Author Topic: $10000 budget for a sales vehicle with utility. Like the HHR... 2006 okay or... (Read 3099 times)

Zoo · « **on:** December 24, 2009, 02:04:54 pm »

Hi All,

Recently switched jobs and I will be getting my own vehicle. In the past I have had great experiences with Toyota Siennas, Chrysler Grand Caravans, and most recently fantastic experiences with 2 2008 Chevy HHRs. While the extra space of a minivan is always welcome I would have3 enough space in an HHR and from the past 18 months with a LS version with the 2.2L motor it has proven both reliable and very fuel efficient.

So, my questions are:

-Are there any first year bugs in the 2006 HHR and any reason to avoid this model year for a used purchase.
-Any issues with going with the 2.4L engine versys the 2.2L engine. Is the 2.4L engine any thirstier than the 2.2L? For the most part I will be driving on the highway.

Thanks for your input and feel free to throw some other options out there. I am open to a Mazda 5, Kia Rondo and other options as well.

Ontariodriver · « **Reply #1 on:** December 26, 2009, 04:55:03 pm »

Look at the history of the chevy cobalt. It's not Toyota or Honda level not even close. There medico on par with Elantra in terms of reliability. I think you're find the PT Cruiser to be better it is in the same price range too......

EV Dan · « **Reply #2 on:** December 26, 2009, 05:28:53 pm »

Elantra touring (wagon) ?

p.s. I was happy with 2.3L "quad" on my grand am, reliable and lots of fun coupled with a stick shift.

kardood69 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 26, 2009, 07:53:18 pm »

Hmmm.. not sure if the OP is getting any good advice here..

Ontariodriver · « **Reply #4 on:** December 27, 2009, 01:46:15 am »

Quote from: kardood69 on December 26, 2009, 07:53:18 pm

Hmmm.. not sure if the OP is getting any good advice here..

Well come on then since you know better what is your opinion smarty parts.

He's asking about a domestics here. We all know the Matrix/Vibe is the best here for a vehicle that is similar to a HHR. I think perhaps the Matrix/Vibe is little smaller too. Hey even Ford Escape is better. But I think he want a Retro type thing. I think PT Cruiser is the best when compared to the HHR. It also does better too in the consumer reports. I'm not sure he could get a low millage Mazda 5 or Kia Rondo for 10K either very easily.

Zoo · « **Reply #5 on:** December 30, 2009, 07:01:40 pm »

I have spent time with a PT Cruiser when our Civic had been in the shop. I found it much smaller than the HHR in terms of cargo room and I found it thirstier as well.

I have a 2006 for $7999 I am having checked out by my mechanic. 88000 kms and as I said in my original post I have 14 months or so behind the wheel of a couple of them and from my subjective experience the 2.2L engines with the 4 speed autos seem to hold up. I am hearing decent things about the ecotech 4s as well.

Those that have followed my previous posts know that we owned a 2001 Civic since new and bought a 2007 Yaris Hatch a while ago. A Matrix is a wee bit too small. The HHR, Mazda 5, and Kia Rondo all stack up similarly in terms of size. The HHR suffers steep depreciation which makes it a sound used car "investment". The Mazda 5s are thousands of dollars more.

So, far the one I have zeroed in is a LS HHR with the 2.2L mill which I have a fair bit of experience with. Although I like the styling this choice is based on utility and low cost to buy. I like the HHR because I will burn less fuel and with fuel prices bound to go up again I like the idea of spending less on gas when I drive 60000-80000 per year.

Trainman · « **Reply #6 on:** December 30, 2009, 07:59:21 pm »

Quote from: Ontariodriver on December 26, 2009, 04:55:03 pm

Look at the history of the chevy cobalt. It's not Toyota or Honda level not even close. There medico on par with Elantra in terms of reliability. I think you're find the PT Cruiser to be better it is in the same price range too......

I do not think a Cobalt type vehicle is what he is looking for.

How about a Honda Element?

I have a friend with an early HHR and they have been very happy with it.

airbalancer · « **Reply #7 on:** December 30, 2009, 08:20:33 pm »

Zoo, where are you working now?

Zoo · « **Reply #8 on:** December 30, 2009, 09:19:22 pm »

Still working sales in the health care industry. I was a national sales manager for the past couple of years but the travel was getting to me. This new opportunity is for about 70% of Ontario and I would make more $ to boot!

A Honda Element would be a great option. I will look at a few. The HHR makes sense because it is just big enough with the possibility of using a roof carrier when I need to. I enjoyed driving it and after 10 years of driving various minivans it is fun to drive something different and better on gas.

There is a nice LT variant in Waterloo with the 2.4L and a 5 speed but it is $4000 more than the nice copper one I have in mind.

Zoo · « **Reply #9 on:** December 30, 2009, 09:40:37 pm »

Jeesh!

Just looked at Honda Elements. For the same $7999 an Element has 150000 kms or more versus the 88000 on the HHR.

For $10000 I can find HHRs with 65000 kms or so without even flinching.

Same with Grand Caravans.

Ontariodriver · « **Reply #10 on:** January 02, 2010, 12:14:03 am »

Quote from: Zoo on December 30, 2009, 09:40:37 pm

Jeesh!

Just looked at Honda Elements. For the same $7999 an Element has 150000 kms or more versus the 88000 on the HHR.

For $10000 I can find HHRs with 65000 kms or so without even flinching.

Same with Grand Caravans.

You can pick up a Sante Fe for less money and less miles on the clock. I find them cramp behind the wheel. But sounds like the HRR is you're pick. The are very very average tho. It is what I like to call pot luck reliability. Only time will tell if it is a good one or not. Weren't you going to be in Real Estate??

airbalancer · « **Reply #11 on:** January 02, 2010, 08:31:08 am »

Are you getting paid per km
Would it be petter just to lease something?

Zoo · « **Reply #12 on:** January 02, 2010, 08:20:20 pm »

I drive a LOT of kilometers (60000-80000 kms or more) so a lease does not work for me.

The real estate thing is still in process. I started a watch distribution business which is still getting up and going. I have 4 things on the go right now. Nowadays it is smart to never keep all your eggs in one basket.

airbalancer · « **Reply #13 on:** January 02, 2010, 10:23:41 pm »

Quote from: Zoo on January 02, 2010, 08:20:20 pm

I drive a LOT of kilometers (60000-80000 kms or more) so a lease does not work for me.

The real estate thing is still in process. I started a watch distribution business which is still getting up and going. I have 4 things on the go right now. Nowadays it is smart to never keep all your eggs in one basket.

wow, people still wear use watches

tpl · « **Reply #14 on:** January 03, 2010, 05:53:08 am »

Quote from: Zoo on January 02, 2010, 08:20:20 pm

I drive a LOT of kilometers (60000-80000 kms or more) so a lease does not work for me.

The real estate thing is still in process. I started a watch distribution business which is still getting up and going. I have 4 things on the go right now. Nowadays it is smart to never keep all your eggs in one basket.

Hmmmm If I had to drive 60to 80k kms a year I'd buy a diesel. Trouble is there are only 2 in any reasonable price range. Golf ( Jetta) wagon or a pre-owned M-B and the latter would be old.

Zoo · « **Reply #15 on:** January 03, 2010, 05:58:53 pm »

I sprung for the HHR. Just shy of $8000 before tax and it checked out with my mechanic.

98% of the time the HHR will be more than I need for space and for the 2% of the time I need more room I will snag a roof rack with covered storage box. It will also come in handy for camping so perhaps 5% of my usage will be with the roof cargo system in place.

I will save a lot of $ over a minivan in gas usage and I find the HHR a bit more fun than a minivan as well.

a Mazda 5, Kia ROndo, or Honda Element also would have fit the bill but the HHR won out because of my experience with the vehicle (positive) and also the lower entry price and my positive experiences with HHRs from a reliability standpoint. Will post pics once I have it home.

Leviathan · « **Reply #16 on:** January 03, 2010, 06:38:02 pm »

Ontariodriver · « **Reply #17 on:** January 03, 2010, 08:18:08 pm »

Great. From what I read and watch. Sounds like a good choice. Good value used to.

Zoo · « **Reply #18 on:** January 03, 2010, 10:32:48 pm »

Just updated my profile.

I will have it by Wednesday at the latest.

Leviathan · « **Reply #19 on:** May 29, 2010, 06:03:25 pm »

Quote from: ghost331 on May 29, 2010, 03:23:05 am

Thanks for sharing.

Putz