When you've been watching CNN and viewing coverage of the war in Iraq, you've probably seen a few of those army vehicles called the military Hummer, also known as HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) or Humvee. They're a universal military machine (there are over 17 types of Humvees used in military action) that can be used for military transport, launching rockets and missiles, as an ambulance, and many other strategic military purposes.

But if you've ever thought of owning one of these extra-cool military machines, you're going to need to think hard on how to buy one, because they're not cheap, and they're not easy to obtain. First of all, the military doesn't sell them as "drivable" vehicles. The Department of Defense has a policy against selling military vehicles that don't meet the DOT standards. As well, the military isn't really interested in selling these to military surplus dealers or other agencies, as they want to keep them operational, and would rather sell them as scrap than sell them privately.

Oh sure, you can probably try to buy a reconstructed surplus Humvee, or you could try to pick one up at a military Hummer auction, but you have to appreciate that these vehicles are very rare, and there are a lot of dealers prepared to pay a lot of many to get one. If your pockets are deep, and you know a good military surplus dealer, or an intergovernmental agency, you might be able to purchase one, but you're probably better off shopping at the auto mall for a nice new H1, which can at least be customized, and can fit your family comfortably.