Ive always liked these trucks. But i'll admit until recently I haven't been reading much about them mechanically. Are there any body or major mechanical differences between the early and late H2T? I know the engines and transmissions were changed.

 

.2L>>>>(6.0=368cid-vs-6.2=378cid)
Mileage & Condition Alter The Asking Price.

 

Very good question. I've owned a 2005 H2 SUT, which I purchasd with 210,000 miles on her. Now, I own a 2009 H2 SUT, which I purchased with 150,000 miles on her. Far as know, the 03 to 07 H2's have the 6.0L engine, which some people refer to "The Forever Engine", because of it's reliability. Of course, every engine has its issues, but those 6.0's were something special. Transmission. I beleive the 03 to 07 H2's were equipped with the 4-speed automatic tranny. The 08 to 09 has the 6-speed auto. I was able to talk to a former GM engineer online. He explained to me that the transmissions were always the weak point in GM trucks and SUV's but if you upgrade to the proper valve body component, which should have been installed in a GM transmission from the beginning, you should get plenty of long life in her as long as the previous owner(s) took care of the vehicle. Interior, the dash is toitally different between 03's to 07's to the 08 and 09 models. Me personally, I like the more rugged look of the dash system in the earlier model H2's. Both generations of the H2's will have there fare share of electrical demons to deal with. Most of what I've experrienced were control modules failing, mainly the modules controling the radio and/or climate control. So far, for the 09 model I have, the control module for the doorlocks likes act up every now and then. I can go on-and-on about these H2's. I hope this helps a little.

My 05 model H2

 

The 03-07 series is different from the 08/09 series. Let us know if you had specific questions...

Considerations for 03-07:
* Greater number of vehicles produced means more used parts available
* Typically cost less than an 08/09
* You can still get vehicles under 100k miles - though it is getting harder
* Early years have the spare in the cargo area... this was moved to the rear bumper in 2005 and frees up significantly more room
* The 2007 is the Best Buy of this series as it is typically not priced higher -- but you get several upgrades to the nav system, mirrors and other small upgrades

Considerations for 08/09:
* More powerful engine (393hp vs 365hp)
* More reliable transmission
* Updated interior that looks nicer and has fewer rattles* Seats are more comfortable* Integrated Nav and entertainment options
* Increased towing from 6700 to 8200 pounds
* Updated ABS and traction control systems
* Side airbags (these may have been added to the 06/07 series - not sure)
* More likely to get a vehicle under 100k miles

I would recommend test driving both and make a decision. Other than minor changes to the front and rear bumpers the body is identical.

Pricing does vary by year... so year does matter with 2009 being the rarest since so few were made, and 2003 being the most available. For example finding a 2009 SUT is very difficult.
Taking a look at the latest auction prices from BringaTrailer.com, prices have been coming down off the pandemic highs. 08/09 vehicles are the rarest ones to appear. Mileage and year affect price. $50k+ vehicles are typically under 50k miles, and are typically an 08/09. Although this year... the highest priced vehicles on this site were low mileage 2004s... which is very odd. The highest priced auction at nearly $80k was a 2009 duramax conversion.

https://bringatrailer.com/hummer/h2/