Folks I am planning to buy Hummer 3 preowned . I have limited budget in my pocket but I love the look of H3. I do not want to go over 13 - 14K . I am thinking I should be able to get 2006-2008 around 90K miles .
So some questions
1) What year has least issues from 2006 - 2008
2) How Hard to maintain a hummer 3. Keep in mind I have rebuilt Merecedes 2003 transmission which in NAG1 series. Having said that I am not interested it rebuilding another transmission or head. Any menimum maintance like engine, transmission oil, breaks , fluids, flush , struts , sparks etc I can do with ease
3) How much milage a 5 cylinder can give
4) I am intended to drive it on free ways and surface road, not off the road.
5) Engine life . I know no one can tell but are H3 5 Cyl engines are known for longer life

Thanks in advance

 

I have an '07 bought new.
Issues I've had:
Fuel injector
Axel
Wheel bearings
4 wheel drive wouldn't engage (don't remember the part)
Ball joints
Tires are just starting to wear

I think I have around 85k miles.

When I did a lot of highway driving, I got about 20mpg if I kept my speed around 65.

Overall I'd say it isn't hard to maintain at all and I still love my H3.

 

Of course , the younger the better . A 08 would have more power and probably less issues
Main issues are :
Throttle body , needs constant cleaning
Fuel evap system , purge valve and so on
wheel bearings , changed three so far , all front
4 X 4 gear selector , changed plastic fork to metal one
uses rear pads excessively
Sunroof drains need to be checked , or you will have water leaking in your pax footwel
Monsoon radio will eventually start to play up

Mileage is great on a car this heavy . 13/15 L per 100 Kms

All in all not a lot of main issues . It's a solid car That I had since 09 and cannot find another truck close enough to change .
If you do the maintenance yourself , you can run it on a tight budget .

 

2006s have the 3.5L 220HP. 2007s & up have the 3.7L 242HP.

If you do not plan on using it off road (which is what it was designed for), then why?

Maintenance is no different than any other GM truck with a Transfer Case.

My 2007 with full performance mods plus off road mods weighs almost 6000#, gets 14.5-16 all around driving, 18-19 on the highway at 75MPH. Try to push the brick faster and it will do worse.

 

I have a 2006 H3 base with approximately 140K on the clock. I have replaced the front wheel bearings, LBJs, CV axels, and axel seals. I also replaced the Vent Valve Solenoid, radiator, thermostat. It may sound like a lot but doing the work myself saved a lot of $$. These Hummers need PM like everything else on the road.A well taken-care-of Hummer H3 is a happy H3. If you are looking for gas mileage, look elsewhere. I love mine because it truly is "Like Nothing Else" owning and driving one. It gets compliments all the time.
Like I tell people when they ask about the gas mileage, the H3 doesn't cut through the air as you drive, it bludgeons the air; so what do you expect? LOL

 

 

Hmm I was expecting that . It will keep me busy. But I want to look cool rather tool with H3. I am still looking on craiglist and other sale by owner sites. . Not in hurry. Appreciate for sharing your experience but I am sure you enjoy its ride and turn many faces.

 

What you talkin bout, that's what I said..... after I edited my post.

Apparently I should have just typed the 3.7L has 22HP more.... when I posted that I had 20HP on the brain.

 

 

in terms of mileage , I've got 172,000 miles and still pulling strong for a 3.5
even uphill with the AC on . 15/16 MPG consumption average .