Buying Decision

[bmac]

With the '04 models coming out soon, can anyone offer a good reason to pull the trigger and buy an '03 H2 now instead of waiting until August for the new model? I can think of only 1 good reason myself - July.

[bmac]

With the '04 models coming out soon, can anyone offer a good reason to pull the trigger and buy an '03 H2 now instead of waiting until August for the new model? I can think of only 1 good reason myself - July.

[argonaut]

It would be more fun to have one now for the summer offroading season. But thena agian, you could get the nav system in the '04...

'03 H2 Sunset Orange No mods
'03 BMW M3 Convertible
'02 BMW M5

[Frank Hewitt]

The answer is simple for you, and lies in question of "what has been upgraded in standard and optional equipment in '04", "what is the price difference", specifically "do you care about these potential equipment improvements(if any)for the price, and "do you want the huge buying power (lower price) of a new or used '03 vs (waiting for) a '04?
Guaranteed, the JDPower survey will have better outcomes for '04 models because the innitial bugs that knee-capped us were worked our early in the '03's construction, but too late for the JDPower survey to demonstrate this in '03.

As previously responded to your post, I say GET ONE NOW, as I understand that there are no significant changes for '04---- and there are a lot of good times to be had this summer and fall, rather than waiting for a higher price-tag '04 H2 that will not be significantly changed....... unless you desire a different color than is currently offered. I've heard that there may be 1 or 2 new colors available.
Perhaps less significant to some people, the 1st year of the H2, the '03, will eventually be to many buyers of used cars, something of a "special year-model", being the first year produced.
You won't go wrong either way, as long as you buy an H2. GM-Hummer doesn't pay me for saying this, but after having mine for several months with ZERO trouble, I have to admit...there's nothing else! (assuming you are willing to sacrifice economy for having the most bad-ass all-around rig that takes care of everything from off-road prowess to on-road luxury).

gasman

[KenP]

I am with you guys 100%. Get the most bad-ass vehicle on the road NOW! Just be prepared to open the doors to let others check it out.

Black Lingenfelter Lux

[bmac]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> But thena agian, you could get the nav system in the '04...
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Argonaut,

Thanks for the reply. The nav system is the only new option that I am aware of and might be interested, depending on the sophistication of it. What would be cool (for an H2)would be a nav system that included topo maps. Probably unlikely.

Frank,
You make some very good points. However, there is 1 issue that you didn't address (which may or may not be valid). It seems to me that buying a vehicle at the very end of a model year should bring an impressive discount because as soon as the next model comes out, you instantly have a 1 year old car, despite the fact that you have only owned it for a few weeks (I'm speaking in terms of resale value). This relative value will carry through as long as you own the vehicle. Doesn't matter when I would sell or trade, an '04 will always bring more than a '03, all other variables being equal.

So, that is the real issue for me. The nav system - maybe, but I could always add an aftermarket one later.

Now, with the '04's coming out soon, what do think an appropriate discount off MSRP would be? In my area, a few months ago the dealers weren't discounting at all.

[DCfromCapeCod]

I am in the same position and decided to wait. I have other vehicles, I want the NAV and I don't want the $8K depreciation hit for driving off the lot when I can wait 2+ months and get the 2004.

[Buckeye Hummer]

Get the Garmin Street Pilot III. If the GM nav system functions anything like OnStar it will suck. Besides, you can take the Garmin in different vehicles, which is what I do when I travel. Not bad for $800 and my guess is it will work much better. GET THE H2 NOW, and then get another one in 2006!

Pewter Lux, AM GENERAL basked rack, sirius satellite radio, Garmin Street Pilot III

[maybe some day...]

Don't forget that you are not really talking about just July - we've read here that the 2004 doesn't reach showrooms until October - even 'though the assembly line supposedly switches over in mid August.
Also, the rumors of 2 new colors have pretty much been laid to rest - again, according to what has been posted here.
Your point about the instant hit in resale value is very valid and a big concern of mine - although it looks as if I will be waiting a few more months - like January...
We've been hearing of discounts of perhaps $2500 but inventory levels are up and I would expect more of a discount as we get closer to August but then what happens if supply tightens up again? Decisions, decisions, heck, I'd like to pull the trigger NOW but I'm just gonna have to let smarter heads prevail!

[bmac]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Don't forget that you are not really talking about just July - we've read here that the 2004 doesn't reach showrooms until October - even 'though the assembly line supposedly switches over in mid August.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The sales rep at my local dealer told me today that production of the '04's begins in July with dealers taking delivery in August. That explains my earlier comment. I guess I need to consider the source.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Get the Garmin Street Pilot III. If the GM nav system functions anything like OnStar it will suck. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It may very well suck, but totally different technology from OnStar. My wife has a Honda Odyssey with the factory nav system and it works pretty well. At my age, I like the large touch screen instead of the compact units like the Garmin. Of course, the Garmin software can be updated more readily (and more cheaply) than the DVD based systems. But honestly, the availability of a nav system is not deal breaker for an '03 for me. If I could get a hefty discount on an '03 I would forget the nav system and just add an aftermarket system with DVD and screens for the kids.

Also, new colors are a non-issue. I'll get either pewter or black. Personally, I like yellow but the CEO doesn't. She thinks it screams "Look at me - I'm driving a Hummer!" I just think it looks sporty. Strangely, my 12 year old son doesn't care for yellow either. He wants black. I've accepted the fact that it won't be yellow.

Thanks to everyone who has responded. Haven't talleyed it up, but looks like the "Buy Now" crowd is in the lead.

[MAC]

I personally would consider 3 routes,

1- Buy a good condition used 03 Hummer with no sign of offroad abuse, no aftermarket modifications, and if possible no record of many warranty repairs. I'll take the extra big tire, chrome rims, offroad lamps and other extra stuffs I don't want if the price is right. I'll do that if I can get it for close to $38K-40K and around 12K miles.

2- I'll buy 04 at MSRP, order July delivery August 03. $55K.

3- I personally would not touch new 03 now, it is a used car in 2 months, unless it is $45K, which is not impossible, not likely.

You will never know by sitting in front of the computer, but sounds like you have visited showroom and talked to salesman. August is around the corner, not too soon to sit down to talk numbers with the salesmen. Remember the old rule of end of month is true and effective in many cases, this weekend is the time or you wait a month.

[Skulz]

buy now, enjoy it now
if you buy off the lot, ask for 4k off minimum

if you want to wait, you'll pay more (price increase etc) and probably AT or possibly above MSRP

spend the extra money and get a new vehicle and get what YOU want...if you find a used one, more power to you!

if you order one, you can still negotiate a few k at least off MSRP

I don't think MAC will buy a new 04 H2 for 55k according to some of the price adjustments I've seen mentioned. I'd bet against MAC on this one for sure. No, getting a base model doesn't count either!

-Skulz

[MAC]

9 months ago, I paid MSRP $54K, before tax and extended warranrty, etc. total $62K out the door. Adventure pack, leather seats, brush guards(front & back), offroad lamps, etc... Add price increase $1K+, take off exterior accessories one can buy cheaper later, $54K as a target MSRP price can absolutely be obtained for 2004, still with Lux or Adv packs.

04 base model $49K-$50K that's the way to go.

I like to have factory nav, but not if I have to pay $2K+ for something I never need. The best part about factory nav is that it is build in, after market stuffs tend to pop up or attached here and there, mess up the cleanliness of the interior, but some poeple like the busy look. I just like the interior neat and clean. Everything that is loose is removed or put away at the end of day.

[bmac]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> You will never know by sitting in front of the computer, but sounds like you have visited showroom and talked to salesman. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Talked w/ salesman (generally) on the phone. Went to showroom after work on Tuesday (without an appointment) and all 3 Hummer sales reps had gone home so i was stuck with a Saturn rep who basically could only get the keys to let us look inside.

I have a 24 hr test ride scheduled for next week. Of course, I'll miss the end of the month quota advantage by waiting until next weekend but I want more than a drive around the block before making a final decision.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> I like to have factory nav, but not if I have to pay $2K+ for something I never need. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Huh? MAC, don't take this the wrong way, but if you never need the nav, why get it at all? From what i have seen (with my wife's vehicle and others), I would expect the factory nav to be at least $2K. Now, to repeat myself somewhat from an earlier post, if they would come up with a topo map option with waypoint tracking like the handheld GPS devices, I think that would be perfect for an off-raod machine like the H2. Just dreaming.

Thanks again for the replies and advice.

[MAC]

I don't take it the wrong way and I got super thick skin.

On many cars in our extended family, the factory nav came with the cars, either as standard equip, or they bought the new cars equipped with nav. I don't mind having a factory build in nav in my Hummer if that is the Hummer available on that lot, but if I have to pay extra to order it, no, I have no need for it. You don't always get exactly the automobile you planned, life is full of surprises.

[Z06_to_H2]

Just paided invoice in NJ with no problems.

[RLT H2]

invoice on a new H2?? What package/options?? I may drive to NJ from MD for invoice.

[Raj]

What dealer in NJ did you get invoice? I could get GM Supplier but do you think I could get GM Supplier plus the reduction of going to invoice?

Thanks,

Raj


<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Z06_to_H2:
Just paided invoice in NJ with no problems.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Z06_to_H2]

I got my H2 from GoldCoast. All i said was how close can you get to invoice and they said we will do it for invoice. Make sure to see the real paper not the index card. They were very easy to deal with only one hour and they gave me 37k for my vette which with tax savings is like 39k. So far I love my H2 except for a few rattles.

03 H2 Black W/Lux Pck
Tint, V1, Chrome rims and rear letters on the way!

01 BMW 325i w/sport package
30% tint

*SOLD* 7/14/03
02 Z06 TR
Plate- Z06 4 SPD

[Z06_to_H2]

Where are you located in NJ?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Raj:
What dealer in NJ did you get invoice? I could get GM Supplier but do you think I could get GM Supplier plus the reduction of going to invoice?

Thanks,

Raj


<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Z06_to_H2:
Just paided invoice in NJ with no problems.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

03 H2 Black W/Lux Pck
Tint, V1, Chrome rims and rear letters on the way!

01 BMW 325i w/sport package
30% tint

*SOLD* 7/14/03
02 Z06 TR
Plate- Z06 4 SPD