Shopping for a new car.. I need opinions
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Based on my test-drive comparison back in 2008 . . .
Pros:
XB- better to drive, brakes don't chudder after a "spirited" drive, can actually see more out of front windshield (like street lights), and a MUCH larger, useable rear cargo space
HHR- Looks like an shrunken early 1950s Suburban or Panel truck, turbo version accelerates faster (xb still handles better)
I really, really wanted to like the HHR and tried to convince myself to get one. But, it drove like an econo-box. The B drove MUCH better, in every aspect, had a nicer, much larger interior, a better back seat for the kids, and more. I preferred the Mini Clubman, but it was significantly more expensive and smaller/tighter interior with much more "difficult" access to the back seat.
(And I'm a HUGE fan of early 50s Chevy trucks & panels and the original Mini is one of my all-time favorite cars -along with the Austin Healey 100, Austin Healey Sprite, Porsche 550, Lotus Elan, Morris Minor (and now the Austin A35), Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser, International Scout, and Willys Jeep.)
I was also looking at a used black 2006 Mazda RX-8 with paddle-shifters, for about the same price a the B. That was a CLOSE toss-up.
I spend my money on the xB-> best balance of driving, more adaptable/best cargo room, and most "liveable" one of the bunch, and the most cost effective for what one actually got.
I haven't regretted my decision. The ONLY things I've EVER second guessed were:
Color-> I LOVE the Stingray color, but it wasn't out yet and the color samples they showed me looks like an odd shade of blue. So, I got Silver (with the idea of, eventually, painting it and the remaining exposed silver would look "metal").
Transmission-> I got an auto for 2 reasons: my wife thinks she can't drive stick (she can) and the "similar manual" I test drove wasn't very good- being sloppy and imprecise. Since then, I've driven and xB manual and it is a GREAT manual.
That said, I do enjoy my silver auto. The s-mode (or whatever it's called) almost makes up for the manual advantages.
Thus, my B beat out an RX-8, Mini Clubman, HHR, PT Cruiser, and others to be the one I bought.
Pros:
XB- better to drive, brakes don't chudder after a "spirited" drive, can actually see more out of front windshield (like street lights), and a MUCH larger, useable rear cargo space
HHR- Looks like an shrunken early 1950s Suburban or Panel truck, turbo version accelerates faster (xb still handles better)
I really, really wanted to like the HHR and tried to convince myself to get one. But, it drove like an econo-box. The B drove MUCH better, in every aspect, had a nicer, much larger interior, a better back seat for the kids, and more. I preferred the Mini Clubman, but it was significantly more expensive and smaller/tighter interior with much more "difficult" access to the back seat.
(And I'm a HUGE fan of early 50s Chevy trucks & panels and the original Mini is one of my all-time favorite cars -along with the Austin Healey 100, Austin Healey Sprite, Porsche 550, Lotus Elan, Morris Minor (and now the Austin A35), Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser, International Scout, and Willys Jeep.)
I was also looking at a used black 2006 Mazda RX-8 with paddle-shifters, for about the same price a the B. That was a CLOSE toss-up.
I spend my money on the xB-> best balance of driving, more adaptable/best cargo room, and most "liveable" one of the bunch, and the most cost effective for what one actually got.
I haven't regretted my decision. The ONLY things I've EVER second guessed were:
Color-> I LOVE the Stingray color, but it wasn't out yet and the color samples they showed me looks like an odd shade of blue. So, I got Silver (with the idea of, eventually, painting it and the remaining exposed silver would look "metal").
Transmission-> I got an auto for 2 reasons: my wife thinks she can't drive stick (she can) and the "similar manual" I test drove wasn't very good- being sloppy and imprecise. Since then, I've driven and xB manual and it is a GREAT manual.
That said, I do enjoy my silver auto. The s-mode (or whatever it's called) almost makes up for the manual advantages.
Thus, my B beat out an RX-8, Mini Clubman, HHR, PT Cruiser, and others to be the one I bought.
As a diehard old Chevy lover (currently own a '68 C10 truck, '65 C10 truck, '65 C10 Panel) I really was thinking an HHR would be cool. I did a bunch of research and the two biggest issues I was finding were issues with brakes and the steering system. Seems to be issues with these systems and the dealers were hit and miss about taking care of the customer or costing out of pocket. I just didn't want to take the risk. I had test drove an xB a couple years earlier and really liked it. Researched showed they seemed to be reliable and not as many major issues. I bought a used '11 back in March and have been very happy. It rides nice, has more leg room for the rear seat and better front visabililty. Was bummed the HHR didn't work out as I wanted to do a flame paint job on it.
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So have your cake and eat it too: do a flame paint job on your xB!
The only reason to buy an HHR, in my estimation, is to customize the Living H3ll out of it.... I'd have to make one into a Mini Truck Like this one, but I'd also have to Turn it into a GMC at the same time.... The grille shell is almost right already.
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23 Posts
^ that looks wicked sick!
I just got my 2012 xB yesterday and although I can't give a lengthy opinion, I absolutely love mine!
I just got my 2012 xB yesterday and although I can't give a lengthy opinion, I absolutely love mine!
What's not to like (Well.... other than the MPG's).....
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4,338 Posts
MPGs are relative.
Compared to an SUV, minivan, and others near the sheer interior size and cargo capacity, the B is pretty good.
Compared to the newer econo-cars, it's not that great. Not bad, but not great.
I'm OK with where the xB is with MPG.
Compared to an SUV, minivan, and others near the sheer interior size and cargo capacity, the B is pretty good.
Compared to the newer econo-cars, it's not that great. Not bad, but not great.
I'm OK with where the xB is with MPG.
I'm with the OP as I'm having a hard time deciding between the HHR SS or the XB.
The SS is obviously more sport oriented, has more power, better suspension, and more potential for performance, but is known to have lower quality interior components, hold its value less, and is suspect on reliability.
The XB is more the 'everyman' vehicle, and is known for being reliable, ultra-customizable, more stylish, and a great value for the money.
The cost factor is obviously important, and as the XB holds its value well it might be hard to get one with the mileage and price I want. The SS on the other hand is not made anymore, so finding one at all in the price range I want might be even harder.
One thing of note with the SS is, the automatic has 235 horsepower, whereas the manual has 260. Of even greater note, Trifecta tuning can safely tune both cars to around 300hp/300tq for about 400 bucks.
The SS is obviously more sport oriented, has more power, better suspension, and more potential for performance, but is known to have lower quality interior components, hold its value less, and is suspect on reliability.
The XB is more the 'everyman' vehicle, and is known for being reliable, ultra-customizable, more stylish, and a great value for the money.
The cost factor is obviously important, and as the XB holds its value well it might be hard to get one with the mileage and price I want. The SS on the other hand is not made anymore, so finding one at all in the price range I want might be even harder.
One thing of note with the SS is, the automatic has 235 horsepower, whereas the manual has 260. Of even greater note, Trifecta tuning can safely tune both cars to around 300hp/300tq for about 400 bucks.
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661 Posts
Yes our HP is weak compared to most other 2.4's out there. But my bet is that itll last alot longer with fewer problems.
Mt father inlaw has a HHR. and i cant stand it. Soo much smaller inside. and i really dont care for the layout. The classic look is about all i can say i like about it.
But i LOVE my xB!
Bein in a big city area, cabbies cant be wrong either.
Mt father inlaw has a HHR. and i cant stand it. Soo much smaller inside. and i really dont care for the layout. The classic look is about all i can say i like about it.
But i LOVE my xB!
Bein in a big city area, cabbies cant be wrong either.
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23 Posts
MPG's really doesn't bother me.
For the size of the vehicle I feel it is very fair. Obviously, from going from the 2010 ford focus coupe to the xB I did notice the difference...however, I am more than thrilled with my switch and don't regret it a bit.
As far as the HP on the xB vs HHR; I understand there being a difference but for a everyday driver what does it really matter? I use to be heavily into the tuner scene and I can tell you from experience hot doggin' a vehicle causes nothing but constant strain on an engine and future repairs in the making.
Really, I feel as though the xB has a nice amount of pick up and pep, but that is just me
For the size of the vehicle I feel it is very fair. Obviously, from going from the 2010 ford focus coupe to the xB I did notice the difference...however, I am more than thrilled with my switch and don't regret it a bit.
As far as the HP on the xB vs HHR; I understand there being a difference but for a everyday driver what does it really matter? I use to be heavily into the tuner scene and I can tell you from experience hot doggin' a vehicle causes nothing but constant strain on an engine and future repairs in the making.
Really, I feel as though the xB has a nice amount of pick up and pep, but that is just me
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I came from a 2001 Grand Prix GTP (supercharged) 3.8l with 240 HP, which weighed 500lbs more than the xB and of course there is less torque but I feel like I didn't really give up much and the xB is plenty fun. It does have some good pep and zips around turns pretty well. I couldn't be happier with it. They probably could have given the xB another gear or two in the automatic though.
Say what? $400, hmmm. That sounds too good to be true.
As an old school hot rodder, I find certain cars/trucks just have the right "lines" for flames and others don't. I personally don't feel the xB does. What I want to do with the xB is a Woodie kit. It totally has the right lines for that!!!
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