The end has arrived

[Drew99GT]

My pop's 1998 Blazer that I've talked about often is at the end of it's life I'm afraid. The engine and trans are still fine, although the cold start knock has gotten worse. At 230,000 miles, it needs brakes, tires, and the entire HVAC system has stopped working. I really am not motivated enough to dig into that. It's worth about $500 as it sits, so I'm gonna try and find a mechanic who'd like to take it for dirt cheap.

It took a lot to get 230,000 miles: 2 transmissions, intake gaskets, blown heater core, probably 5 sets of brakes, a radiator, water pump etc. etc. etc. This truck saw fairly severe service on rough mountain roads often as well. The interior is literally falling apart from washboard roads.

RIP

 

[Scienceman]

What are you considering to replace it?

 

[Drew99GT]

I'm lookin at either a Suzuki Grand Vitara or a Chevy Tracker.

 

[Scienceman]

New or used? (I'm guessing used)
Will he consider a Ford? the Escapes are nice!

 

[Drew99GT]

Originally Posted By: Y_K
(removed post that caused some time off)


Although I don't agree with your premise, a Chevy Tracker is a Grand Vitara.

Troy, my pops would never buy a Ford! It's kind of like how he still hasn't gotten over the war...

 

[TooManyWheels]

Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
Troy, my pops would never buy a Ford! It's kind of like how he still hasn't gotten over the war...


Like my Father-in-Law...

He never could get his mind around the idea that the Asian nations could produce anything to rival, much less surpass, America.

 

[Drew99GT]

Originally Posted By: Y_K


Drew, I can not believe there are no alternatives to making the same mistake twice.


Umm, the grand Vitara/Tracker is one of the most reliable compact SUVs you can buy and the Tracker is a steal on the used car market.

Did you even read what I typed? The Chevy Tracker is the same vehicle as the Grand Vitara.

 

[M1Accord]

Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
Originally Posted By: Y_K


Drew, I can not believe there are no alternatives to making the same mistake twice.


Umm, the grand Vitara/Tracker is one of the most reliable compact SUVs you can buy and the Tracker is a steal on the used car market.

Did you even read what I typed? The Chevy Tracker is the same vehicle as the Grand Vitara.



Around here, a Tracker isn't popular but it is not a steal on a used market either. While I can't judge how reliable it is because I have never own one or know anyone with one, I can say that it is about average or little less based on the issues reported by the people trying to unload it on craiglist. For me, the problems sellers willingly volunteer is very important because most would hide it. The engine is actually good on it but the transmission is a weak point as indicated by 2/3 of the sellers. And they ask for the same money as the Grand Cherokee, which is the real steal around here.

 

[4ever4d]

Don't know wut engine is in a Chevy Tracker as compared to the older Geo Tracker but my brother has a 94 Tracker with 215000 mi. on it drives it daily takes 15 dollars to fill for a week and a half and all it needs is painting(that bad GM clearcoat issue) gets my vote for longevity and mpg.

 

[daves87rs]

Trackers are tough as nails!

 

[GenSan]

I had a brand new 1995 Blazer LT in silver that I was sad to let go for a 2002 Toyota Sequoia Limited. Looking back it was more a headache to own.

I'm glad your Dad got it up to 230,000 miles.

Good thing I purchased the extended 7yr/100,000 mile warranty from Classic Cheverolet dealer in Morrestown, NJ. I sure got my money's worth.

I put about 65,000 miles on it with the following repaired under extended warranty:
-fuel pump, water pump, power steering pump, power lock actuator, master cylinder, 4wd actuator, and that's just what I can remember off the top of my head.

I had a rental car every year I owned it.

 

[Shuttler]

GM was just recently saying Bye to a lot of dealers. And the other way around: a lot of dealers who survived(?) are saying Bye to GM now.
Looks like an emotional trade.

 

[Hokiefyd]

A co-worker has a '99 Chevy Tracker. I think it's a '99. It has about a million miles on it. I don't know if she's owned it since new, but she's had it for a long time and it's never failed her. I don't know about its service record, but from the few times I've ridden in it, it appeared to be a solid vehicle. If I were looking for a small SUV, I'd consider one.