Looking to Purchase First Hummer

[nitrous]

Hello,



I'm new to the forum and have been looking for an H1 for several months now. I'm in Western Canada but willing to travel cross country for the right rig. I have seen a few in Alberta but they have all needed a lot of work, been gas engines, or way overpriced in my opinion.



I'm looking for the 1995 - 2001 model range, as the ALPHA is out of my price point. What do you guys think is a good price range for H1 in Canada?



Do you know of any for sale that you would say are top quality rigs that are ready to go hit the trails and the highway rather than heading straight into the shop?



I'm no CEO and don't have CEO money, however I grew up with the H1 posters on my wall as a kid and went straight to the H1 exhibit at each and every Detroit auto show, so now that I have a bit of free cash I'm looking to fill that spot in the driveway.



Any help you guys can provide would be great.

[JL]

I won't pretend to be an expert on the H1's but as far as my experience with them... if you want a nice one that's 'ready-to-go', depending on mileage and year, you're probably looking at $50-$60k ?



Some of the other guys will surely have some input on model years and what to look out for, some years have bad motors and even if it's been replaced you get into the area of crappy rebuilds etc. so depending on the buyer it can be a good idea to avoid some years entirely.



Also since there are never too many for sale at one time in the entire country, it may be beneficial to shop across the border... if only to open up the selection. There are brokers that can assist with finding the right vehicle, paperwork and transporting the vehicle, but an individual can always do the same for themselves. Just saves on the time and headaches...



Much like the H2s it would seem that the well taken care of vehicles are already with fanatical owners that would never sell, but there's lots of garbage on the used market. Lots of 'good deals' as they say, cheaper to buy but more $$$ to own!!

[whitehumh2]

Look for a 1998, these don't have the TT4 or ABS but have most of the other upgrades that the newer trucks have! It would be a really great buy!

[nitrous]

Thanks JL.



I've done a lot of research so far, and a lot of reading on this forum which has been very helpful. So I am aware of the Model year changes as well as the other issues and upgrades that were done over the years. The biggest issue I have is with people who don't know what they own and haven't kept up with maintenance. I would much rather purchase from someone who knows the trucks and knows how to keep up with the maintenance. I wouldn't mind also knowing what the maintenance costs have been for someone who keeps up with things and has owned their H1 for a few years at least.



Eating tie rod ends, and other front end parts. I know this has been an issue, but it this something people replace yearly? 10,000 km interval? Or 40,000 km? I know it will very by tire size and use, but some general sharing of experience with the trucks would be great.

[whitehumh2]

[quote name='nitrous' timestamp='1327460181' post='34669']

Thanks JL.



I've done a lot of research so far, and a lot of reading on this forum which has been very helpful. So I am aware of the Model year changes as well as the other issues and upgrades that were done over the years. The biggest issue I have is with people who don't know what they own and haven't kept up with maintenance. I would much rather purchase from someone who knows the trucks and knows how to keep up with the maintenance. I wouldn't mind also knowing what the maintenance costs have been for someone who keeps up with things and has owned their H1 for a few years at least.



Eating tie rod ends, and other front end parts. I know this has been an issue, but it this something people replace yearly? 10,000 km interval? Or 40,000 km? I know it will very by tire size and use, but some general sharing of experience with the trucks would be great.

[/quote]



There are ways to make the front-end/suspension parts live a long and happy life. First off if someone tells you the truck has never been offroad...that is actually a really bad thing, these trucks were made for offroad and they need it! However on the flip side if a guy used it for only offorad and never did any maintenance that is equally bad! H1s do require much more maintenance than either an H2 or H3, but most of the parts are fairly easy to change...it helps! That is one reason why I suggested a 98 truck, you eliminate the electronic gremlins and have a really solid on/off road truck. They already have the upgraded HVAC and the torsen diffs can work very well by BTM.



Hope this Helps a bit!



Kev

[nitrous]

Thanks Kev, I'll take all the information I can get.



Has anyone tried to swap in an HVAC unit from another vehicle like a Jeep Wrangler (I know probably a bad word on here)?

[whitehumh2]

[quote name='nitrous' timestamp='1327461946' post='34672']

Thanks Kev, I'll take all the information I can get.



Has anyone tried to swap in an HVAC unit from another vehicle like a Jeep Wrangler (I know probably a bad word on here)?

[/quote]



The H1s HVAC system is very unique in that you have an extremely limited space for it to all fit into. Even the factory installed unit have to be shoehorned into place!

[rex]

Where in western canada are you from nitrous?

[nitrous]

I'm in Lethbridge, AB but seeing as there are only 3 H1 Hummers that I know of here in town I realize I'll have to travel potentially cross country for the right H1. If there is a member from the area that is willing to meet up with me and talk Hummer I would be very greatful.

[Hesh]

[quote name='Polar Bear' timestamp='1327461405' post='34670'] That is one reason why I suggested a 98 truck, you eliminate the electronic gremlins and have a really solid on/off road truck. They already have the upgraded HVAC and the torsen diffs can work very well by BTM.[/quote]





Where I would agree with you from an Off-roading perspective, the pre-'01 (generally) are still at risk for a #8 cracked cylinder. Make sure you do a lot of reading and research on the vehicle you are looking into to ensure that any vehicle from these years has had the engine replaced. With motor replacement costs being as ridiculous as they are, one may consider throwing in some F&R Lockers in an ABS/TT4 truck that is equipped with the heavy-block.



If you need links to resources in breaking down VIN's and how to figure out if your vehicle is at risk for a weak cylinder #7/8 let me know. Good luck they are AWESOME trucks!