if not an H3, then what?
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 475
From: north Alabama
if not an H3, then what?
What is on the market today that you like in place of an H3? I have an aversion to Jeeps, but they do fit the bill, kinda.
Last edited by Justinh; Jul 26, 2025 at 05:05 PM.
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 475
From: north Alabama
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 14
From: Idaho
Bronco
I fell in love with the new full size Broncos as soon as I saw them. I can’t afford one yet, but I test drove one just to see if I actually liked them and they drive very similar to my H3, but newer and fancier. So that’s my next vehicle in the far away future when I can get one for under $20k haha.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 27
From: Central Florida, USA
I don't think there is any new car that can replace the H3. That's why I actually sold a much newer car with far fewer miles to buy my H3.
My H3 won't last forever, but with some $$$ put in to it, I can (not necessarily will) keep it on the road longer than a new Bronco (Starting from a hypothetical purchase today, and considering repair costs for some reasonable time in the future)
The only real alternative to the H3, IMHO, is a classic Toyota Land Cruiser (4 Door Variants). Nice looking restored/modified vintage Land Cruisers seem to go through Bring A Trailer almost every day. (Although of course buying such a vehicle deserves a all-caps bold "Buyer Beware".)
What are the criteria that I am basing this on?
--- Mix of Utility/Capability and Comfort/Luxury (For each vehicle's respective time)
--- In-line engines (as late as 2007)
--- Body on Frame
--- Dependability/Longevity/Repairability
--- Current Purchase Price (although I'll admit that this requires a lot of leeway to justify.
--- Future value (this could be combined with Repairability and called Total Cost of Ownership)
My H3 won't last forever, but with some $$$ put in to it, I can (not necessarily will) keep it on the road longer than a new Bronco (Starting from a hypothetical purchase today, and considering repair costs for some reasonable time in the future)
The only real alternative to the H3, IMHO, is a classic Toyota Land Cruiser (4 Door Variants). Nice looking restored/modified vintage Land Cruisers seem to go through Bring A Trailer almost every day. (Although of course buying such a vehicle deserves a all-caps bold "Buyer Beware".)
What are the criteria that I am basing this on?
--- Mix of Utility/Capability and Comfort/Luxury (For each vehicle's respective time)
--- In-line engines (as late as 2007)
--- Body on Frame
--- Dependability/Longevity/Repairability
--- Current Purchase Price (although I'll admit that this requires a lot of leeway to justify.
--- Future value (this could be combined with Repairability and called Total Cost of Ownership)
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8,999
From: C-Town
I fell in love with the new full size Broncos as soon as I saw them. I can’t afford one yet, but I test drove one just to see if I actually liked them and they drive very similar to my H3, but newer and fancier. So that’s my next vehicle in the far away future when I can get one for under $20k haha.
Definitely, Our next ride when my wife retires for: "Traveling"!My H3 stays as promised to my grandson that asked for it! Low miles well maintained will easy last another 20yrs+
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 265
From: New Mexico
If you are looking at off road capability the Bronco Sasquatch isn't too far from the H3 in terms of geometry and size, and exceed the H3 in terms of approach/departure/breakover angles, flex, ground clearance and performance. My H3 point of comparison is my 09 Championship Edition with V8, offroad package, and 35's.
I'm not sure it would be harder to keep a Bronco serviceable vs. a Hummer since it's getting harder and harder to find parts for the H3 and the Bronco is still in production. Then again, if you don't spend $50k-70k on a new ride that frees up a lot of cash to keep an H3 in tip top condition!
IMHO the Hummer EV and the GMC Yukon are too big for the trails. The new 4Runner/Landcruiser/GX550 are worth considering as well. They are around the same size as the H3, do pretty good offroad and are also civilized on the street.
I'm not sure it would be harder to keep a Bronco serviceable vs. a Hummer since it's getting harder and harder to find parts for the H3 and the Bronco is still in production. Then again, if you don't spend $50k-70k on a new ride that frees up a lot of cash to keep an H3 in tip top condition!
IMHO the Hummer EV and the GMC Yukon are too big for the trails. The new 4Runner/Landcruiser/GX550 are worth considering as well. They are around the same size as the H3, do pretty good offroad and are also civilized on the street.