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.

[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.

[fourfourto]

There was a supercharger on ebay a while back about $4,500 so someone makes one.There is a auto equilizer and auto volume control on radio.

H3 gray aventure ,sunroof, steps ,roof rack ,smokers package ,window vents, sunroof visor, hard spare tire cover, h3 valve caps ,and mudflaps 2,800+ miles

[DDWH]

If the supercharger for the canyon/colorado will work I have seen them NIB for around 3,500 - 3,800.00. Not sure what the install would be though.