hello all, just wanted opinions. i currently have a 2003 H2 with 106k miles. it runs very well, and is in excellent condition. ltely though i have considered down sizing to something a little more "econimical" basically.
the local dealer has a 2006 H3 the wife and i like and it has 46k miles on it, but its very nice also. what are some of the common issues H3 owners have and is the fuel economy enough to matter?

 

What were the reasons you bought the H2 in the first place, and does the H3 meet those needs?

A H3 would not find my needs as a family vehicle... does it fit yours?

All vehicles have their pluses and minuses.... maintenance is maintenance...

 

If you're considering downsizing for the fuel economy then the 06 w/manual and 265's is what you want. You will definitely give up the gadgets and doo-dads like dual zone a/c and all. On paper the H3 is 6 1/2 inches narrower and not as tall as well as getting 50% better mileage so that looks good right? Well, 74.7 inches is still pretty wide and 18-19 mpg doesn't bust the magic 20 either. Now add in a Bluetooth that only has cell phone capability, no steering wheel controls and a basic a/c system and your giving up more than you're getting. Maybe the best choice would be to keep the H2 and buy a smaller commuter for the mileage? If I already had a second car for commuting and fuel efficiency I would just keep the H2.

 

While I have never driven an H2, I do find the size of the H3 to be about right - it's as big as I'd want to go. I went from a Cherokee to an H3 and let my wife trade in our Avalanche. Thought about keeping the Avalanche instead of trading the 3 on a T, but an Avalanche is bigger than I want for a DD right now. An H2 would also be bigger than I want. You will lose bells and whistles going from your H2 to an H3, but for your situation it may make sense. About the only thing I'd recommend is going '07 or newer, and if you actually wheel it get the Adventure (offroad) package.

As someone else mentioned, take your family for a drive in a H3 before you commit. I think they are plenty for a family of 4, or 5 if you have small kids. However, family of 4, plus perhaps a dog or two, and all your gear for a camping trip and you may need a roof rack for everything. Of course coming from a Cherokee, the H3 seems like plenty of room. You going from an H2 may find it too small.

 

I personally like the interior of the H2 and the exterior of the H3. Why couldn't they merge the two damn it.

 

I think the H3 is perfect for 4 adults on a road trip. I have had 4 large adults accompany me on 3-4 day road trips with all of our luggage, and while it worked, it was a little cramped, but it did all fit.

Maintenance seems to cost a little more than my cherokee did but it feels worth it. My daily commute is about 100 miles and with just myself in the vehicle the mpg's can range from a low of 15 in the winter to 18-19 in the summer mostly at 75 mph. If I drive 65 I can get it up to about 20.