Newbie looking for his next ride

[abgiles]

Howdy All,
Brian from FL here. Just got the itch and am looking for a new (to me) ride. I've been paying way too much for a newer truck (2022 Tundra) to just use as an around the town commuter. I work from home half the year, and the other half, I'm on the road in a rental that my company pays for. What the hell am I doing making the ridiculous payments on this truck when we take my wife's SUV everywhere, since she hates the truck.
My best friend's brother has an H2 that he bought new back in 2005, and I've always loved it, and finally realized I don't need a new vehicle to ride in style. Plus the prices of a moderately used Hummer totally shocked me.
So now I'm on the hunt. I've narrowed it down to an H2 or H3 Alpha in White, Red, or (maybe) Black, as I'm a huge UGA Bulldogs fan.
From my understanding, the big differences between the 2 are the obvious body/wheelbase size, engine size, and some of the interior amenities (dual zone climate control, etc.). What else am I missing (no, I haven't searched the forum yet, but will as soon as I finish typing here).

So now the crazy part... I've got a set of new Fuel Fusion Forged Catalyst wheels in the red/black combo with new 33" Nitto Terra Grapplers that I purchased for my Tundra, but would also fit the H3. I'm leaning towards the H3 simply for this reason, but I do see that Fuel makes them in the H2 bolt size, so that's a little less of a factor now.

What other reasons did you have for purchasing one over the other?
I'll be a very active member here on the forum and look forward to chatting about these amazing vehicles!

 

[rascole]

Will you take it off road? How hard? Both are capable but the H3 Alpha is better. If you're OK with occasional dirt roads and more tailgating, the H2 wins. 33's are stock, 35's will fit the H3 and I believe 37's will fit the H2. Remember, these are 20 year old rigs so minor maintenance will be needed on almost anything you buy. Both have solid LS motors and will kick out more HP than you'll need with some minor upgrades. Either way, you'll be happy and there is tons of support here.

 

[abgiles]

No offroad, more the occasional dirt roads and tailgating. I'm good with minor to even moderate maintenance, and am fairly mechanically adept (I'm a YouTube Certified Mechanic!). I'm into some minor to moderate mods as well, and can never leave any vehicle 100% stock, except the wife's GLE 350 that she won't let me touch, except for oil changes

 

[3Hummers]

The H2 is the most comfortable, best riding 4x4 you will ever own. I have had both the H3 Alpha and 2 H2s. The H2 wins hands down for comfort. The H3 is smaller and fits on many trails better than the H2.

 

[abgiles]

The H2 is the most comfortable, best riding 4x4 you will ever own. I have had both the H3 Alpha and 2 H2s. The H2 wins hands down for comfort. The H3 is smaller and fits on many trails better than the H2.

That's what I've been reading. Not really going to do much off-roading, as mentioned. I'm really liking the space of the H2. I went and looked at one yesterday, but didn't pull the trigger, as I felt the price was a bit high for what I've been seeing.

 

[mcrider55]

I recently totalled my 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland when I ran into a rain washed out approach to a low bridge here in SW Arkansas. Pretty much everything outside of main roads are red dirt roads and off-roading of all types is very popular here. We're full of mountains, and rivers here. It's either dry and dusty or rainy as hell. The best hunting mandates going off road.

I stumbled onto a mall crawler for a college girl, bought new, and got an incredible deal on it. She'd done upgrades like 17" wheels, off road tires, lighting, and stereo, but it had never been off road to any degree. It has the large 5 cylinder and the torque is very similar to a diesel suburban I once owned. It will climb a telephone pole if you give it traction. It pulls my 18 ft fiberglass bass boat around with zero problem. You won't win many drag races with it. Compared to my jeeps, we've owned 3, wife still drives her grand Cherokee, it drives and rides like a lumber wagon. Built like a tank and you feel very safe inside one.

I suggest being open the the 5 cylinder engine. We're so acclimated to bigger engines in America, but the smaller ones can really handle their own in most instances. If you're headed for tailgating, why the extra expense for the Alpha?

My one suggestion is to get it to a shop with a lift and get underneath it for a full inspection. You being in Fla, you are exposed to rust issues from the salt air.

 

[alrock]

Agree with 3Hummers regarding H2 vs. H3. If it fits where you're going to take it, the H2 is a nicer ride. MPG may be a consideration as well.

 

[Ken Blackburn]

My name is Ken Blackburn and Im new to this forum. I currently have a Hummer H3 Alpha V8 that I am looking to sell in the coming weeks. I am the only owner and the vehicle is in great shape. It has 143K miles, I am a non smoker and the vehicle has all the records and has been in a garage at night so the paint still looks very good. Let me know if you are interested.

 

[abgiles]

My name is Ken Blackburn and Im new to this forum. I currently have a Hummer H3 Alpha V8 that I am looking to sell in the coming weeks. I am the only owner and the vehicle is in great shape. It has 143K miles, I am a non smoker and the vehicle has all the records and has been in a garage at night so the paint still looks very good. Let me know if you are interested.

Ken,
I just posted on your newbie post as well, but I'm definitely interested.

I'm looking at the Alpha or an H2 more for the towing capacity. My trailer and buggy weight only about 4K, and I know the H3 with the 5 cylinder is rated @ 4500 lbs, but I hate towing with vehicles that don't have at least 25% more capacity than I'm towing. I like the idea of the H3T due to bed (although it's just @ 4 feet, it's better than nothing).

 

[alrock]

Yes, you don't want to tow anything significant with the I5, but at least in FL you don't have to deal with hills. (Yes, I know some are going to say they've pulled trailers for 1000s of miles, I get it, but the I5 is already a bit overworked in anything but a stock H3)

 

[abgiles]

Lol. Yes, Florida is flat, but I travel a lot. No way I'm not getting an Alpha or the H2. Gas mileage be damned.

 

[Ken Blackburn]

Ken,
I just posted on your newbie post as well, but I'm definitely interested.

I'm looking at the Alpha or an H2 more for the towing capacity. My trailer and buggy weight only about 4K, and I know the H3 with the 5 cylinder is rated @ 4500 lbs, but I hate towing with vehicles that don't have at least 25% more capacity than I'm towing. I like the idea of the H3T due to bed (although it's just @ 4 feet, it's better than nothing).

I just sold my H3 yesterday to a person here in Colorado.

 

[abgiles]

I just sold my H3 yesterday to a person here in Colorado.

Congrats on the sale. That would have been a bit out of my reach distance wise , so I'm happy you sold it.

 

[abgiles]

After a 7 week hiatus for work, I'm back. I travel for work for extended periods, and am just returning home from working up in West Virginia. I've spent a lot of time considering options and have narrowed it down to a 2008 or newer H2 SUT, or preferably an H3T Alpha. I did go look at two H3T Alpha's up north, and both suffered from the rear frame rot. Now that I'm back home, I've found a one owner H3T Alpha that I'm going to look at either later today or tomorrow, depending on the owner's availability. Starting to get excited again!