H1 info before purchase...

Hi everyone, im a new to the forum and new to Hummer’s (H1). Always had a thing for them, saying to myself, it would be a dream to own one. Now im in a position where I can buy an H1 and found one at a great price but haven’t had a chance to go see it because it’s almost a 6 hour drive away (12 round trip). But at my local dealer they had one, it was in very bad shape and since they know me well they let me drive it to get a feel for it to see if I like it.  
 
I have mechanical background and I have been reading the forum like crazy for about 2 weeks now and found out some interesting stuff. I found a nice one out of town, I called the place where it’s for sale and the guys don’t know much about it because they sell exotics only. The only thing they told me was that it’s fully loaded. It’s a 2000 H1 4 door wagon 6.5 Turbo Diesel with 38,000 km (23,600 miles), it has the rear roof rack, front light bar over the windshield with 4 lights and a wrap around brush guard. It also has running boards on it so im assuming it hasn’t seen any serious off road and was just used around town. They are asking $57, 750 CAN ($57, 650 US).
 
I have a lot of questions and hope you guys can help…
 

1. They don’t know if the engine was replaced for resolving the 7-8 cylinder issue, so how does one find out if it has been done without history?

2. How much does it cost to have the engine block replaced? (To negotiate on pricing if not done).

3. How big of a job is relocating the PMD/FSD if it needs to be and what is the cost involved (the unit if it goes with a relocating kit)

4. Besides the above issues and servicing, what are usual known “issues” that H1’s have that is just part of ownership i.e. seals needs to be replaced yearly because of design, brakes because they are so heavy…..etc…

5. Besides doing a PPI, what are the things I should look at when im buying, like verify when I start it cold and hot, some sort of check list and a “run away from this truck if you see this issue”.
 
6. Any known rust spots to keep an eye on?
 
7. Any common electrical issues?
 
8. This will be my daily driver (my motto is drive it or sell it) anything I should keep an eye on?

9. I live in Quebec, Canada and our winter are brutal, the average temp here in the winter is between -15C to -25C (5F to -15F). Do H1’s have standard dual batteries or was it an option? And how do they start in that weather? Do they need to be plugged in? Because im thinking if it sits outside for 8 hours while im at work, will she start if not plugged in or am I basically screwed?
 
10.

Welcome Magnum I cannot answell all of your questions but I can take a good stab at a few.
First things first . As a daily driver these trucks can cost a small fortune to fix/repair. I have a 2003 with 60K on it and there are always little issues it has had.

In terms of rust when I was looking at buying my H1 alot of the trucks had small surface rust spots on the rail of the roof where the body attaches to them(on the hinges). Nothing very major but the ALL had them. They also seemed to be peeling on the Hinges of the doors?? Weird but again they all were.

I live in Toronto so we can also get some brutal weather(not as bad as yours)
I plug my truck in at night (ALWAYS) it is just alot better for disel in general.
I have left my truck outside in -18 weather while I was at work for 6 plus hours and it started ok. Sometime's Diesel in general can bet a pain to start in really cold weather being a hummer or not.

HL on the shifter is High Lock and it works similar to L but it is just for a little higher speed. I use it when we are on a trail with Loose traction and we are moving a little quicker.

The seta issue/rocking issue you experienced when coming to a stop is 100% completely normal for 2003 rig does it aswell.

Sorry I couldnt answer all of your questions but I hoped some of this helps in our decision making process.

P.S THESE ARE THE COOLEST TRUCKS ON THE EARTH AND YOU WILL ABSOLUTLY LOVE IT!!!!!

1) You could run a carfax on the engine replacement or have the dealer run the vin#. If all else fails I think you have to remove the heads to check the casting number on the block. There may be some minor differences in the exterior of the block but I am not sure.
2) Labor is approximately $4,000.00 to pull and replace the motor. A replacement engine can be anywhere from $3500-$6,000.00.
3) I have not relocated the PMD but from what I am told it is pretty easy.
5) See if it blows smoke when it starts cold and then it clears up after it warms up. That could indicate a number 8 cylinder problem issue. A/C issues aren't uncommon. Regular maintenance is the key.
6) Not big rust issues. Look underneath the truck.
9) I live in SoCal so no experience with that type of cold. Injunfariun lives up by you, he can chime in on that.
10) H1s did not come with spares. Most came with the runflats. If you are going to be doing any off roading you will want a spare.
11) The A/C on a 2000 should be fine if it is working properly.
12) HL is for high lock
13) H1s will rock a little when you break to a stop. That is normal. It is from the weight on the front end, especially if you have the winch. My seats don't rock or move. Not sure what yours are doing.
 
Hope this helps. Others will chime in shortly.
 

Just hang on others will be here to help shortly.

Thanks guys….I really appreciate all the help and input you guys have to the “New Guy”.
 
I did get the VIN number this Friday and I did a carfax on it and it’s clean and mileage is correct. I will be contacting my local dealer here in Ottawa to have them check it out. By the way im in Quebec, but 5 mins away from Ottawa and the H1 is in Toronto. I also forgot to mention or specify, was the engine issue a recall or just warrantee, because being a model 2000 I highly doubt it will be done on warrantee…hehehe!!!!
 
Im glad I don’t have to worry about the truck rocking, because I drive a Sierra 2500 Crew Cab SLT 4x4 and when I stop….it stops and when I drove this last week and it rocked I was very worried, well to be honest I was more like “what the &%#@ is this”.
 
To elaborate on the seat thing, it kind of feels like a seat from an 18 wheeler, it moves like as if to absorb for bumps and such. As well, it does have a winch.
 
So when I look underneath, what should I look at beside undercarriage bent pieces?
So if im understanding this correctly Hi Lock means all 4 wheels are locked like a diff locker and the same on Low, the only difference is the speed?
 
As well, does the price seem right?

YTH1…you live in TO, does your H1 have dual batteries? And when you say always has little issues, can you give me a brief description like a list of some sorts?
 
3hummers, im assuming the price for the engine repair you gave me was in US?
 
Thanks Trey I will wait for others….lol I will take all the help I can get.
 
 
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Here are some pictures....

More pictures

Yes prices were USD. The suspension and drive conponents will rust. The body is aluminum. Doors are steel. Checks bumpers, winch, connections, etc for rust. Just look at them and see if the truck has anything more than surface rust. You will also hear a whine as you decelerate. That is the geared hubs and it is normal. The #8 cylinder issue was a warranty issue. They are not still replacing engines under the program. 2000 would have been at the very end of the problem so odds are the block is ok, but I would run the checks anyway. You are correct on high lock.

Pictures look pretty good. 16.5" aluminum wheels, the aftermarket stuff looks nice. The step would have to come off to go off road. Curious about the cardboard in front of the radiator. Wht is that there? These things normally run a little hot ( 190-200 ) and restricting the air flow to the engine compartment is curious. looks like it has been offroaded before, or at least the wheels have judging from the scratches( mine look the same ) and what is up with all the air fresheners? If the truck was in the US I think it might be priced a little high. The mileage and aftermarkwt accessories help but you can buy a real nice 2002 for that. Not sure what the Canadian market is like on pricing.

So the door are steel, that would explain the paint flaking off and rust where the door hinges are on the one I test drove here in Ottawa (the one in bad shape).
 
The cardboard is somewhat normal here in Canada for highway driving because it’s damn cold. -30 to -40 F sometimes. As far as the wheels, it a know GM issue, the clear coat finish flakes off and a white residue like rust appears. I had the same thing happen on my 04 Sierra and the dealer replaced two of my rims on warrantee.
 
Couldn’t find an 2002 model for sale. Not sure about the air fresheners either….lol
 
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Let us know what you wind up doing. Good luck.

Magmum I would def be willing to come with you to take a look at the truck. I would be able to give you my 2 cents for whatever it's worth.
Like I said I Live in Toronto and I could also go and take a peek at the truck for you if you like??
This way you would be able to compare it to my 2003 which is pretty clean??
My number is 647-501-2684 and my name is Andrew if you want to give me a shout!
 
I am always willing to help out a potential fellow H1 owner.

Wow Andrew, what a warm welcome… im totally blown away….I never thought I would receive that kind of reply… im Mario. And yes, I will definitely give you a call and discuss viewing it.
 
The place is called Autoforum; the address is 405 Rowntree Dairy Rd, Woodbridge 905-851-8088
 
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Hey Mario it was nice to speak with you!
I will take a peek at the truck on Thursday and let you know whats going on!

Andrew

Thanks Andrew.....much appreciated
 
Mario

We are a generally friendly, helpful group. Welcome to the forum.

3hummers, I noticed.....thanks.....
 
And, if anyone has any more info or would like to share some of the little issues you have had....it would be greatly appreciated.
 
 
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Well, I have done lots of reading and I think I should stop reading on what can go majorly wrong….im getting discouraged….lol, hell they are almost more maintenance than a Ferrari and way more expensive to maintain as well.
 
I measured my driveway today because my street is a small hill. My driveway is on the left limit of my lot and there is a 2 foot cement retaining wall, then 10 feet wide of driveway, then my house. So it’s a tight fit but I can reach my detached garage. I measures my garage door and it 8.6 feet wide (104 inches) and 6.6 feet high (80 inches) so im ok for clearance. As far as length, im all good, my Sierra is 35 inches longer and I have 20 inches behind it so im good there. Now….the problem is….the one im looking at has a roof rack, front right bar with 4, 8 inch lights….So this means garage renovations…lol
 
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I've had Ferraris and I spend more on the 97 H1 than I did on the Ferraris. I do drive the Hummers more. My H1s fit through the garage door just fine. Yours should fit.

I wouldn't worry too much about the major things that can go wrong - if you take care of your truck, it will take care of you. Also, you will find as you get more familiar with the H1, there are a ton of parts that were interchangeable with other vehicles - the expensive stuff that is hummer only is mostly in the suspension and axle assemblies, which are all tough components. Would like to clarify on the "brake rock" though - The reason the hummers do that is because the brakes are located at the differentials, rather than at the tires - so when the rotor completely stops spinning, the tire still has all of the play in your reduction boxes at each tire to rock back and forth on. If you drive one that has excessive rocking compared to another you have driven, it is a good indicator that there is more wear in the reduction boxes - just an FYI.

fsr, I never thought about the little play in the reduction boxes....that makes perfect sense...I dont why I didn't think if it, almost like the amount of play in a tranny when you put it in Park in a slight incline...

3hummers, I don’t mind semi or yearly maintenance because I take care of my vehicles very well but im just curious, for your H1, did you spend more in maintenance or repairs (broken parts) ??? I will be more than happy to spend for maintenance but if the H1 will be in the shop constantly because it’s broken down im not going to be a happy camper….
 
I dont feel the need to own a money pit just for the sake of owning a Hummer H1


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Mario as per our discussion on the phone the info goes like this.
 
Auto Forum
-Sergio de Carvalho
416-234-9900
 
let me know if/when you will be coming and I would be more than happy to come.
 
Best of Luck
Andrew

My 97 had some defferred maint. when i bought it. I knew it and negotiated accordingly. The older trucks will have things that break or wear out. You should get it serviced every 6000 miles and fix things as soon as they become apparent. they are more expensive to maintain than other cars/trucks. I usually have 5-6 vehicles so i don't drive any very much. My exotics have not been the maint. nightmare some people think. I spent very little outside of normal service $$$ on the Ferraris. The 97 H1 has cost me some $$$$. ( transfer case((twice)), CTIS leaks, power steering gear box, lots of power window and door lock switches/actuators (( these go out all the time )), rear a/c, etc. Of course I do drive the 97 a little harder than I do other cars/trucks. Just know that they can be more expensive than other vehicles to keep.

Not trying to steal the thread, but what sorts of ferraris did you have?