New, Questions and avoiding the Dealer

[Willard]

Hello,

I am in the process of buying a H3 and will take about a solid month to 2 to find one. I am looking for 2007 and newer so lets see how this goes. In Northern Virginia they seem to be few and far between.
I have owned Land Rovers, an FJ Cruiser, Jeeps and currently a FJ60 that is being sold to fund the H3 purchase.
While I would like to get an Alpha it seems these just are ghosts for the most part here.
I have searched but i am not really finding the answers I am looking for.

So the I5 is looking to be the ticket. Now the questions.
I know about the head issues of the 3.5 and that the 3.7 seems to be more reliable there. As I will most likely be purchasing this from a Fly by Night shop I doubt there will be much history.

How serviceable is the H3 without going to a dealer? I can fix most things myself, but is there anything that I should be concerned with (the LR3 was a nightmare)
Anything common on the 2007+ that I should be looking for?

Every year I head to Colorado for a 2 week fishing and trail running trip. This year will be around the Engineer, Cinnamon pass areas.
Will I regret that I5.
the FJCruiser was a total slug on the highway once loaded down.

I like the H3 and my wife has given me 3 options
Xterra (no thanks)
Jeep Commander (this will cost WAY to much to get close to the level of a H3 for offroad, but cheap and V8 options)
or the H3 which is my choice, it is ready for offroad out of the box and seems to be a solid rig.

So the next questions.
Most of the ones I am seeing have 90-130K on the clock, how do you all feel about it lasting for another 90 or 130K. I plan to keep this for 6+ years.
Being that it is discontinued am i looking for issues with parts over the next few years.

Thank any help here. None of these will sway my decision to buy an H3 i am set there, but they will help in making a solid decision.

FYI thanks to this forum, i have discovered with the Adventure package there is an actual locker button. 1 a great thing and 2 it seems most ads with Adventure model, do not have this button thus a lie.

 

[f5moab]

Believe me the I5 can easily do any trail in the Ouray CO area. Been there done them.

I have traveled loaded with my old H3 and that means a lot of stuff on the roof rack and the backend filled. Never had a problem. Yea, might have to drop a few years going up Eisenhower or Vail Pass on I70, but the engine can take the RPMs. Only thing I ever had trouble with is when pulling a 3500 (approx) pound trailer up those two passes.

 

[High Five H2]

I'd take the H3 between any of the 3 you posted, for sure. I have an alpha and I like it, but if the I5 guys are saying that it's enough, then I bet it is. Finding an alpha with the adventure package is definitely hard.

 

[Ghostbuster]

You will regret the I5. Definitely hold out for the V8.

 

[Willard]

Thank you all.

While I would like an Alpha they are few and far between. Closest one to me right now is in NC. When I sell my FJ60 the hunt is on hard. I am hunting now though.
The I5 may just do the trick. Yes it is slower and I may regret it. BUT it has to be faster then the FJ60 that cannot get out of it's own way. LOL.

 

[Kyle]

nothing compares to a v8, but if you arnt a race car driver the I5 will suit your needs, if you need more "power" do a intake, better air filter, free flowing exhaust and stick with 33's you will be fine, heck you could even get a tune to bring out a couple more ponies from the motor if it still doesn't do it for you.

 

[GreatDaneHummer]

I drove from Chicago out to Colorado and did all the major passes out there over a 2 and a half week time loaded with almost 1,000 lbs worth of gear and stuff. If I where to do it again I would forget the 35" tires if I am planning on keeping the stock front suspension. (I killed my trans on this trip) 33" tires will keep your truck very happy with the 4:56 gears. When you go to the 35" tires it really has a hard time going up and down all the highway roads out there. Once we got a hotel in Ouray then I took everything I could out of the truck that wasn't needed and wow it was so much better. I took what CJ told me to heart; less weight on the H3 the better. The opposite side is if you want to really not have to deal with issues in the front suspension and to run bigger tires do a SAS.

 

[Ghostbuster]

You are going to have to expand your search area if you really want to get a nice H3. In my eyes a nice H3 would be one with a V8 and the adventure pkg. I did a quick search and found some around Atlanta. I actually found a couple Championship editions.

Just search on car gurus or something.

Good luck with your search.

 

[f5moab]

If you plan on pulling a trailer through the mountains than a V8 might be worth the extra $$$. However, for normal driving and some trips, even out west the I5 is good enough. And if only off-roading, the I5 will do anything the V8 can do.

 

[H3V8]

Have you driven with either of the H3 engines yet? I would recommend that before you decide that the 3.7 is sufficient. My personal experience with the 3.7 was that it was just okay. Once you add a rack, 35's, and other things, the 3.7 feels weak but still capable of getting the job done.

I test drove the 5.3 and it was a world of difference. It was worth waiting and traveling to get one that matched what I wanted. You really have to look for the front locker button to make sure it's the adventure package.

As as far as parts go, I'm nearly at 100k miles on the V8 and haven't needed anything expensive but a few minor things like door jamb sensors, bulbs, etc. and it's all very easy to find. Pre-made aftermarket stuff? You might have to hunt a bit.

Can't recommend traveling to go get a V8 enough. But if it's your DD or you're impatient, the 3.7 I5 will do the job.

 

[Ordieh]

Take Ghostbuster's lead and call the guys In Dawsonville Ga. that have the CE on Atlanta Craigslist. That will get you as ready for your Colo. trip as possible with a stock H3. CE's are almost impossible to find! It was sill listed a few minutes ago.

 

[Bigunit]

I have an '09 H3 CE (alpha V8 adventure package with front and rear lockers and 4:1 TC) with 7,900 miles in Mint condition if you're serious about a low mileage H3. If so, send me a PM and let's talk.

 

[rascole]

Looks like Bigunit has answered your prayers. A rarity as they come.

 

[Ordieh]

Hey BIGUNIT,
If Willard isn't interested (I certainly wouldn't want to cut line). I have a X ALPHA and a CE but I just might be interested in another as I recently sold my nice little '07 ADVENTURE and have room to park another. What's the price?
Thanks

 

[GreatDaneHummer]

Wow that is almost a collectors item at this point! 7900 miles is sick

I have an '09 H3 CE (alpha V8 adventure package with front and rear lockers and 4:1 TC) with 7,900 miles in Mint condition if you're serious about a low mileage H3. If so, send me a PM and let's talk.

 

[alrock]

I think Bigunit is looking to upgrade to a Kia soon :wink:

 

[alrock]

Willard,

To address your questions - there aren't really any issues on the H3, except for the head, that require dealer trips or expensive repairs like you'd find on an LR4 or Defender. If you thought the FJ was a dog on the highway when loaded, I think you'll find the H3 is the same if you've gone to 35s, added a roof rack, etc. When heading west (against prevailing winds) I maintain about 73 mph and I'm in and out of overdrive. Heading east on the highway is easy. I love tailwinds.

I deal with the highway challenges as, to borrow a cliche, that's the means to the end. I've had my H3 all over Ouray and it does great on the trails there, even up at 13,000'. For $15,000-$20,000 (guesstimating your budget) you're going to have compromises. You just need to pick which ones you can abide by.

 

[2010H3TAlpha]

Avoid the Commander, those are built like a house of cards. We were pulling a buddy's Commander out of a ditch and it ripped the front tow hook off of the frame rail. The tow hook was attached to, get this, a piece of plastic that was attached to the frame rail. When it came out, it took out the radiator, brush guard, and bumper with it. Instant $2k+ in damage for something that should never happen in the first place.

Wait for an Alpha, it will be worth it.