TB general reliability

hi , i'm just trying to get idea of the general reliability of the TB . Thinking about buying either a leftover 2006 or a 2007 . leaning more to the 2007 for the better warranty on the powertrain . They have been selling them around here for less than $22K . Has the engine and transmission been ok on these . How are the electronics end of it , do you have a lot of problems with these ? What is the actual real world highway mileage on these ? I know it probably isn't too great running a 290 hp I6 , do you get the listed 22 mpg ? Thanks for any input on these questions . I have read they may only make these another year or 2 and then get rid of them so that may be a consideration too .

I think you'll find the reliability of a trailblazer (or clone) to be as good or better than the other same-class domestic trucks. They are a great value when purchased used as they dont hold their resale value. Same goes for all domestics for that matter. I personally would never buy one new. A used 2006 LS 4x4, miles in the teens goes for $16-18K depending on the area. Keep in mind, starting early March 2007, all GM certified used vehicles 2002 and up come standard with a 5yr/100Kmi powertrain warranty. From what I understand, time and mileage starts from when the vehicle was first purchased for this new warranty program, so if you buy a 2002-2003, it's not going to last too long.:disappoin

Joel

You would think GM would apply the powertrain warranty to any new leftover 2006 but so far I have been unable to confirm they are doing this .

Yep. That is a definate loop-hole. A new 2006 will only have the 3/36 warranty. You would have to jump up to a 2007 to get the new 100Kmi warranty. IMO- all the more reason to buy a certified used trailblazer. Although, the warranty issue (or lack there-of) on a left-over 2006 will be a sweet bargaining tool when negotiating price if you must have zero miles/new. I still wouldn't pay more than $18K for a TB or clone.

Joel

I have a 2003, 143K miles, so far only mechanical work: replaced all 4 stabilizer links, will be doing front pads (3rd set) and rotors this spring, just redid the rears (pads and rotors). That's it, been fantastic vehicle, I go off road at the beach, still rides nice on the highway will cruise at 100 no problem.

At about 28K miles my transmission starting jerking between shifts. Took it to the dealer and they said it was so bad they had to replace the entire transmission instead of rebuild it. Thankfully it was under warranty (I purchased it as a certified pre-owned/previous Enterprise rental car). I didn't like the fact that GM wouldn't warranty the transmission for the normal 36K miles from the time it was installed but oh well.

I had a blinker problem after that - light would stay on and not blink. Turned out there was a recall on the flasher about 2 weeks after that was fixed...hmmm.

The rear cabin fan sometimes comes on by itself but the dealer has no idea why and of course can't replicate it so can't tell me why. Usually only does it in the summer.

Yesterday my tach stopped working and now there's a little knocking going on when I idle in park. Getting it checked out next week I hope. Might just be a wiring problem or could be from this bitter cold we've been having lately.

Using the 4WD makes me nervous sometimes because when I turn tight corners it jerks, but I'm told that's normal.

I average about 15MPG (mostly city driving in 2WD, 3rd row seat removed but I added about 400lbs in stock and tools for my business).

Forgot to mention, I have a 2004