New guy thinking about getting an H3

[Mr Snappy]

Hi all,
Trying to decide on a new 4X4. It's kind of a unique problem, I am looking to replace one of my 3 vechicles. I currently have a HEMI Durango Limited (Wife's ride and we love it) a 2003 Corvette, and a 95 Cherokee. Time to replace the Cherokee. The jeep has 165K miles on it and has been great, but it's getting a little ratty and junky.

So, being such a car nut, I decided to create a spreadsheet to evaluate the vehicle I would buy. I have narrowed it down to 63 (Really, 63)
I have everything from luxury coupes to Hummer's on my list.

I think I am leaning toward getting another 4X4 now. I did not think that the H3 was going to be a frontrunner until I actually drove one and priced it out. Very Nice ! Of course, I would love to have more power in the H3, so I will wait for the 2008's to see what is up with that. I am really hoping that I can get a V8 option instead of only being able to get a "Alpha" package for an extra $10K !

What I might do is wait until you Hummer nuts whip the dealers into a frenzy buying H3 Alphas at sticker+ then swoop in and get a heavy discounted I5 version.

So tell me, what are the up sides and downsides to the H3? To be honest, this vehicle will only see about 7K miles a year and will not be involved in serious off-roading. I just like the looks of the truck and will drive it in the snow and occassionally to the lake.

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

Buy a LUX/ADV YELLOW I-5 (no chrome)

You will love it...

Yea this had been discussed many times before. Those of us with many miles of daily use on our H3's have various opinions. In short the H3 is setup to meet some pretty strict offroad requirements that other SUVs only pretend to. So there is a cost to pay in space utilization, gas mileage, weight and onroad performance when compared to the other car-based SUV's/minivan substitutes. But the H3 is well engineered to still have adequate on road performance and decent comfort.

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

Originally Posted by Steve - SanJose

Yea this had been discussed many times before. Those of us with many miles of daily use on our H3's have various opinions. In short the H3 is setup to meet some pretty strict offroad requirements that other SUVs only pretend to. So there is a cost to pay in space utilization, gas mileage, weight and onroad performance when compared to the other car-based SUV's/minivan substitutes. But the H3 is well engineered to still have adequate on road performance and decent comfort.

Didn't I say that ?

[wpage]

Thats the most Steve ever said so give him a break! New guy just do it

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

OK !

[hummer_metal]

H3 Hummers, like the other Hummers, are made and suited to different taste.

I go off road, and use it as a work truck.

My opinion is if you buy one, you will take it off road.

Also I suggest getting a winch and deck, I pulled out now, maybe 2 dozen cars and trucks using my truck. So getting the winch will allow me a better way to do it.

[BlueHUMMERH2]

From what you're driving right now, the H3 should be a perfect fit. I think the I-5 is more than enough power, and it produces decent economy. I do think I would opt for the 2007 with the slight power increase to the I-5.

I can't really consider there to be any downsides, other than maybe the rear seats don't fold completely flat. I really enjoyed the H3 my ex-wife and I had for a few months that she got rid of when we separated. It's fun to drive, people like to look at it, it's comfy, has a nice sound system, is well-built, will drive over curbs, potholes, etc. without any damage (good for clumsy people), and it's quiet.

My recommendation would be to pick up a used H3 through an autobroker at close to wholesale, which would be KBB's "Trade-in" value.

[Mr Snappy]

If a used H3 is out there, I might take a look, but I generally buy new. Looks like there are about $3500 in rebates right now and I get GM Suppliers discount. I think I like the basic H3 with the Adventure package and the Automatic....free sunroof right now other wise I would delete that. The clothe interior was very nice and to me the leather seems silly in this vehicle.

Sooo....I think I will try to time this when the V8 comes out. Either I will step up and pay if the power is worth it or try to get a sweet deal on an I5 version.

....oh, and it will be RED

I will have to match the other ride in the garage...

Originally Posted by RubHer Yellow Ducky

Didn't I say that ?

Kinda, somewhat, barely....

Originally Posted by wpage

Thats the most Steve ever said so give him a break! New guy just do it

Yep and thanks!

Agreed, just do it

[Mr Snappy]

Hummer Metal,
Your rig is gorgeous

I like the look....all business and no hip-hop !!!

I had a black car once...no, twice !
It was a pain to keep clean...otherwise, I would choose black every time !

[XM DUDE]

I would wait for the V8 Alpha package to come out as I think it would be worth the wait.

[K9sH3]

Originally Posted by Steve - SanJose

Yea this had been discussed many times before. Those of us with many miles of daily use on our H3's have various opinions. In short the H3 is setup to meet some pretty strict offroad requirements that other SUVs only pretend to. So there is a cost to pay in space utilization, gas mileage, weight and onroad performance when compared to the other car-based SUV's/minivan substitutes. But the H3 is well engineered to still have adequate on road performance and decent comfort.

WOW! Steve hit that one just perfect!!

I 100% agree with him.

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

Originally Posted by Mr Snappy

If a used H3 is out there, I might take a look, but I generally buy new. Looks like there are about $3500 in rebates right now and I get GM Suppliers discount. I think I like the basic H3 with the Adventure package and the Automatic....free sunroof right now other wise I would delete that. The clothe interior was very nice and to me the leather seems silly in this vehicle.

Sooo....I think I will try to time this when the V8 comes out. Either I will step up and pay if the power is worth it or try to get a sweet deal on an I5 version.

....oh, and it will be RED

I will have to match the other ride in the garage...

Don't know where you live but here in Miami this morning its 50 degrees (a bit nippy for US) The HEATED LEATHER SEATS on the LUX Pkg are real nice......

[Mr Snappy]

I live in Kansas City and it gets plenty cold (18 degrees tonight for example)
2 of my other vehicles have leather and one (the Durango) has heated leather seats and they are the SHIZ-NIT !

The silly comment is more due to the fact that it will not be worth the expense in my situation. It was a comment more to the leather than the seat warmers. Also, this truck will be in the garage, so less of a concern.

[Viet Nam Vette]

Originally Posted by K9sH3

WOW! Steve hit that one just perfect!!

I 100% agree with him.

Yeah.... My Man Steve...Be On Point.. Well said Steve..