my first 250 miles

[evldave]

Think I might do this regularly for posterity's sake. Traded in my 94 325i last Sunday for a 2006 H3. Still have a 91 Cherokee, 88 Suburban, and a 69 F250. I'd say I know 4 wheeling fairly well and have lots of miles under my belt in medium-small (Cherokee) and Large (Suburban) 4wd vehicles.

My H3:

Black/Black, Adventure package, auto (don't whine, I tow a lot, it's a tough tradeoff), none of the dodads like bumperguard, nerf bars, etc. 6 disc monsoon.

Soon coming:

Custom roofrack (#3 after the Jeep's and Suburbans). Powdercoating the wheels black. custom rockrails, rhinoline the roof & fenders + that whole great magnet idea for the doors, waiting for a warn winch bumper, plus a bunch of other crap similar to what I did with my suburban. When are they getting a supercharger?

Some initial 250 mile thoughts:

I've read that the power of the I5 sucks. I dunno, it's not my bimmer, but for a 4wd with 33" tires, it's got more pep than my jeep (with 32" & a 5 speed) or my suburban (33" w/sb350). Haven't rodded on it yet, so I can't say top end or passing power, ask me in 250 miles.

Driveability - rides like a tank compared to the suburban (2" lift) but smoother than the jeep (RE 4.5" + RS9000s on a 1). Tramlines on bad pavement, but I think some better BFGs would help that. Quiet quiet.

Interior - Chintzy GM fit & finish (nothing like the bimmer) but much improved over the jeep and sub. Controls are easy to use - I LOVE XM radio. Monsoon bass is overbearing and not consistent from music type to music type - different stations will have zero bass to waaaay too much bass. Window controls are a PIA with my left hand, but I found it's actually easy (and different) to reach over with my right hand and use the controls under my left arm. Seats are comfy, we'll see what a longer drive is like this weekend (planning at least 250 miles in a single shot). Black seats show doghair.

Rear cargo - HATE that the rear seats don't fold flat. Once all my friends stop asking for rides, I'll likely unbolt the seatbacks and lay down a piece of 1/4" hardwood covered in black carpet for a nice smooth area. I can sleep back there w/my 2 dogs, but it will be tight (easier than the jeep, nothing like the sub). Like the rear 12v outlet, needs a built-in beer bottle opener (coming soon).

Towing - Nothing yet (not broke in), will be towing my brother's 19' hunting boat soon. Will be interesting to see the difference between the jeep and sub since I've done long-distance (750+ miles) towing with both of those.

Looks - Well, since I haven't seen a single H3 since I bought mine, I'd say it's unique. Plenty of 2nd takes, asks for rides, and girls dig it (always a benefit, I just wish they'd stop saying it was cute). I'd rather have a 2006 Cherokee, but jeep lost my loyalty when they made the liberty.


Overall - Happy with it so far. Can't wait to get it out and drive it like I should. Onstar is neat, but it's a toy. Stereo is nice, wish the 6 disc had MP3 capability. Next update, 1000 miles.