Has Anyone Purchased a HMMV from GovPlanet?

[DavidI]

I am considering purchasing a former military HMMV from GovPlanet for road use in California. Has anyone done this? I know there are many obstacles for the registration, but has anyone been successful? I read the thread about Montana registration and am concerned about the insurance aspect.

Please provide any insight that may guide my decision. Thanks!

[unclebilly]

I tried last summer. I’m not a us resident so I could not submit my bid.

[Arizona_928]

Yes. And was royally ripped off. GP uses low quality photos and simply states that the photos are the description.


My hmmwv was photographed in a way to create shadows over the body panels to hide damage, was parted out when i picked it up and had 4 flats (GP aired up the tires for the auction listing). Paid 10k back in 2015 when they were first released.

It is a fun truck, but i would get another military vehicle if i was 10 years younger.

[Tim Hancock]

How much does a running model typically end up selling for these days?

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by Tim Hancock

How much does a running model typically end up selling for these days?

You can see past auctions. They charge a 10% buyers premium and state specific sales tax based on vehicle location. They love to deny tax exempt and sf97’s. I would assume 5k for a bare bones.


One last thing about GP, they will try everything they can to get it to run (as a running vehicle sells for a premium). They’ll replace parts under the hood, batteries, etc. the buyer is usually screwed on barely running vehicles. I’ve met a lot of guys who thought they were getting a deal and was severely disappointed when the vehicle arrived.


If interested in a hmmwv, buy one of the newer models with the upgraded power trains and frames.

[Tim Hancock]

Originally Posted by Arizona_928

You can see past auctions. They charge a 10% buyers premium and state specific sales tax based on vehicle location. They love to deny tax exempt and sf97’s. I would assume 5k for a bare bones.


One last thing about GP, they will try everything they can to get it to run (as a running vehicle sells for a premium). They’ll replace parts under the hood, batteries, etc. the buyer is usually screwed on barely running vehicles. I’ve met a lot of guys who thought they were getting a deal and was severely disappointed when the vehicle arrived.


If interested in a hmmwv, buy one of the newer models with the upgraded power trains and frames.

Thanks.... Not really looking but when I saw this post I couldnt help myself to look at them.

[Tishabet]

A friend owns one (he purchased private party so no feedback re govplanet) and has had it for I think about 6 years, perhaps you already know this but do some research on what it takes to maintain an HMMV. Anecdotal based on a sample size of one but sounds like electrical system complexity and fragility is a big issue (at least with his, especially with ignition system) as are a thousand seals which dry out and leak oil from the hubs and stuff like that. My impression is that these are vehicles which need to be driven regularly and maintained much more rigorously than your typical truck.

[WPOZZZ]

Do you guys have a Surplus Property Office? In Hawaii, we have one and they have surplus vehicles for sale. Back in the day, I wanted a Humvee and they had a few demilitarized ones from the National Guard. Cool hatchback ones, but they all had the gunners turret up top, so there was a giant hole up there. There are eligibility requirements so you need to check those.

[LWJ]

This thread is sad. I toyed with buying a Hummer a couple times as a goofy toy.

[Racerbvd]

Plenty of them available in Florida, from cheap to $$$$$
I screen shot a few cheap ones on Facebook marketplace.

[RNajarian]

My friend bought one from an out of state dealer. He got a LLC to register it in Wisconsin (or was it Montana) so he could drive it here.

There are a few issues with the military HMMVs. One consideration is the tires. I think he needed to buy new rims because he couldn’t get tires for the stock rims.

I’ll call him tomorrow and ask him what he thinks.

I had one for a while . . . Never spent a penny on fuel OR maintenance

[DavidI]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the feedback. I've been doing a great deal of research about the various models and was considering purchasing one as a toy to go off roading. I'm still on the fence, especially because of the registration and insurance issues.

[tdw28210]

I've ridden my buddy's hummer. You'd think there would be a ton of space upfront, but in fact it is the opposite. Very tight seating - for the passenger anyway. I guess because how the engine sits? Never cared enough to research.

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by DavidI

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the feedback. I've been doing a great deal of research about the various models and was considering purchasing one as a toy to go off roading. I'm still on the fence, especially because of the registration and insurance issues.

Mine is registered in AZ with the original 6 digit VIN on the body. Insurance has been difficult. I think it’ll be easier to buy a 25k self insure bond with the state.

[herr_oberst]

Hoovie's got 5 or 6 videos where he goes thru the process of buying and fixing up his H1. Here's the recap.