***I tried posting this already but it looks like it did not go through. Sorry for the potential double post***
Howdy All!
First post of hopefully many, as I may be making my first Hummer purchase in the near future. I have done quite a bit of research on my own, but nothing compares to the firsthand knowledge y'all have. If you could help me with my decision-making, that'd be fantastic!

I am looking to buy an H1 for daily use. I know its probably unwise, but my (self imposed) dilemma is currently between Hummers and a Dodge Vipers, so the H1 seems relatively practical. It seems that the general consensus is that pre-96 trucks are underpowered, and that anything pre-01 is a timebomb. I have read that the tt4 system pre-03 aren't very good off-road because BTM doesn't work. This leads me to believe that '03 and '04 are the ones to look at. Is this right? I probably won't be doing boatloads of off-roading (a few buddies of mine go off-roading in their lifted Tacomas so I'd probably join them now and then), but like the ability to go anywhere.

I guess my main question is whether the '01 and '02 H1s are something I should stay away from, or if y'all have experience with them being just as capable off-road as a BTM H1? And if there are any options I should look out for? I still haven't decided if I will get more utility out of a 2dr or a 4dr, so any insight y'all can give as far as those go, I would be much obliged.

Thanks!
Clint

 

you can check out this video for some of the info you are looking for i am not affiliated they breakdown the years and features

 

You can BTM the 01-02 H1s but the TT4 does seem to make it not as effective. Add lockers and it really doesn't matter. Very few 03/04 H1s out there and the 04s have the Caterpillar control module, which Cat no longer supports. The 94/96 trucks with the 6.5 NA aren't that badly underpowered but if they haven't had the 97.5+ HVAC upgrade the AC isn't great and parts are non-existent. Even the 2000 trucks with the heavy block don't have the #8 cylinder problem. I think you are looking for an F in the VIN but I would have to double check that. Your budget may determine what year range you wind up in.

 

Thank you. They seem partial to the 96 to 98 model years, and didn't address the engine block issues at all.
Great info, thank you. The video that bronxteck shared discussed how later model Hummers are more prone to electrical issues, being more complex. Is that something you have seen/experienced?

 

Consider your options according to your budget. Consider where you live and who will be doing the repairs. Any truck that you purchase that has a ton of electrical, aftermarket gadgets will have electrical gremlins. When looking at wagons you also have to look for rust issues along where the top meets the bottom of the truck. I have an 02 that I purchased 4 years ago and had very little problems with it. My truck was a low mileage, one owner, Florida truck.
Read through this article and others on this other website. Good luck.

Buying a Used Hummer and What to Look For. Gas vs. Diesel

 

Th3 04 had significant electrical issues related to the CAT system. I am unaware of any other model years having electrical issues. Like Paranormal said, trucks with lots of aftermarket electrical doodads seem to have issues. Stock trucks, not really. In the TD trucks the PMD will go out, mainly due to vibration but they are easily replaced and there are relocation kits that make it even easier.

 

2002 Hummers just might be the sweet spot of all the models all things considered. The A/C works great, #8 cylinder problem is not a problem, and the Cat control module is not an issue. Not as easy BTM wise because of the TT4 but it can be done with practice. . As mentioned, lockers take care of that and should be installed if you do true off roading(hard stuff). As mentioned, modified trucks seem to have all the problems. Stick as close to stock as possible and do not tack on electrical gizmos.

You must accept doing the work yourself or it will be very costly maintenance wise. If you offroad, the maintenance costs will go way up.

But. Sorta like the saying "nothing else like a Harley" (tacky translation="If it ain't a Harley, it ain't ****", nothing else like a Hummer. By Hummer, I mean an H1. I had three H2s over the years and loved them. But,....different trucks.