'd like.

They're okay, I think they're a bit nicer places to spend time versus the PT Cruiser, but really that isn't saying a lot. I'm currently interested in the mk1 Scion xB, but these are harder to find locally with a manual trans, and I've read about 80mph = 4,000 RPM, so these are buzzy on the highway as well. Perfect candidate for a VW TDi swap? (ha ha)

Did the HHR SS come with a 3pedal option?

I think they're a bit nicer places to spend time versus the PT Cruiser, but really that isn't saying a lot

I agree with that. They've got some odd ergonomics.

Would you consider a Saturn Vue?
Same engine and getrag 5 speed manual as the HHR.
Bigger than HHR.
Less mpg but 28 hyw. 26 mixed.
Half the purchase price.
Plastic panel exterior great for PA inspections.

Not fast and mpg decreases if hyw speeds exceed 70.

Yes, an SS can be had w/ 3 pedals. Regular models can get it too. They are great on gas, and the ride/handling is much better than a PT Cruiser. You'll have to drive one to see if you like the site lines etc.

The Vue looks alright but a search revealed that they weren't any cheaper than an HHR (in my area at least).

 3 pedal HHR SS:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=128085286&listingRecNum=0&criteria=prMx%3D8000%26sf1Dir%3DDESC%26drvTrnId%3D27101%26prMn%3D0%26alMdId%3D21231%26mkId%3D20053%26stkTyp%3DU%26mdId%3D21231%26rd%3D150%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId-pseudoPrice-drvTrnId-transTypeId%26zc%3D19446%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-1-0%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dprice%26sf2Nm%3Dmiles%26isDealerGrouping%3Dfalse%26alMkId%3D20053%26transTypeId%3D28112%26rpp%3D50%26feedSegId%3D28705&aff=national&listType=1

Right price but too high of mileage.

The HHR SS with LNF engine is a peppy little beast even if it is fugly. But it is still a wannabe utility vehicle that doesn't make it. Better to buy a Cobalt SS for the handling etc., or if you need a truck, buy a real one, not a faux minitruck.

92dxman wrote: 3 pedal HHR SS: Right price but too high of mileage.

I would guess that you disagree with the opinions i express in this other thread, then? http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/what-do-you-consider-low-miles-nowadays/71966/page1/

The HHR SS will be more exciting than a Vue which only has the 2.2L ecotec.

As for the price being the same, I disagree. They may be asking the same but do not underestimate how slow selling a Vue manual trans can be. These are cute-utes and as such, attract female buyers and there are very few of them looking for a manual trans.

Here is a real quick search in Philly CL
'05 w/120k miles asking $3,900 This will sell for much closer to $3k, if even that high.
'03 w/ 55k asking $3,800 Also will sell for less than $3k
'05 w/ 167k asking $2.5k
'07 asking $3.5k

^ I actually think that's a pretty good alternative to an HHR. Depends on how much you care about the style. Im not sure a Vue is any LESS fun to drive than an HHR either, unless you get that SS i was talking about..

The HHR is the only rental car I have ever returned for a different model. In San Fran, I didn't feel safe! I couldn't see road signs, stop lights, pedestrians...it has the biggest blind spots and worst sight lines I have ever experienced. This is easier to see out of.

Cool - a Ferret! A client of mine has a couple of those. He actually licensed them for street use after some safety issues were addressed. Not sure how parallel parking works.....

92dxman wrote: I currently have a 08 Fit Sport which has 108k miles on it and has been a good car but there are a couple downsides. It could use a little more power sometimes, gets a little buzzy on the highway and I wouldn't mind a little more cargo room. Also, I figure it might be a good chance to trade the car into a dealer while I still have a little resale value left on it. My criteria is three pedals, 25-30 mpg all around, decent cargo room and fun to drive. I have narrowed it down to an 2007 HHR most likely. It has ample cargo room and I have found decent mileage examples in my area in my price range. My price range is $7-8k max due to figuring I can trade in the Fit and not owe too much after and get it paid off in a year or two. I would love a Mazda 5 but can't find one with decent miles in my price range in the immediate area. Am I crazy for thinking HHR?

Da fuq just happened there?

Not sure how parallel parking works....

Two words: RAMMING SPEED

Vigo wrote:

Not sure how parallel parking works....

Two words: RAMMING SPEED

Also known as "parking by Braille". Just feel the bumps.

K swap the fit, then you can pull a small trailer with it when you need more room. six speed will make it less buzzy. If it's still buzzy, turbo it, no more buzz, just whistling

omg, these cars. One of my dad's friend had one and everyone called it a homo hot rod. There is more stigma of that kind with real people than the miata in this, far more. It is in PT Cruiser levels of ridicule if not further because it's a "pt cruiser ripoff" i've heard it called.

Only a true man with an unbreakable ego and steel balls could drive one. If you get bent out of shape even in the slightest I would not attempt.

A friend of mine has one and I asked him about how he likes it. He doesnt. says you cant do any work to them, everything is a sensor that you cant get to and there are constantly sensors breaking. fwiw his other car is a 99 camry so he is used to not fixing stuff.

Many better choices out there, and I agree with the lack of outward sight is deplorable (a coffin has better visability then this)

pres589 wrote: Make sure you fit in it the way you'd like. My aunt has an HHR and I really don't enjoy driving it; I'm 6'4" and it seems like the windshield is about six inches shorter than I'd like.

X2 - I test drove one and I too am the same height - it was like you had a skin diving mask on. I had to lean way forward to see left or right and the rear view mirror was huge and a problem to see around.

The PT and the HHR where designed by the same guy. My in laws have two of them and they love them.

I really don't see how you are gaining anything by trading a Fit for a HHR....

I agree. I would rather have a Fit with 108k miles than a HHR with 60k

Am I best off just scoring a roof rack off Ebay and keeping the Fit?