Purchased '04 GMC Envoy V8: Thoughts?

[Pat in Kentuckiana]

Hi all...
We just picked up a well-kept, 2004 GMC Envoy XUV with the 5.3L V8. So far we're really happy with it. It's going to be replacing our '97 Sierra as the tow vehicle for our 2500 lbs Scotty. We were really lucky to find one with the V8, with average miles (110K), at a decent price ($7K).

Just checking in to gather some perspective from other Envoy/Trailblazer owners out there, good & bad.

 

[Spazdog]

The thing I liked the best about the Trailblazer/Envoy/Ascender? The turning radius.

After driving various Blazers and Jimmys (Jimmies?) I was astonished at how easily you could turn into a parking space in a tight parking lot with a Trailblazer.

Nothing wrong with the 5.3. (nothing serious anyway) I like the Atlas inline 6 but I don't think there is any real mpg advantage vs the V8

 

[lt1man]

Inline 6's from what I've seen and read, like to spin bearings and throw rods through the block. I can't comment on how good of an engine, just something to look into if you decide to purchase the straight 6.

 

[dwcopple]

He bought a V8^.

It is the better engine for sure, but those vehicle are loaded with issues. I guarantee the encoder motor will go in the 4wd system-costing at least $500 to replace. The cats with probably fail too and if you are out of govt. warranty, that'll be another $750+.

 

[JTK]

I'm not familiar with the V8 version, or if it's drivetrain is different than the Atlas/Vortec 4.2L. I owned a 2005 4.2L for a time.

They ride and handle nice and are comfortable. Hopefully the engine cooling fan is different on the V8 and it doesn't use air injection for the exhaust like the I6 did.

I know the front and rear diff oil looked horrible on mine at very low mileage when I swapped out the factory fill.

If it's got the 4L60E trans, you'll want to keep up on drains/fills on that too.

Joel

 

[cptbarkey]

nice looking SUV, but [censored] i cannot stand the interior plastics, terrible terrible TERRIBLE!!