I sold my duramax and my choice of new rides has come down to an H3 with adventure package or a 4-door Rubicon. I can get in an H3 for a LOT cheaper. I've found some great deals on 06 models but it seems like 07's are $4-5k more in price! How many 06's are effected by the cylinder head issues? If it's a major problem should I just bite the bullet and spend more for an 07 up?

 

i have two H3 2006 3.5 Liters. One has the adventure package . Suspension is much better than Base h3.Also has the lock differential switch.(front/rear)
One of them i bought new in 2006 , had the head replaced @ 27,000 miles under Factory warranty. 3.5 L is less noisy than the 3.7 valvetrain under load -acceleration- .(i test drove both) just a bit more responsive on take off but not much. Gas mileage is superior on the 3.5 engine i get 18/19 miles per gallon while 16 on the 3.7 .
Some 3.5L have had a premature common failure (check engine light Code) "missfire Cylinder 5" . That's your signal that the head is going bad.

Or go look for one that had the Head replacement done at the dealer. Problem solved.

 

I know someone just hit 183k on their 06 H3... so they CAN last. I honestly wouldnt rule them out, I have one, but they are under powered and the 3.7 is a little more peppy... If your comparing it to your old truck than I might advise you to look into a 08-10 Alpha w/ the 5.3 V8...
Also w/ adventure packages on the 09/10s is where you get both front and rear lockers. the 06/07s only had the rear. But the mod could be done and you'd ultimately be coming in cheaper than what a newer one will set you back...
What are you looking to do with it? primary uses?

 

The VIN # sequence for the 06 H3s with the pre-hardened valve seats has been posted here, and elsewhere, over and over, do a search.

 

If you have the cash to spend get the 07 up. In addition to the larger displacement there are other minor improvements. Most notably the freaking window switch location. If your not going to do any wheeling then no need to spend all the extra money and time to get an adventure package.

 

I have an early 07 with the sucky window switch location, they did not make many of those before the change to the better location............. so mine will be a rare collector vehicle much sooner.

 

Hmm, collector vehicle. Yeah...

 

So did I, bright yellow so mine will be even more of a collector item (but I don't have it any longer).

OP - if you can swing it, get the newest one you can. '06 models are out of warranty. '07 should have a little bit left of the 100k warranty.The newer you go the more warranty left, including some bumper to bumper if you go new enough. Then there is the slight power and potential head issues of the 3.5.

 

What I found out on the warranty is that the 5yr, 100k powertrain warranty starts the month the vehicle was sold. In my case Dec 06 as an 07 model. My warranty expired while I still had a few thousand miles left. My warranty experience hasn't been the most favorable and I'm rather happy to be out from under that. I understand the B2B warranty claims get treated better, but I have no first hand knowledge there.

 

Seems to really depend on the dealer you take it to. My dealer is fantastic - used to be a Hummer/Cadillac/Chevy dealer, all Hummer work is done by Hummer certified mechanics on the Cadillac side. CTS loaner while doing warranty repairs, complimentary wash and vacuum, no charge going over my truck with a fine tooth comb looking for an odd squeek. Realigned my aftermarket slider from where I smacked a rock hard enough to knock it out of line. Not the closest Hummer supported dealer, but I started going there based on a number of recommendations and will continue to do so.