I agree with the above. Also, what kind of tires are you buying for $500? That is crazy unless they are gold plated or something. Also, you can buy a bcm for around $170 to $200. There are posts on here step by step about how to do this stuff or we can walk you through it too. Or if you are going to pay to have things done go somewhere else. Those prices are rediculous.

 

sigh, take 2 due to expired token....

Thanks for the response. I agree the two main concerns are the valve intake issue and the shift fork. That said, there has to be a price point where it is still wroth purchasing and, worst case, paying for the new head, shift fork and BCM (~$5500 at dealer).

It is difficult to determine what '06 H3s are actually selling for. Looking at classifieds for '06/'07 model with ~60-80k miles finds most starting at ~$18k. Assuming they are selling for $16k-$17k, what is the price point where it would still be worth purchasing this H3? $11k-$12k? Or are the early '06 models so bad it is not worth purchasing at any price?

I do appreciate the input here. Please keep the discussion flowing. If nothing else, this helps me put this down in writing and think through my options. It is amazing how much one can learn on these forums!

LifeIsGood

 

The tires on there now are Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor 265/75/R16. I priced them out at Tire Rack and the price for 2 shipped was ~$430. It will cost ~$20-$25 per tire to have them mounted and balanced.

Sadly the spare is a brand new Goodyear Wrangler ?RT/S? but that model does now appear to be available. I always try to pair up like tires if not all 4.

LifeIsGood

 

The Wrangler RT/S's were replaced with the Silent Armors in Goodyear's lineup. The SA's are a much, much better tire.

As I stated, if the head falls under the range of known bad #s and has not been replaced, coupled with all of the other issues you listed, I'd definately pass on that one and find a newer model. You'll likely end up with a newer vehicle with less miles and better resale value for the same money in the end.

 

Personally, I'd say stick with a late '07+. I had an early '07 and while nothing wrong with it, the window controls are in a stupid place that was changed at some point during '07. Minor issue I know, but the engine upgrades starting in '07 are worth it and the price for an early '07 and an identical in every way late '07 would be the same.

 

Not sure which part of the country you're in, but I did a search and came up with several 08-09s with about 80k on them for 14 to 16 thousand. A few thousand more than the 06 you're looking at but worth more and most of the early issues were corrected by then. There's a 08 Alpha with 65K for $14500 here: WWW.ELITEAUTOSALES.V12SOFT.COM

 

Then it's just another small step up to an '09+ Adventure for front/rear lockers.

 

I looked at the link. The only one they showed there didn't look like a gem... One front tow hook missing... For what reason??? The front left tire looked to be leaning out at the top, and one mismatched tire..... Some stuffs and scratches... And on top of that there is no alpha badge on it.

 

Frank, pretty sure it's not an Alpha. Many missing Alpha items point to this conclusion.

 

I bought a 2007 with 99K miles for $15.6K. I did do the following:

Rear Brakes $115
New tensioner, idler and belt ~$100
PCM tune $199 more performance and defeat passlock issues

Pretty sure my manifold is cracked, but oh well it's jus tnoisy in cold weather.