Looking at a 2007 Hummer H3 - issues????

[boogerp]

I'm in the market for an SUV to replace my old truck. I was out tire kicking at Carmax yesterday and ran across a 2007 H3 with 56k on the clock. I had a chance to test it back-to-back with a Jeep Commander and a Nissan Pathfinder and liked the H3 the most of the group. Here are a few things I'm wondering about (used search already):

how reliable are the 3.6/3.7 I-5 engines? Any major issues out of them?

Transmission/ trasfer case/ front and rear axles? Do the cases or axles bust easily? weak points to be on the lookout for?

Routine maint. easy to perform?

Any other trouble areas to look at???

I do plan to do some mild off-roading with it and tow around 1500-2000 lbs with it (farm engines/ garden tractor). Just want to know how well the drivetrain holds up after 80/100/120K miles.

Thanks.

[Bebe]

Does it have the Adventure Package on it?

You can tell, if it comes with the rear locking differential, it has the adventure package, and it will also have the 4:1 transfer case.

[Bebe]

how reliable are the 3.6/3.7 I-5 engines? Any major issues out of them?

They are Vortec 3.5 and Vortec 3.7, the 3.7 is just bored out version of the 3.5. No issues, except there was a head problem, but it usually occurred within 15K miles.

Transmission/ trasfer case/ front and rear axles? Do the cases or axles bust easily? weak points to be on the lookout for?

Transmission 4L60E good auto tranny.

T-case, both Base and Adventure have Borg Warner Cases, both are full time 4WD and both have no known issues. They are gear driven.

Front is an AAM760 aluminum case. Just don't bind it up and you'll be fine.

Rear is an AAM860, good standard GM 10 bolt. E-locker is an Eaton. It's OK. I'd rather have an ARB :coughdancough:

Routine maint. easy to perform?

Oil changes can be messy, everything else is pretty standard. Use synthetic fluids and follow all manufacturer specs.

Any other trouble areas to look at???

It really depends on use. Bought mine in 6/2005 and I am about 20 miles away from 100K. Wheeled HEAVILY.

I still love it and it runs like a champ.

I do plan to do some mild off-roading with it and tow around 1500-2000 lbs with it (farm engines/ garden tractor). Just want to know how well the drivetrain holds up after 80/100/120K miles.

Only thing I would recommend if you are towing with it, is to separate the tranny cooler from the radiator system by putting in an aux cooler. Some of them run hot, and they say it's a calibration issue, but I've heard of them blowing and sending dexcool into the tranny. Better to be safe.

[boogerp]

Thanks for the help Bebe don't think it had an Adventure package on it though. Good to know about adding the trans cooler to them.....

[boom harvey]

Drop your skid plate and it makes it much easier for the olf (fyi)

[Bebe]

Originally Posted by boom harvey

Drop your skid plate and it makes it much easier for the olf (fyi)

Yeah but it still drips down the axle into that little weld on pan...blech.