Questions about Blazer/JimmyBravada

[Dan00GPGT]

Hi first post here, cool forum you've got going.  

I'm looking into buying a used 1999+ Bravada/Blazer/Jimmy and I had a lot of questions.

 

1) How reliable are the midsize GM SUV's with the 4.3?

2) Any common problems to look for with this model truck?

3) How well can you haul cargo?  Can you get several 8' 2x4's, a large 32" x 80" prehung door in the back?

4) What's the average MPG I can expect?

5) Are the SUV's more capable of getting out of their own way with the 4.3 than the pickups?

6) How does the tailgate work on the GM SUV's?  Are they  seperate glass and tailgate panels?  For example, could you close the tailgate and leave the glass open if you were hauling 2x4's?

7) How well does the leather hold up?

8) Are there any common engine/trans jobs that need done on this vehicle?

9) How well do they do in the snow?  I live in PA so large amounts of snow happen almost every year.

10) Does the Jimmy/Blazer have a 60/40 split rear bench seat like the Bravada?

11) If you had to choose between the GMC/Blazer and the Olds, what would you pick and why?

 

I'm sure there will be many other questions as I look for a new truck but I wanted to see what you all had to say here.  Thanks for your time.  

[pacodiablo]

Welcome to the site!

 

 

an s-10 pickup would likely be faster than a blazer because it weighs less than an SUV, unless it is a crew cab.  

 

you can probably get around 19-20 MPG with a blazer

 

i would pick the blazer because it is the only one still being produced.  but, 4 door balzers can get pricey, so a trailblazer might work better

[Elwood]

I have a 1999 Blazer.

 

I get pretty good mileage on the highway, but just running back and forth around leaves a bit to be desired (but I do romp on the gas alot   )

 

I used to have a 1996 S-10 and I didn't notice any difference in the get up and go.  Only thing is that the truck spun easier than the Blazer because it was so much lighter in the back end.

 

On mine the glass raises and the gate lowers.  This is not the case on all of them.  I think you could get either one with the 1999's, but I'm not sure.  I know all the 2000+ ones I've seen are full hatch-back.  You can open the glass only, but the only other option is to raise the hole back, the gate doesn't lower.

 

I have plenty of cargo room.  I haul my upright bass in it all the time.

 

Check all the oil lines.  These later models are notorious for the presurized oil lines breaking, which will almost instantaneously drain your engine oil and burn up your engine.  They do have replacement that should hold up better, or so I was told.

 

The seat levers that raise and lower the seatbacks on the front seats.  Both of mine broke off and everyone I've know who has owned a 1998+ has had one or both break off.

 

The rear seat of mine is 60/40.

 

I live in WV and I have absolutely NO PROBLEM with it in the snow.  It does ALOT better than my pick-up did.

 

Hope this helps.  If you have anymore questions just pm me.

[RyanbabZ71]

My mom owns a 2000 Blazer and I drive it once and awhile (i own a silverado with the 5.3)  MY ANSWERS ARE IN BOLD for the ones i can answer for you

 

1) How reliable are the midsize GM SUV's with the 4.3?

24K miles and very minor problems (alignment and a front seal leaking and a battery with a bad cell all taken care of under warranty)

 

3) How well can you haul cargo?  Can you get several 8' 2x4's, a large 32" x 80" prehung door in the back?

with the rear seat down you should be ok.  Might have to leave the midgate up however.

 

4) What's the average MPG I can expect?

City 13-15 Highway 18-24 is what i have seen

 

 

5) Are the SUV's more capable of getting out of their own way with the 4.3 than the pickups?

My moms blazer is a dogg comapred to my truck.  I think my dads 92 S-10 with the older 4.3 version has more getup and go.  I wouldnt buy it if your looking for speed

 

 

6) How does the tailgate work on the GM SUV's?  Are they  seperate glass and tailgate panels?  For example, could you close the tailgate and leave the glass open if you were hauling 2x4's?

Midgate- you can swing open the midgate.  The rear glass panel can be opened separatly and left open also

 

 

7) How well does the leather hold up?

So far so good.  It is conditioned twice a year.  Also have a golden retriver who regularly rides in the back and it is fine

 

 

8) Are there any common engine/trans jobs that need done on this vehicle?

???

 

9) How well do they do in the snow?  I live in PA so large amounts of snow happen almost every year.

She has 4wd (autotrac) and hasnt had any problems in blizzards here in NW indiana.  4wd is nice and the blazer works fine in it

 

 

11) If you had to choose between the GMC/Blazer and the Olds, what would you pick and why?

Next vehicle will probably be a tahoe.  Why?  More room

 

Hope this has helped.  If you have any more questions feel free to ask

[Elwood]

The back of mine suffers the wrath of a 90lb. Black Lab on a regular basis and holds up jusst fine.

 

 

One the back gates.....just look at the gate on the outside.  If you see a handle in the middle of the tailgate it opens up, like a hatch.  If there is no handle, only a button for the window, the handle is on the inside and the gate opens down like mine.

[Dan00GPGT]

Thanks for the replies so far everyone.  Reason I asked about the SUV's compared to the pickups (as far as get up and go) is because I test drove a 2002 Sonoma Crew Cab pickup and really didn't care for it at all.  Not just the acceleration of the truck but it was hard to see out of the rear window as well.

 

:ehh: