A Few Questions From A Potential Newbie?

Hello to all my future Hummer brethren!  I live in New Jersey and I'm currently driving a '99 Dodge Durango SLT and I've decided to make the big big move up to an H2.  I have wanted one ever since I saw the first H2 and I've been waiting patiently for them to hit the used car market place.  I started my search about two weeks ago to see what was out there and what they were going for.  The first one I looked at was a black '03 with 40,000 miles on it in very good condition and the asking price was $37,000.  The second one was an Orange '03 with 36,000 miles on it in very good condition and the asking price was $31,000.  The second one had many more big ticket options (sunroof, dvd in both headrests & navigation) but yet was priced several thousand dollars less.  I did some more research and found that some '04's and '05's were selling in the high 30's and mid 40's respectively so in my mind why would I pay $37,000 for an '03 when I could buy an '04 for the same price or '05 for $8,000 more? 

What am I missing here?  Are the early H2's more desirable or have I just looked in the wrong places?  I understand that options and condition play an important role in car pricing but I'm not sure how it works for Hummers.  If someone can shed some light on the pricing I would greatly appreciate it.  Also, the two that I looked at exhibited a good amount of rust on the frame and in the engine compartment.  Is this normal or were the two I saw neglected or abused in some way? 

Thanks for any help and advice and I'm sure I'll be posting more questions as my search continues. 

Hey and Welcome.
 
I think that people will charge what they THINK their rig is worth. You should be able to get an 05 for the high 30's. Personally, that's what I'd look for if I was you, mostly because with a newer one, you'll probanly still get some warranty. The difference in the 05's is they came with the EBONY interior, which IMO is alot nicer and the leather they use in the Ebony ones seem softer than the wheat.
 
Here's one in your area with alot of extras and only 38000 miles:
 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hummer-H2-SUV-2005-GRAY-HUMMER-H2-NAVIGATION-AND-REAR-DVD_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43913QQihZ004QQitemZ140089583305QQrdZ1
 
As for the rust on the frame etc. this is COMMON!!! I even paid for RUST PROTECTION when I bought mine and have the SAME problem. The dealer said this is acceptable and wouldn't FIX it. A little Rustoleum rattle can did the trick Looks GOOD AS NEW(actually better).
 
Good Luck!!
 
 
 
 

Bob,
Thanks for the reply.  Based on the prices I was seeing, an '05 seemed to make the most sense to me as well.  What really seals it for me now is the warranty aspect that you brought up.  If I buy an '03 and then have to tack on another few thousand for extended warranty, it becomes a no brainer to buy an '05 that already has the warranty, or what's left of it.  As far as the rust goes, the frame doesn't really bother me because let's face it, every car has rust on the frame, you just don't see as much frame as you do with a Hummer.  The engine compartment is probably more due to neglect or lack of attention.  I'm a car nut and I'm sure I'll be under the hood every weekend keeping it spotless.  Thanks for the Ebay link but I should have stated that I'm particular about the color.  I know some of you will think I'm crazy, but I'm looking for a Yellow 1st choice or Orange 2nd choice.  Thanks again and have a great weekend!
Charlie   

I see your up to your old tricks....Bob!  How much commission are you getting off of this one?

Don't know nothing about H2's..but Welcome to the forum.

quote:

ORIGINAL: RutDogg

I see your up to your old tricks....Bob!  How much commission are you getting off of this one?

 
Only 20%.....I MEAN NONE, yah, none
 
I'm just a Helpy Helperton kinda guy!!!

Sure...you Helpy Helperton yourself to 20%.

quote:

ORIGINAL: RutDogg

Sure...you Helpy Helperton yourself to 20%.

 

quote:

ORIGINAL: RutDogg

Sure...you Helpy Helperton yourself to 20%.

 

I would suggest that you take your time and do some research.  GM announced Feb. 2nd that they are extending their six year 100,000 mile bumper to bumper Powertrain warranty to its used vehicles (Cadillac, Saab and Hummer) that have been dealer certified.  This warranty covers more than 900 components related to the engine, transmission, transfer case and final drive assemblies effective from the vehicle's in-service date.  This new warranty will be effective March 5 on 2002 to 2006 GM certified used vehicles sold by GM's U.S. dealers.

When ya get let's see some pics.