1997 versus 2000 Blazer, deciding which to buy

[pilot4x4]

We are looking at two 4x4 Blazers, one is a 1997 with about 70,000 miles and a 2000 with around 80,000 miles. Both vehicles are equipped basically the same. The condition of the two seems to be close to the same. The asking price for both is nearly identical. Is one model year better than the other? Do the 2000s have as many tranny and transfer case problems as the late 90 models? John

[blazes9395]

I would go be leaning to the 2000. There are a few improvements, one(to me) worth noting. The '99 and up came with roller rockers from the factory. This improvement alone helps increase gas milage, but it also gives better response from the 4.3L. The transmissions were updated, helping improve the reliability of them. Also, you get dual airbags with the 2000, the 1997 just has the driver side. It all depends on how each truck has been looked after too. If the '97 has been looked after better, then I would be looking at the '97. Milage doesn't necessarily give you an indication as to which one to look for, it depends on how good each truck was looked after.

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by pilot4x4

We are looking at two 4x4 Blazers, one is a 1997 with about 70,000 miles and a 2000 with around 80,000 miles. Both vehicles are equipped basically the same. The condition of the two seems to be close to the same. The asking price for both is nearly identical. Is one model year better than the other? Do the 2000s have as many tranny and transfer case problems as the late 90 models? John

Get the 2000, it is more refined and is not plagued with the 1997 ignition switch failure.

The 2000 has no known issues with the exact year plus you won't have to worry about an EGR valve seeing it is now internal with that year.

[pilot4x4]

Do the 2000 models seem to suffer from the same transfer case issues that the late 90 models do?
John

[BlazerLT]

All of them have their issues.

The main problem is people not using the 4x4 system enough and having the components start to fail due to lack of use.

[BlazerBoyLT98]

I put my truck into 4 Wheel Drive about once a week to keep everything moving and only do it for a minute or two driving in a straight line and I have had no problems. My mother has a 2000 Blazer LT. 45K miles. She has had 2 wheel bearings go, both driver side front. 3 batteries and 2 alternators. All covered under warranty but in the last 3 years she has only put 15K miles on it as she bought it used with 30K. Also a feature I do NOT like about her Blazer is the auto 4 Wheel Drive button. You don't need to use it but when you do, if the rear tires slip or spin the fronts will kick in, basically your transfer case is engaging and disenagaging constantly and it makes for a very shitty ride and kind of unstable. You can just use 4 wheel high or low if need be instead of the auto button. Just be cautious of that. Good luck with whatever you purchase but I would choose the 2000 anyway. Happy hunting!

[BlazerLT]

I usually cycle mine off in the city driving straight about one every 3 months.

[BlazerBoyLT98]

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

I usually cycle mine off in the city driving straight about one every 3 months.

That works too!

[mike2004tct]

Known issues on a '97;

Ignition switch failure.
Upper ball joints (this was a recall item)
Driver door rearview mirror shorts (also a recall)
Pulse board on wiper motor (a "special notice" recall, no longer active)
Driver seat belt buckel failure (another recall)

After all of these have been remedied, countless hours of driving pleasure can be experienced

Good luck on your choice (personally, I'd go with the '00)

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by mike2004tct

Known issues on a '97;

Ignition switch failure.
Upper ball joints (this was a recall item)
Driver door rearview mirror shorts (also a recall)
Pulse board on wiper motor (a "special notice" recall, no longer active)
Driver seat belt buckel failure (another recall)

After all of these have been remedied, countless hours of driving pleasure can be experienced

Good luck on your choice (personally, I'd go with the '00)

True, but most of those issues are common on most 1995+ Blazers.

[pilot4x4]

Thanks for the info everyone. I think she's about to decide on an Explorer instead but if not then we are going to try to make a deal on the 2000 Blazer. John

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by pilot4x4

Thanks for the info everyone. I think she's about to decide on an Explorer instead but if not then we are going to try to make a deal on the 2000 Blazer. John

Oh....my.....gawd.......worst decision EVER.

[blazee]

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

Oh....my.....gawd.......worst decision EVER.

I wouldn't say that..... when they're not rolling over and catching on fire, the Ford Exploders are pretty good.

[pilot4x4]

Her concern is the overall crash worthiness of the Blazer compared to the Explorer. I personally don't feel that one is particularly safer or more unsafe than the other but it's not going to be my vehicle so I've got to let her make that decision. She's basing it on some testing from the insurance institute that gives the Blazer an overall poor rating compared to acceptable for the Explorer. I own an Explorer (my wife had it when we got married) and while they don't seem to have as many issues with transfer case, coolant, etc. as the Blazers I personally don't find it the most stable vehicle to drive.
Here are links if you want to take a look:
Blazer - http://www.carfax.com/car_safety/rat...#SARcrashNHTSA

Explorer -
http://www.carfax.com/car_safety/rat...W4EXPLORER_XLT

[BlazerLT]

Both of the links are for the Blazer.