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taffyapple
Novice
Dec 14, 2017, 10:33 AM
Post #1 of 13
(1459 views)
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My question:
Have an opportunity to purchase a Chevy HHR --115K miles for 3K. Maintenance records included.
Currently--own 1999 Camry CE 2.2L gas 4 cylinder with 52K miles.
Just hoping not to get into anything that is known (generally) to have a lot of out of pocket expenses.
Than you in advance.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 14, 2017, 12:27 PM
Post #2 of 13
(1444 views)
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Begs the question how good is the Camry which I just personally like the '99 for several reasons. If just age is bugging you and everything in good shape, cared for every screw on that is still available fast no problems.
Just keep up time not just miles with a timing belt and water pump job unless there's something you know is lurking or rusty I'd keep it.
Another used anything (model year not said) on the HHR there's things you just wont know and has more than double the miles do and don't matter to a point. All things equal I'd expect less trouble with the Camry continued on time care than with the other,
T
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taffyapple
Novice
Dec 14, 2017, 12:37 PM
Post #3 of 13
(1438 views)
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Thank you for getting back to me.
My Camry is up in years. I still like it. Hasn't had the timing belt changed.
Sadly--wasn't able to keep it garaged.
Some rust spots on hood. It has had the oil changed regularly.
Replaced brakes--recently.
Runs fine. Only hoping to keep it for a few more years.
Then-- maybe another Camry!
The HHR was an out of the blue opportunity.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 14, 2017, 1:11 PM
Post #4 of 13
(1434 views)
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I could never make a final choice for you. How about this, take the Camry in on purpose as if you were buying it now kowing you needed that timing belt don't forget water pump it comes as a set that way just do it. Hood rust? I live in a rust belt area applies to vehicles driven on salted roads especially at highway speeds can kill anything. The hoods haven't rusted at all so suspect something odd happened or if not known from new perhaps a clone hood was replaced which do stink.
If rusted floors, and unseen is what I would care about or keep it. Yes it will cost for the belt job, brakes go on anything as routine. Camry 2.2 has done well on all I've known and was a very practical car well laid out for lots of things and gets good honest MPG with the 4 cyl. no regrets for powerful enough.
If it looks real good underside and hood bugs you fix or a good OE used one few colors made might find the right color! It's greatly me for thing I would own not what you like or is best for you and I'm not the least bit afraid of age of them if cared for includes how easy you just drive cars that is unknown with used despite any reputation.
Don't overheat, change oil, tend to things right away and since you asked I'd keep the Camry no doubt all paid for and you know it already,
T
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taffyapple
Novice
Dec 14, 2017, 1:34 PM
Post #5 of 13
(1427 views)
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I got the Camry back in 2004. It had one previous owner. It's been (so far) a very reliable vehicle.
No visible rust when I got it nor for many years afterwards. It's been waxed many, many times.
Maybe the sun damaged the paint. Just a guess.
The interior still looks decent.
Just had the brakes done & nothing was mentioned about any under belly rust.
Of course--I don't know if that would have been brought to my attention.
Now--the HHR was a tip provided by a friend.
I was not car shopping. The HHR found me!
I am aware Chevy doesn't make HHR's anymore. Think they made them for about 6 years.
Thank you for advice & time.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 15, 2017, 1:45 AM
Post #6 of 13
(1406 views)
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Sorry to take so long. Just common boring sense here. You know your car and don't really know a thing about another (wouldn't really matter) and were NOT seeking this out as a whimsical thing of any kind so the practical default is to keep what you have and put the silly ($3K is dirt in the car game) into yours and keep it till it's not practical for your needs.
If you make the change check both vehicles out to know value of each and REAL condition.
Here's one thing if you care is A/C off season in most places. Do you have a clue if yours works or worked last season and right now it's 7F where I am couldn't check the other car for squat. If that's all messed up that alone exceeds the value of the change OR reduces the real value of the vehicle a LOT. The HHR may be full of sealers to cover up problems which is why it's for sale - lots to think about and staying with what you know makes sense,
T
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taffyapple
Novice
Dec 15, 2017, 7:22 AM
Post #7 of 13
(1392 views)
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Just used my A/C a few days ago--runs cold.
Heard the owner of the HHR is getting another vehicle & that's why it's up for sale.
Supposedly-=-the HHR has had synthetic oil changes.
I don't know how much better synthetic oil is vs regular oil.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 15, 2017, 7:50 AM
Post #8 of 13
(1388 views)
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Seems I can't stop you which is fine just suggest away.
#1 - and sorry looked it up as you didn't say. You and whole area were "Irma" stricken so there's a now a ton of flood cars out there trying to unload them! May not have been even damp but you need to find out. What happens even minor if water (usually nasty dirty) gets just inside carpet anything will never quit it with the mold nor dry out but gets worse. Any electrical motor, sealed bearings anywhere if water invaded WILL fail soon or within a year or so unknown but the items are NOT made for submersion. Absolutely do not take on a flood victim vehicle - new they are scrapped.
Synthetic oil is two fold: It's all I'll use ever but change it on time none of that it can last a year crap - don't fall for that bull. It's remarkable at NOT sludging up, tolerates higher and lower temps much better but it still gets diluted over time and miles so too many folks run it too long IMO and do get away with it. Basically I really believe a vehicle (almost all) are made to last wear wise about 70,000 miles without doing much then time after that is how well it was cared for + throw in good luck sometimes.
If you really want it already said PAY to have it professionally checked out. What is coming - tires, brakes, cooling system if ignored Dexcool can be a problem the list is long to check all items possible so you know. Accident history a must difficult if an owner paid for damage to know still found about what happened by an experienced tech.
Can be fine but priced for that or lousy workmanship and a waste of time.
I can't see either vehicle so at a total loss no matter what we do so rely on you to check it out with professionals may just pay for a hour's time get a good feel for what you are getting for real. If you come up all good and like this move I can't stop you but still wouldn't myself with a 54K Camry can go ages longer with some care still be a better vehicle and cost less to fix ordinary things. You're call I've said my opinion which is all it can be,
Tom
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taffyapple
Novice
Dec 15, 2017, 8:19 AM
Post #9 of 13
(1383 views)
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Didn't say I wanted the HHR. However--I did say-I wasn't car shopping. A good friend tipped me off. I like my Camry & am leaning towards keeping it.
Just didn't know if the newer HHR (for 3K) was a better investment than my old Camry. I do realize age & mileage is part of the equation as there are other things to be considered. Was informed the HHR is not a flood car. I'm aware of flood cars on the market after the hurricanes.
The owner of the HHR wants to sell it as he's getting a boat & needs a tow vehicle.
Thanks for the synthetic oil explanation.
Didn't know that a Camry was cheaper to fix than an HHR. Good to know.
Thanks again!
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 15, 2017, 9:17 AM
Post #10 of 13
(1376 views)
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Let me throw in my 2 cents worth.
I don't know what year this HHR is or anything about the condition or the deal you are getting but one point I want to make is that the Camry is 10 times the quality of the HHR when compared on equal footing.
The HHR is not an easy car to work on and the reliability rating is far lower than a Camry.
Find yourself a good deal on another Camry and I'm all in.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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taffyapple
Novice
Dec 15, 2017, 9:30 AM
Post #11 of 13
(1372 views)
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HI,
FYI--
The HHR is a 2009 with ~ 115K miles. Asking price 3K.
My Camry is a 1999 with 52K miles. Has some small rust spots on the hood.
Both cars run fine.
I wasn't looking for another vehicle. The HHR was a tip from a friend who knows the owner.
Would like to one day purchase another 'used' Camry. Not sure which year (north of 1999) had fewer issues.
Thank you for your input.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 15, 2017, 9:44 AM
Post #12 of 13
(1370 views)
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That IS a good price if it's in good condition. Make sure you drive it because it is not the most comfortable car.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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taffyapple
Novice
Dec 15, 2017, 10:01 AM
Post #13 of 13
(1361 views)
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What I know is that the HHR has had maintenance work--ie, oil changes (synthetic), tires, batteries, brakes, etc. Not sure about mechanical issues. Owner has kept records.
I'm not a HHR fan. Don't like the retro look. It might be a good deal. Without a crystal ball no way to know for sure between the Camry or HHR. Something will go wrong sooner or later
with both.
Thanks for your opinion.
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