How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

I bet at least 50 to 70% of H3 owners will want the Alpha. I also predict within 2 years the 5 cylinder will be dropped entirely.

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

I think there'll be a disconnect between who will want one, and who will buy one. Seriously, if I'd had time and had already beat my H3, there's no way I'd buy a new one. The old one would be brush scratched, bottom pounded, modified. I'd keep it. The I5's not going anywhere, it's the GM way. They invested in that lineup, it's here to stay. There will be plenty of people that see the H3 and want one yet say the $40 that an Alpha costs is too much and that $26k is very doable.

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

Then you sir, are really not that smart. There is not a single vehicle product line that I can think of that doesn't have multiple engine options. The I5 is a good engine for the price, and the rumored $2k premium (above Lux even) puts this in the high 30's, low 40's sticker.

I'm not a marketing guy, but I'd guess the difference between low 30's and high 30's is a significant factor for many H3 buyers. I'd be willing to bet that <25% of all 2008 H3s are sold w/the V8 option because that option will put the H3's in a totally different price range. Many people will want the V8, but I'll bet a lot will settle for the I5.

I for one was absolutely gonna upgrade right away. Now, I'm thinking wait until the warranty is up (maybe one more year), then decide to trade up or maybe keep the H3 for the fiance and get myself a Wrangler (love open top vehicles).

We should all make predictions then come back to this thread middle of next year and see who's right :)

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

hmmm, looks like we were typing just about the same thing at the same time :D

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

Oh, I forgot, I will have one.

Reasons:
1. I tow. I tow alot. The V8 makes this a no brainer. I sold my Dmax and bought an extra trailer so the H3 gets used all the time for towing. The extra 1500lb capacity is no small thing.

2. We have a Denali. If we didn't, simply driving the H3 with the I-5 would be no big deal. It's almost dangerous to drive the H3 after a week in the Denali. It takes a huge mental reset. Where you could pass, you can't. Where you could charge up an onramp in front of a semi, you can't. Where I could pass someone safely with room to spare in the mountains, I can't. It gets tiresome.

3. The mileage is no big hit. I took a 2mpg hit going from the worn down factory tires to the ATs. Some say they don't, I'm saying that it was a definite and drastic reduction in mileage. I can feel the hp it cost. I did NOT take off new factory tires though, they were down to the wear bars. I gotta think that the V8 won't be so sensitive to a tire change like that. We went from a 5.3 in our last Yukon, an SLT, to the Denali with the 6.0. The Denali gets BETTER mileage than our 5.3 did.

4. I gotta think that they're going to put the tow/haul mode on the 5.3 and the cylinder deactivation. I think the cylinder deactivation will be on it simply to aid in the mileage. With today's global Warming dead head pressure and the EPA, it's a probability to me.

5. Snow. The 5.3 will do better in deep snow. I live with this all winter long. With chains on, and deep snow, I've had the I5 pinned to the wall simply to keep forward motion.

6. Fun. So I'm a hot rodder. I like my machines to have grunt. While the I5 is perfectly capable, that's where it ends. There's no joy, no grin factor when it's flogged. The 5.3 Hummer won't ever be featured on Pinks but it will most certainly be more enjoyable than the I5. I never bothered with an aftermarket exhaust on the I5, I didn't see the point. I don't like loud exhaust, but I certainly enjoy one with authority and that muscle car heart. It's going into my buddy's custom exhaust shop the first month I own it. A nice, quiet, 3" Dynomax is going in. Great for low speed torque and gets out of the way on high rpm.

7. The front axle. The bane of the H3 if you get serious. No one knows for sure but it'll probably be front locker compatible. No one for sure knows about the steering components, but one would think that that may be addressed as well (GM, are you reading this?) No matter though, I'll upgrade it anyway.


I'd like to add though, that the UCP should be on the Alpha as a matter of fact. It should also have the shock and spring mount skids. Is that over their heads or something?

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

NOT unless they make a Shadow Green color. Otherwise, I'm gonna wait for the H4.

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

I won't be trading mine anytime soon. I already have vehicles in the garage that are much faster. I think the H3 Alpha is a nice engine upgrade but I don't see the need to trade my 2006.

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

I think once the prices are listed and comparisons are made to the H2 that several will buy the H2.

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

:iagree: Keeping the 06 .
Might buy a H4 if MPG is good and keep the 3
And Ill take the 442 out when I get the need for speed .

For those who tow and want speed out of a tank the V8 will be a great option

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

where did you guys see that they would offer it in the 40's? i want one so bad. maybe i can talk my gf into buying my h3 and i will buy the alpha! im getting an alpha anyways so whatever! i just want to have all the same stuff as my adv/lux and take off the stuff i got on my existing one and swap them to the new one. i just want to romp on the pedal and sound beefy. im not expecting speed but the added passing power will be great, if i want to go fast ill whip out the mighty gixxer

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

:iagree:

With that part anyway.

I started looking at the depreciation and the hit I would take just to upgrade to the Alpha right now. I have been trying to guesstimate what the real cost of upgrading would be. I suspect that the asking price for the Alpha will be more than what has been guessed at by smarter people than myself. I don't think it makes financial sense for me to do this immediately.

I bought a fully loaded 06 with adventure and lux packages, added even more dealer options, and then added aftermarket off road upgrades. The only time I complain about the power is when trying to pass semi's at over 70 mph. I towed a couple of big Harley's to Sturgis and Ouray, both over 75 mph, with the I-5. No problem.

I don't know what their gonna ask for the cast iron diff, but I'll probably spring for that alone. I have added 35's and the V8 would help with that, but it's doesn't look like those reasons put together are gonna make it worth the money I would have to spend for the V8.

My plan for now, is to drive and wheel the 3 I have. Then hope that the trendy blinger type folks trade in their old SUT's, so I can pick one up used at a good price! Never off roaded and in good shape, so that I can beat it senseless.

A Jeep fabricator here in Utah was telling my Jeep buddies that the H3's are gonna be huge out here on Utah trails in a few more years, after they come down in price a little, and the working folks can afford to get into and wheel them. Just like the Jeeps.

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

No actual price, the 2K over lux is my guess on how it will be sold.
I believe, but again not sure (I'm not in marketing, advertising or finance), that there will be no adventure series with a V8. I believe this would be a BIG mistake, since a person could then get a V8 at around 35K. Ideal for those who don't want to purchase leather or all the other Lux goodies.
I don't believe there will be that many that jump in the overall H3 market. Remember, this forum is a very small percentage of actual H3 owners.
Personally, I may look at one next spring, but until then, I'm sticking with a proven workhorse. It has been very reliable, and so far, the only damn color I like except for Desert Orange and that is only on the Blink model till next year.

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

no pure adventure alpha :( , i just want that new front diff housing :jump:

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

I sure hope they offer the Adventure with a V-8 engine option (without the bling).

Plenty of Adventure owners tow trailers on and off road and would welcome the V8.

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

I agree with both of you guys; a V8 adventure should be made available, and if not; Hummer marketing is blowing some sales down the street. If there is NO V8 adventure available, I will immediately put in a suggestion, all the way to the top. (In other words, bypass marketing and go for the big dog.)

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

F5, do me a favor and don't post stuff like that until we know for sure, I just about had a heart attack.

Non adventure H3???? Now what the hell kind of sense would that make?

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

i agree, please stop as it is a recurring theme throughout your posts

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

shut it n00b.....:fdance: :p






Please don't be offended by my post, but really.....shut it. :giggling:

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

:iagree: Don't want the bling package, and wouldn't take care of the leather. Funny story, my dealer called me today with questions about the H3 (what was due for '08 and what could be done aftermarket) since I always know more about them than they do:giggling: thanks everyone here on the forum for keeping me informed:beerchug:

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

I always knew you liked to start up trouble. i didnt mean to. I was simply giving my input and sought no lip for it.:confused:

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

It's probably not personal eugene, F5 knows things, he helps lots of people around here. Relax, just don't mess with F5.

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

I tow a lot, and wish I could tow more (like my Scout!)

I'll be up for the V8, but in no hurry to take the $$ hit.

Bebe, play nice.:D

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

And bling = significant profit for GM/Hummer.

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

Never unless they make it in a manual, and then probably... never, I'd rather run down the I5 and eventually get a diesel

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

Not me, sorry guys. I am buying bigger.

:beerchug:

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

Dude, you need to go back and read all the forums that F5 has posted, he is the most helpful one here. He knows alot more than most of us will ever know.
Might also want to listen to Hummbebe, she will take ya out. :giggling: She has her ways. She has people!

:beerchug:

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

I've got an '07 Adventure package and I don't see myself trading it in for a H3 Alpha. I've always had my eye on a H2, so the H3 is a stepping stone for me. Even with more power of an 8 cylinder, I still won't have the interior room or towing capacity that I would like. In fact, the first time I test drove a H3, the dealer only had the '06 models in stock and I felt that the truck needed more power. The increase in horsepower with the '07 model felt right, but I can definetely see the need for the Alpha. But I agree with others that say the I-5 will probably continue to be the base engine for the H3.

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

I'm going to save my money and get me a Raty old used beat to crap H1..and Flog the Poop out of it...Mo fun then a H3 V-8 in the filth...

:jump:

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

I do lots of driving, over 26000 in the first year. I have no desire to trade. I guess if I had mone to burn I might toss one in my garage but I am please with the 5, even off road it does well, it groans and grunts but gets the jobs.

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

I'm going to keep my 06. have made alot of improvements to it, mostly electronics, and its grown on me, my first, very own, vehicle ever. I like it the way it is rite now so im keeping it. But I am planning on getting the Alpha also. That would mostly be for when towing or drving on roads where more power may be better (mountains, etc.). I will wait for the 09 Alpha, that way they can take care of all the little problems that come with a first year vehicle (not really but its got quite a bit of improvements), like they did with the 07 H3. Maybe they'll decide to add .2 L to the 09 Alpha and make it a 5.5L.:giggling:

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

F5 is telling ya what he knows, or his opinion. A lot of things can and do change, even up to production. We've seen and been through this before.
First there will not be a manual, automatic only. Price will not be known until GM releases it. The plant won't know it until GM releases it. No cloth, leather seats only. Not sure about adventure package yet, but I think it will be available, as far as I can tell. Right now, alot is still comming out on our level.

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

You echoed something that I said in jest. You sounded serious. I told you to shut it.

And for the record I never start up trouble. :fdance:

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

:perfect10s::perfect10s::perfect10s:

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

I've been told (and F5 cleverly tried to divert us from the truth, he should either play poker or write novels) that it WILL be an Adventure. At the least it will have the 4:1 tcase, 33s, and a rear locker, call it what you want.

Why would they bother upgrading the front axle if it's going to be an onroad bling model.... eh????? The axle they have now wouldn't break if it were a street mochine.

So, the plot thickens. I for one, particularly after the last round, find F5 to have a devious, confounding mischievious streak in him that's only satiated by pulling our chains. Are we having fun yet?:D

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

Yep, too early to rule out adventure package. Sure the H3 intro looks flashy. And forcing you to get the luxury gear/leather just improves the profit margin on the Alpha version.

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

As far as I'm concerned, the Alpha better have other significant improvements besides V8. If they just offer V8 with bit higher price increase, I might go for the H2 next time.

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

I still say within 2 years of V8 production, it will prove to be the popular option as the I 5 is viewed by many as weak and will be dropped entirely. This happened when the jeep XJ went from the V6 to the 4.0 in line 6.

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

No plans on dropping the I5 at all.

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

That cast iron front diff that'll take an elocker is no small upgrade!

Why we don't have an H2:

It's huge. Our trails up here are tight. Yes an H2 can do it but I might as well line-x the entire truck.

The H2 has no 4:1 tcase. On the rocky trails, I really enjoy this feature...alot. It's probably a main reason I like the H3.

It's huge. In town, the H3's really a joy. After driving my Sierra longbed extracab, the H3 is a hoot in the city, reminiscent of our dearly departed Mini Cooper.

Mileage. It's a big difference.

Cost. H2s are very expensive.

But, with the new engine and tranny, we very well might own BOTH!:dancingbanana:

That inline 5 isn't going anywhere unless (and this is a huge unless) GM starts making overhead valve V8s to get competitive with the others.

Re: How many will be trading in their 5 cylinder H3's for an Alpha?
 

True, but things could change, especially if the engine is more reliable and the mileage is still better than the H2, for me the V8 would be the only way to go as I just love V8 power, I could never go back to a smaller engine.