I-40 Thru AZ and NM?

[surf twang]

My fiance' and I drive from San Jose, CA to Albuquerque, NM three to four times a year. We're seriously considering a 2007 H3 but we're concerned about its ability to handle the long grades through Eastern CA, Arizona and New Mexico, especially around Flagstaff. I've done a search and read through all the threads about the H3's power, or lack of, but still don't have a comfortable feeling. We usually set the cruise control on 75 and our Mercedes C240 has no problems keeping up or passing traffic. I'm not expecting sports car or Mercedes sedan performance but I don't want to be stuck behind semi's with no way to pass. Does anyone have any experience with an H3 on this route?

[Sewie]

I've driven mine over the Sierras several times and over the Grapevine a couple times. Honestly, long grades are the only time I really feel the H3 is underpowered but I'm still not stuck in the slow lane. But you're gonna have to keep the RPM's up if you want to go 65-70+ MPH. And forget about the cruise control unless your on relatively flat roads.

[Sewie]

BTW, I'm in Los Gatos. If you end up getting one, let me know if you ever want to hit some trails. We've got a group that heads out at least once a month.

[BlueHUMMERH2]

Having driven up into the Rockies a few times on I-70 in Colorado, I can say that you certainly won't be stuck in the slow lane, but your RPM's are going to be 3,500+ most likely, especially if passing.

[surf twang]

Thanks for the replies so far. I'm a bit concerned about the wear-and-tear on the engine if it has to work that hard on grades/hills. I guess a question I really need to answer is how much should I let a driving situation that would occur less than 10% of time influence our decision. I've test-driven one and I think it would be fine for our every day driving. But those 17 hour drives can be killer...

[surf twang]

One more thing, do you think the 3.7L engine makes a noticeable improvement?

[BlueHUMMERH2]

Originally Posted by surf twang

One more thing, do you think the 3.7L engine makes a noticeable improvement?

Negatory. I just drove a 2007 a few days ago, and I didn't notice much difference (as many others have said). I think maybe it sounds better though, a little more meaty/mean when you're accelerating.

I'm a bit concerned about the wear-and-tear on the engine if it has to work that hard on grades/hills.

Also was my concern. Never seemed to be a problem though. My H2 revs up high quite often when passing, climbing hills, etc. I've got almost 70K, and haven't had any engine related problems from it reving so high. Engine still sounds very good.

I wouldn't worry too much though. This is why you buy an American built car: they're tough! They are designed to take abuse, run over curbs, fall into potholes, etc.

I think you should get the H3, because you will more than likely love it.

[Groundpounder]

I drove fron Dallas to Yuma, Az for Thanksgiving and had no problem at all. My only small problem was keeping it under 90. The hills were OK and I was able to keep up. My milage was not to bad, except when a Jeep caught fire and we had to sit for an hours to clear it off the road. Other than that it was a good drive. My wife got to drive and she loves it more that before the trip.

[Huck BB62]

Originally Posted by surf twang

Thanks for the replies so far. I'm a bit concerned about the wear-and-tear on the engine if it has to work that hard on grades/hills. I guess a question I really need to answer is how much should I let a driving situation that would occur less than 10% of time influence our decision. I've test-driven one and I think it would be fine for our every day driving. But those 17 hour drives can be killer...

Repeating myself to some here, but you really should know. I live up in the Sierras and drive down to work in the valley every day. It's a big big change going from our Dmax truck or Denali to the H3. In this one regard, the H3 needs help and no one will argue it unless they're suffering from denial: We want more motor.

If you have patience, it's not bad. Passing in the mountains, forget it.

As far as being able to do it? Yeah. I've got 25 k on ours and it's all up and down the mountain. I shag it really hard going up hill because that's what it takes. Of those 25k, I figure that less than half of that is in overdrive. I don't redline it, but the 3500-4000 figure is pretty accurate!

But, let's look at what it takes to have a major hill climbing vehicle. It takes a big big motor, or a light light vehicle. The H3 is heavy. For it's size, it's built like nothing else on the road save a Land Rover.

The serious four wheelers are all underpowered except for the Dodge Powerwagon, and it gets 13mpg on a good day.

2008 is supposed to bring us a surprise I hope!

[crop000]

Depends on what your have gotten use to drive. I have found myself not being able to pass in shorter spaces, due to traffic or a short passing zone.
In my GMC truck(V8) I don't have that problem.

I drive my H3 90% of the time now. It's fun to drive, it's has a good ride, a good feel, it is not a V8 so you can't drive it like it is. I'm planning a road trip this coming year to the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce and the Canyon lands. If I get stuck in the slow lane, I'm sure there will be plenty of scenery to look at.
Most of the time I'm the one being passed, not because of the I-5 though.

[kma]

If I'm not mistaken, the engine in the h3 is tuned/ meant to run at higher rpm's as part of it's design. I can't remember where I read that but oh well. But I do live in hilly country and there are a lot of steep freeway climbs and the h3 does fine, it just comes out of overdrive and I am comfortable with it's performance. Go test drive one at a dealer that has a freeway with a grade on it nearby

[Sewie]

Originally Posted by kma

Go test drive one at a dealer that has a freeway with a grade on it nearby

Go to SVH in Los Gatos and take a test drive up Hwy 17. That will give you some idea how it handles grades.

[surf twang]

We would have bought one today if it wasn't for the dealer. We took one for a good test drive through the Altamont pass. The H3 wasn't a scorcher but it was acceptable. We agreed on a price with the salesman but things fell apart when we had to deal with sales manager/finance person. Suddenly, the numbers we had agreed on with the salesman had all changed, to the advantage of the dealer. We walked. We'll eventually get one but probably not in time for our next trip to Albuquerque this Wednesday.

Thanks to all who responded to my questions. You guys/gals are great.

[Wisha Haddan H3]

Originally Posted by surf twang

One more thing, do you think the 3.7L engine makes a noticeable improvement?

Not a huge difference, and only then at high RPMs. Torque and HP get a boost at 4600 & 5600 RPMs respectively, so you really have to rev it when passing to notice. It's come in handy for me up I-70 tho ...

x2 with Bluehummer on the sound. 2007s sound a lot beefier, probably cause of the redesigned valves, heads and such.

[Jeff G]

Originally Posted by surf twang

My fiance' and I drive from San Jose, CA to Albuquerque, NM three to four times a year. We're seriously considering a 2007 H3 but we're concerned about its ability to handle the long grades through Eastern CA, Arizona and New Mexico, especially around Flagstaff. I've done a search and read through all the threads about the H3's power, or lack of, but still don't have a comfortable feeling. We usually set the cruise control on 75 and our Mercedes C240 has no problems keeping up or passing traffic. I'm not expecting sports car or Mercedes sedan performance but I don't want to be stuck behind semi's with no way to pass. Does anyone have any experience with an H3 on this route?

Surf - If you're fine with the performance of the C240, you'll be fine with the H3. I bought a new 240 about 6 years ago. I drove it for about 6 months(damned weak and I don't like the way it's geared) and traded it for a new E320. I loved it and drove it for 3 years and then bought the S500 with the AMG pkg. Now, when I get out of the 500 and into the H3, I feel like I'm walking. They are 2 different cars with 2 different uses. We drive the H3 to our house in the Smoky Mountains a couple times permonth and I'm not disappointed in it at all. I don't think you would be disappointed in the H3 and I definately wouldn't let 10% of my driving habits sway my decision.

I've got over 28K on my 06 H3 and drive it pretty hard. I'll let you know if the motor suffers from my lead foot later. Good luck with your choice of new vehicle.

My wife had a 2001 C240 for 4 years. Nice highway cruiser (great aerodynamics for a 4 door sedan) but too many electrical problems and some mechanical problems.


S.

[surf twang]

We've decided to get an H3 - if we can find a dealer that won't try to screw us over.

[H3PAC]

Originally Posted by surf twang

We've decided to get an H3 - if we can find a dealer that won't try to screw us over.

Good move walking out on that dealer - they were trying to pull the old scam on you where the salesman, suddenly your best friend, helps you negotiate with that mean old sales manager. What a bunch of crap. Whenever I'm at a dealership and pick up on any of that nonsense, I'm out of there.

I purchased my H3 from Criswell Hummer in Gaithersburg, MD, about a 2 1/2 hour drive from home. I did the entire deal, including financing, on the web with a very straight up guy named Jim Gladhill. They charged me $275 over invoice, didn't hose me on any dealer-installed options, and added/swapped a few options literally overnight so I had the exact vehicle I wanted. It was ready as promised, parked inside, all shiny, full of fuel and ready to go. I was met by the salesman who entertained my kids, escorted us to the finance manager who had all the paperwork ready and then introduced to two very knowledgeable technicians who briefed us on the entire vehicle. They gave us a couple of gifts when we left, and followed up the next day with a phone call to see how we liked our new vehicle. I can honestly say it was the best buying experience of my life.

So don't put up with those scum sucking parasites that play those old car sales games. They're out to rob you. They will lie, cheat, and defraud you. Tell them to kiss your ass as it heads out the door with the rest of you. There are plenty of GOOD dealers out there who deserve your business.

Good luck with your search!

[surf twang]

It should be a simple transaction. I have a supplier discount so there's no negotiating the price. However, I'm finding that the dealers offer different lease rates even though they're all using GMAC. The dealer I was at offered a great lease plan then tried to renegotiate the price and add on a bunch of options I didn't want. I went to a dealer who didn't play this game but his lease rates were much higher and the monthly payment was too high for our budget. I'm going to see if this dealer will match the other's lease plan. If so, we'll be driving to Albuquerque in a new H3.

[Sewie]

Unfortunately, all the dealers in the Bay Area seem to suck in the customer service department. If you can't get the deal you want, take a drive up to Sacramento Hummer. I've heard nothing but good things about them.

Also, if you're working with Silicon Valley Hummer, be aware that they've been sold and will be closing up shop soon.