New to the forums myself. Like was said above, I was recently in your situation, andI ended up leasing a new 07 SUT (didn't find any SUT's locally that were decent). One thing I came across when researching and looking was that 03's have an analog Onstar system. Have the dealer upgrade to the new digital system as part of the deal, as by the end of this year, your system will no longer function.

Good Luck.

 

I work at a Cadillac/Hummer dealer and thethings we had the most problems with on the 03's are the air ride suspention (if it has it),the outside rear view mirrors (they won't move in and out),hood stop cables corode and break,outside spare tire carrier freeze up and is hard to move and the rear studs on the exhaust manifold break causing a annoying exhaust leak. The rest of the truck is decent. The onstarupgrade will cost $314 to upgrade with a years safe and sound service. If by chance this truck is still under factory warranty see if you can get it hummer certified and extend the warranty to 6 years or 100k miles. Good Luck Steve

 

I have no experience with 2003 H2's. However, my 2005 and 2006 H2 SUT's have been trouble free.
You can probably find brand new 2006 H2's for $10,000 to $12,000 off msrp/sticker, after rebates, and get a full warranty.

 

There are some updates/changes to the truck coming for the 2008 model year, which might mean that the 2007 trucks will be discounted heavily to make way for the new models later this year (that happened with the Tahoe/Escalades last year), so you might get a screaming steal on a brand new truck.

With respect to older trucks, I would really recommend getting one with some factory warranty left and buy an extended warranty to cover everything.

There might be some 2006 model years left at dealers that are available heavily discounted - i saw 0% + discounts last year when gas prices were sky-high. Also, the '06 and earlier trucks came from the factory with BFG TA/KO tires and i think the '07s have Goodyear AT tires. One or the other of those might be the better on or offroad tire, depending on what driving you want to do. Sometimes new cars with abigger pricetag can be closer than you'd think to used vehicles when things like 0% financing are in play.

I read once, while reading about Josh Hall and his racing H2, that some fairly big drivetrain changes were made for the '05 model year to correct some problems he had in the Baja1000, and the newer drivetrains are more durable than the older for heavy offroad use.

I've heard stories about the interiors of '03 trucks having rattles and buzzes (which is nothing that can't be fixed in an afternoon with some Dynamat, but might be something that you want to look for).


But mostly, i'd just find a truck with some warranty left and extend it. GM lets you extend the factory warranty right up until the day after it expired.

 

caligrl...

Just 'do your homework' and really check around before you commit. I was patient and eventually got a great deal on my fully-optioned '06 with less mileage and and at a better price than the one I was heavily considering purchasing just a few weeks before...I'm glad that I had waited, as the one I purchased has all of the amenities. Also, as previously mentioned by some form members, also check to see if the H2 you're considering is or can be GM Certified...giving you excellentwarranty coverage. If not, do heavily consider purchasing a GMextended warranty which is honored nationwide, and not just at the purchasing dealer, as it'll do you absolutely no good if you'll be returning to CA. I had also wanted to purchase an H2 for quite sometime, but was also considering purchasing the Toyota 'FJ Cruiser'...until I drove and sat inside one...it's just too small for my liking. The H2 handles/drives much better, looks much better (inside and out), hasmuch more room, and is extremely comfortable fromadriver's/passenger's standpoint.Although it's a very large vehicle, and maneuvering within some tight parking lots, narrow alleyways andsome streetsmight seem likea chore at first,eventually you'll get used to the H2's girth. Having owned a multitude of different types of vehicles throughout the years (from sports to luxury), I can honestly say that my H2 rides as smoothly as a late 70's era Cadillac (they were large and heavy back then, which contributed their their excellent ride quality), and it even rides betterthan mylarge/heavy '05Chryslersports sedan. Sure it's not a Ferrari or a Corvette, but then again those vehiclescannot go places where the H2 iscapable of going. Also, having recently participated in an off-road adventure, which was sponsored by my local Hummer dealer here in CA, I was able to see for myself what an excellent off-road vehiclethe H2 actually is, and I'm nowextremely confident of my H2's owncapabilities. I don't regret purchasing this vehicle whatsoever and I'm sure that neither will you...good luck with your decision. [sm=icon_cheers.gif]

 

I have a 2005 H2 and love it... you won't be disappointed.... compare prices in other regions I have seen 03 H2 in the Tampa Bay Area for under $30,000 with 40,000 miles for piece of mind invested in a extended service plan... if buying from the hummer dealer ask about the GMAC Extended Service plans it seems to provide very good coverage to an aging vehicle...

Hope this Helps
Rich