Hi everyone, I have a young son n law who is looking at a 2006 H3,
This sucker is LOADED (the hummer not him lol).
The purchase price is 10.5 K and has 172 K miles.
It is in excellent condition.
I was wanting to ask you guys if there are any know problems to look out for on this vehicle. Like certain problems after a set amout of miles or anything of that nature. He is getting it at 10.5 K with 2.9 % intrest.
So 13,322 total after 36 payments of 470 a month.
Do you guys have any input on this hummer ?
Thanks in advance.

 

My bad, 370 a month

 

Of all the years, the 2006 H3 has the biggest potential for problems. This isn't to say every 06 has or will take a dump on ya. My 06 has been relatively problem free and easy to maintain. (adventure model w/ 77k miles)

Things to check;
-Car fax
-Cylinder head issues
-Exhaust manifold for cracks and faulty bolts
-Cycle through 4hi 4lo differential if it's adventure model.
-Inspect radiator for cracks/leaks (commonly cracks across the top)
-make sure moonroof drains properly

 

Thank you man, I'm going to ask them to let me take it to my mechanic and show him this list of what to look for. I did crawl up under the engine compartment to look for any signs of leaks but saw no signs.
Gonna check for what you said to look for.
Thanks again.

 

Check the vin#, see if it was built before the hardened valve seats. From an old 2009 post of mine:

The S/Ns affected is any 2006 H3 lower than 287591 .... the first one started with 100,001, your truck build date will be Nov. 06 or earlier. Not all have the problem, but some could. The head issue affected not only the I5, 4s and 6s were subject to the same issues. Call GM with your vin# and build date (from the sticker in the driver's door jam) and ask.

Just in case you're gonna say, wow they didn't even build that many 3s? The VINs are assigned at the same Shreveport plant building Colorados and Canyons. Their VIN sequence unit #s are mixed in and subject to the same TSB re: the head/valve issue.

The recall and extended warranty was for very early 2006s, those with the 3.5L L52 Motors built before March 31, 2006. That is not to say some 3.7L LLRs have never had a valve or head issue. All the Atlas motors built since 4/1/06 have the new hardened valve seats.

 

Thats a ton of miles, I think that if you look you can find one with less miles and pretty close to that price.

 

My '07 H3 with 180K miles just had to have its tranny replaced. I had been expecting it for some time since the shop that changed the ATF about 50K miles back found some metal shavings. Might be worth investing in a close look at the tranny. It was a $3K hit to put in a rebuilt unit with 100K mile warranty.

I'd also echo a good look at the exhaust manifold.

 

I'm going to get the V.I.N. # today to look at that.
Also, the H3 comes with a 3 year warranty that covers the drive train (i.e. engine, trans,drive shaft, front and rear axles, and A/C components.
It's a 100 dollar deductable tst year. 200 dollar deductable the 2nd year, and a 300 dollar deductable the 3rd year. So all in all, it's a great deal for this truck I think.
Also, this thing looks like it was well taken care of, it still looks new. No scratches, dents, nothing. The engine compartment looks new as well as the interior.

Thanks for the advise fella's.