Beginning in 1984 the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV “Humvee”) successfully replaced the M-151 Army Jeep and other light tactical vehicles as a one-size-fits-all military conveyance. Increased off-road capability, a larger payload, and better able to protect soldiers, the Humvee was first used in combat during the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989. Depending on its configuration, the cost of a single Humvee to the U.S. Government averaged roughly $28,000 in the mid-1980’s. In comparison, the price tag of a Willys MB Jeep during World War II was $649 (that’s about $4,400 in 1985 dollars). There were seventeen different HMMWV models designed for use in the U.S military. This M998 Cargo/Troop Carrier is available for sale here on Craigslist in Vermont for $11,995.
The M998, with its open, lightweight aluminum body and canvas top was capable of carrying 2,500 lbs. of cargo/crew or it could be configured to transport a two-man crew along with eight passengers. According to the seller, this truck was refurbished in 2006 by the Maine Military Authority. Aside from mentioning the truck received an engine swap, the seller fails to provide information about what other work was performed during the refurbishment. Regardless the tan paint looks to be original and still in decent condition, aside from a couple of scrapes here and there and some peeling on the rear wheels. Some rust can be seen on the front bumper and door hinges, but it doesn’t look to be a major issue. The canvas top looks to be in good shape with no visible rips or tears. However, in one of the photos it looks like the passenger side door isn’t closed flush, but maybe it was simply left ajar. The truck sits nice and tall on 37″ Goodyear Wranglers which the seller claims “still have some meat.”
As mentioned the original 6.2 liter General Engine Products (GEP) diesel V8 was swapped for a newer 6.5 liter motor. However, the seller doesn’t mention whether the newer motor was brand new out-of-the-crate or if it was a used motor pulled from another demilitarized Humvee. Perhaps he doesn’t know. After all, in the ad, he reveals he isn’t really familiar with the truck by mentioning “it doesn’t look like many miles have been put on it [since the engine swap].” Is this a recent purchase he’s looking to flip?
“The truck starts right up and all gauges work. I wouldn’t hesitate to drive it anywhere or over pretty much anything” states the seller. The 3-speed automatic transmission is reported to shift smoothly and two new batteries have been installed. The seller provides a nice photo of the undercarriage that proves his claim that the underside of the truck is “real clean.” There’s just one picture of the cab but it manages to show another distinct feature of the Humvee – the raised hump of the drive train between the two seats – a design that helps create a lower center of gravity for the vehicle. AM General began selling the civilian version of the M998, the Hummer H1, to the public in 1992. Over the years the H1 would be continually redesigned, looking less and less like its predecessor This M998 reminds us of the tough, original look of the Humvee as it existed before civilians could own one and according to the seller this is an opportunity to own the “real deal.” It’s certainly tempting, but is his price tag fair?
Was never a fan. People who complain about the lack of comfort and ingress / egress in low slung 2 seater sports cars…need to find out what real bone rattling discomfort is about by driving one of these critters. If it’s about function and cool factor…I’d take my chances with a Unimog over this.
Find me a serviceable $11995 Unimog and I will whole-heartedly agree with you! :)
“……………..the cost of a single Humvee to the U.S. Government averaged roughly $28,000 in the mid-1980’s…………..”
An easy mistake to make, I’m sure he meant to say that a single Humvee actually cost the U.S. government absolutely nothing but it cost the American taxpayer “roughly $28,000”.
After serving in the active army (did my 8) you couldn’t pay me any amount of money to have this. The dreaded PMCS….
Hahahahaha I haven’t thought of that damn checklist in years!
Could make a lot of cash hauling newspapers with this! The paper I
work for has an open route with roads
so bad that a 4-wheel drive is required
just to run it. I’m told that this route pays
the driver over $1K per week, every week.
The last guy who drove it in a regular car
ripped off the oil and tranny pans on a
boulder as big as a hall closet! After
figuring my expenses, I’ve figured that
I’ll put $600-$700 a week in my pocket.
Not a bad week’s pay for a bit of a rough
ride.
You had better be into hard core wheeling if you buy this. As a daily driver? Forget it. Slow, hot, uncomfortable and did I mention slow? You don’t so much steer these as make polite requests via the wheel and hope to drift in the correct direction. Total beast off road though.
I am very lucky to say I went into the US Navy in the Fall of 81, proudly served a 4 year enlistment, during my time I was assign to Shore Patrol, I got to drive the out going Jeep, which we loved, and got to drive enough of the new HMMWV, to known I did not ever want to own one.
CL listing is now deleted.
I actually wanted to inquire about this truck, but it says that the listing was deleted! I probably would have tried to dicker and see if we could get together on a lower price tho! Too bad, I can really use something like this to get around the pasture in the winter!
Never liked Hummers. They are the trucks of Armageddon. I’ll take a Jeep any day over this monstrosity.
Being in the Army for 23 years, I’ve spent time behind several military vehicles. The M998 was a pig. Sure, it had great ground clearance, but was loud, uncomfortable to drive, and sluggish. The 1st series, the A1, had no park, no sun visors, no self cancelling turn signals, but they did have a decent heater. With a soft top & doors, they leaked when it rained. The A2 and A3 vehicles were much better. They had all of the aforementioned lackings, including a park gear, and an overdrive transmission. But with a 53′ turning radius, not so good in wooded areas. They are 8′ wide. No thanks.
There’s a site (I won’t list it here, but it’s really easy to google) that auctions used military Humvees very inexpensively. The hitch? They don’t come with a title, and they do come with a certificate saying they are for off road use only. A cottage industry has sprung up around getting these legal for the road.
My guess is that’s the case here… and perhaps the seller was unsuccessful in getting a clean title issued.
“…Never liked Hummers. They are the trucks of…”
Hummer is usable – HUMVEE is not.
It’s too wide, too uncomfortable & not an off rd vehicle like we’d use here on the trails.
This is made by AM General. I think the Hummer II is GM? and get the last model, most improved.