$699 · 2007 Chevrolet Chevy HHR LS

2007 Chevy HHR. Now $699. Drive it away. A 'mechanic's special'. Yes, yes, many have heard the expression, but the repairs required on the HHR are so straightforward that I could accomplish them myself if I had the space, tools and knowledge, but unfortunately I have neither space nor tools, only knowledge. The HHR was driven daily until I became owner in September 2023 and I've added 100 kms. to the odometer since then, including one trip to Van Isle Glass for a windshield replacement. Otherwise, everything else on the vehicle is showing signs of long overdue care: I don't believe it had been washed in over a decade nor any type of mechanical service done to it in the same time span. I obtained the vehicle for the sole purpose of using it as external storage for old tires, rims and other junk. I own two other insured vehicles and I didn't care much about the HHR's running condition; it simply needed to be kept insured, mobile and presentable to satisfy the building management directives. I substituted 'pleasure' insurance coverage for storage coverage last week (April 18th). The vehicle is presentable (from afar) with minimal body damage and a dull paint cover; a good paint buff and shiny hubcaps would revive its cool-looking retro exterior. The interior is in reasonably good condition for a 'work' car but the trim is deteriorated from tools being loaded in its huge cargo space. The HHR is also a smoker's vehicle and 4/20 friendly by the looks of the small burn holes in the seats' fabric and headliner. The week I purchased the HHR, I brought it in to a familiar mechanic shop for a thorough inspection and it left the shop with an approximate repair estimate of $7,000 in order to restore its functionality and drivability. I suspect 70% ($5,000) of the repair estimate, if not more, to be labor costs which makes this vehicle a true classic 'mechanic's special'. $2,000 (or less) in parts and some elbow grease might provide another decade of life to this vehicle. Components needing replacement include: Suspension, brakes and tires for all wheels. Sway bar (?) linkage/bushing. Misfire in one cylinder.