I've been looking to buy an H3, but I'm fed up with the "used car salesman" mentality of the dealers. Lying, not following through, and a host of other inappropriate behavior. Anyone know of an honest, decent car dealer in the Chicago through Milwaukee area? (I know "honest" and "car dealer" is an oxymoron...)
I am the owner of a loaded 06 H3 that now has about 15K miles on it (purchase in Aug 05 and yes, I drive alot). My Hummer started running rough and my check engine light kept coming on after about 13K miles. Turns out the seals blew and it needed a valve job (after only 3 oil changes). It gets better ... I am about the 4th to come back to the dealership for this. They have been working on my truck for 9 days so far. This is what I have learned:
1. All H3's have the potential to experience this after they cross the 10-20K mile mark. 2. GM has dealerships replacing the seals, valves, and cylinder heads. 3. Appears to be a basic FLAW in the design (yes, same engine as the Canyon and Colorado but NOT the upper half of the engine - that is NEW for the H3). 4. My guess is that a recall is inevitable AFTER they can figure out how to permanently FIX it (apparently the normal operation of the engine is causing what is round to become elyptical which causes the wear, leaks and subsequent misfires). Something fixed now by simply replacing with new parts will most likely only wear through again after another 10K or so miles.
Originally I was told that it was only a handful of H3's doing this but yesterday learned it was more WIDE SPREAD. The only reason this is not BIG news yet is because only a handful have reached the neccesary milage for it to happen ... they are expecting this to be a HUGE problem as all H3's age.
When my vehicle is ready I am going to my nearest non-GM dealership and dumping it. BUYER BEWARE.
I had some lengthy converstions while I was looking.with Bergstrom, I live in Michigan, and he asked why I was wasting his time and not buying in Michigan. A Real Jerk!! I bought in Maumee Ohio. They acted like they cared and still do! If you want he salesman's name let me know
"Originally I was told that it was only a handful of H3's doing this but yesterday learned it was more WIDE SPREAD. The only reason this is not BIG news yet is because only a handful have reached the neccesary milage for it to happen ... they are expecting this to be a HUGE problem as all H3's age.
When my vehicle is ready I am going to my nearest non-GM dealership and dumping it. BUYER BEWARE."
*sigh*.....I don't mean to be an 'I told you so' but.....
I have stated at least a couple of times in this forum what a bad idea it was for GM to put such a joke of an engine in such a demanding (read: heavy) vehicle and have been flamed for it like crazy. I've said that even if this engine were "adequate" (as many here have said it was) you can NOT ignore the fact that durability is going to be a major issue. Like it or not, most can agree that if this were a Japanese engine, at least it would be somewhat reliable/durable. But we're talking about GM here - the same company that promised this thing would get a minimum 20mpg. From what I've read, that promise has been less than fulfilled and only a lucky few are getting close to that.
Honestly it really doesn't matter. Once the gas prices do their damage over the next couple of months, SUVs like the H3 will be off the radar for most buyers - new engine or not.
Two things are certain: 1.) A select few who are either blind, very lucky, or don't drive much will stand up for the current H3 2.) We will see a lot more complaints like the one I quoted above. Trust me...
How long was your H3 running rough before the check engine light came on?The reason I ask is because ours has been running rough a couple of weeks now but the service department claims nothing is wrong.We currently have 9700 miles on it.
I have stated at least a couple of times in this forum what a bad idea it was for GM to put such a joke of an engine in such a demanding (read: heavy) vehicle and have been flamed for it like crazy. I've said that even if this engine were "adequate" (as many here have said it was) you can NOT ignore the fact that durability is going to be a major issue. Like it or not, most can agree that if this were a Japanese engine, at least it would be somewhat reliable/durable. But we're talking about GM here - the same company that promised this thing would get a minimum 20mpg. From what I've read, that promise has been less than fulfilled and only a lucky few are getting close to that.
Honestly it really doesn't matter. Once the gas prices do their damage over the next couple of months, SUVs like the H3 will be off the radar for most buyers - new engine or not.
Two things are certain: 1.) A select few who are either blind, very lucky, or don't drive much will stand up for the current H3 2.) We will see a lot more complaints like the one I quoted above. Trust me...
Tod (ayrow) I would like to respond to your post. First I work for GM so my opinion is a little tainted. I also OWN a H3, which from reading your past posts you don’t. Could the H3 use more power? Yes it could BUT it is not a joke motor it does a outstanding job off-road. Mine is a 5-speed and it will pull up a hill at idle that some of my past trucks would have work at. Mine has the adventure package and 4 to 1 transfer case so this helps, but the motor is very difficult to stall. I also use the H3 as a daily driver and it does a decent job. Would I like more power? Yes but not if it affected the gas mileage very much. The H3 is doesn’t exactly cut the air like a knife and has a lot of wind resistance. The 5.3 in my truck gets 1 to 2 MPG less than my H3 so the 5.3 probably would get even less in the H3 and the H3 would probably cost 2K-4K more with a 5.3. If you are going to use the H3 for what it was designed for the engine is great. If you are going to go to the mall or impress your neighbors, how much power do you need for that? If you are towing something there is not a lot of extra power so be careful. Bottom line is DEMO the H3 and make up your own mind. Durability will have to be determined as more H3's rack up the miles.( Mine has 22,000 miles and no problems yet) It is unfortunate that some have had problems but it is a fact of life that ANYTHING can break. I don’t get the Japanese engine statement. I have never owned a Toyota or Honda car so I won’t comment on something I have no experience with. But the last time I looked Toyota and the others still have service departments and are doing warranty work in them. I find it hard to believe that they have no engine problems on something that is assembled by humans. You also said GM promised 20 mpg.. The 20 mpg number is a EPA ESTIMATE based on engine and vehicle specifics it is NOT a GM number and it is as accurate as any of the other manufactures numbers. By the way I get 15 to 16 mpg everyday and 18 to 20 on the highway depending on how fast we are going. Close to EPA estimate. And your last two statements 1. I am not blind, don’t consider myself lucky, and I do drive my H3 a lot and am not afraid to use it on the trails or in the mud. If something happened to it I would replace it with another one without question.
2. This is a true statement. As they sell more and more they will be people who have problems with them. And the internet is a place to vent any frustrations you have. Just look on any forum on anything and their will be negative things that would scare you from buying anything. Happy owners tend to keep quite.
Paul Francis Still have a couple of GMID's left if anyone is buying this month.
We have 18,599 miles on our H3, we use synthetic oils and have had no problems, we love our H3. we live in the Northwest and travel over the passes monthly, The vehicle is unbelievable in snow and ice, while we watch other rigs struggle to a stop and start we simply stop and start out with little wheel spin even in the freezing rain, sometimes we travel 1oo miles or more on snow and ice covered road with safety, in a vehicle that if something does happen gives us protection, we also get 16 to 17 mpg every day and 18 to 21 mpg on the long trips, when I turn off the stabil track and and stall the engine on the tourqe converter to 2600 rpm it will spin the tires on dry pavement,, If you drive it anticipating a move in traffic with a down shift being manual or automatic (ours is automatic) it has plenty power, we bought it to use on and off road. My wife travels three states for her work, My wife also fly's out of town monthly and rents cars and always misses her Hummer, If we do have a problem I will post the issue, We rented a lot of cars before making our choice, Oh and one other thing start waving to your fellow Hummer drivers, Have a great day!
10regular posted: > I had some lengthy converstions while I was looking.with > Bergstrom, I live in Michigan, and he asked why I was > wasting his time and not buying in Michigan.
Hmmm...so far my experience with them has been somewhat similar. It's amazing that these dealers just don't get it, that if they treat people well the customer will not only come back, but will tell their friends. Whata packa maroons!
My H3 is getting a valve job for free and I can't really complain. My dealer gave me another H3 to drive in the interim. They didn't try to hide the problem and stepped right up to the plate. I realize that I am a commercial customer and may have a great salesman. I have owned about 20-25 GM vehicles to date and have really had almost no problems and certainly no major problems - this is a first. I own a company and we usually put 150,000 to 200,000 miles on our vehicles. I have also owned several Toyotas, Volkswagons, Fords, Dodges, Isuzus, and even a Rambler. I can vouch for the fact that they have problems, with the added bonus of rust on the Toyotas. Seen any classic Toyotas for sale at Berette/ Jacksons lately?
Good luck at your non-GM dealership. Its odd that you would turn your back on someone who was willing to remedy a problem. I am an expert witness for construction litigation and find very few contractors willing to remedy problems at their own expense. The one's who are certainly deserve more business from their current customers. As a contracter I have made my share of mistakes, have been willing to remedy problems and have many repeat customers and lifelong friends.
I get 18.6 miles per gallon in mixed, mostly highway miles and am still excited about driving this grown up Tonka Truck. I don't expect it to out corner or out accelerate my Firebird. Its a jeep! Its fun. I'll stay with GM.
In December 1999, AM General and General Motors Corporation finalized an agreement to jointly pursue product, marketing and distribution opportunities for HUMMER. GM acquired the exclusive ownership of the HUMMER brand name worldwide and the current HUMMER was renamed the HUMMER H1. In 2002, AM General began assembling the HUMMER H2, a new "next generation" sport utility vehicle designed by GM, at a new factory in Mishawaka. GM now has responsibility for marketing and distributing all HUMMERs.
Both the H1 and H2 are made by AM General. The H3 of course is made by GM.
1) Other H3 message boards have a lot of owners that have the "necessary mileage", this topic hasn't come up. Several of the guys there are Hummer techs or GM engineers and they are quick to pass on info, good or bad.
2) The "upper half" of the engine is the same as the Canyon and Colorado, whoever told you different is full of it (or perhaps that makes it easier to try to spread the BS).
Either someone is lying to you, or you are making up stuff. Either way, get some real facts or find something better to do.
By the way, my H3 has 16,500 miles. Purchased in August as well, so was probably built around the same time as yours. Absolutely no problems.
My H3 is also only getting 11 to 13 mpg on the hiway and definely only 11.5 when mixed with town driving. We have had the vehicle in the shop 3x as well as contacting our dealership and GM. They say they are within the gov. miles per gallon. I have talked with other owners who are also disappointed in mileage. I believe before long there will defintely be a class action lawsuit on this vehicle.
Has anyone out there with an H3 been successful in returning their vehicle due to poor gas mileage(11-13 mpg hiway)had ours in shop 3x they admit that's the best it will get???????????
1. All H3's have the potential to experience this after they cross the 10-20K mile mark. True 2. GM has dealerships replacing the seals, valves, and cylinder heads. True 3. Appears to be a basic FLAW in the design (yes, same engine as the Canyon and Colorado but NOT the upper half of the engine - that is NEW for the H3). False. Exact same except for the air filter and intake. Engine has been on the road since '04, used as an option in Colorado/Canyons. 4. My guess is that a recall is inevitable AFTER they can figure out how to permanently FIX it (apparently the normal operation of the engine is causing what is round to become elyptical which causes the wear, leaks and subsequent misfires). Something fixed now by simply replacing with new parts will most likely only wear through again after another 10K or so miles. False. New cylinder heads installed by dealers and on all new engines produced since March 31, 2006, have hardened intake and exhaust valve guides. Actually, with only a little over 200 cases reported, with over 100K engines on the road, why do a recall? Originally I was told that it was only a handful of H3's doing this but yesterday learned it was more WIDE SPREAD. The only reason this is not BIG news yet is because only a handful have reached the neccesary milage for it to happen ... they are expecting this to be a HUGE problem as all H3's age. Only a handful have reached the necessary milage? What a crock of dodo! There are thousands of Colorado/Canyons with well over the miles shown, and some H3s at that mark. So, is it widespread, depends on how you define widespread. If 0.002 is widespread then it is widespread, but the that low of a percentage is not really widespread in my opinion. When my vehicle is ready I am going to my nearest non-GM dealership and dumping it. BUYER BEWARE. Ok, this must be a troll, or someone who had a bad experience at a Hummer dealer. Best he does dump the vehicle, and find out that any engine can break, made by any manufacturer, including the infamous Honda. I wish him luck, but believe me, he is exaggerating greatly.
I'm new at this forum, but have been at my local Hummer dealer all day and am totally frustrated. Lynch Hummer in Chesterfield, MO has over 100 cars on their lot, but is not dealing too much. I'm ready to buy a red H3, base equip. pkg., sunroof, brush guards, black tubular assist steps. MSRP is $33,855. They will only take off $1,000 and give me another $1,000 off for a "conquest" bonus(because I own a Ford Explorer). I believe invoice would be around $30,500, so their offer is high at $31,855. The salesman did say they would accept the GMID if I could get one. I would really appreciate any advice or a GMID coupon. Thanks!
Our H-3 has 15k miles. We have kept track of the mileage and it continues to average 16 in town; 16 mixed and 20 long distance. We're very pleased. Engine light came on--the diagnosis was a stuck vent valve. Vent valve became unstuck and we seem to have more power...go figure!
I guess I just thought that they would deal more with so much inventory. The salesman even said that they expect the 2007's to come out in June. It seems like people in this forum are paying closer to invoice(or under with a GMID). I don't think it's a terrible deal, I just was hoping for a better one!
I've been here several times reading all the posts and replies. We're looking at getting our H3 within the next month or two. {Hopefully we'll sell the Lotus first but if not we'll sell it afterwards.} I know I wanted to get a GMID to help with the purchase. A few days ago I sent Richard an email requesting one. Though I had fully expected to have to wait a bit. He got back to me with the GMID in less than a day. *w0w* We've already contacted some local dealers. Found a dealer we're interested in working with. And we'll be making our purchase within the next month or two.
I'm so excited!! Thanks again to Richard who came through with a GMID!!
** P.S. As I mentioned I've read all the posts and replies. No need to give me any "warnings" about problems or concerns that you've already posted about. **
Hi I was thinking about buying the H3, test drove it today, thought it was fine. I used to work at Dana several years ago and we had the GMS program so I got new GM vehicles well below dealer invoice. What kind of discount will a GMID get me? I am annoyed that the dealer offered $1000 discount if I own a competive SUV like a Ford or Jeep, yet I have been driving GM's for decades now, and no rebate or discount for us loyal GM guys. It's not fair, and now I'm having second thoughts about buying this vehicle, especially after reading about engine problems in its early life.
A reporter is looking to talk with someone who bought a large suv or truck within the past year and is thinking about trading it in for a smaller vehicle. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com with your daytime contact info and vehicle info by Monday, May 1, 2006.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
I've been grinnin, bouncing and about to burst all afternoon. He woke up this morning and decided it was time to check out Sewell Hummer in Dallas. I had been emailing with the internet sales person there for months now. {Not sure if I can drop names or not but I would HIGHLY recommend her and the dealership.} Sewell Hummer in Dallas DOES accept GMID. Our price ended up being below invoice.
I just purchased a new car June of last year. So between shopping for that and shopping recently for the Hummer, I have been to a LOT of dealerships! Sewell Hummer in Dallas was by far the overall most friendly, welcoming and low pressure that I have dealt with. Even the folks there that we were not making the purchase from went out of their way to smile, say hello and assist however they could.
On top of getting the GMID and getting the H3 below invoice we also got the roof rail racks added at dealer cost, a Hawaiian print Hummer shirt at dealer cost and a model red H3 that looks amazingly like the real one we got.
No charge for service to add the roof rail racks. They cleaned it up and filled it with gas. We get a free loaner when we have to take it in for anything such as maintenance or repairs. We also get free vehicle washes.
BossHoss1, Just look back about post 815 or thereabouts. Richard is the one you want to get in touch with for a GMID. I know our price ended up being below invoice. We also did not qualify for the discount because we didn't previously own a truck or SUV that was part of that program.
If there is any question about it . . . Yes! I would send everyone to Sewell Hummer in Dallas. Thanks again Richard!!!
Forgot to include a message in my last post so will try again.......i would love to get hooked up with a GMID certificate........really like the H3 and have been reading these posts for a while......nice to now something like this exists to help a car buyer....these are tough times foe GM and the price of gas doesn't help......it's important to buy American right now to help GM and it's workers.
i didn't make my email address public originally so i am trying again....hopefully i am doing it right now......i have a towncar and am looking trade up and get a car that gets better mileage.....the H3 might be my answer so i have decided to buy one and from reading these posts it seems i can save quite a bit with a GMID certificate and do away with endless negotiations.......if anyone out there can help me i would be very grateful.....thanx
I've got got just over 1500 miles on my H3 and have run two mileage checks. Both are mostly rural, town with a bit of short interstate runs. The first check ended at about 800 miles and showed 15.6 mpg. The second check ended at about 1200 miles and showed 16.2 mpg.
Both of these were better than my traded in Ford F-150 (5.4 V8) that ran about 13.6 local.
when i tell my friends and the green party activists that i upped my gas mileage by 50% by buying a Hummer i am sure they will be very appreciative.......all kidding aside that would be a great increase for me......saving money and having the car you want.......bob
Check out around messages 300 and 830. It's been discussed many many many times here. I got mine from Richard. {Again, information somewhere around post 300.}
most people won't give you a GMID number until you have first found out if the dealer will even accept it, alot don't as they are greedy, second they only get 2 a month and don't want to waste them on window shoppers. You need to find out above, and nail things down where the only thing you need is the certificate #.
Can you give a little more information on the sales person you dealt with. I would love to give them a call and work with them or her. What does their first name start with?
called four of the six dealers in the los angeles area and three tell me that they do accept GMID certificates and the fourth sales manager had a voice mail message left by me.........he has yet to return my call....oddly enough the three with whom i spoke didn't seem all that familar with GMID but got it when i explained..........seems there would be no trouble with GMID in los angeles.....i was told the discount would be between $2100---3300...........another said it was $400 under invoice and a good deal.............the last said it was between 5--7% off msrp..........they might all being saying the same thing for all i know.........
When I was researching I got a lot of different answers as far as "how much" the GMID price was. Whether it was X amount off MSRP, X amount over invoice, X amount under invoice and etc. Then I came across a Link that would give MSRP and "Supplier Price." Supplier Price = GMID price. Just filled out the information on the first page for a 2006 Hummer H3. On the second page I filled in my options there. The "Supplier Price" doesn't show up until searching dealer inventory. This really cleared up any questions before we even got to a dealership. Hope it helps some of ya'll.
We agreed to a cash deal yesterday(didn't sign yet) on a H-3, lux, adv, sunroof, chrome pkg.. 34000 after GMID and conquest cash. We knew that it was an "auto show vehicle". The salesman said that meant that it was driven downtown and back(50 miles total), and on display at the auto show. He called us later to inform us that he found out the car actually has 180 miles and the warranty on it began in January. That's over 8% of the warranty. He will make no provision for this in the deal. Won't take any money off the offer, won't add mud guards,won't extend the warranty. Is this car still considered new? I feel like they don't want to sell me an H-3. I guess the GMID and conquest cash make it not worth their time/effort, but I'm ready to write a check and drive one off if they would just sell me one!
The miles wouldn't bother me but the warranty shouldn't begin until it's sold to you. If it's never been titled before, I don't understand why the warranty would be ticking already unless it's some odd Hummer policy.
Try asking the owner or the floor manager for clarification.
Carrie, I don't think the price is that bad, but show cars usually should be discounted somewhat. 180 miles is nothing, and the Hummer has a 4 year/50,000 mile warranty. Mud guards don't cost much. Does your model include XM Radio & Trailer Hitch, chrome wheels ? If so, the dealer invoice is around $34K & change Maybe you should negotitate on a different model. Or wait a couple of months, now that GAS prices are skyrocketing, I'm sure GM will be have offers this summer on all their gas guzzlers. I just bought an H3 with 3 miles on it (brand new) for $35K without the chrome package but with lux package, sunroof, chrome stepup bars. I know it's expensive but the dealer bought out my previous lease that I wanted to get out of and I walked away clean. I HAD TO HAVE MY HUMMER NOW BEFORE SUMMER ! It's one of the nicest & coolest vehicles I've ever owned. Even my wife loves this vehicle, and she bought it !
No XM Radio or Chrome wheels. There are plenty other models to deal on, but this one has exactly what I want. I could go back to a base equip package, but I need the seat height adjustment! I'm really not interested in the XM and don't want to pay for it or the service fees. I want my Hummer NOW too! My 16 year old has taken over my car!
He's only giving you his invoice cost. I assume adv means adventure package ? I agree with Steve, the warranty should not go into effect if the vehicles never been titled. You're not getting a good deal here, look elswhere or make him an offer below invoice. DEAL OR NO DEAL ? Also it's best to wait until end of month to buy a vehicle, they're usually desperate to move out inventory and more likely to cut you a deal.
If you can't make a deal on this particular vehicle, don't worry, there's hundreds of H3's out there sitting on lots. However, stick with the lux package, sunroof, & step up bars (I got the chrome ones). Do you really need the adventure package ? I recommend the chrome gas tank cap. You can always add it later even if you can't get it with your new purchase.
I don't need the adventure pkg, but it's on every lux pkg with a sunroof. The most off-roading I'll do is to park in a field at one of my kids games! My husband likes the bigger wheels, but the sunroof is priority to me! We started negotiating with this dealer at the end of April and they were not motivated sellers then either!
Do you live in a populated or rural area? What state? Go to another dealer. If you're not going off-roading, you don't need the adv pkg. I bought the package with a list price of $36,070. This has sunroof, AT, chrome step-up bars, & lux pkg., and I am extremely pleased with this vehicle. The stereo upgrade included with the lux package is exceptional. I need to add some accessories, like tow hitch (boat & jet ski) + roof bars to load occasional extra cargo. Go the gmbuypower.com and search the inventories at the dealers in your area. Find a vehicle sticker that meets your requirements, then go to Edmunds.com, and get the dealer invoice including the options indicated on the gmbuypower sticker. Negotiate from there, usually a couple hundred bucks over dealer invoice will get you into your new vehicle.
Sorry wethers. I had replied earlier but didn't realize I could not include my own email address in a post. I've changed my email pfeferences in my profile so you can email me that way.
I'm in Chesterfield, Missouri(St. Louis suburb) and Lynch Hummer(claims to be the world's largest Hummer dealer)is a couple miles from my house. They actually have their own off-road course there along the Missouri river-last weekend they had an off-road event and you should have seen the mud-covered Hummers coming off that course! It looked like a blast! I think the closest dealer besides them is in Davenport,Iowa. They have lots of inventory, so I'll keep looking...
Comments
To make your email public, visit the Preferences link on the left. Click on a member's username to see their profile and email info.
Steve, Host
Ciao!
Andiamo
1. All H3's have the potential to experience this after they cross the 10-20K mile mark.
2. GM has dealerships replacing the seals, valves, and cylinder heads.
3. Appears to be a basic FLAW in the design (yes, same engine as the Canyon and Colorado but NOT the upper half of the engine - that is NEW for the H3).
4. My guess is that a recall is inevitable AFTER they can figure out how to permanently FIX it (apparently the normal operation of the engine is causing what is round to become elyptical which causes the wear, leaks and subsequent misfires). Something fixed now by simply replacing with new parts will most likely only wear through again after another 10K or so miles.
Originally I was told that it was only a handful of H3's doing this but yesterday learned it was more WIDE SPREAD. The only reason this is not BIG news yet is because only a handful have reached the neccesary milage for it to happen ... they are expecting this to be a HUGE problem as all H3's age.
When my vehicle is ready I am going to my nearest non-GM dealership and dumping it. BUYER BEWARE.
They acted like they cared and still do! If you want he salesman's name let me know
When my vehicle is ready I am going to my nearest non-GM dealership and dumping it. BUYER BEWARE."
*sigh*.....I don't mean to be an 'I told you so' but.....
I have stated at least a couple of times in this forum what a bad idea it was for GM to put such a joke of an engine in such a demanding (read: heavy) vehicle and have been flamed for it like crazy. I've said that even if this engine were "adequate" (as many here have said it was) you can NOT ignore the fact that durability is going to be a major issue. Like it or not, most can agree that if this were a Japanese engine, at least it would be somewhat reliable/durable. But we're talking about GM here - the same company that promised this thing would get a minimum 20mpg. From what I've read, that promise has been less than fulfilled and only a lucky few are getting close to that.
Honestly it really doesn't matter. Once the gas prices do their damage over the next couple of months, SUVs like the H3 will be off the radar for most buyers - new engine or not.
Two things are certain:
1.) A select few who are either blind, very lucky, or don't drive much will stand up for the current H3
2.) We will see a lot more complaints like the one I quoted above. Trust me...
Honestly it really doesn't matter. Once the gas prices do their damage over the next couple of months, SUVs like the H3 will be off the radar for most buyers - new engine or not.
Two things are certain:
1.) A select few who are either blind, very lucky, or don't drive much will stand up for the current H3
2.) We will see a lot more complaints like the one I quoted above. Trust me...
Tod (ayrow)
I would like to respond to your post.
First I work for GM so my opinion is a little tainted. I also OWN a H3, which from reading your past posts you don’t.
Could the H3 use more power? Yes it could BUT it is not a joke motor it does a outstanding job off-road. Mine is a 5-speed and it will pull up a hill at idle that some of my past trucks would have work at.
Mine has the adventure package and 4 to 1 transfer case so this helps, but the motor is very difficult to stall.
I also use the H3 as a daily driver and it does a decent job. Would I like more power? Yes but not if it affected the gas mileage very much. The H3 is doesn’t exactly cut the air like a knife and has a lot of wind resistance. The 5.3 in my truck gets 1 to 2 MPG less than my H3 so the 5.3 probably would get even less in the H3 and the H3 would probably cost 2K-4K more with a 5.3.
If you are going to use the H3 for what it was designed for the engine is great. If you are going to go to the mall or impress your neighbors, how much power do you need for that? If you are towing something there is not a lot of extra power so be careful. Bottom line is DEMO the H3 and make up your own mind.
Durability will have to be determined as more H3's rack up the miles.( Mine has 22,000 miles and no problems yet) It is unfortunate that some have had problems but it is a fact of life that ANYTHING can break.
I don’t get the Japanese engine statement. I have never owned a Toyota or Honda car so I won’t comment on something I have no experience with. But the last time I looked Toyota and the others still have service departments and are doing warranty work in them. I find it hard to believe that they have no engine problems on something that is assembled by humans.
You also said GM promised 20 mpg.. The 20 mpg number is a EPA ESTIMATE based on engine and vehicle specifics it is NOT a GM number and it is as accurate as any of the other manufactures numbers. By the way I get 15 to 16 mpg everyday and 18 to 20 on the highway depending on how fast we are going. Close to EPA estimate.
And your last two statements
1. I am not blind, don’t consider myself lucky, and I do drive my H3 a lot and am not afraid to use it on the trails or in the mud. If something happened to it I would replace it with another one without question.
2. This is a true statement. As they sell more and more they will be people who have problems with them. And the internet is a place to vent any frustrations you have. Just look on any forum on anything and their will be negative things that would scare you from buying anything. Happy owners tend to keep quite.
Paul Francis
Still have a couple of GMID's left if anyone is buying this month.
> I had some lengthy converstions while I was looking.with
> Bergstrom, I live in Michigan, and he asked why I was
> wasting his time and not buying in Michigan.
Hmmm...so far my experience with them has been somewhat similar. It's amazing that these dealers just don't get it, that if they treat people well the customer will not only come back, but will tell their friends. Whata packa maroons!
My H3 is getting a valve job for free and I can't really complain. My dealer gave me another H3 to drive in the interim. They didn't try to hide the problem and stepped right up to the plate. I realize that I am a commercial customer and may have a great salesman. I have owned about 20-25 GM vehicles to date and have really had almost no problems and certainly no major problems - this is a first. I own a company and we usually put 150,000 to 200,000 miles on our vehicles. I have also owned several Toyotas, Volkswagons, Fords, Dodges, Isuzus, and even a Rambler. I can vouch for the fact that they have problems, with the added bonus of rust on the Toyotas. Seen any classic Toyotas for sale at Berette/ Jacksons lately?
Good luck at your non-GM dealership. Its odd that you would turn your back on someone who was willing to remedy a problem. I am an expert witness for construction litigation and find very few contractors willing to remedy problems at their own expense. The one's who are certainly deserve more business from their current customers. As a contracter I have made my share of mistakes, have been willing to remedy problems and have many repeat customers and lifelong friends.
I get 18.6 miles per gallon in mixed, mostly highway miles and am still excited about driving this grown up Tonka Truck. I don't expect it to out corner or out accelerate my Firebird. Its a jeep! Its fun. I'll stay with GM.
thx.
Jeff
05 Desert Tan SUT
Both the H1 and H2 are made by AM General. The H3 of course is made by GM.
1) Other H3 message boards have a lot of owners that have the "necessary mileage", this topic hasn't come up. Several of the guys there are Hummer techs or GM engineers and they are quick to pass on info, good or bad.
2) The "upper half" of the engine is the same as the Canyon and Colorado, whoever told you different is full of it (or perhaps that makes it easier to try to spread the BS).
Either someone is lying to you, or you are making up stuff. Either way, get some real facts or find something better to do.
By the way, my H3 has 16,500 miles. Purchased in August as well, so was probably built around the same time as yours. Absolutely no problems.
hiway)had ours in shop 3x they admit that's the best it will get???????????
2. GM has dealerships replacing the seals, valves, and cylinder heads. True
3. Appears to be a basic FLAW in the design (yes, same engine as the Canyon and Colorado but NOT the upper half of the engine - that is NEW for the H3). False. Exact same except for the air filter and intake. Engine has been on the road since '04, used as an option in Colorado/Canyons.
4. My guess is that a recall is inevitable AFTER they can figure out how to permanently FIX it (apparently the normal operation of the engine is causing what is round to become elyptical which causes the wear, leaks and subsequent misfires). Something fixed now by simply replacing with new parts will most likely only wear through again after another 10K or so miles. False. New cylinder heads installed by dealers and on all new engines produced since March 31, 2006, have hardened intake and exhaust valve guides. Actually, with only a little over 200 cases reported, with over 100K engines on the road, why do a recall?
Originally I was told that it was only a handful of H3's doing this but yesterday learned it was more WIDE SPREAD. The only reason this is not BIG news yet is because only a handful have reached the neccesary milage for it to happen ... they are expecting this to be a HUGE problem as all H3's age. Only a handful have reached the necessary milage? What a crock of dodo! There are thousands of Colorado/Canyons with well over the miles shown, and some H3s at that mark. So, is it widespread, depends on how you define widespread. If 0.002 is widespread then it is widespread, but the that low of a percentage is not really widespread in my opinion.
When my vehicle is ready I am going to my nearest non-GM dealership and dumping it. BUYER BEWARE.
Ok, this must be a troll, or someone who had a bad experience at a Hummer dealer. Best he does dump the vehicle, and find out that any engine can break, made by any manufacturer, including the infamous Honda.
I wish him luck, but believe me, he is exaggerating greatly.
I'm so excited!! Thanks again to Richard who came through with a GMID!!
** P.S. As I mentioned I've read all the posts and replies. No need to give me any "warnings" about problems or concerns that you've already posted about. **
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
I just purchased a new car June of last year. So between shopping for that and shopping recently for the Hummer, I have been to a LOT of dealerships! Sewell Hummer in Dallas was by far the overall most friendly, welcoming and low pressure that I have dealt with. Even the folks there that we were not making the purchase from went out of their way to smile, say hello and assist however they could.
On top of getting the GMID and getting the H3 below invoice we also got the roof rail racks added at dealer cost, a Hawaiian print Hummer shirt at dealer cost and a model red H3 that looks amazingly like the real one we got.
No charge for service to add the roof rail racks. They cleaned it up and filled it with gas. We get a free loaner when we have to take it in for anything such as maintenance or repairs. We also get free vehicle washes.
BossHoss1, Just look back about post 815 or thereabouts. Richard is the one you want to get in touch with for a GMID. I know our price ended up being below invoice. We also did not qualify for the discount because we didn't previously own a truck or SUV that was part of that program.
If there is any question about it . . . Yes! I would send everyone to Sewell Hummer in Dallas. Thanks again Richard!!!
angel
thanx in advance for any help i get.
Gratefully,
BOB
bob
Both of these were better than my traded in Ford F-150 (5.4 V8) that ran about 13.6 local.
angel
tidester, host
bob
angel
Try asking the owner or the floor manager for clarification.
Steve, Host
If you can't make a deal on this particular vehicle, don't worry, there's hundreds of H3's out there sitting on lots.
However, stick with the lux package, sunroof, & step up bars (I got the chrome ones). Do you really need the adventure package ? I recommend the chrome gas tank cap. You can always add it later even if you can't get it with your new purchase.
Sorry about that Tidester.
angel