Hello all, from Norway. I`m new to the board.
As we have another child on the way, we might need a new car. We currently have two children (6/7 years old) a Bmw 730d, a vw passat V6 4motion and a ford escort.
The vw is the wifes daily driver, but it does not have room enough for 3 children`s seats in the back. It only has a two point seat belt in the centre.
So in a while we will need a "new" car.

Our budget is limited, but a used Hummer H3 is within reach. Will 3 childrens seats fit in the back seats?

Next question is, here in norway most H3`s are 06 or 07`s. Almost all of them are within the valve seat (head) issue vin numbers. Should one avoid these or is it not something to worry about?

And lastly, how is the build quality on these, Do they rust alot, break down alot?

Thanks for any replies..

 

Welcome!

3 children's seats in the back may be tight, but doable. The middle seat is smaller but has a shoulder strap which is great for children's seats.

There are a few differences between 06 and 07, namely the engine size. GM realized that the 3.5 was a bit too sluggish and started equipping 07's with a 3.7 which have a bit more power.

As long as the valve seat/head issues have been resolved, there shouldn't be too much concern. I drive an 07, and had this issue repaired at 20,000 mi and no problem since. If you find one your're keen on, I would ask to look at service records if they are available to see if the issue has come up.

I have owned mine since new and I have only had 2 real issues with mine other than the head, 1 being a pump seal in my transmission that has gone out twice and I have had consistent issues with my exhaust manifold. I believe H3's are notorious for having bolts break off the manifold which causes an exhaust leak. Unfortunately California emissions standards don't allow me to upgrade to a header so I've had to live with the problem :/

Besides those two issues, I LOVE my H3 and for the most part, it has been a great vehicle. I have put over 150k miles on it and it runs great. It is fun to drive and is extremely safe. I avidly drive to the mountains and in snow and it handles great! If I had kids, I would definitely feel comfortable driving with them and feel they'd be safe in a collision (God forbid).

Hope this helps! Good luck on your search for one.

 

Thanks. Maybe I have to look for something bigger, if it`s tight. Do you know how it compares to the 2003- chevy tahoe (for back seat space..)?
If all 07 and up were the 3,7 then there is a lot of mix ups with these over here. All of those I have seen so far for sale, has the 3,5, even if they are sold as 08`s.

 

hmm I installed stainless headers here in Cali. it has the O2 sensor right in the collector, added lots a power and emmision compliant. no more bolt issues and sound much better.like a V-12 lol

 

OK, let's get some FACTS straight. The valve seat "issue" VIN #s are ONLY for 2006 H3s and ALL of those were 3.5L. The motors had to be built before 03/31/2006.

In Norway you drive on the right hand side of the road, so that would be LHD H3s.... correct? ALL LHD H3s come from the Shreveport LA plant. 2007s and up ALL have 3.7Ls.

Even people here selling used H3s do not know enough about them to list the engine correctly (they have been listed with V6s, 4.2Ls etc...).

I have no idea what the child safety restraint laws in Norway are, but I would assume the 6&7 year olds would be in a booster type seat (the seat does not have its own restraints, rather the child sits on it and the vehicle seat belts go over the child and booster seat together). A couple of those and a baby seat would fit in an H3.

 

Speaking from first hand experience, I have noticed in several countries outside the US of A it is common to find prior year models registered as the year it was bought new. We used to do the same in the US until the late 60's or early 70's as I recall. An example would be a 2006 model VW Gol sold in 2008 when the new body style came out. It might be listed as an '08 Gol, 06/08 Gol or '06 Gol new registered in '08. You probably only had the 3.5L '06 model imported there. Having owned a Passat and a couple H3's, if you can't get your 3 child seats in the back of the Passat I doubt you will get them in an H3. The H3 has fender well bumps that intrude a on the lower, outer seat corners. At 58.9" vs 49.5" of rear hip room, I don't see getting 3 seats in. Even with creatively cossing buckles and belts.

 

where did you get the header? I've been looking everywhere and cannot find one!

 

The tahoe's have a little bit more space in the back and they have an additional back seat as well I believe...

 

Thanks for the replies guys. Yes we drive on the right side and I think it`s more the case that most H3`s were truly 06`es, just maybe not sold in 06 like rsc said.
The passat hardly has room for the booster seats and the baby seat, so guess a H3 would be too small for us then.

 

Thanks ss. Have to have a look at a tahoe then. They are almost a third of the price of the H2 here.