I started a new job about a month ago as a field service tech for a company that builds and services currency handling equipment in banks, casinos, credit unions, etc. Anyway, the job comes with a vehicle and a gas card. It's an '06 Chevy HHR. The car can also be used for personal use and my wife is also insured on it so seeing as how gas prices are so high it is a real money saver. The good thing is that the company does not put lettering or graphics on the car so it blends right in with the rest of the world. Guess the F150 will be sitting alot more now!



The car already has 107,000 miles on it but has new tires, struts, and they maintain them very well. It will get replaced with a brand new one once it hits 150,000 miles. We definately do quite a bit of driving! Looks like Darth Vaders grocery getter though...lol! As you can see I cleaned it all up and shampood the carpets and seats since I spend so much time in it. It was kinda grungy from the last guy that had it. It's a base model LS but it does have an automatic, PW, PM, PL, A/C, cruise, and a decent sound sytem with CD player and an I-pod port. It's got lots of rocks chips and a few hail dents on it but who cares. Suprisingly enough I actually fit in an HHR pretty well for being 6'0 and it drives and handles really well.

 

I have you beat. I get $380 a month given to me for my truck and I expense all my gas. And I rarely have to use my truck for work.

 

Lucky bastids!

 

Sweet deal!

 

But any free transportation is good transportation.

 

Couldn't agree more. It's a great benefit.

 

That thing is in great shape for such high mileage. I know they are covering gas so it doesnt matter, but what kinda MPG are you getting?

 

It gets anywhere between 30-33 mpg depending on if you are running the A/C or not. It's about 75% highway driving (65 mph with the cruise control on) though. There's about 150 pounds of tools and equipment in the back so that doesn't help I'm sure. I really observe the speed limit though because you can't get very many tickets in it or it's a bad thing. It has a 2.2L Ecotec 4-banger in it that does OK but it's no big powerhouse.

As for maintenence, they have you follow a strict schedule of tire rotations, 5K oil/filter changes, air filters, fuel filters, etc. They even get the trans fluid changed when it comes due. They really do take care of them. If anything major breaks they get it fixed ASAP. This car took a rock in the A/C condensor a few months ago and emptied the refridgerant. They took it in and had it fixed within a day.

 

30-33 is pretty good! It is surprising how long things can last when properly cared for, so many companys let the vehicle go to ****. With the economy the way it is this could probably not have come at a better time

 

I am about the same height as you and the major problem I had with a rental HHR was the almost vertical windshield. When I was the first one at a stoplight I had to lean forward to see the light. Not a bad little vehicle. They are much more comfortable and nicer all around than a PT Cruiser.

 

Yeah, stoplights are a PITA. Short windshield = little upwards visibility.

 

I've been in one of those, I'm not THAT tall (6'3") but i could bearly fit in the pass. seat, IMO this car is NOT for anyone over 6ft. But hey...A free car and free gas is nothin to bitch about. Nice little ride man

 

I'd rather drive my beater or my truck over driving that ugly thing.

 

Me too but it's free...can't beat that.

 

me too

I've had work provided vehicles for the last 6 years... fells great but everynow and again I get a crappy one