H3 year, model, mileage, cost? Getting back into an H3

[fowlken8]

The H3 has always been my favorite vehicle. I've been in and out of Jeeps, trucks, etc. I still miss my SAS H3. I know I won't find another solid axle H3 and never used it in the way it deserved to be.

I'm finding it harder and harder to find "low mileage" examples of the H3 that are not ridiculously priced or across the country. I've learned to avoid 06 models due to engine problems, and I know that the Rancho lift kit is virtually impossible to find unless already on the truck. Adventure packages are great but I did not once use my front or rear locker when I had my H3.

I want an Alpha, but do I need the power? I have a V8 truck for towing. I have a Lotus for zipping around. The 5 cylinder, I think is ok.

What do you all think is acceptable mileage? I have found an 08 Rancho Lifted White H3 on 35s, luxury model with 134k miles for $10k. Should I be concerned? I've never bought a vehicle with mileage that high. Has the i5 proven to be a long lasting motor?

There's also an 06 H3 blacked out, leveled on 35s, 126k miles for $9,250.

Do you think it's possible, with patience, to find something under 100k miles, lifted, for $12k or under?

 

[Gpcalero]

The H3 has always been my favorite vehicle. I've been in and out of Jeeps, trucks, etc. I still miss my SAS H3. I know I won't find another solid axle H3 and never used it in the way it deserved to be.

I'm finding it harder and harder to find "low mileage" examples of the H3 that are not ridiculously priced or across the country. I've learned to avoid 06 models due to engine problems, and I know that the Rancho lift kit is virtually impossible to find unless already on the truck. Adventure packages are great but I did not once use my front or rear locker when I had my H3.

I want an Alpha, but do I need the power? I have a V8 truck for towing. I have a Lotus for zipping around. The 5 cylinder, I think is ok.

What do you all think is acceptable mileage? I have found an 08 Rancho Lifted White H3 on 35s, luxury model with 134k miles for $10k. Should I be concerned? I've never bought a vehicle with mileage that high. Has the i5 proven to be a long lasting motor?

There's also an 06 H3 blacked out, leveled on 35s, 126k miles for $9,250.

Do you think it's possible, with patience, to find something under 100k miles, lifted, for $12k or under?

I mean... if you really want the Rancho then now would be the time to get it because like you said, they are very hard to come by. Especially if the two you are looking at are only $750 difference in price.

If you don't really care about the Rancho, then wait to find something you like. There are plenty of regular H3's out there. And it sounds like you already made your decision on not getting an Alpha.

As far as the mileage on the motor... I have seen many with over 150k miles on the 3.5/3.7L Atlas engines, just google the "How many miles are on your H3?" thread either on here or one of the other forums. And if it blows, used engines aren't that badly priced around $1500-2500 (although you can't beat a iron block $500 junkyard 5.3 lol )

 

[alrock]

Glad you're getting back into the H3 game! Many I5s have higher mileage. I'm at 185K and the only issues are under high rpms that I get some oil blowby. More likely is that the transmission will need replacing soon, if it hasn't been already.

There are rare instances of sub 100K H3s but that's more about luck and patience than anything else.