96 Blazer worth 2,800??

[MandyfromMichigan]

I have read alot. I mean ALOT if reviews on the 96 Chevy Blazer and I am stuck. I have NO idea what to do. There is a 96 Chevy Blazer in the next town we test drove it 3 times. I love it. It does have high miles. I would like some feedback from Chevy Blazer owners, Mechanics, and people who know other people who have them. Please Help I am desprate. I really like the ride and feel. The only thing that scares me is the horror stories on sites like http://www.carsurvey.org and http://www.carreview.com I would really appriciate all the help I could get.



Thank you for reading my thread,

Mandy

[ibhuff]

I would say if you like the ride and feel go for it. People dont usually go to sites like that unless they want to complain. The people that are happy dont bother looking to see if they are the only ones. The unhappy people are the ones usually looking to see if it is just them, or a common problem. I could be wrong, but that is how I found this site.
Just be prepared to pay for some repairs and you should be fine. You will have to do that buying any used vehicle. I have had a few problems with my 99 Blazer, but when it is running good I love it.
Good luck, let us know what you dedcide

[Invictus]

i can tell you that i have known many people with the 4.3 engine that has exceeded 200,000 miles...my blazer has 156,000 and it still runs very strong...the only thing i would worry about is the 4l60e if that year has it which im sure it does...that tranny is a problem waiting to happen mine is haveing shifting problems that no one can seem to figure out....but i would recommend buy it..i love mine despite the problems it has ...just remember if its used then someone else got rid of it for a reason

[MGoBlue102]

I haven't actually looked at kbb.com yet to see how much the things are worth but you should find out if anything has been replaced yet, when you say high mileage, how much is high. My transmission went out right near 100k miles, the engine went at about 131k miles. It runs fine now after nearly 2 grand for the transmission and 3 grand for the engine. Have they had either of these replaced as of yet. Ball joints are another thing. The were recalled last year, you need to find out if they have already had them replaced, if not, then you can use the recall when yours go out, because I guarantee they will. These blazers are tough on brake pads in the front and ball joints. I replace my pads annually with Bendix superior pads and Raybestos, both wear out in about a year. Ball joints every 30k to 50k miles. Is this a 4x4, if so, the actuator is a problem area. Does it have the 5 year (Pink) anti-freeze or the green stuff. If its pink, its probably never been changed, if it hasnt, thats a problem, that stuff sludges up within 3-5 years and causes all kinds of heater problems. Heater core or radiator may need to be replaced/flushed, be sure to run it down the road and feel the heat when engine reaches at least 160 deg. If your in MI, you need heat... Also, since your in MI, you need to ensure that it has been undercoated, if not, these chassis and other parts (4x4 actuator) rust out really bad. These are all things that I like many other people have dealt with. They do seem to be very common problems that so many people do complain about. The previous guy was right, usually only the ones with problems do complain. I have had all these same issues personally but still do like my 96 Blazer for the most part. you can msg me on yahoo if you want any more info from me. my screen name is Mulder_a51.

[mjohn]

1993 4.3L V6 Wseries...owner with 141,000mpg...
These trucks have alot of character...and I enjoy the repairs...and learning how to fix this and that...
I would not trade my car/truck/motorcycle...knowledge for anything it is who...I am ...I have started to take photos of all the vehicles...my family has owned...and rubber cement them on the bedroom wall... :o)

[myoung7]

I purchased a used 96 blazer with just over 72,000 miles on it about a year and a half ago. Everything was fine until I hit the 97,000 mile mark, then the water pump went out, the fuel pump went out (spent over $600 finding and repairing that problem), and the transmission sounds like a tie fighter from Star Wars. An old lady had owned it previously and keep very detailed records of every oil change, repair, ect... All I'm saying is BE CAREFULL! Typically, blazers have transmission problems and it appears that the fuel system has problems also. However, everyone tells me that the 4.3L engine is good and will last. The question is will everything else around it.

Finally, I bought it cause it was cheap and appeared to be well taken care of, but If I had it to do over again, I would probably have saved-up and purchased a japanese vehicle. If the Blazer your looking at has high miles, maybe the owner has already replaced everything and your problems could be minimal. Good Luck!

[pbird]

I BOUGHT MY 96 BLAZER AT 98K MILES 2 1/2 YEARS AGO AND I HAVE HAD A FEW PROBLEMS BUT I WOULDNT COMPLAIN ABOUT THEM. I READ THAT SOMEONE SAID THEY HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND WHAT CAUSES ALOT OF THOSE PROBLEMS ARE THE TRANSMITTION DIPSTICK AND TUBE. THEY WERE KNOW TO RUST OUT AND THEN CAUSE TRANSMITION PROBLEMS. IT WAS ALREADY FIXED ON THE ONE I BOUGHT SO I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THAT.
I HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR U-JOINTS ABOUT 115,000 MILES AND AT 128,000 MILES I JUST REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKES, THEY SAID THEY WERE SURPRISED THEY MADE IT THAT LONG BECAUSE BLAZERS DO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE BREAKS (EVERY 11K-15K MILES), I JUST GOT LUCKY I GUESS. I JUST REPLACED THE BELT TENTIONER ON THE SERPENTINE BELT(ALSO A COMMON PROBLE WITH BLAZERS) I HAVE ALSO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR @ 120K, ALL IN ALL IT HAVE NOT SPENT TO MUCH MONEY ON IT AND I NOW HAVE 128,000 MILES. IT RUNS GREAT AND AND I WOULD SAY THAT THE REPAIRS THAT I HAVE MADE WERE JUST MAINTANANCE TO A VEHICLE WITH THAT HIGH OF MILES.
U-JOINTS REAR-$240 (4x4 SO THERE ARE 2 ON MY BLAZER)
BRAKES FRONT $200 (REPLACE EVERYTHING NOT JUST THE PAD)
ALTERNATOR $40
BELT TENTIONER $50
NEW TIRES $500 (I WANTED BIGGER TIRES SO THIS SHOULDNT COUNT AS A REPAIR)
TURN SIGNAL FLASHER $10

[96_Blazer]

I have a 96 Blazer, GM replaced Tran at 110 000Km.
at 220 000 km oil pump gave out...new engine...but other than that it has been a good truck. Execpt now having problemss because Garage screw up something when replacing tank. I would say just to ask if Fuel Pump has been replaced. It is a costly part for these trucks, I have had to some big problems but with 280 000 Km it has been a Good Truck. I also drive it 365 days a year for work and I have to say it has put up with alot for what I put it through.