Hi H2 Enthusiasts,

searching as well currently for an H2 '09 - so really interesting and helpful advise in this thread.

Read that the tranny will not last longer than 100k milage (even if correctly meintained) - as I am looking for a 50k-70k H2 that should be not a concern, but I just want to be knowing about it if I find one in the higher milages but in perfect conditions in- & outside where I cant say no to.

Listed together the points mentioned above for the community:

• Check the door panels around the handles for cracks and the map pockets.
• Check the driver and passenger mirrors to see if they fold correctly.
• Check the rear license plate tray and see if it has pulled out of the rear gate. There are plastic studs that hold it in and snap off when slammed.
• Check for leaking exhaust manifolds
• Check if pulleys shaking
• Check the sunroof or clearance light for leaking
• Check if tranny shifts properly
• Check wear/usage at whole suspension parts due to the heavy weight

@madmayo,
Could you pls post a picture of that studs (if visible to the outside)?


@H2Miami
Does that mean the 08-09 have better OEM tranny cooling or would you recommend the tranny cooler as well for the 08-09s?

Thanks

Lars

 

The transmissions in the 08 and 09's are the 6l80 which is a much better trans that the 4l80 if maintained properly.

 

Yep but still may need the aftermarket cooler eventually . Not 100% if the cooler system is the same
The tranny cooler mod is very cool . In fact it keeps the fluid much colder around 135

I wouldn't said the 4l80 is bad and yes in most cars it will last much longer Thang 100k even if not well maintained
But 6l80 is superior for sure

 

Hey guys,

thanks for your reply - really helpful.

Questions about the transmission:
What I could read above about the 6I80 points out that the 08-09s have less probs with the tranny - correct?

Are there any significant and obvious signs to look for when test ride a H2 about the tranny - means are there kind of hard/bumpy gear changes that normally fail first or at least signalize problems in the near future?

The other way around - whats good maintenance on the tranny? Tranny oil change? If yes where would this be documented? Guess only on the dealer invoice for this service.

Questions about the roofmarker leackage and the sunroof:
How can one check if there is a leackage with the markers - ist there a typical place where water or at least watermarks can be found to check this?

What about the sunroof - what exactly is there to watch out for - operation and/or leackage?

Thx

Lars

 

Check the spare tire swing arm both my 07 h2 rusted right were it meets the swivel pin....also the door handels have come off on the driver and passenger sides ..

 

The shift in the hummer is always rough at least the 06
Im n not sure where you got the info that the transmission won't last .
I've been here for many years and can't remember last time.someone complain about the tranny. Other than a broken radiator cooler filling the tranny with antifreeze

A water leak isn't a deal breaker . You can get new corner lights gasket or just a silicone layer will help
Another water enter point is the plug for the light . Only happens when the roof channel which runs next to.the light is dirty

Not.sure if said it . I would check diff/transfer case fluids ... front hubs ... water pump ... shocks (which u will.need to replace anyway)
Oil.Leak undercarriage
Exhaust bolts (very prone to break)
Test the 4x4 (h.l lock ) a few times

If everything is ok . Buy it. Then the fun starts

 

Maintenance costs are going to be similar to a GM/Chev truck; it is a GM Denali engine built upon the same frame as a Chevrolet Avalanche. I happen to have an 06 H2 purchased in 08 with 8000 miles on it. It now has 80K on it. The only thing I have had to do is brake pads. I did replace shocks although probably wasn't necessary. I did replace a lock actuator for the rear hatch. My 4 speed engine has served me fine & I tow a 4700 lb boat with 55 gallons of fuel easily during the summer. As for tires, I am on my second set of all-terrain BF Goodrich tires with probably a year till I get my 3rd set. These are the same as what came originally with the vehicle. Cost I believe was about $1000 for 4 tires with installation at Costco. Best to have the spare tire outside on the rear to not use up space in cargo area. The tire bar/rack is extremely sturdy, no rattles, and swings out easily. No rust on mine; but, I live in the south two hours from the coast.
Body is solid & comfortable. Noise will come from tires & wind at high speed since not aerodynamic. Runs on regular fuel; premium not necessary. MPG tends to be 12 whether one drives 80 MPH or 55.
I still love my H2 and plan to pass it on one day (8 yrs) to my son as a college grad present on account of it being a unique vehicle. I am sure it will eventually break; but, what breaks can be fixed. Check the internet; nice H2's out there to be had. The space within it & the feeling of security is great; we always take the H2 when traveling in spite of the bad mileage.

 

100% 2008-09. I've had 4 different H2s. First was an 07, everything after was 2008 and I would never go back. My current 08 is the only one to have the dreaded drivetrain clunk and I think that is because the owner used the trailer hitch frequently. Try to avoid as it is annoying to source the problem. It has an imperfect idle due to a weak fuel pump despite only 70,000 miles but I think it is due to the high ethanol gas in Iowa where I sourced the truck. Every H2 I bought I installed HD tie rods, 2 out of 4 had bent OE rods as they aren't much thicker than your pinky! Check that everything electrical works, try to find one that is completely stock, look for missing bolt heads on the exhaust manifolds, roof leaks from sunroof or clearance lights, make sure nothing is missing or broken (can be expensive to replace), mall cruiser vs. off roader history can mean fewer squeaks and rattles. Air-ride sucks and is expensive to repair but not a deal breaker as coil spring conversion is cheap. Try to find rust and accident free. Make sure multi-zone AC/heat system works as zone doors can fail and are expensive to repair, mostly labor. Check for air leaks around front windshield, H2s are prone to rock chips and a poorly replaced windshield will whistle or leak. Don't use as a daily driver. You'll keep the miles down and the money I would have spent on gas and depreciation is making the car payment on a used Chevrolet Volt I drive to work daily. I've used 85 gallons of gas over the last 3 years and 38000 miles. Electricity is a mere $30 extra a month and my H2 is better off for it. My H2 is weekends and special occasion only.