Gathering Information
 

In a few weeks, I will be buying my first Hummer (H2). It has been my dream car forever, and I am finally giving in. The gas mileage has kept me away for a long time, but since I have weighed in the safety factor (living in a snowy upstate NY), and I only live 6 miles from where I work, I should be ok, overall.

I think my favorite color now is Pewter. It was black, but I am liking the silverish more and more (including the fact that it looks clean even when dirty).

I had a few general questions and situations that I wanted to get some opinions from:

Dealer Purchase/Warranty:

There is a local dealer here that offers lifetime Power Warranty and Car Washes. At first glance, this sounds good . . but wanted some opinions. If I buy here, I will be paying about $3,000 higher because they are a big dealer and have large overhead. BUT . . . if the transmission ever goes out, it's nice to know I have no worries.

The catch is that I will need to have ALL the routine maintenance, etc. at this same dealership. This could certainly drive up my maintenance costs higher than the actual value of the warranty.

So, here are my questions:

1. Does an oil change for an H2 cost more than other vehicles? Right now, I have a smaller car. I take it to Jiffy and spend about $30.00. Do quick lubes service the H2? If so, is it significantly more expensive?

2. What is an avg/typical cost of tire replacement? And how many miles can you get out of the tires?

3. Knowing all that you know now: If you had to make a decision to purchase a 2004/2005 H2 . . and (a) get it cheaper at a smaller dealership but walk away with a short limited warranty, or (b) pay a few thousand more for the car, and be locked into having all maintenance at the dealership . . . but having a full lifetime power train warranty . . . what would you pick?

Thanks in advance . . . just not yet sure of actual costs of maintaining, servicing an H2 and want your opinions before I buy

I have a 2004 Pewter that I keep outside (does not fit in garage!). When extemely dirty, it looks cleaner than my black Mercedes.

The lifetime warranty may or may not be worth it. I would suggest you ask what their maintenance schedule is. If they are using synthetic oil and require service every 7,500 miles, then it may well be worth it. If you have to go in every 3,000 miles, I think I would pass. Ask them for a schedule of the maintenance they would do and get a range of the costs. I am sure they will work with you. It is not exactly the strongest car (or Hummer) market at the moment.

Does not hurt to investigate.

Scott

Is this the type were they replace the tires every 40-50k? If so I'd say its not worth it. Unless you can get that many miles out of your tires and want the standard tire forever. They wont buy a better tire for you.

How much are you paying for it?

Thanks for the advice Scott. I will get more info from them, regarding the maintenance schedule.

Do you know . . are oil changes for H2, significantly higher than a car?

Another thought.

If you are not a big off road guy, I would try to avoid the air suspension. Very costly to fix once broken. Once mine goes, I may covert it.

Oil changes are no more expensive. I would suggest using synthetic oil.

You will spend approximately $1,100 or so to have four new tires mounted. Much cheaper than my ZR1.

I would do a look around on autotrader.com and look around the whole country. You can find yourself a low mileage 2003/04/05 for a decent price.

The one issue you should deal with once getting one is to re-seal all of the lights on top of the H2 and make sure your drain tubes for the sunroof are clear of debris. Leaks are a big problem on these cars, but can be prevented/minimized if you pay attention to these areas.

Scott

colbymh,

Not sure I understand . . the Dealer won't be replacing the tires. They are simply offering a lifetime power train warranty IF I agree to get all the scheduled maintenance with them.

As for the tires, I am just tying to get an idea of the costs of owning the H2.

I have not yet picked out my H2, so I can not give you a price. I am guesstimating because I have spent months doing research. I can find a 2004/05 H2 with 60K-90,000 miles for about

$18,000 - 19,000 at a small dealer with limited warranty

$23 - $24,000 at Large Dealer with Lifetime Power Train warranty.

I am trying to figure out which is a better deal. If the powertrain warranty is worth it for sure, then I will simply go to that dealer and have them "find the car I want" and buy it from them. They will locate the H2, If I ask them to, it will just take a bit of time.

Scott,

Thanks for the advice on synthetic oil, and sealing the lights/roof.

I have been monitoring AutoTrader for about 6 months, and you are correct in that there are some good prices out there. I typically search for a 300 mile radius, as I want to be able to go look at the H2, etc. before I make a purchase. Also, I am leaning towards buying local because if anything goes wrong during the limited or lifetime warranty . . I don't want to have my car towed 300 miles to have it serviced (not sure how that works . . )

My mistake. I wasn't reading it clearly. That's a tough one huh. Sounds like a decent option depending on the maint schedule as the other guy mentioned.

You could also have the option of getting an ext warranty (added 100K) for about $2500. I don't think I would pay $6k more though.

How bout this..Find a new model for the extra money and also get an ext warranty...

colbymh
 

colbymh,

I think the extended warranty is a good alternative. If I am correct, they are not locked into specific dealerships, as they are independent companies, correct?

Do you know . . . how do extended warranties work? Do you pay out initial costs and then submit a claim? Or does the work get covered up front, if it is covered?

As for buying a newer model . . well, unfortunately, my budget is maxed out at around $24,000 which is why I am looking at 04/05's. But, I do like your idea of extended warranty . . .as it is a more affordable way to get coverage.

Thanks

Should be just like any other vehicle which means you can take it anywhere that is authorized to work on it. GM dealer, etc.

Let's see if I answer this correct if I understand you Q. You just have the extended warranty added onto your purchase. Mine cost right about $2500 to add on to price. well worth it and I have a 2007 with 30,000 miles.

Warranty work means no up front cost. All covered..