Some Questions from Prospective H2 Buyer

[MacinPittsford]

Hi, everyone. I was checking out the local H2 dealer today, and I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on a 2004 H2. I had a few questions, though, and perhaps some of you could help.

1. I noticed on a recent post that perhaps some dealers are already discounting the 2004's. Has anyone here actually gotten a discount and, if so, how much off?

2. The dealer here has several 2003's still on the lot, and I've heard that dealer inventories are piling up with 04's. Seems to me that the resale value on the H2 is going to take a pretty good hit. I know the model has a limited history, but does anyone have an idea of how much these depreciate after a year or two?

3.The dealer here tried to tell me that other H2 dealers (about 60 miles away in neighboring cities) will respect their territory and wouldn't sell to me. Anyone have an idea if this is true? I guess I can just call those other dealers, but I thought I'd ask here.

4. When I hear about gas mileage being about 10 or 11 mpg, is that with airconditioning or heating on, or does that further reduce the mileage?

5. I have 3 golden retrievers who will ride in the H2. I'll have to fold down the rear seats to have room for them, but I don't know if they can make the jump to get in. Does anyone here with big dogs that ride in their H2 have that problem, or can the dogs get in by themselves?

6. I brought the H2 home to see if it would fit in the garage. It barely clears height-wise, except for the front antenna which someone had to hold down while I drove it in. Does anyone know whether there is a way to replace the antenna with something about 2 inches shorter and, if so, how much that runs? I can't imagine it will be too much.

Thanks.

[MacinPittsford]

Hi, everyone. I was checking out the local H2 dealer today, and I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on a 2004 H2. I had a few questions, though, and perhaps some of you could help.

1. I noticed on a recent post that perhaps some dealers are already discounting the 2004's. Has anyone here actually gotten a discount and, if so, how much off?

2. The dealer here has several 2003's still on the lot, and I've heard that dealer inventories are piling up with 04's. Seems to me that the resale value on the H2 is going to take a pretty good hit. I know the model has a limited history, but does anyone have an idea of how much these depreciate after a year or two?

3.The dealer here tried to tell me that other H2 dealers (about 60 miles away in neighboring cities) will respect their territory and wouldn't sell to me. Anyone have an idea if this is true? I guess I can just call those other dealers, but I thought I'd ask here.

4. When I hear about gas mileage being about 10 or 11 mpg, is that with airconditioning or heating on, or does that further reduce the mileage?

5. I have 3 golden retrievers who will ride in the H2. I'll have to fold down the rear seats to have room for them, but I don't know if they can make the jump to get in. Does anyone here with big dogs that ride in their H2 have that problem, or can the dogs get in by themselves?

6. I brought the H2 home to see if it would fit in the garage. It barely clears height-wise, except for the front antenna which someone had to hold down while I drove it in. Does anyone know whether there is a way to replace the antenna with something about 2 inches shorter and, if so, how much that runs? I can't imagine it will be too much.

Thanks.

[MacinPittsford]

Two more questions:

I saw the posts here about the H3. Is the H3 going to be an open bed truck or closed like the H2, or both? And does anyone know when it is expected to be available?

Thanks.