Used H3 Buying Advice Needed

[Spidermonkey]

Hi, new here to the forum. I am looking at purchasing a used H3 and was looking for some buying advice. I am looking to upgrade from my 1996 Jeep Cherokee.

Specifically, I have found a 2007 H3 with about 70,000 miles on it for $15,500 and comes with a 2 year warranty. Not Alpha and no real upgrades to speak of. From most of the research I have done so far, the price seems reasonable for the year and mileage. There are no cosmetic issues that I have noticed either, very clean and well taken care of from what I can tell. Maintenance Records are spotty but it appears that oil changes occurred around the 4k mark and no major repairs or part replacements that I have found documented. It looks like it was primarily a daily driver/commuter car for the most part. I will be using as a daily as well as for some trail use out in the Mountains here in Montana.

Are there any specific engine, transmission, suspension issues I should be aware of for H3's in general or specific to the 2007 year or with 70k miles? Anything specific I should be looking for as a potential problem when I go to take a test drive and give it a once over?

I appreciate any advice you can all share. Here are a couple pics just for the fun of it.

 

[Ghostbuster]

Try to get one with the adventure package. It will have a locking rear diff and a 4:1 transfer case, and usually 33 inch tires if the owner hasn't changed them. Check for sunroof leaks, it would be nice to check/change all fluids after buying a used car. Change Front diff, rear diff, t case, transmission, and of course engine oil. Check all others like ps fluid and brake fluid. There are many things to check, so just make a list and bring it with you. Crawl under it and look for bad rust, and things that may look out of place etc. Good luck with your search.

 

[High Five H2]

adventure package for sure. btw, I had an XJ and it was a great rig, but the H3 blows it away. you'll love it.

 

[Spidermonkey]

Thanks. Haven't found one with adventure package with less than 100k miles and under 16k price within a couple hours of me unfortunately. Looks a little hard to come by. Found plenty around, but hardly any with adventure.

I do love my old XJ, just find that I am wrenching on it more than I would like. Might hang on to it and slowly rebuild it.

 

[RamRod]

Thanks. Haven't found one with adventure package with less than 100k miles and under 16k price within a couple hours of me unfortunately. Looks a little hard to come by. Found plenty around, but hardly any with adventure.

I do love my old XJ, just find that I am wrenching on it more than I would like. Might hang on to it and slowly rebuild it.

What kind of local trails are you planning on running? Sure it would be great to have, but if you are just sticking to gravel trails and fire roads then its not such a big deal to be without it.

but your right you would be hard pressed to find many in the $16K range.

Looks like the one you posted is decent, have you driven it at all?

 

[skeptic]

Depending on the type of wheeling you think you may ever do you may want to hold out for an Adventure package (stick to '07+). I went from a lifted on 32" tires '99 XJ to an '07 H3 w/Adventure package. The H3 was better in every appreciable way. More power, better mpg, more creature comforts and much better both on road and off.

 

[Spidermonkey]

My main non blacktop uses will be on gravel, dirt/mud and snow/ice covered mountain roads and fire trails to get up to backcountry sking and snowshoeing locations and backpacking trail heads. I don't anticipate doing anything like a sluice box.

My XJ has been great for this kind of activity.

 

[Best4x4]

Adventure Package H3's are great and I'm lucky to have one, but when I was looking for my second H3 the Adventure Package wasn't my highest priority. I was looking for mainly for the red/black cloth combo, and an 07 with the 3.7L. The first one I found didn't have the adventure package or the Chrome/Sunroof package. I tried to buy it but the dealership was full of a bunch of idiots so I went elsewhere. The second one with the red/black cloth seats was an Adventure Package, with the Chrome/Sunroof options and it was less $$$$$. I was happy to find an Adventure model, and I love the 4.1 Transfer Case, and rear locker. My Alpha doesn't have a rear locker, but it hasn't stopped me from wheeling. I may use my winch more than an Adventure package rig, but I still get down the trail.

Looks like a clean H3, and I'm sure you'll be happy with it. I'm more into the mechanics or a rig vs how it looks so for me the first thing I do is climb under a rig. On our H3's check the front diff bushings (there are 3 of them), CV's for cracks, CV on the front driveshaft, and the upper front bump stops (seen plenty of used rigs with these completely missing or torn). Last thing would be to look for rust and leaks. If all that checks out just check all the interior electronics and you should be good to go. The H3's only real issues are with earlier heads, diff bushings, and cracked exhaust manifolds. The only recall I've ever heard of was for the plastic hood louver and that to me is pretty darn impressive vs say a Jeep or Land Rover.

 

[Renagade132]

I have to admit, truck looks really good and clean

 

[Best4x4]

Only thing I noticed are 2 chrome center caps and 2 painted center caps.. Just paint em all 4 or 5 black and call it a day lol.

 

[Cyouincourt007]

Test drive to make sure 4x4 works like putting it into 4hi and 4 low locked? The rig looks very nice and things mentioned above are on point. Like mentioned check for fluid leaks(gotta check good since plates underneath don't always allow things to make it to the floor so just glancing at floor underneath rig isn't always enough),rust or black paint in undercarriage used to conceal rust. Overall looks like a sweet rig, may the force be with you.

 

[SedonaBound]

Its good that it doesn't have mods and hasn't been 'wheeled heavily. I'd advise you to find out which VINs have the problem-prone cylinder heads and plastic forks in the TC. These aren't certain issues, but happen often enough and are serious enough to avoid VINs earlier than the GM fixes. On the test drive, check that all drive modes engage and disengage cleanly. The Adventure Pkg is desirable if you're planning heavy 'wheeling, but you'll miss a lot of good H3s holding out for one.

 

[Spidermonkey]

Thanks for the advice. I hope to get out there this weekend to take for a test drive and check it out more thoroughly. Still looking around for one with adventure package in my price range. Found a couple that aren't too far out of my price range a few hours away, but I'm paying cash and have a pretty tight budget. We'll see how it all plays out.


Sedona, this is the first I have heard about the cylinder heads and plastic forks. I'll see what I can dig up on that. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[alrock]

Depending on the prices you see, it could be worthwhile to do your own upgrade to the two primary features of the Adventure package which is the 4:1 transfer case and locking rear diff. The transfer case would likely be $1700+, and the rear locker from $750 to $1200. I would keep those things in mind when shopping and for your overall budget.

Sedona is right on target about testing the 4WD modes. It's not uncommon to have a failed transfer case in a used vehicle that the seller didn't even know about since they didn't use it. Failure is usually a worn plastic shift fork common in the earlier models. Not an expensive repair.

 

[zackcrum]

Maybe this will help

 

[Spidermonkey]

Thanks Zack. That will come in handy in my search?

How well does the H3 hold up with higher mileage. Ideally, I am aiming for something with less than 70k miles, but being realistic that I may not find a lot of options with less than 100k. Does the I5 hold up well?

 

[Best4x4]

My wifes 07 has 88k on it now and shows no signs of age/wear. My Alpha has 125k with zero issues.

 

[zackcrum]

I have 177k on my 3.5 and no serious issues. I'm just now having the crankshaft seal issue that is apparently common.

 

[Spidermonkey]

Update

I ended up just missing out on the one that I had posted about. However, I have found a 2007 with adventure and under 75k miles that I am going to take a look at and if all looks good, then purchase on Friday. Here are a couple pics for your pleasured viewing.

 

[3Hummers]

Good luck

 

[Cyouincourt007]

:corn: Looks sweet : )

 

[RazorbackH3]

:corn: Hope it works out! Looks good by the way.

 

[SedonaBound]

It all depends on price. 50K fewer miles and the Adv pkg are strong improvements over the other one. Looks like it has the chrome pkg. Leather? Sunroof?

 

[RamRod]

Good luck!

 

[Spidermonkey]

Yes, leather and sunroof. Neither are high on my priority list. Nor is the chrome package. Priced around 17k.