96 blazer

[tlane276]

Goin to see a 96 today with 115k on it. Could probably get it for around $2500. Providing its not a crapper is this a good buy. Will this suv, given the proper maintenance and care, last a few years without major problems? I guess what Im asking is are these solid, reliable vehicles after a few extra miles on em? thanks.

[sickcallawayc12]

Hell yes they are. My 98 has 153k on the clock, had 135k when i got it last year. Issues are just starting to come up the past couple months. I put on new bearings (don't last that long), ball joints, and new crank sensor a couple months ago. I just got a coolant or tranny fluid leak the other day so I gotta park it for a couple weeks and get that looked at. The 4.3L is notorious for having intake manifold gasket leakes. I just got back from a road trip to Minnesota last week and have taken this thing on several road trips already over the year, which is the reason for all the miles plus I use it every day for work, school, and the occasional joyrides. It has been a very strong truck and i'm happy that i got it, even if it empties your wallet every month . Gas mileage ain't that great but what can you expect from an SUV? As for the price, i dunno. I've seen fully loaded 98 LTs go for 2500 in my area. Regardless, I say go for it.

[Great_Auk]

That may not be too bad a price.
I just got a 95 S-10 Blazer with the 4.3L Vortec PCI, for $2,000.
Had 125,000 miles on it.
Except for a normal maintence (tune-up & new Tires) it has run great.
The transmission went out (from sitting for 6+ months?) and cost $1600.
Has the 4 speed, with overdrive.
Now I am getting 20-21 mpg on the highway, 16-18 in town.
That is with people it in, or not.

Now my turn signals are intermittent. Changed both flashers, all the
brake lights work, and the 4-way flashers all work.

Body is not falling apart, either. And for Wisconsin, that is a plus.
Let a mechanic look at it, if you have questions.
Good Luck. :-)

[Marcinko]

Get the truck looked at by a qualified mechanic before purchase and they will tell you about the suspension on this truck. If anything I will teach all on my lessons.

I purchased by 96' from a marine, a person I thought would have some core value as far as character is concerned.

He conviently forgot to tell me he had not driven the truck for 6 months. So when I purchased it and drove the 40 miles home, it began to overheat. I got it to my house and it was boiling over. Long story short here...as it sat for 6 months all the sludge and sediment settle and basically clogged the coolant system. One radiator, pump, hoses, and T-stat later...the truck was doing just fine.

Key things to have looked at.

Ball joints - Did my truck using the great information on this forum...many thanks to the folks here who give great "how to" instructions.

Upper and Lower Control Arms bushings - My truck was purchased with 105K miles on it and mine were toast. I put a 2 inch suspension lift on it at that time I replaced all the bushings and such.

Fuel Pump - Make sure this is getting the recommended 60-66 psi at start up. If not be prepared for a very expensive repair as the tank has to be dropped and the pump is in the neighborhood of $500-$600.

Intake Manifold Gasket - Mine leaked and basically cost me a new rebuilt engine. I was not privy to this notoriosus issue, knowing what I know I would have had that thing looked at. Would have saved me $3000 on a rebuilt 4.3L Vortec.

Coolant System - See if this thing has been a daily driver or has been sitting. If it has been sitting then take my advice and get it reversed flushed immediately. Maybe you can get the owner to knock off the price of the truck enough to counter the flush costs. While your there you get the hoses and T-stat done...peace of mind.

These things were what gave me issues initially and if anyone can learn from my mistakes I will gladly spill it for the public.

Let us know how you fair out on the deal.

[tlane276]

Just got a 2000 Bravada instead. Same 4.3 Vortec as the Blazer I believe tho. Any tips on the motor. It looked and ran real nice.

[sickcallawayc12]

wish i had a bravada.