Dear Forum,
I am a newbie, so please don't beat me up too much. I am hoping you can confirm my info. Let me know if I am right or wrong, and make recommendations.

My situation:
I think I would like to get a Hummer H1 for the family SUV. I think they have a timeless look.
I am not a big fan of the H2 and H3's. I think they are watered down and don't have the appeal of the H1.

Two adults, three kids. So I would need to add the third row bench seat to the back.
I work from home, so mostly for taking kids to school and going shopping. Maybe going on a couple summer driving trips to the mountains.
I'd like to get a boat someday, so it would be handy for hauling the boat.

Pros:
1. Look really cool
2. Seem to be fully depreciated, so if I buy it right, I could always sell it for close to what I have in it.
3. Big and safe.
4. We live in Boise Idaho, so good on snow.
5. lot of room between seats so people aren't bugging each other as much
6. **** off environmentalists.

Cons:
1. Gas fuel mileage is horrible right? I can expect around 10 miles to the gallon around town, so at the summer fuel prices, it will cost hundreds more per month than the 20mpg mini van.
2. Tires are probably expensive
3. Not a lot of leg room.
4. Will have to add a third row back bench seat, which is probably strange for the person in the back, because legs don't go down as much. Is it awkward, entering the rear doors, climbing up and shutting door from inside?
5. Loud interior drive train noise.
6. Low top speed on freeway. I think they top out in the 65 to 70 range correct? So gone would be the days of cruising at 75 and 80 in the fast lane.

Any trouble getting through fast food drive throughs?

I guess I am a bit of a bottom feeder Hummer owner, so I would be leaning towards the first generation consumer model 90's model wagon. I don't like the customized ones with the fancy wheels, huge brush guards, and luggage racks. I would like a nice stock un-molested one with original wheels. I am open to any color, but like red and black the best.

I have seen them in the mid to high 20's asking prices. I would be a cash buyer. I am hoping to find one somewhat close to home. Transporting or driving a hummer across the country would probably cost a lot either way.

Any recommendations or advice? Am I right about my pros and cons?
Thanks
Jeff
Boise, Idaho

 

Edit: I mean "1. Diesel fuel mileage is horrible..."

 

What you have described is somewhat accurate and you have a pretty good idea.
I think you should find one for sale and test drive it. You are right about the noise and comfort. not smooth. The third seat that mounts between the two rear buckets is only good for small children. Once the get bigger, they will not fit. I don't think that you'll be able to find a 90's wagon for the price that you mentioned unless it needs work. Speaking of work. If you don't do your own fixing, I suggest you find someone local that KNOWS these trucks. Early 90's had HVAC issues. Late 90's into some 2001 had problematic blocks where the eight cylinder would crack. Very important to look at the maintenance history. You can have a high mile truck that has been properly maintain that will last you a long time. You can have a low mile truck that the owner had no clue what to do and you'll have yourself a problem. You will also encounter the rust issues that affect the wagons where the top meets the quarter panels. Not being pesimistic but realistic. I wound up spending more than I planned but I bought myself a trouble free truck, just minor problems. Good luck with the hunt and search some more in regards to the HVAC and eighth cylinder issues.

 

Thanks for the info.

I was thinking more of the third row bench seat that goes in the far back.
Has anybody ever sat in one of those? Is it pretty rough not having your feet down like a normal seat?

This guy has a 98 for sale for 29k asking price. https://www.hummerforums.com/forum/p...on-hmcs-37440/

I will contact him to see what state he is in, and condition.

A cracked engine block does not sound fun. I imagine welding and machining wouldn't be a permanent solution and a replacement block would need to be sourced. Not fun.

Why don't I see many H1's on the road any more? Not that I saw many 15 years ago, but now I see NONE. Is it mechanical problems that have sidelined them, or the hundreds a month extra for fuel? Since most people can get 15 to 19 mpg in a modern SUV.

 

Floor height in the cargo area is the same as the center console. Same seat, just bolts in the back. Just as uncomfortable and harder to access. Unable to bend your legs and much less head room. Not many H1 were built. People bought them not realizing what was involved in keeping them on the road and some just bit the dust. If you purchase a H1, you are not worry about fuel efficiency. I have a GMC Yukon Xl Denali as my family truck, not much of a difference in MPG but HUGE difference in comfort. Two different animals. I have 4 children, my daughter drives the H3 and my 3 disable sons love the H1. Bought the middle seat so my short wife could sit on it for a short drive to the beach. My children are older and will not fit on that seat. If you have any questions send me a PM and I'll give you my Phone #.

 

Oh boy, I see what you mean about the back added seat being the same level ad the center console. A fifth person has no headroom, and their legs will rest out in front of them.

That thin foot tall divider that runs behind the two back seats with the pouch... Is it removable?

The H1 will not work with a fifth adult.

I am assuming the military version has the same layout. Why would the military desire a vehicle that will only fit four soldiers?

Thanks for your info.

 

96-2000 TD blocks had the #8 casting issue. There are likely no more than about 6000 civilian H1s on the road. Only 12000 were ever built.

 

Thank you for all your help & guidance during this past year when it was my time to ask these questions while purchasing my H1.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Jacques

 

Wow, So any 96 - 2000 model year H1, if it is running on it's original engine, is a ticking time bomb for the engine case to crack?
That explains why the 2001 and up H1's are double to quadruple the price.

So I will either need to get a 95 or older hummer, or a 96 to 2000 that has had the engine swapped.
Is the fallout from this massive engine problem one of the reasons the H1 went away? (aside from fuel prices).
Am I correct?
Thanks

 

No worries, happy to help.