Thinking of swapping my car for another, thoughts?

[MalibuStacy]

So currently I have a 2008 HHR LT (2.4L Auto) with all the extra goodies you could add. It is up at 163000 KM's and I was planning on doing the struts, shocks, brakes, and sway bar links this summer. I currently go to my uncles shop cause I get parts at cost, he quoted me around 1300 for all the work I want to get done to the car. Normally this wouldn't bother me, but then I stumbled across this ad on Kijiji...

2008 HHR SS

This car has a full detail report to it an the current owner has cared for it (hail repair and full maintenance) plus it has half the mileage of my current HHR. Plus I have always wanted a SS, but never found one in my price range.

I am asking for opinions on whether I should sell my current car for this one or just stick with what I got and do the repairs. PLEASE NO CHEVY/DOMESTIC/HHR BASHING. I am just looking for some second opinions.

[spikerS]

well, how much would you pay to upgrade your current HHR to an SS? once you know that dollar amount, add that to what you think you can sell yours for, and add $1300. If that number is higher that the $9,900, then yes, you should do it.

the disclaimer is that being an SS, it is going to be driven much harder than yours, so the fact is has half the kms does not mean it has half the wear on it.

I know you like HHRs for some reason, but to each their own.

[MalibuStacy]

Yeah, I know I'm weird like that, I am more looking at the aspect of I like this style but this is a better car then mine.

[speedog]

To upgrade a regular HHR with the NA engine to a turbo'ed powerplant plus suspension and wheel/tire upgrades - the $ amount would probably pop one's eyes out.

The SS will have way more horsepower (260 vs 172), way better handling, same fuel mileage and one can hope an improved ride because a regular HHR has a shit ride. Ties will probably be more expensive on the SS version as well.

[MalibuStacy]

ties???

[v2kai]

think speedog meant 'tires'

[Sugarphreak]

...

[MalibuStacy]

Well, upon further inspection I found out the car had some significant damage to the front end in 2009 (14000 dollars in damage to the left front). I might go test drive it but with that kinda tag to the front end I gotta wonder ow bad the structure of the front end was damaged???

[MalibuStacy]

My gut says don't touch it but, my cheap mind says, its a hell of a steal. But I just don;t know how it was repaired

[AE92_TreunoSC]

ALWAYS LISTEN TO RED FLAGS!!!

I've been burned a few times, on <2000$ purchases, but I always had that nagging feeling leading up to signing the bill of sale.

14000$ is a butt load, surprised they didn't write it off, it may or may not have a crap load of aftermarket parts in the front end.

If the price is right with the damage accounted for then go for it! But I strongly advise to listen to gut feelings.

[Graham_A_M]

Id pass, although Id keep looking at other SS's. The turbo 2.0 is a hot engine that responds extremely well to mods, that's what I have in my regal GS.

[MalibuStacy]

edit, 19000 in damage to the front left (carfax)

[MalibuStacy]

Graham, I was actually considering moving into a GS after I'm done with this HHR

[Graham_A_M]

^ yeah you can find my car for around $26-28k now, which isn't too bad. With farming and winter I haven't touched it mod wise yet. FML, just sitting there. It's a '12 and only has 41k on the clock.

[know1edge]

.

[tomt64]

Originally posted by MalibuStacy
edit, 19000 in damage to the front left (carfax)

I have mechanically fixed many collision cars, you couldn't give me a collision car to drive. Unless it is minor cosmetic damage [19k is definitely not, have quoted many collision jobs in the past as well] don't bother.
Taking into account all 19k is in the LF area makes it worse.

Lets say body cosmetic damage is 10k to fix, that leaves another 9 for maybe powertrain r&i to have access to straighten the frame and all the good stuff. Some people will mention itll be all new parts [susp etc] but the main concern is the chassis.

Good luck.

[MalibuStacy]

Considering the original MRSP would have been around 27000 I am thinking this car has had the entire front end rebuilt, shoulda been a right off

[vengie]

Originally posted by MalibuStacy
My gut says don't touch it

/thread right there. Always listen to your gut.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[eglove]

With that much damage I wouldnt touch it, keep looking for other ones. Or offer $5k for it and see what happens :p