Any thoughts on buying H3 sitting for 9 months

[HummerHippy]

HI all -
I am considering an H3 that has been on the dealer lot since Oct 2005. When I test drove it about a month ago, the battery was dead (no big deal). But I wondered if anyone had any thoughts about what problems could arrise from a vehicle sitting around for that many months.
It is a 5sp, Adventure pkg. So I would like to have it. I want a 5speed, and there are a few brand new ones, but no adventure pkg. So...what do you think?

Thanks

[ajburton13]

Other than the battery, I guess it kinda depends on where you live far as weather conditions, etc. What kind of deal are you getting,because that is the one I want as well, (5 spd, Adventure)

[HummerHippy]

Upstate NY, Cold, Snow in winter! Lots of snow.
Current deal is $2000 off msrp fro any H3 until July 5. Trying to get GMID, to make it a sweet deal.
Not many adventures on the lot

[ajburton13]

Yeah, salt and corrosion, but I guess it is protected under warranty. If you could get GMID plus $2000 and 0%. That would be a sweet deal. I'm sure they won't let you throw in both the $2000 and 0%, so just say hey look it's been sitting here for 9 months, at least throw in $1000.

[Hummer Guy]

Yea, the dealer will probably do anything to get rid of it -- In salt/snow conditions I'd probably rather it sit than be driving around getting the salt spray off the roads...

[fourfourto]

Originally Posted by ajburton13

Other than the battery, I guess it kinda depends on where you live far as weather conditions, etc. What kind of deal are you getting,because that is the one I want as well, (5 spd, Adventure)

Bought mine in august and had battery go bad around march/apr

Gm batterys = crap
I will change over to a optimum battery eventually

[HummerHippy]

Salt sux! But probably wasn't driven much, so not much salt on it while sitting in the dealer lot.
GM has Conquest Cash deal as well (1K off) but Infiniti QX4 doesn't qualify, while a Pathfinder does
I am willing to get a new one on the lot (month old), but no adv pkg. And as you all told me, I NEED the adv pkg.
I'll let you know.
Thanks

[Ipedog]

Its been sitting on the lot for 9 months? Make them swap out tires. The originals may have flat spots due to it sitting too long in one place.

Hell, you're gonna want new tires anyway. A set of 315's will go a loooong way towards making you a happy camper.

[Desert Dan]

Have them put in a new battery and maybe 4 new tires?

Does it have many miles on it??

[HummerHippy]

Hmm. Wonder how much leverage I'll have getting new tires.
I think milage was under 50miles when I test drove a month or so ago. Could have been 100. So, not many either way.

[NEOCON1]

sounds good go for it

[Bully13]

My battery was dead when we got ours. They replaced it and I have not had any problems since.

[Mike B]

Seems odd to me that it's been sitting for that long and not been sold.

[usetosellhummer]

tires tires tires, flat spots and work them they want it gone.

[HUMTECH]

Have A look at the brake rotors, Vehicles that sit for extended periods of time will get corrosion on the rotors which can cause future brake pulsation problems. If you make the deal get it in writing that any problems due to corroded brake rotors would be covered.

Shouldn't be a problem, since warranty starts on purchase date.

S.

[usetosellhummer]

it happens, color, options on it, something has just been not ahppening on that rig.

[HummerHippy]

Originally Posted by HUMTECH

Have A look at the brake rotors, Vehicles that sit for extended periods of time will get corrosion on the rotors which can cause future brake pulsation problems. If you make the deal get it in writing that any problems due to corroded brake rotors would be covered.

Great suggestion! Thanks.

[Michael1]

I wouldn't mess with those tires. Call Goodyear. They will tell you 30 days in one spot maximum, and that's with the tires at full pressure (doubtful at the lot). The tires are shot.

The battery is done, too. You can't deep cycle batteries, especially letting them sit, without completely taking the life out of them.

The wheel bearings probably aren't in the best of shape either sitting in one spot for that long. Cylinders could be rusted. Paint often has embedded dirt, and water stains developed while sitting.

Personally, I wouldn't touch a vehicle which sat around. It's always better to drive them, or put them in true cold storage. The only way you should consider it would be if you got an incredible deal (way under invoice), plus an extended no deductible warrantee.

Michael

Did the dealer really leave the H3 sitting for 9 months without driving it? Amazing. Don't worry about possible flatspots, you'll know right away when driving it on smooth pavement. Sports car owners running Pirelli P Zero's know exactly what it's like.

S.