Buying a 1997 Bravada

[civiltp]

Everyone,

I am currently the owner of a 99 S-10 (90,000 mi.). Wife and I are pregnant and need a more baby friendly vehicle.

A local used car lot has a 1997 Bravada for sale. I am going to try and get an even trade. Several questions...

1. Do you current Bravada owners think I should trade?
2. What things should I look/listen for during test drive/inspection..

I know about:
Transmission dipstick
Washer Fluid Line
Lumbar Wires

Transmission-Is there any quick way to determine if it has been fixed during it's life?

All help is appreciated.

[Chris Stewart]

Right now I have a fuel guage indicator issue...it lies, tell you here's fuel when there isn't & wife runs out of gas. The GM dealers are price gouging on parts too. In your present situation, I'd look at a Nissan SUV. Bravadas are for people who like to work on their car.

[civiltp]

Originally Posted by Chris Stewart

Right now I have a fuel guage indicator issue...it lies, tell you here's fuel when there isn't & wife runs out of gas. The GM dealers are price gouging on parts too. In your present situation, I'd look at a Nissan SUV. Bravadas are for people who like to work on their car.

Chris,

Unfortunately Nissan's hold their value a little better and I am in no mood to take on a car payment. I am also looking at a year newe Blazer with less miles. Downfall is that it is only 2WD w/cloth.

[1990TS]

1997 was not a bad year for the Bravada. First year for the good four wheel disc brakes which was a big improvement over the prior disc/drum set up. Also 1997 was the last year for the good Borg Warner 4472 transfer case which is AWD that uses a viscus clutch to do a 35%front/65% rear torque split under regular conditions and more to the front when it slips. It does't use electronics. Transfer case will last forever as long as tires both front and rear are of the same size and tread depth. The only other thing that you may need on one of these trucks is maybe a fuel pump at some point. They get decent mileage of 15-17 mpg around town, 20-21mpg on the highway going 70-72 mph. Most have the towing package with a class III hitch and HD wiring (look for option code Z82 HD tow package.) 1997 also had really nice front seats, but they were not heated till 1998. I've had several Bravada's over the years. They're actually tough trucks that you should have no worry putting your family in. I don't think I can say the same about the JAP trucks.