TrailBlazer owners- talk to me

[atbear]

My girlfriend was going to get a brand new Pontiac Vibe for about $17,500, but I think I've talked her into a used TrailBlazer instead. Tell me about what I should expect in a used TrailBlazer. Is it as durable as GM's fullsized trucks? Is the 4.2L I6 a great engine? I really like the idea of 275HP/275TQ. Anything I should know about it, or what to look for? We're planning on getting something like a 2003 with about 30,000 miles on it for between $16-19,000. Does that sound right? Thanks for the help!

[JBsZ06]

I have a 2002 Envoy which is the same basic vehicle as the trailblazer..

I like the truck as far as trucks go....its solid ..no squeks...no rattles...

Good smooth power.

Always best to buy new though...

If buying used ...always check the GM service history for vehicle problems etc that were covered under warranty...

If you need a GMMP extended warranty...I would strongly recommend it...

You never want to own a vehicle as complicated as this without coverage...

JMO...

Here's who I use and they have the best pricing...(I hope its ok to list here)

GM Protection Plans and New Car/Truck Sales:
Dennis Fichtner, Business Manager
gmpp@fichtnerchevrolet.com
406-628-4618 Ext 105

[LGRpup]

I love my Trailblazer, and have had only one technical problem with it. If you are geting a used one it will probably be an 2002. This is the 1st year of the new truck, and it came with a few recalls. So any used TB you get should have all the problems fixed by the recalls. With any used purchase you should get an extended warranty. In my mind they are worth it and dont cost that much, especially if you dont have a crooked dealer. Good Luck.

[atbear]

We're definately getting an extended warranty (probably 75,000 miles), and we're definately going to get a 2003, not a 2002 (since it was the first model year). I don't buy first model year cars. Thanks for all the help! What should I pay for a base 2003 TrailBlazer with 30,000 miles in good shape?

[oachalon]

we have an Envoy and we love the truck. That 4.2L is such a smooth motor and has plenty of power. Not one complaint at all with the truck. Rides great performs well. Very comfortable. Nice truck. Best part probably is the motor.

[atbear]

We got it! 2003 TrailBlazer LS with 33,000 miles. It's in pretty good shape inside and out. Very nice!

One question- around 65mph and up I hear a very low rumble/reverbaration. I don't think it's the engine/exhaust/etc because it doesn't change with RPMs, only with speed (above 65mph it's audible). Is this normal, or should I get it looked at? It's nothing major, just that it's my first TrailBlazer, so I'm wondering. Might it be something like an unbalanced wheel, or an alignment problem...? It doesn't pull either direction, and the steering wheel doesn't shake (the car doesn't shake either, just rumbles very low). Normal or not?

Thanks!!
I really like it!

[rickhunter1max]

The recall piss me off but I rather drive powerful truck than a crappy under powered Toyota :lol: But very happy with it and easy to drive.

[doh]

Originally posted by rickhunter1max@Sep 21 2004, 05:47 PM
The recall piss me off but I rather drive powerful truck than a crappy under powered Toyota :lol: But very happy with it and easy to drive.

Funny 5 of them already. Focus had better watch out, they may not be the king of recalls for long.

[atbear]

Anybody know anything about he low pitch rumble above 65 mph?

[atbear]

Anybody know about this rumble? Is it normal or not?

[ddombos]

I've got a 2002 Trailblzer LT...my dad just bought a new Bravada. His has the rumble you are mentioning...mine doesn't. I think we both have the 3.73 rear end too. I think I've heard something about rear differential noise associated with these. Wish I could help, but at least now you know you aren't nuts

[atbear]

Turned out to be a bent drive shaft. Got it replaced under warranty.

[rickhunter1max]

bent driveshaft dam

[GMMediumDutyMQ]

My family's had a 2003 Trailblazer EXT for about 2 years now.

It's been a decent vehicle. It's driven nicely, and rode fairly comfortably.

The 4200 is a nice engine, but if you're shopping for an EXT, make sure you go for the 5.3. It's better suited for the weight, and ultimately, the engine doesn't work as hard.

I believe the only problem we had with it was with some sort of cam sensor on the engine. It had gotten oil in it (?), and as such, made the engine a bit more rough. It also seemed to have more power in it, which I liked, but mom wanted it back to normal.

Oh, that, and our radio seems to be acting weird. Every once in a while, it simply cuts out, and then cuts back in. All displays are up, but simply the audio will stop. And it's not just ours. A friend who had an almost identical TBEXT (LTZ instead of LT) had the exact same problem. Worst come to worst, if this did happen to you, you could always just get an aftermarket radio. Manufacturers like Kenwood or Blaupunkt typically support RDS data, too.

We're replacing it with a 2005 Rainier, GMEP drive and buy. I have to say....I love this one compared to the TBEXT, though. The I-6 is better suited to the smaller body; the extra NVH details added for the Buick, and the air suspension makes it drive much nicer. I also feel the build quality is up from our TBEXT, too.

All in all: it should be a nice truck. Check what repairs have been done or what has been fixed under warranty, and decide based upon that.

If you're shopping used 360s, there are three main things to avoid:

1. Very early run 360s. Not only were there recalls, but many people I know with them report of many electrical glitches.

2. Early run Envoy/Bravadas w/ rear air suspension. Dealers were telling us (when shopping for an Envoy) to avoid this; many problems. Seems to have been addressed by now, at least we're hoping so with the Rainier.....

3. EXT/XL's with 4.2. Simply underpowered.

Good luck.

[thealy]

I have a 2004 trailblazer LS with 54K miles. I notice that while driving the engine would just cut off on the road or on the highway. I notice that when it shuts off all the gauges for the rpm to the oil to the temp and the speedometer would start going crazy going up and down and then I hear an electrical sound. Has anyone had any success with correcting this problem. From other posts on searched sites, the service departments of dealerships couldn't figure it out. Ignition swithches were changed for some people, batteries were replaced, and all sorts of expensive repairs that resulted in no resolution to the problem. The posts are old 2007 and earlier. I am hoping that after a year or more someone will have the answer as to what this problem is and how it can be resolved. Any help would be appreciated.