Chevy Trailblazer EXT???

[YoungPUP]

That's the 7 passenger 3rd row model, or any of the sister models from GMC , Isuzu etc.  Anyone know much about them or of things to look out for when buying a used one?  Known Problems?  The wifes 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee has decided that it wants to put coolant into the number 3 cylinder instead of keeping it where it belongs.  Been a good truck with 141000 miles but its time for it to go...

[old2soon]

That's the 7 passenger 3rd row model, or any of the sister models from GMC , Isuzu etc.  Anyone know much about them or of things to look out for when buying a used one?  Known Problems?  The wifes 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee has decided that it wants to put coolant into the number 3 cylinder instead of keeping it where it belongs.  Been a good truck with 141000 miles but its time for it to go...

       Do it need a head gasket or is it something else? As far as your question goes I still have my 94 Olds.  206111 or so and still running good.  Gotta love that 3.8 V-6. RIDE SAFE.

[Hef]

I tend fix things rather than take on another payment for an extended period of time. Sounds like you blew a head gasket or if it got hot may have cracked the head. Either of those would not break the bank to fix. But I understand if you have the money why not upgrade? All I know about the vehicle you speak of is they like gas!!!!   (Side note: I drive a 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis which I have put 237K miles on and it is still in excellent condition.) Good luck with whatever you do. 

[cookiedough]

One of the bosses at work loves his 5-7 year old or so Chevy trailblazer long version.  I think he has the 4.2L V6 (not 3.8L V6 never heard of that but maybe in the older versions?) and says it gets low 20's for gas mileage and has plenty of power for his needs.  He really hasn't had any issues with it but I think you can also get the 5.3L V8 version as well in same model which am sure would get under 20 avg mpg.

He is much taller than me at around 6'4" and he likes the squared off a-pillar in front of the trailblazer so he doesn't hit his head getting in and out.  Most newer vehicles, even pickup trucks, have a very slopped backward a-pillar (door frame in front) making it easier to bump your noggin on exiting/entering the vehicle. 

Not sure what you want to spend, but for an SUV,  we really have enjoyed trouble free miles all around with our former 2011 Hyundai Santa fe Sport version with the 3.5L V6 excellent vehicle getting 25.5 avg mpg and snappy/powerful V6 seats 5.  Our current 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe base model has the  longer version able to sit 7 comfortably (2 smaller under 5'5" in back seat) and has the even more peppy 3.3L V6 getting 26 avg mpg, even better!  Only downfall is does ride a tad choppier/firmer than the chevy trailblazer will ride, but it doesn't bother us at all since 26 mpg is better than 20 or so on the trailblazer.  In my eyes,  the 2011 on up hyundai santa fe is more reliable and cheaper to purchase/own in most cases than the chevy trailblazer will be.  I'd test drive both in the V6 version (4 cylinder is worthless) and you can decide though, worth a look at least if I was you.    We went from Chevy to Hyundai in 2011 and haven't looked back.

[Jack B]

I bought a 2004 Olds Bravada I like every thing about but the seat. I could only go about one hour and my leg and back would start hurting. I had get out and try to walk it off, it didn't help. It had nice looking leather seats with all the buttons to adjust everything. After two years I had to trade it in. I lost my butt. When I buy something I plan on kepting it for along time.

[Davemn]

I had a 05 extended. Biggest piece of junk I ever owned. I will never buy a GM again. So many electrical issues. Leaking differential. Door leaks. AC issues. On and on. I traded it on a Mazda CX 9.

[da prez]

Pup , go to or call a NAPA parts store and ask them if they stock a head for your Jeep. If they do  ,you have your problem. If they say we will have it tomorrow , you know it is a common failure. It does not mean it is a bad vehicle , you have a lot of miles on it . It would be better to keep what you have as you know the problems and what you repaired.
   My foster daughter wanted a new car. I told her to go make the deal and get the payments and not to buy. Put the payments in a savings account for 6 months to see if she could handle them.
  She could not. Fast forward about a year. Tried again and could. Used the savings for a downstroke , lowered the payments and put the difference in savings.

                             da prez

[cookiedough]

I bought a 2004 Olds Bravada I like every thing about but the seat. I could only go about one hour and my leg and back would start hurting. I had get out and try to walk it off, it didn't help. It had nice looking leather seats with all the buttons to adjust everything. After two years I had to trade it in. I lost my butt. When I buy something I plan on kepting it for along time.

Agree on almost all the GM vehicles I have owned (over 20 in my lifetime), that the seats are normally to soft and squishy after a short time breaking down not staying firm any longer which I prefer.  My Hyundai and Toyota seats seam to hold up and be firmer longer which I prefer.  Softer seats, especially in the legs,  make it uncomfy in no time at all.

[Jess Tolbirt]

the isuzu rodeo is a honda passport, my jeep cherokee had 380 thousand miles on it when i sold it and its still on the road..

[YoungPUP]

I know about the head issues with the Jeep 4.0 . I also have the means and the skills to fix said issues.  That being said. The truck is showing its age and the use it's had ( It was my truck when I was an Assistant fire chief)  and as such was driven like it was stolen and on fire for many miles as well as having countless hours of idling time on the engine.  That does not also figure in the 2 major accidents that the truck has been in.  While both were Very well repaired (Icar level repairs at an Icar facility to factory specs)   Things are never as good as factory... That being said it is time for my faithful old friend to go its way before it becomes Much more than I'd like to spend.  The wife wants to replace it with a gently used 7 pass vehicle from the crossover type family.

[Rams]

The wife wants to replace it with a gently used 7 pass vehicle from the crossover type family.

That's really all you needed to tell us.   Most of us have been there.

Reference the desired ride, don't know a thing about them except to say this, the newer they get, the more sophisticated the electrical systems become.    More electronics, more sensors, more computer power required, more things to go wrong.     I'm thinking I'll keep what I've got till it won't run any longer (even with repairs).

[da prez]

  stop leak and craigs list

                                  you know who

[pais]

Pup
    How ironic you should bring the Trailblazer subject up.
 In a shop of employment of 21 guys. At one time 3 guys owned the TB that you speak of, extended version. Effective last week, the last of the TB owners unloaded his vehicle. All 3 guys had never ending problems with these vehicles. 1 was bought brand new, other 2 used-low miles. The time period was, since Nov. '08. All complained of low MPG's. All 3 were 6cyl. do not know what size 6's.  When I was in the market for a vehicle. I took a short look at these SUV's. I thought they were nice looking, prices were reasonable and there was no shortage of them available. Wife thought I was nuts for even considering one. Again prices were reasonable!
    Food for thought. If you do not go full size on a SUV. No matter what brand. That 3rd row seat is useless unless the user's are pre-teens or vertically challenged. I can vouch for that fact. Wife drives '07 Pilot. Kids are now 14 and 16. 3rd row is always laid down and used as cargo space. Kids used 3rd row when we first got it. Now nobody sits back there! My brother and his wife sat back there once for a 45 min ride. He's about 5'9" and she about 4"5". He was miserable and she was happy! Matter of factly, the daughter drives my "old " '00 CRV and I drive '05 CRV!
        Good Luck!

[fudgie]

Guy at work has one and likes it. It had radiator issues but thats all I believe. Also the glass hatch door just shattered in the parking lot. Big blow out. Glass guy says he has replaced alot on these vehicles cause of a unknown blowout.

[BnB Tom]

                                                   

                                          THIS is MY version   ***   2008 SS Trailblazer

ENGINE TYPE: pushrod 16-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 364 cu in, 5967cc
Power (SAE net): 395 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 400 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 4-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 113.0 in Length: 191.8 in Width: 74.6 in Height: 67.8 in
Curb weight: 4600-4700 lb

PERFORMANCE RATINGS (MFR'S EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 5.4-5.5 sec
Standing 1/4-mile: 13.9-14.0 sec

PROJECTED FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city driving: 14-15 mpg
EPA highway driving: 17-19 mpg

[Black Dog]

Probably gonna take a few shots for this idea, but have you looked at the GM Lambda platform Crossovers?  Talking the Chevrolet Traverse, the GM Acadia, and the Buick Enclave...

Two years ago, I was looking to replace my aging and thirsty '03 Suburban (gas was big $$ then).  I came across an '08 Buick Enclave that was loaded with everything under the sun, and almost 'perfect' shape.  3.8 L V6, AWD, and 2,2,3 seating.  The third row folds flat (really flat) and gives a cargo area almost as large as the Suburban, in that configuration.  I don't have any city, stop n go, driving, but a mix of suburban roads, and freeway.  Summer mileage is 20 - 21 mpg (winter 17 - 18) over all, with an all freeway trip of 750 miles giving me almost 24 mpg.

The early models had issues with the transmission, and leaky sunroofs, but other than one electrical problem right after purchase (fixed at a Buick dealer for free!), I have nothing bad to say about it.  As with any forum, reading the Tech Boards of these vehicles, you might get the impression that they are rolling grief factories, but my experience has been very positive (heck, after reading our forum, and the Tech board, would you come away thinking the Valk was a trouble free bike?).  Folks bitch on forums, more than they compliment.  Find a clean one, and I think you and your wife would be very happy.   

Living in Wisconsin, the AWD has impressed me on many occasions, at times out performing the 4X4 of the Suburban.

Just my $.02, but they may be worth a look.

Black Dog

[Tx Bohemian]

I know about the head issues with the Jeep 4.0 . I also have the means and the skills to fix said issues.  That being said. The truck is showing its age and the use it's had ( It was my truck when I was an Assistant fire chief)  and as such was driven like it was stolen and on fire for many miles as well as having countless hours of idling time on the engine.  That does not also figure in the 2 major accidents that the truck has been in.  While both were Very well repaired (Icar level repairs at an Icar facility to factory specs)   Things are never as good as factory... That being said it is time for my faithful old friend to go its way before it becomes Much more than I'd like to spend.  The wife wants to replace it with a gently used 7 pass vehicle from the crossover type family.

Pup, looks like you're getting a bunch of answers for a question you didn't ask!

As long as you've been on this board, IMO, you seem to have a good hold on your activities pretty much knowing what you're going for (including this).
But I digress...

As far as the TB, we bought a new '06 with the inline 6 (not the EXT).
In the 95K miles it has been a great vehicle.  Around 80K I needed to change a water pump and shifter cable. Around 90K the thermostat failed which turned on the "check engine" lite.
Besides regular oil changes, normal battery, and tire changes that is all the issues we've had.
Of course with the 6 cly you're not going to set any "world speed"/"quarter mile" records but, IMO, it has plenty of pep.  This thing also turns on a dime! Not sure how the EXT does but wouldn't think it'd be much different.
When I drive it I get 21-22 MPG on the hwy.

Hopefully this may help.
Good luck to you on whatever you decide.

[Hoser]

I want a car that's really really fast and gets really shitty gas milage!
"Quote from the original Robocop movie."    Hoser

[YoungPUP]

Hoser, I tried that but the spousal unit has said the either a 1987 Buick GNX or a Duece n a Half  are NOT considered family type vehicles....

[Gavin_Sons]

We have a 2010 Traverse AWD and it is awesome. Does great in the snow  we got themiddle bucket seat option and fold down the 3rd row seat for extra hatch space. Been a great vehicle but have a feeling we will be upgrading it soon for a new model. She has already tried to replace my truck and I told her to leave my truck alone. 171,000 miles all by me and plan to double that over the next 10 years.

[cookiedough]

Here is one that popped up looks well taken care of for a tad over 90K miles.  No idea what engine, etc. but price is o.k. I guess?????  Doesn't even list the year though, etc. but is close by 35 miles or so away.

http://madison.craigslist.org/snw/4901764605.html

As far as comments made about a V6 vs. a V8 in a crossover style SUV with NO full frame/truck style.  Why needing a V8 unless pulling over 4500lbs.?  Our 3.3L V6 Hyundai Santa fe LWB 7 passenger fits 7 people comfortably even can get two comfortable in the back bench seat as long as under 5'10" tall no problems.  2 bench seats plus buckets in front seat 7 no problems and 290hp is a fast V6 would race any stock V8 full size SUV suburban/tahoe anyday of the week and keep up no problems.  Plus,  the V8 SUV's get about 16 avg mpg at best while my 3.3L V6 gets 26 avg mpg no joke.  Plus,  saving 10-15K on one to me is so not worth buying a gus guzzling V8 unless like said, towing over 4500 lbs.    I wouldn't be afraid to tow all day long 3500 lbs. with the V6 engine and suspension plus they make helper spring/coils if towing much over that say 4-4.5K for the back. 

My rich neighbor bought a hybrid USED Cadillac Escalade with the newer 6.2L GM V8 off white color.  Why hybrid?  To get 18-19 avg mpg vs. 15??  I don't get that at all, does anyone?  Am sure he spent 45K used on it if not a ton more since is only 1-2 years old and all he tows is a 6x12' trailer most I have seen him tow. 

[Jersey mike]

I recommend edmunds.com for user / owner reviews. There are other online review sites I use when I'm doing research, but I like edmunds the best.

[cookiedough]

I recommend edmunds.com for user / owner reviews. There are other online review sites I use when I'm doing research, but I like edmunds the best.

Edmunds is a good starting point for reviews, but I find taking the time to go drive the vehicles has to be done being very time consuming since not many have the same viewpoints on what fits our bodies the best.  For example, my neighbor loves his new 2014 Mazda CX-5 smaller SUV that is getting great reviews even after 6 months under warranty brand new he needed a new transmission already, he loves the ride quality and gas mileage of which I tend to agree with him.  However, the front seats for me are way too firm and skinny with sides pointing upward too much hurting my bumm.  I could not tolerate that seat for 10 miles of riding designed for someone under 200 lbs. 

[flcjr]

Been working at the chevy dealer for twenty years. Only major problem with those was a few valve seat problems that would cause a misfire at idle. Resulting in a ses light. The fix for it is a new cylinder head which gm is paying for for 10/100000. Did not happen to all of them but a enough to mention it. Other than that been normal failures of other things. All vehicles break down, buy the one you like. Sounds like you can fix most things yourself so not a big deal.