H3 Advice on Purchase!!! Help Please

[Reco]

Good Afternoon all!

I need some advice, I'm new to the forums so If I'm missed a sticky or an obvious question is asked I do apologize.

I currently own an 03 TJ. And am looking for something a bit more comfortable for Highway/City driving but can still handle trails for camping/hiking on the occasional weekend.

I've never owned a Hummer, but as a kid always wanted the chance, and have come across two in the Local area I'd like to look at but I'm not sure of what to look for?
As well as having any previous knowledge of their reliability and cost on repair etc.

Was just wondering if some of you guys and gals could throw some information at me.

http://www.shelortoyota.com/vehicle...-h3-4wd-4dr-suv-christiansburg-va-id-15066336
http://roanoke.craigslist.org/ctd/5802211114.html

Here are both links to the vehicles I've found. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Average Gas Mileage, critical parts to fail, pros and cons, etc. Just any wisdom. Thanks!

*EDIT* - I drove the White h3 at Shelor last night, it was awesome, I was worried about the 3.7l in such a large vehicle but it does perfectly ok (especially when compared to my current vehicle). There were some starting issues in that h3, So I'm not sure I'll look at it again, I'm not super into the Black/Red interior on the second one, but It can't hurt to go give it a look.

 

[Stoic Bluejay]

I love mine. In fact turned down buys another vehicle just to start upgrading. had mine since 08 with now almost 130,000 and little to no work needed except regular maintance.

 

[Mr_Rich]

Mileage is in the same ballpark for both vehicles. The second one may have an edge since they know the vehicle's history and some key parts have been replaced. My truck has 103K and the parts I've replaced are the power steering pump and throttle body. Other than that it's been a great vehicle. I completed a 6K round trip to the east coast in it this past summer.

 

[Reco]

Mileage is in the same ballpark for both vehicles. The second one may have an edge since they know the vehicle's history and some key parts have been replaced. My truck has 103K and the parts I've replaced are the power steering pump and throttle body. Other than that it's been a great vehicle. I completed a 6K round trip to the east coast in it this past summer.

Awesome, In terms of Gas Mileage. I drive an 4.0l Jeep with life and 33" tires. I probably average somewhere north of 11, but no more than 15. Do you think I'll get better or likely the same mileage?
Currently my day to day stuff is just back and forth to work. About 25mins each way. Nothing but normal roads.

 

[Reco]

I love mine. In fact turned down buys another vehicle just to start upgrading. had mine since 08 with now almost 130,000 and little to no work needed except regular maintance.

Good to know. Do we know if the 07' Have the same issue with the loss of pressure in the Cylinders causing the misfire?

 

[rascole]

The head issue was resolve late model year 2006. Both seem to nearly identical so I would go with what ever color you like. Check the radiator on top for small a small crack that leaks coolant. Best to see it after you test drive it and look for fresh coolant leaking. The repairs on the other one are minimal and not a wallet breaker. The H3 is surprisingly easy to work on if you have minimal skills and the forum here has a wealth of help topics. The members here are more than willing to give advice instead of telling you how to use the search function. Good luck and post some pics when you get it home.

 

[3Hummers]

Gas mileage will likely be in the 15mpg range.

 

[alrock]

The head issue can appear on any year, but is mostly likely on 06. Plus 07 and newer have a bit more power. With any used vehicle, I'd set aside some money for maintenance of fluids and other wear and tear items, from bushings to shocks. Stock H3 I'd go for 14-15 mpg. It's better to get the Adventure Package (4:1 transfer case, rear locker) when you can.

On any of them, test the 4WD mode on all three modes to ensure that it properly engages. Front end parts wear out a bit, as does the front differential crossmember. Not too much else to worry about if it was only on the street.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

I like them both - they both are Adventure package which gives you a rear, electric locker and 4:1 transfer case. I've said it before, I miss my 07 - the 08 Alpha I have isn't ever leaving - but I liked the fuel economy of the 07. I got 16-19 - and I have a terrible commute (10 miles, 2 big hills, nothing over 40 mph). The head issue was fixed on the 07. Do a thorough inspection on the front end (as alrock said). You'll love it.

 

[Reco]

Gas mileage will likely be in the 15mpg range.

I've not done hard math, but I'm guessing my Jeep gets less to be honest, I put half a tank in the Jeep (after E light which is 3 gallons left). Added 6 Gallons, had to stop for gas (e light came on) before I was out of Roanoke.
So I might save money (a little there).

 

[Reco]

The head issue can appear on any year, but is mostly likely on 06. Plus 07 and newer have a bit more power. With any used vehicle, I'd set aside some money for maintenance of fluids and other wear and tear items, from bushings to shocks. Stock H3 I'd go for 14-15 mpg. It's better to get the Adventure Package (4:1 transfer case, rear locker) when you can.

On any of them, test the 4WD mode on all three modes to ensure that it properly engages. Front end parts wear out a bit, as does the front differential crossmember. Not too much else to worry about if it was only on the street.

I got up under it last night (The White One). The underbelly looked fine, no rust, no signs of repairs or anything of that nature. Looks like the Tow Assembly is a bit dinged up (nothing that I can't use to knock a bit of price).

I did take it onto some Gravel and engage 4H (I did not do 4L, I will try that if I go back).

The real question or concern here. Is I wasn't sure the dealer agreed to allow me to take it overnight back home (I live 1.5hrs away), so my dad could look it over along with some of my like minded friends. Give me their thoughts. I went to get into it and leave, it wouldn't start. It rolled over fine, but the engine simply never engaged. I thought I heard a misfire but could have been anything. He's going to call me today and tell me what the Shop finds. I REALLY REALLY liked driving it and sitting in it. The interior was in excellent condition. The engine from the hood looks amazing too. The only real dislike I have is it doesn't have an Aux Port (Easily fixable clearly). As well as the back doors being a bit smaller than I expected (But not at all a deal breaker).

Overall I REALLY enjoyed the vehicle it drives REALLY well and has plenty of power for the type of driving I'd do (Higher highway speeds 80-85) but mostly 50-60 on less busy roads with the occasional trail for hiking and camping.

I'm just worried about that failure to start last night. I really feel like If I'm buying that h3 he's gonna need to come off the price a little and offer me like a 6month warranty on the Drive Train and Engine.

 

[skeptic]

I like them both - they both are Adventure package which gives you a rear, electric locker and 4:1 transfer case. I've said it before, I miss my 07 - the 08 Alpha I have isn't ever leaving - but I liked the fuel economy of the 07. I got 16-19 - and I have a terrible commute (10 miles, 2 big hills, nothing over 40 mph). The head issue was fixed on the 07. Do a thorough inspection on the front end (as alrock said). You'll love it.

Uh, don't you mean neither one of them have the Adventure package?

Depending on how tough the trails are you want to take it on, you might want to keep looking and find one with the Adventure package. Don't trust ads, look for the locker button:

 

[Reco]

Uh, don't you mean neither one of them have the Adventure package?

Depending on how tough the trails are you want to take it on, you might want to keep looking and find one with the Adventure package. Don't trust ads, look for the locker button:

The one I drove last night did in fact not have that Locker button that I recall I could have missed it. I tried the 4Hi/4Lo, and it worked fine, however it didn't start after an hour sitting there with me on the phone with my friend discussing it. So he's going to call me today. I'm not against it, But maybe just not this one.

I don't intend to go far "hard" on trails as it were, maybe the occasional trip up a easy trail for camping/hiking/snowboarding. I've done the harder stuff in my jeep, Don't enjoy replacing parts on the daily.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

skeptic is right - I saw the adventure wheels and larger tire size and presumed... my mistake. Get an adventure package - if you go offroad, those are pretty nice to have (especially the 4:1 case).

 

[skeptic]

The one I drove last night did in fact not have that Locker button that I recall I could have missed it. I tried the 4Hi/4Lo, and it worked fine, however it didn't start after an hour sitting there with me on the phone with my friend discussing it. So he's going to call me today. I'm not against it, But maybe just not this one.

I don't intend to go far "hard" on trails as it were, maybe the occasional trip up a easy trail for camping/hiking/snowboarding. I've done the harder stuff in my jeep, Don't enjoy replacing parts on the daily.

From what you describe I think you will be fine without the Adventure package (rear locker and 4:1 transfer case). A good set of 33" AT or MT tires, or up to 35s if you really want, plus learning how to use the traction control and they are almost as good as the Adventure package.

FWIW, I really like the looks of the black/red one but personally I'd hold out for an Adventure or even an Alpha with the V8.

For the one that didn't start, was it a battery issue or did it turn over fine but just not fire?

 

[GreatDaneHummer]

I know many of the people on here will hate me for saying this but this is my 2 cents on the subject. I have a 2007 Hummer H3 with the 3.7l . I purchased it with 44,000 miles on it or so and now have 84,381 miles on it. Over the last few months I have purchased a 2016 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro and a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. My Hummer H3 is a complete love hate relationship; every week it is always something new breaking or failing on it and this is my second H3 owning. If you put on good 35" tires you can pretty much count on ball joints failing every few months. (Don't believe me I can show you lots of examples) If you actually want to go off road rock crawling etc; either be ready for a solid axle swap or go get another Jeep. People keep saying how bad a Jeep JK is on the highway but I got news for you, mine is by far more comfortable than the H3 with the torsion bar lift and 35" tires. My suggestion, go buy a new JK and do flat fender flares, 35-37" tires and lockers and out perform 95% of the H3 owners out there.

 

[Reco]

From what you describe I think you will be fine without the Adventure package (rear locker and 4:1 transfer case). A good set of 33" AT or MT tires, or up to 35s if you really want, plus learning how to use the traction control and they are almost as good as the Adventure package.

FWIW, I really like the looks of the black/red one but personally I'd hold out for an Adventure or even an Alpha with the V8.

For the one that didn't start, was it a battery issue or did it turn over fine but just not fire?

It turned over, but never fired. He said when he got in this morning it fired right up no problems. Going to take it to the shop and have their guys figure out what happened. Waiting on approval of loan. To see were I should go.

 

[rascole]

Sounds like the "Passlock" is acting up on that one. If the red security light is blinking that is the problem. Several easy fixes for it but by far the best fix is a Passlock delete from PCM of NC for $50. Yes, the H3 has some problems but none are big and are usually easily fixed, the only big issue is the plastic shift fork failing in the transfer case. That is a fix a 4x4 shop can fix for a few hundred with a new metal fork. As far as ball joints failing every few months as stated above that is new to me. My factory ones lasted 120k and 12k on new ones so far with no issues and I go camping every few months. Take your time read a lot of threads and ask a lot of questions, we are here to help.