Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

You know, I bought my H3 because of it's looks and capabilities, but I have to tell you, this vehicle is not going to win any quality awards. I have now had my 2007 H3 for about 6 weeks. Let me give you my rants and raves

Let's start positive !
1. Love the ride, especially the height.
2. I am beginning to get use to the engine and its actually not bad !
3. Probably the best seats I have ever had, both materials and support.
4. I get just as many compliments on this ride as I do my Corvette.
5. On-Star and the hands-free cell phone are super cool !

Now for the negatives.
1. I don't know what jacka$$ is in charge of the painting of these vehicles, but he should be drawn and quartered. BY FAR, the worst paint quality of any vehicle I have ever seen. Drips, Runs, Bubbles, Over-spray, Blemishes, and God-Awful Orange-Peel. Really, this is a poster child for why people have been leaving American cars in droves.

2. The seat-heater button. I'm sure the son of the moron who is in charge of painting these trucks is the one who designed these buttons. First problem is the are located in a bad spot to reach. Second, I have somehow activated this button accidentally over half dozen times...today is about 100 degrees and I did it somehow, I have a nice wet shirt as a reminder. (I thought the vehicle was just hot from being all black and sitting in the sun, so it took me 20 minutes to realize what was going on) Also, why on earth is this the weakest togle switch ever created? It should take some force to turn these on if you are going to place them out of eyesight.

3. Mileage sucks....even more than I had expected. I am getting 15 right now, I am hoping that as the truck wears in, it will get better. I am not expecting 25, but since I drive mainly highway, 18 seems more appropriate.

4. XM Radio. Now this is not the trucks fault, but GM's. XM just plain SUCKS. I have Sirius in my other two vehicles and it is far superior. On top of the suckiness, every other car manufacturer somehow sells their satellite options for less than GM and manages to offer the service free for the first year, not just 3 months. If the merger between XM & Sirius does not go through later this summer, I will be ripping that POS out of my truck. They make a nice Sirius unit that takes its place (internal module, not an external model) For those of you who think XM is good, do yourself a favor and try Sirus for a coupe of weeks.

5. The Stereo in general sucks. It was bad enough that the head-unit does not play MP3's but its relative lack of ability to modify the tone bands is annoying. Both my Durango and Corvette are tons better than this thing.

Well, I'm sure some will disagree, but that is how I see it.
Overall, I am not sure I would buy again....I will have to give it a bit of a longer chance. I still have not had it offroad or in the snow, and that was the primary reason I bought it.....

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

Snap !!!

My paint is good

I dont have the heated seats

I getting a low of 15 using auto start in winter 16+ around town 17 to 18.7 on hwy trip depending on speed(65 to 85).I could hit 19 easy at 55 but I dont.( I got 15 on a 150 mile trip 20+ miles were ripping around the beach in 4 lock with the AC on.

I got a aftermarket head unit with sirius(i didnt sign up...yet)

the 06 has enough power to do what I do ,if I want to go fast I take out the 442

Very happy overall

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

:popcorn:

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

The bad...

First, the paint job sucks a$$. I just tell people that Hummer uses hammerite... just to get a few laughs.

Second, you didn't mention the factory pre-dented rear doors. I have not seen an H3 that didn't have them... and of course, all the paint jobs I have seen have the same orange peel going.

Third, the gas mileage is the worst I have ever seen. I guess this is what you get when you put a 5cyl in a 6 thousand pound vehicle (where are they hiding all that weight?)

Fourth, in my opinion, all factory stereos suck (upgraded or not). The first thing I did was sink 3 or 4 grand into after-market w/ Nav/Sirrius (but I always splurge on the best gear for my ear).

Fifth, only now that I have switched from 87 octane to "premium" does my H3 not lug in drive going up the slightest incline.

The good....

CHICKS DIG IT!!!
:dancingbanana: :dancingbanana: :dancingbanana: :dancingbanana: :dancingbanana:

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

Paint - should have noticed it when the truck was sitting on the dealer's lot before buying.

Seat-Heater button - should have noticed it when getting in/out of the truck on the dealer's lot before buying.

Mileage - should have noticed it on the sticker in the window when the truck was on the dealer's lot. And anyone with half a brain knows those numbers are optimistic at best.

XM - its an option, nobody forced you to get it.

Radio - should have listened to it when the truck was sitting on the dealer's lot before buying. You also didn't mention which radio you have. The Monsoon is by far the best stock radio I've heard.


Everything you're complaining about you should have noticed before buying, so bew-friggity-hew. :crying: :rolleyes:

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

LOL....so let me get this straight, you say because I did not go over every inch of the vehicle and notcied the crap paint, it is not really a problem? LOL, OK, whatever. Actually, I bought a black on black and I had 3 identical ones to choose from. the first one I rejected because it had a dented trim piece. The second one I rejected becaused it pulled to the left like it had hit a curb at 40 MPH. So the one I went with was the lesser of the three. I did notice two paint problems prior to driving off the lot, but decided to keep it anyways....the other 6 or 7 spots were found once I gave it its first wax job. So, yeah, if your point was I expect to much out of a $40K truck, you might be right....It may also be the reason there were 60 of them on the lot and I was the only customer.

Mileage. I never stated I wanted it to do something it could not do, but I do expect the mileage to be better between the posted 15 city/ 19Hwy...since I only go Hwy for the most part, asking 17/18 is not unreasonable.

As far as XM being an option, yeah, that is a genius point. Only problem was that every truck on the lot with the Luxo package had XM, so I really did not have a choice if I wanted the other features...very common practice. Also, EVERY truck on my dealers lot had towing....another little cash grab

I have the Monsoon radio, and if that is the best stock radio you have ever heard, I feel deeply sorry for your ears. The Infiniti system in my Dodge blows its doors off as well as the stock system in my 2003 Corvette. I would rank this radio with the stock unit in a cobalt or ford ranger.

But your overall point is valid, I did not have to buy it. Evendently, if you look at Hummer's sales numbers, alot of people are deciding not to.

I still like the truck and plan to keep it, but they could have done MUCH better.

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

Oh, this is gonna be good! :popcorn: :excited:

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

Maybe you just wash it too often.:giggling:
http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=27302

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

06 20000 miles LUX Pkg Auto

Monsoon super
MPG filled up today 17.24mpg 60% highway
Paint super (but it is YELLOW)
Seat Heater NEVER turned on by itself
Reliability super
Buy again YOU BET YA!

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

I'm happy with pretty much everything on mine. I got used to the engine strength, it's not too bad after all - I feel that H3 can be actually quite agile; I drive mostly alone and generally without any cargo (but don't see any difference with passengers either)...so it may help, plus I don't worry about gas mileage and I don't hesitate to press the accelerator down anytime if needed - if I worried about gas mileage, I wouldn't buy SUV. I like to drive H3, if has very solid "feel" or how to call it. Although I still didn't take my H3 to the terrain, just knowing that I CAN makes me feel comfortable.

Sound is fine and I like XM radio, definitely better then FM. Stereo in wife's Lexus sedan is much better, but I don't really care.

Paint job looks fine to me, and I purchased the teflon coating when I bought H3. Don't have heated seats or power seats, and got used to awkward placement of window control panel. On-Star satellite phone is a good feature, I don't own cell phone and it is nice to have communication device built into the vehicle for occasional use.

My only gripe is that I think that I'm slightly tilted towards the driver's side, about 1/2" ( I measured some time ago); I saw posts about this and I decided to ignore it - some days it seems more noticeable, other days I don't see it; weird. I also don't like how much we paid for the car ($40k+ plus tax, because unneeded installed overpriced options) - it was wife's impulse buying decision, and so the dealer scored a big time - oh well, live & learn..next time I'm going to negotiate myself.

Overall, I'm pleased with H3 - very cool car, probably best I had to date. So far everything is working OK, touch wood. Got some 1200+ miles since purchased in April '07.

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

Is there anyone that owns an H3 that doesn't own a Corvette,BMW,Rolls Royce,Ferrarri,Lotus or some other multi-million dollar vehicle??This all seems like a lot of "bull" to me.

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

Here's mine if you are questioning me....

[IMG][/IMG]

and the H3 of course

[IMG][/IMG]

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

I havent noticed any paint issues with my 07 or my wifes 07. The heated seat problem I can attest to. I figured it out with my entry and exit of the vehicle. if you "sit" on the edge to get in or out the seat flexes and pushes the toggle switch. I changed the way i get into the vehicle and havent done it since. Took about 4/5 times getting a hot seat before i figured it out. My wife did it too. She was used to sliding out of the seat and letting her weight rest on the edge before she got out. As to the stereo...I have the Monsoon also and have enjoyed it. Maybe I have never experienced and Infinity or Blaupaunkt or any other high end stereo, but I have enjoyed mine and am happy with it.
I have read many different threads about different things wrong that people didnt like, from the "dented" doors to paint issues, engine speed/power, etc. etc. But you know...I love my Hummer, regardless of any faults it may have or whether or not it cant do this or that. I think its a great machine, I love its look and the way it rides. Not everything is perfect and not everyone can be pleased. But I have to say this Arizona boy is happy and content with his ride and will enjoy it till the end.:)

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

By the way Mr Snappy, that is a great looking Hummer you have there. Hope it wins you over some day.

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

looks like 2 different driveways to me

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

mine use to lean toward the left as well, i took it into the dealership and they adjusted it and everything no fee no problem.

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

thanks for the tip - sounds like a good idea then; I think that I'll call dealer next week and let them check it out. I saw some posts where people said that they got it adjusted but it reappeared later again; your's still holds perfectly straight?

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

I don't own any other vehicle then the H-3... can't afford too.

did own a 58 caddy but no more

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

a 58 caddy :jump: yea those get some great mileage too !!!!!

and whats with the dude that hasnt worn his paint off yet ??? :giggling: :giggling:

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

It won me over from the beginning and I plan on keeping it, but just bringing up some of its shortcomings for discussion. It's amazing how many owners can't be honest about their vehicles problems or design flaws, it's like you are questioning their manhood or something.

I appreciate your post about the seat switch, I use the same method for getting in and out because I don't have nerf bars of steps. I will try another method going forward. Thanks :beerchug:

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

Very nice detective work !
Yes, it is, the Vette picture is from my old house and the H3 pic is in front of our new house. Also, in the Vette pic you can see my Jeep Cherokee that I traded in on the H3.

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

I just don't get these whiny posts. People having real problems with their rigs like cylinder head issues, busted diffs, etc., I can sympathize with. But complaining about stuff that was clearly evident before buying the truck.....:rolleyes:

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

they dont use their trucks like we use ours :beerchug:

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

x2 ... you only have yourself to blame if you're not happy with your impulse buy.

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

I recently posted 2 survey threads on H3 problems. One showed about 47 problems with 400 views. The other showed 26 problems out of 245 views. Sure, they're informal surveys, but that's a pretty low problem rate for a 1st and 2nd year vehicle. Not bad at all.

Plus, of all the problems listed, most have been covered by warranty (including some paint problems), parts redesign (like the A-pillar, marker & off-road lights, roof rails, steering column, tie rods, and cylinder heads) or improvements in quality control at the factory. I've only heard of a very few who had to resort to lemon laws or GM buy-back.

And then there's GM's response to customer complaints and usability issues. So far, we've seen 2006 1/2, 07 and 07 1/2 changes like the shifter cubby hole, window switch location, PCM/BCM upgrades, child-locks and the 3.7L power increase (with no loss in fuel mileage).

And then there's warranty coverage. H3 product support is very high, even for part failure off-road. Most 4x4 makers call actual off-road use "abuse" and won't cover any breakage under warranty. Not Hummer. Lots of members have reported warranty coverage offroad. And the rate of breakage has dropped as parts are tested, refined or redesigned.

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

For the record... I wasn't complaining. I really like my H3. And, I have had lot of different vehicles. I could write a list of things that were "bad" on my 2006 Tacoma a mile long. I would take the H3 over it any day! ;)

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

Hey Mr. Snappy,
Why didn't you just buy a new corvette and make your gripes on the corvette blogs?

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

You guys amaze me....so since you can't defend all of the problems I have pointed out, it's now me and my "impulse buy" LOL.

Whatever...

Looks like this is the wrong place to have an honest discussion about our vehicles. And for the record, I never said I didn't like the truck, and I have no plans to get rid of it. You guys keep waving the HUMMER flag and ignoring the issues, you will find that you own a collectors item in very short order.

BTW, since you fan boys refuse to get the point, let me show you a little graphic.



or this one...

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

Also, not that I care what you all think about me, but I do like the truck. I knew about the graphics above, but decided to buy anyways. I just am perplexed at the problems and wants GM to fix them.

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

looks to me like those charts show the hummer in the upper edge of all vehicles. i am amazed that the land rover dependability rating is so high on that chart.
when i was shopping for a new truck, i was considering the range rover, but was scared away by friends who seemed to always have them in the shop.
i seems like that study is for all vehicles in each brand. the toureg for instance has become known as an undependable vehicle and their sales have plummeted in the US.
BTW-this is a place for honest discussion about our vehicles. browse the old posts and replies. you will see that there are many people bringing their issues up here and requesting advice and help-and receiving it.
the difference is that people generally don't enter the forum and start off as a whiner and complainer right off the bat!
i have had a few issues with my truck and there is no local dealer here to go to, well actually there is one now, but they have no service bay!
i have received help from people here, but whining is just not permitted.
:violin: if you want to start over, i am sure that people will welcome you, if not, some of us will simply place you on "IGNORE"

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

duh!!!!
i just noticed i read the chart backwards!!!!!
what an idiot!!!

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

"I knew about the graphics above, but decided to buy anyways. I just am perplexed at the problems and wants GM to fix them."

Just curious, since you knew of the problems why are you perplexed?

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

Dump it, hell buy an H1 if you want fit, finish , and paint.:excited:
You must not have done your research man or your not a Hummer kind of dude. (truck owner)

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

I think that is the reason. My paint is not the best, I dont care so much about instrument and button placement, I have an Ipod adapter (dont listen to the radio) and the sound system is good enough...I can drive up the side of a wall though!! :excited: anything beyond driving up the side of a cliff or off it for that matter is luxury to me. My AC works great, and seats are super comfortable. Thats about all I care about. Im a simple person though.

I look at it this way. You pay for performance (ie: Jeep Rubicon, Subaru STI) or great physical attributes and features(Passat)...and then you break $40K+ and you start getting both (Range Rovers, Porsche Cayenne).

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

:iagree:
Paint
Ok.. I checked every inch of my paint when they rolled it out for me to inspect. That's what the inspection was for ..before I signed on the dotted line. If there would have been anything wrong with it ..they would have repaired it. Not all HUMMERS have perfect paint..I'll give you that. But ...when you lay your cash down you should check out what your paying for.

The only time that doesn't apply...is when you boot your first wife out the door. You have to try it first.:D

Milage
What do you expect... It's a Fargen Brick go-en down the high way. "It's Like Nothing Else"

Seat Heater Button
I did the same thing when I bought mine. But it took me 1 min to realize the heat was on when my ass got hot.

Radio and the "XM"
I have the monsoon rig.. and XM. The Monsoon rig kicks butt and sound great. XM is better then that fargen "FM" crap with commercials every 2 songs, then 10 min of BS Commericals. Ok.. Brand "B" Sat radio might be better but to me...who gives a crap.
Sure...there are better sound systems. But the Monsoon is a hell of a lot better then the standard radio.

Conclusion..???

Farg It...The H3 is a fun rig and I'm enjoying the crap out of mine.:clapping: :popcorn:

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

:iagree: :perfect10s: :iagree:

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

If you really want to talk about quality, you're going to have to do better than "XM sucks". :lame:


Except for the paint issue, all the "problems" you pointed out were personal preferences, not huge, disastrous, company-killing, quality issues.

Many people like the Monsoon system and XM radio. If they wanted to play MP3s, they got the Monsoon single disc or bought an ipod adapter. Many don't mind the seat heater location. Most people know the EPA ratings are wrong (that's why they're changing this year) and accept the gas mileage.

Seems like GM was spot-on for most people, so your "quality problems" are everyone else's quality bonus. Next time be more patient and pay for only the options you want.

If these issues really piss you off, do something about it. The paint's under warranty, so take it to the dealer body shop. Escalate to Hummer if they drag their feet. Write to GM about the seat heater (worked for the window switches). Pull the seat heater fuse in the summer or learn not to bump the switches. Buy a head unit and amp you actually like. Install a Sirius module. Try the fuel economy tips in other posts.

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

i don't think we will ever hear from this guy again...

:twak:

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

Mr snappy looks perplexed :giggling:

It doent mean he has to leave :beerchug: :dancingbanana: hes snappy:dancingbanana:

Re: Time to evaluate my purchase !
 

That's right. Snap to it! He's okay, he's got a Hummer.