How to Buy a Used Hummer

The Hummer is a military-style SUV that can be used for travel along unimproved roads and trails, as well as on paved roads for everyday use. Hummers require special care and attention to prevent structural and mechanical damage or failure. When purchasing a used Hummer, look for sales on eBay and in your local Autotrader magazine. Like purchasing any used vehicle, a slow-but-steady approach is best.

Instructions

1

Itemize vehicle features. Different model years have different features, so contact the manufacturer or use online resources to find the features and model years you're looking for.

2

Compare the number of miles on the Hummer to its general condition. High mileage is not necessarily negative. More importantly, see if the front end is in good shape. The front end is the weakest part of a Hummer, according to the "Flash off-Road" website. Check the front end for common problems such as a worn idler and pitman arms, which support steering ability, and dirty steering gears. If the front appears solid, simply lubricate the steering gears with anti-sieze grease and continue your inspection.

3

Inspect the wheels. Hummers are prone to wheel damage, and after-market wheels for Hummers are expensive and can be difficult to find.

4

Ask the seller or dealer about 'off-road' and 'on-road' use. If the Hummer was used mostly off-road, then look for wear in the suspension and wheel damage. If it was mostly driven on paved roads, check for engine wear.

5

Empty the transfer cases and check for burnt oil, which indicates the Hummer has been driven at high speeds on a regular basis. Avoid purchasing any Hummer that shows immediate signs of damage from improper road use and poor maintenance.

6

Negotiate the price of the Hummer based on its Blue Book or fair market value, which can also be determined by an appraiser.