Hello all! new to the forum was looking for some advice looking to purchase a H3 what should I be looking for there any thing obvious of concern that I should know about? any advice will be very appreciated. Thank you so much for any help.

 

Welcome to HF.

There are many (about four bazillion two) threads asking this same question, please use the search feature. You might find threads that have info about the early 2006 L52 heads made before they included re-designed hardened valve seats like this 2009 post of mine:
"The S/Ns affected is any 2006 H3 lower than 287591 .... the first one started with 100,001, your truck build date will be Nov. 06 or earlier. Not all have the problem, but some could. The head issue affected not only the I5, 4s and 6s were subject to the same issues. Call GM with your vin# and build date (from the sticker in the driver's door jam) and ask.

Just in case you're gonna say, wow they didn't even build that many 3s? The VINs are assigned at the same Shreveport plant building Colorados and Canyons. Their VIN sequence unit #s are mixed in and subject to the same TSB re: the head/valve issue.

The recall and extended warranty was for very early 2006s, those with the 3.5L L52 Motors built before March 31, 2006. That is not to say some 3.7L LLRs have never had a valve or head issue. All the Atlas motors built since 4/1/06 have the new hardened valve seats."

 

thank you very much for your reply I'm new to this forum thing and wow what a wealth of information thank you so much

 

Jmho
If I were making the choice of purchasing an h3 I'd go with the following:

1. h3 t
2. h3 alpha
3. ford raptor
4. Fj cruiser
5. 4 Dr wrangler rubi
6. Older truck built up to my desirous expectations. ...lol

 

Sumo,
Have you assessed your need for an H3? If you plan to offroad often, it's a great choice. Towing anything over 4500 lbs, not so much. Family with children and trying to load luggage on a big trip, not so much.

I'd avoid 2006 alltogether. It's the oldest 3 out there, newer models address most fo the big problems.

Happy- From your selection, I'd take a Raptor without question. But with my family of 5, I'd rather take an expedition EL/Yukon XL. One can dream..

 

HAHA. ... yea pocket book be d@mned. To dream of cool rigs.