SMC Discussion Areas

I am thinking about buying an HHR when I get home. I need something to haul machines in and also have a family carrier while getting good fuel milage. I have a friend and fellow machine collector that has one and has fit a few 81's in it so I know a machine will fit with no problem and it should pull a small trailer with a light load as well. Anyone have an HHR or have any friends with one? What do you/they think of them? They are nice looking and for some reason they are cheap. I can get a used 2007 with 30K miles for less than $10K. This isn't just one there are dozens at that price. I am just wondering if they have problems or if the retro look just didn't catch on. I personally really like them. Any thoughts please share them.

Don't know much about the HHR other than it was GM's late answer to the Chrysler PT Cruiser and maybe it did not catch on because the wave had past.  I can recommend a Dodge Magnum--a very sporty looking station wagon type vehicle.  I have been driving one for the past 22 months (72,000 and counting) and I love the car.  I have moved a Stoner 180, Ideal 55, VMC 110 and a National 9 Pull Cigarette in this car with no problem.  The rear door opens very wide and with the back seat down, the flat surface makes loading a machine a breeze.  Pad the bumper, lay two pieces of 2" PVC across the back, tip the machine and just roll it right in.  I also know that the car is rated to tow a light trailer(1500 lbs I think) but I have not done that.

The Magnum was discontinued in 2008 by Chrysler--mine happens to be a 2008.  Everyone that has seen and ridden in my car loves it.  I think it did not catch on for two reasons--price point was a bit high and the station wagon stigma.  It is rear wheel drive but with the traction control package and ABS I have not had any problems in the Michigan snow and I have driven this car through a couple of severe snow storms.  Plus, if you turn the traction contol off you can remember what it was like to drive a rear wheel drive car in the snow and do some great donuts!  Mine has the 2.7L V-6 and I get 22-24 mpg all the time.  I have gotten up to 28 mpg on the highway if I set the cruise and keep it to 70 mph.

The used prices on this vehicle are in a similar range to the HHR.  If you go this route make sure that you get the traction control and ABS.  The 3.5L V-6 would be nice from a power standpoint but it is not necessary.  The Hemi V-8 is great but way more power than you need in a vehicle like this.

Here are a few shots that I found online.

 :drinking: Tim :drinking:

I've got one friend with an HHR and she loves it. Hasn't had any issues with it.. I like the looks also and almost bought one...

  Hello, Josh

                          My buddy across the street you met Just Bought one 6-7 weeks ago at the end of the Clunker Deal . It's has been in the shop 6 times now for New Brakes & Rotors Turned (Less then 1000miles ) then Returned for New Rotors & Then they were installed Improper & the Wheel came loose . Then They had to Replace ALL the tires . Is He Happy ?? Not Sure But They Told Him They DON'T Recommend Towing no more then 1000lb & The Hitch will be extra Remember It Only Comes with a 4 Cly Or Up graded to a Turbo 4 Thats It . So if You need to hit the gas with a load your in trouble .But Great gas mileage  I have ridden in it Roomy but I don't Think (with out Measure it ) You'll get a 81 or a 110 in it & close the hatch . I love the Magnum and as Tim Said Lots of room But I have Issues With Blind Spots in them .But If I had To Chose Magnum Hands Down

Or since your starting a Family (Con Grats ?? )  A Mini Van has TONS !!of room & will tow a Trailer With No Problem !!

                                                                         Leonard

                                                                                             Leonard

Josh,

Leonard may have discovered why the HHR never caught on.  Service problems on his friends vehicle aside, if it only comes with a 4 cyl, a lot of people will not get it.  I did not realize that you could not get that vehicle with a 6.  Too noisy on the highway--at least that is my viewpoint.

He also makes a good point about minivans.  Before I got the Magnum, I had a Chrysler Town and Country and I moved many machine in that vehicle including a VMC 144SA which is a beast of a machine from a height and weight standpoint.  With the Stow and Go seating it gives you plenty of room to move whatever you want and they are comfortable for family trips.

As far as towing, I don't think any of these vehicles are rated for heavy duty towing although I see guys pulling pretty good-sized boats with mini-vans all the time.

 :drinking: Tim :drinking:

Before tranny problems hit them!

  Tom is also correct with Tranny Problems !!! But I was A Car Mechanic for years .In most cases the Tranny issues were due to either Towing To heavey of a Load (Over Heating ) Or Inproper Servicing . I personly think A 5000 pound Boat IS to heavey for a Mini Van . But 2-3 Vending Machines Should never be a Prolem ..

And as Always Josh IF !! :tounge: You find the Mother load !!! I still have My 4X4 8ft Bed Dodge Clubcab .And for Maybe a Machine  :smile: I there !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


                                                        Leonard

                                                                 

Naw you need a classic car to haul around classic machines!

Josh, the mercury mariner is a great Veh  my wife has one , There was a guy who bought a
vendo56 Sq Top from me and we got that load in his Mecrury mariner with out a problem,                             the back seat drop down and they come with a V6.  
  My wife loves hers it has all the perks, or if your looking for hauling power go get a nice new  or used Ford F150 or chevy silverado or a dodge ram you can't go wrong with a truck  :smile:.

 Or like John said you cant go wrong classic car :biggrin:.

Good suggestions. I am not much of a mini van guy. I would much rather an SUV or an MPV like the Magnum or the HHR. The Magnum is a bit out of my price range though. I would love to have a classic but I need something reliable and practical for everyday use right now. I would love a Truck. I have always had trucks but with the family thing it must be a quad cab and that costs $$$ plus the gas milage sucks. I also have the problem that I have a bum right hip and getting into something tall would be very hard. I like the HHR and I really like the price. I agree it wont pull a car trailer or a boat but a 4' X 6' harbor freight folding trailer with two or three machines or a juke or two could be pulled by anything. Especially if its not across country. I just want to come home!. I can't wait!

The  SSR has a 6 banger option, and  you can also order them with the side windows blocked out and seats removed , so it looks more like a delivery van.

I never buy anything new. First year model runs always seem to have issues. But usually after two years the bugs have been worked out. Also, a two year old low milage car has already depreciated, any bugs the car may have had have usually been corrected, and if you shop smartly, you will find deal.
 I bought a 2 1/2 old Mustang convertible for right at ten grand. It still had four months or so on the warranty, clean Carfax, and it was exactly what the future owner requested. The seller needed to get out of it and I was at the right place at the right time. I helped a friend find this car.

  But I drive a 1972 truck, and it is the most dependable car I have had in a long while.