Hello Everyone,

New user here, longtime H2 enthusiast. Hoping to get some advice from people in the know:

I've wanted an H2 for some time, getting ready to pull the trigger. The goal of this car is a weekend warrior.
Here's my dilemma: my budget is $18k - 20k (preferably less). I've read that the 2008+ have better engines, transmissions, and are more reliable. The interior setup is nicer too, and I've read it doesn't have a many rattles as the earlier models.
However, the 2008+ models in my price range all have very high mileage.
I can get an older model with lower mileage and a better price, but the engine and transmission are the older models. The interiors may rattle more too.

I was hoping to get people's opinions. I'm not looking to tow things. This is more of a weekend warrior traveling machine.
The picture is the final look I'm hoping to attain.
Thanks for the advice!

 

You just open the proverbial can of opinions

There's so many pros and cons of early models versus later models, it really is simply personal preference. I actually picked up a 2003 with 112,000 miles for $12,000.... And I prefer the early ones. (And it has zero rattles) I do all my own work, and have the shop space to do it, and even the 4l65e transmission is an easy rebuild. The 6.0 LS motor is about as rock solid as you can get. And I do prefer the interior on the early models.

As for the later models, the 6.2 makes more power. The 6L80 transmission is good, but more expensive and requires programming after rebuilding. It has far more electronic items in it. As for the interior? The first time I looked at the inside of one my thought was it looked like a domesticated Hummer, LOL something for the wives to drive. But that's just me.

So my priorities are mechanical in nature. Both the 6.0 and 6.2 have incredible potential to make a lot more power if you want. Both transmissions can be built to handle it. One major issue to consider in your choice, is the condition of the interior door panels and the sunroof. It sounds crazy but interior door panels can run $1,000 each. Sunroof parts are a challenge themselves. Cracks and such in door panels can be repaired with fiberglass however. Something else to consider is whether or not it has the air suspension. Again, it's personal preference.

Whichever way you lean on older versus newer.... Enjoy your ride! I've had many vehicles over the years, and this is one I will never part with.

 

In my opinion the lowest miles possible, my 2003 has no more rattles than any other vehicle I've owned, i always buy lowest miles i can find

 

Buy one that is unmodified, rust free and in excellent shape.

 

keep in mind you might have to put in an additional two to three thousand into it after purchase. wear items are a thing to consider. brake pads and rotors/ spark plugs/wires, oil/ oil filter, airfilter, transfercase/diff oils, powersteering /brake fluid exchange. suspension and the real biggy..... tires. pricey AF does not matter the year it will still need 2k ish or more on top of the sale price to sort.

 

It depends. Honestly personal preference. I think the interior on the 08 is much better built, but I also think the interior of previous years looks very cool. The 03-07 have the more reliable engine... that being said you probably wont have an issue with either.

The transmissions are equally as awful. 6l80 is faster but shifts harsh and is unreliable. The 4l65 is smoother but slower, also unreliable. I wouldn't buy a high milage 08 with the original transmission. Gm updated the 6l80 a lot since its first release, but chances are if its well over 100k it's been replaced. If so, it should be reliable.

Honestly with these trucks, you should focus more on the condition than the miles. Does it drive good and tight? Shift smooth? Been maintained? has the interior been beat up? At the end of the day, choose the truck that looks like its been taken the best care of. The one that has the least amount of things bother you when you drive it.

 

that photo is a great destination for a "weekend" warrior.
Some very thoughtful replies. I hope you consider all that has been posted thus far.
My current H2 SUT is my 2nd hummer. Offroaded the 1st and it was very capable. This one is a "special use" vehicle. Winter severe snowstorms and summer boulevard cruising. I have a Cadillac for daily driving.
I opted for a "lower" mileage older model. 2006
My 1st was an '06 and the same color (Slate blue metallic). Like your photo. It has a superb interior. Very respectable paint condition. "Newish. Tires (except spare - 22 years old - likely original).

As others have posted, the 6.0 "can" last 300,000 miles. So anything under 100k on the odometer has lots of life left. But - many items need maintaining at various mileage - so you NEED to budget for those. Especially if you do not have "history" of the vehicles maintainence. Carfax can only tell you so much. And without actual documentation - you will likely have to do fluid changes as a minimum.

So - since buying mine a month ago...I have replaced upper ball joints. Transmission cooling lines to the radiator. Oil change. Transmission fluid change. And yesterday I installed SS headers, KnN SS cold air intake and a Diablo tuner. I retained the cat back exhaust. I am happy with the painted wheels, the current tires, and the overall drivability/look of the truck.

Research is your friend. As is documentation. Shy away from accident vehicles, ones with numerous owners, and those with "excessive" mileage. I think your budget is a little low - unless you plan to do most of the maintenance. Parts are only half the cost. Labor rates are currently $125/hour.

 

With all things considered and pointed out by everyone above, and doing the utmost I could on research of each vehicle I looked at, I opted for an early model (03 with 12K). We had already owned early and later model Avalanches, Caddy Escalade EXT and a Caddy Escalade, and the 08/09 interior just looked too similar. We preferred the more rugged Dolly Parton dash look better. No regrets so far after 2+ years of ownership.