Hey Guys,

I'm starting my research now for the purchase of an H1, end of next year. Funds being what they are, I have to wait that long. But, I plan on paying cash after the wait, so that's a bonus there. No payments.

I've read in a few places that the routine maintenance of the H1 is high. Is that accurate?

I'm not sure what the most sought after year/model is. I definitely like the interior of the 2006, but, well, ya know.

So what's the chosen year/model and why? I'd like to keep my purchase price around $30k-$40k. While I live in the mountains and it will see some offroad and annual snow, I won't be driving it underwater and through mud bogs. Some commuting during the winter months, etc.

I like the idea of a turbo diesel, especially if there's the opportunity to add on something like a bullydog to get a little extra hp.

I went though the Used Buyer's Guide, which at least let me know the changes through out the years. I guess I'm really just concerned with the above mentioned maintenance costs.

ps.. I'm not afraid to tear into mechanics, but I know nothing about diesel mech's.

Thanks in advance... I look forward to the scowls from the tree huggers.

 

Maintenance costs is highly dependent on how you use the truck. If it is mainly driven on paved roads then your costs will be much lower. A 12,000 mile service runs $1200.00 to $1500.00 depending on the dealer. That includes checking everything, all filters, fluids, etc. If something else is determined to need repair that is over and above the service cost. That said their isn't much to doing the service yourself.
If offroading regularly then you will go through tie rods, half shafts, idler and pitman arms more regularly. Since most people don't drive their trucks a lot I would say that average maintenance costs run between $1500-2500.00 per year.

 

I would agree with 3hummers!!

Mine just had the 12,000 mile service before I bought it but I found minor things that needed attention.

I love this truck and drive it more over my Corvette (which is soon to be sold NO FUN ANYMORE COMPARED TO THE HUMMER).

If you use the forums, manuals and maintenance CDs and use common sense and troubleshooting skills it should be fairly easy for most common issues to be handled by yourself reducing your cost.

I myself have become addicted to fixing everything!! It's turned out to be a fun learning experience and with great help from the forums (3hummers!!) you have plenty of good advice.

Hope all goes well on your search these are AWESOME vehicles I should have bought one years ago.

 

I purchase my H1 3 years ago. It's a 1996 gaser. I paid 27K for it and since then have placed over 30K into it. I spent 10K just on the wheels and interior. If I had to search again I would have purchased one in better mechanical shape. 3 years ago I was in better financial shape and could afford to spend the money. No Way I could afford to spend that type of money now! Anyway, I love driving my hummer. It's not the fastest thing on the road but It makes me feel like a kid again. Good Luck on your seach.

 

Wheels, tires, paint, interior, etc aren't normal maintenance though. As long as the maintenance on the truck is current and the truck doesn't need a lot of work to start with normal maintenace isn't that bad.

 

I agree.

 

i just purchased a 1999 and love it the old owner had a ton of extra goodies that he gave me as well 10 fuel filters, 5 air filters extra set of 5 brand new 17" hutchinson two piece rims. and am general camo tail gate extra mirrors and tons of fluids. didnt come with a radio though and had to replace the ac compressor and the ac drier. other than that maintenance is very straight forward.