Recently wreck my lovely truck (2007 frontier 4x4 le) I loved that truck. But ive have always loved the h3. I just got my insurance check and i looked at everything and honestly i love how the h3 felt compared to the 4runners and pathfinders.

All the trucks im looking are at large dealers so all come with atleast a 3 month warranty. And there are 6 or 7 im looking at. They range from 90,000 to 120,000 miles and age from 2006 to 2008.

My questions , is there anything i should be looking thats a common problem or issue that dealers might try n hide? Is there a year or model that is more proon to having issues. I plan on putting quite a few miles it so reiblity is key.. any input would be awesome

 

Look at the top, front of the radiator and see if it is rubbing on the sheet metal support in front of it or if the radiator has cracks in that area. Look to see if the recalls for the HVAC blower motor and hood "louver" have been complied with and work them down there. The windshield is usually pitted, check the plastic A-pillar covers for looseness because they will whistle and rattle. If it has a sunroof, look for water damage to the headliner or floorboards. If water runs onto the BCM in the passenger footwell (from the leaking sunroof drains) then you can have problems for a long time. Look underneath it to see if it has been wheeled, used is ok but abused is not. The 2006 models had the smaller motor and had head issues. Check the records to see if it was replaced (usually showed up in the first 60-80k miles), if it was replaced then it is good to go. Make sure the 4x4 controls on the dash function like they should (grab the manual and play with them if you are unfamiliar with the H3). Factory speakers like to crap out and by now the TPMS batteries are probably going out. Easy fixes but negotiating points. Pop the plastic sill covers next to the seats and look to see evidence of it having been swamped under the wiring and carpet.

 

1) Battery terminals ,all originals are junk. 2) Clogged sun roof drains, bad design, get plugged causing water damage inside. 3) Radiator, plastic tank combined with upper mounting design and sometimes, clearance issues with upper front panel. 4) Inquire regarding recall # 15042 , heat/ac blower control resistor and harness.
I have two with the 5.3 and have owned a 3.7. The I5 is OK but I highly recommend the V8.
Best of luck and I think you will really enjoy the H3!

 

All good advice. I would add that if you are going to off-road, a great option is the off-road or adventure package; it includes a lower ratio (4:10 instead of 2.64:1) transfer case gearing and optional lockers (front and/or rear, depending on year).

 

About the head issue on the 06. Is it on every 06 model? I looked at two today with about the same milage 105xxx both 06, both had awesome service records and all work done by hummer dealers. One had it fixed one did not, should i be worried about thd one that did not have it done?

 

I'd purchase another Nissan you seem to really like em. Or may be a 4 runner. Jmho.

 

The head issue does not affect every 06. If they both have over 100k miles and good service records I would consider it clean. If it was fixed once, the replacement head would have had the hardened valve seats installed and the issue would be very rare to come back again.