Newbie [waving]..... Honest advice sought

JMUBuzz · November 9, 2004

Greetings all ,

I'm new to this forum, but was recommended here for seeking honest advice on purchasing a lightly used TB. With the winter coming up, I need to be able to get to work, and I like the look of the TrailBlazers. But I've also heard bad things about the Electrical system. (IE: rear tail-lights, gas cap/tank sensor, oxy/air-flow sensor, etc.)

So I am requesting the advice of TB owners to share pros/cons, complaints, likes/dislikes about the TB. I am already familiar w/ GM customer service, so I'd like to keep this specific to the truck.

As always, any and all comments are welcome.

Thanks,

-Buzz

ylab · November 9, 2004

Greetings all ,

I'm new to this forum, but was recommended here for seeking honest advice on purchasing a lightly used TB. With the winter coming up, I need to be able to get to work, and I like the look of the TrailBlazers. But I've also heard bad things about the Electrical system. (IE: rear tail-lights, gas cap/tank sensor, oxy/air-flow sensor, etc.)

So I am requesting the advice of TB owners to share pros/cons, complaints, likes/dislikes about the TB. I am already familiar w/ GM customer service, so I'd like to keep this specific to the truck.

As always, any and all comments are welcome.

Thanks,

-Buzz

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The TB/Enovy/Bravada(s) have had some issues, however most of them have been worked out. Based on my experience, you might want to look for a 2003 or later as the 2002 model year has the most bugs that needed to be worked out. For the most part, the 2003 & 2004 models have had most of the bugs corrected and the tail light circuit boards are now a mandated recall, thus would be replaced free of charge with a re-designed unit.

For peace of mind, I would recommend an extended warranty.....lots of high-tech parts in these trucks. I was contempating replacing my Envoy with another vehicle a couple of months back, after the engine was replaced. (Lucky me, I got one with a bad liner/block - although the dealer did a tremendous job with the replacement and you can't tell the motor's been replaced) In all honestly, I couldn't find another vehicle which was as comfortable with the same features. I'm a fairly big guy at 6'2" and 200 pounds, and simply wasn't comfortable in many of the vehicles I looked at: Acura MDX (insufficient head-room), Nissan Murano (headroom when nicely equipped), BMW X3/X5 (noisy, harsh ride & price!), Subaru Outback (nice but tight fit), Honda (nice but didn't have all the options of my Envoy), Lexus (no headroom in any of them), Infiniti FX35 (GOD awful seats), Toyota (headroom - what is it with bundling the sunroof on imports?), as well as several domestics. (BTW: My brother works at a Ford dealership and the Envoy/TB is just more comfortable and nicer looking than the Exploder).

Hope this helps,

Ray

BTW: My best friend has a leased 2003 Envoy XL and has experienced no quality problems with his truck.

jauto98 · November 9, 2004

I am happy with my TrailBlazer. But as stated above, get the latest model year you can afford. I have a 2004, and I have not had any major problems. I do hear some odd noises, but it does not occur to frequently and I don't think it will do any harm. Also, if I could redo my TrailBlazer purchase, I would consider getting the 3.73 axle ratio. The 3.42 I currently have is a little sluggish off the line, but on the highway, it moves pretty well. Can't really beat the comfort and driveability with anything else for about the same price. Hope this helps.

Jeff

JMUBuzz · November 9, 2004

Awesome,

That's exactly the type of info I was looking for. And it makes sense, a newer model will have the bugs worked out.

Now to the specifics.....

I don't really have a need for a 3rd row (sinlge guy, no kids [that I claim], don't haul anything) so I'm looking at the smaller versions. I went to GM.com and found the differences btwn the LS and LT, but what's the difference btwn the LT and LTZ?

Also, regarding the rear-end, what's the difference in gas mileage? I work in Northern VA and have to deal w/ traffic, yet also do my fair share of hwy miles.

-Buzz

Wingaman · November 13, 2004

I don't really have a need for a 3rd row (sinlge guy, no kids [that I claim], don't haul anything) so I'm looking at the smaller versions. I went to GM.com and found the differences btwn the LS and LT, but what's the difference btwn the LT and LTZ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you are looking at Envoy, those should be SLT or SLE I think. The SLE has more options in the package, the On Star, etc.

Envoy Fan · November 13, 2004

I don't really have a need for a 3rd row (sinlge guy, no kids [that I claim], don't haul anything) so I'm looking at the smaller versions. I went to GM.com and found the differences btwn the LS and LT, but what's the difference btwn the LT and LTZ?

Also, regarding the rear-end, what's the difference in gas mileage? I work in Northern VA and have to deal w/ traffic, yet also do my fair share of hwy miles.

-Buzz

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As I recall, the LTZ was the top of the line TB. Body color keyed grille, two tone paint and other goodies. The LTZ was dropped from the line I think in the 2004 model year. You will find the standard wheel base handles a little different than the 3 seat model. I concur with the 2003 or newer purchase suggestion. My reason for the Envoy purchase over the TB was the interior comfort in the seating of the Envoy. I personally could tell a real difference.

Most prefer the 3.73 axle for all around driving. (According to comments I have read on other forums.)