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Hummer H3For the Hummer driver who wants the rugged look and off road capabilities of the Hummer, but in a smaller size and with a more fuel economy friendly engine.
Hi all I'm totally new to Hummers and this forum, and I am looking for an H3 to purchase in central NC. Currently I'm at this one with 175K miles:
It is throwing 4 codes. Hoping you guys can give me some advice.
And here's a look underneath:
So they've cleared the codes but I assume they will come back. It drives fine with no hesitations or noticeable misfires. I'm trying to determine what may be the cause of each of these codes and whether it is worth it to pursue this vehicle further. It has a salvage title and is only $5K. If I'm going to wind up spending 10K on it I'll just start with a better example. This one has nice wheels and tires, roof rack, etc. that I want anyway and it has the black premium leather that I've noticed from ad photos and youtube is pretty indestructible. The interior on this thing is mint, even the mesh pockets on the back of the seats are in good shape. This was driven by a female the last few years and I'm told the snorkel was from the previous owner. No significant rust on the frame.
So can anyone please give me some advice on these codes as to what repairs I could be looking at? Should I run away? Thanks in advance for any help.
i would just move on from this one. timing chain probably has slop. the engine is showing signs that it needs an overhaul of unobtanium parts. the v8 alpha engine parts are available if you wish to consider that in your hunt for a hummer. towing is not a strong point for an i5 either.
First, Salvage Title is a BIG NEVER and likely related to the many codes it has thrown. Next, miles are high. Third, if you are not capable of wrenching on your own H3 that is EIGHTEEN YEARS OLD, you better have a fat check book or wallet full of cabbage to spread around.
I would pay up front for a problem free lower miles H3 and then you would have more time to enjoy it.
It's actually pretty clean. Agreed salvage title is a red flag but if you can get it for say $3700 to $4350 I'd maybe take a stab at it. Lol! Mind ya, I'm stupid so a 18y.o. H3 is right up my alley. I have a soft spot for neglected Hummers hahha!
Seriously, take it to a reputable shop and have them diagnose it b4 you buy. Money saved if it's a dumpster fire. South Main Auto in up state NY or Pine Hollow Auto in Pennsylvania both will be more then equipped to repair it. Or if your very creative and auto savvy do some wrench'n.
Another consideration on this one is that it also looks like its been flat towed behind an RV. Giveaway is the shackles mounts in the front have been replaced with mounts for using a tow bar. I understand you can flat tow a hummer without the key in the ignition so flat tow miles might not show up on the odometer.
Yep, two in my neighborhood and one at a house on my way to work, all black. With some real tires they would be a blast.......... for somebody that wants to blow more cabbage than I will. There's always the Lotto.
Hey sorry for the very late reply. Thanks for all the great advice. I was going to have a shop diagnose the cause of the code(s) but it sold to some less meticulous buyer. I'm still looking at H3s and maybe even H2s but I've expanded my search to Xterras and strangely enough Chevy Avalanches. I know the Avalanche has too long a wheelbase to seriously off road without big lift and big tires, but I could sleep/camp in it and they all have V8s. I don't really need more power than an I5 I think, I just need something that can handle a couple hundred pounds of tongue weight occasionally.
This will only be driven occasionally hauling mowers/ATVs, kayaks and for camping, etc.. I'm selling all my vehicles, a small/mid sized SUV, a Mustang GT, and a Jeep TJ. This is supposed to replace the Jeep and SUV, and satisfy my testosterone when I can't handle putting around in the little Toyota Yaris I inherited that is going to be my DD. So it has to be somewhat aggressive and fun, lol.
So again thanks for all the interest and advice. I may pop back in with some more Hummer questions, I really like the platform.
Buying my 1st H3 and need advice on engine codes
I'm still looking at H3s and maybe even H2s but I've expanded my search to Xterras and strangely enough Chevy Avalanches. I know the Avalanche has too long a wheelbase to seriously off road without big lift and big tires, but I could sleep/camp in it and they all have V8s. I don't really need more power than an I5 I think, I just need something that can handle a couple hundred pounds of tongue weight occasionally.