Need opinions on this Blazer, please

[likaroc13]

hey guys, I'm looking to possibly get back into a 1st. Gen. S-10 Blazer (2dr/2wd) & just came across this:

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/3317066939.html

I love the fact that it looks well taken care of & is owned by the same person for 20+ years. I also like that the trans is rebuilt. The interior seems pretty clean as well. I guess the only thing that would concern me is the mileage, although I know these engines can last much longer. I'm just wondering what you folks think about it, & what would be a fair offer based upon your observations? I'm looking for a reliable daily driver that's not extremely modified, to not only take me around town but also to relieve some stress (mileage) from our 2012 Pilot.



Ironically, I bought an '88 back in 2007 from the Atlanta area. I traded it in '08 and now kinda wish I still had it ....so it's been about 5 years since I was in the market. I gave $3k for it. It had one repaint, a near perfect interior, 17" wheels, 3/3 drop, billet grille, etc. It also had the 4.3/700R combo with 170k+ original miles. Unfortunately, I unexpectedly had to rebuild the trans. shortly after buying. But it was pretty reliable for the year I owned, & it was no doubt one of the cleanest I've ever seen. I only mention this because it's always hard not to compare everything else to what I had. I'm an enthusiast who takes pride in clean automobiles. Pictures are in my Sig for those interested in the old '88.


thanks for any opinions/input!

[GMCJOE]

It looks to be well taken care of and it's always a plus when it has had a long stent with the same owner.
My problem with it is him using word's like "rare" for it being a 2 door. A 2 door is not very rare for that body stile or year. Using the emissions check for advertisement. The custom wheels ( not a bad thing, but doesn't really add to value). The rear bumper doesn't appear to be original to the vehicle, sits way to far out. So that makes me leery on the never been wrecked or not towed anything. Running Synthetic oil doesn't make a difference in reality, oil is oil and some brands are better than others. Only real difference with Synthetic oil is that it has a longer life, you can switch back and forth with no harm done. To me he is try to sell someone hard on the vehicle for the price he is asking, we all do it try selling tactics. And I figure he is just trying to get more than he legal fee's out of it, he isn't hard up for the cash at that price.

Another bad thing is, the engine has high miles. Yes it could continue to run forever, but usually on a vehicle this old things will start happening with that kind of mileage. Those motors aren't as advanced as the ones of 99 on that have clocked the 300k + mileage. He says it runs strong and fast, which means he probably runs it hard from time to time. Lots of miles, regular engine wear. Probably not a good combination.

Over all it looks to be in great condition and well taken care of. IMO I don't think it is worth what he is asking. Not many people are wanting to pay $3500 for a vehicle that old unless that is what they are really looking for and want. NADA say's it is worth what he is asking, I just use it as a basis and research what most people are asking for a vehicle in the same condition and what people are really paying for them to make an assessment on the current market value.
On a good note, the transmission has been rebuilt. So hopefully that doesn't have to be done anytime soon.

It is really up to you, if you think its worth the price and feel good about it. Go for it. You are the one that has to be happy in the end if you purchase it. It is hard to find a blazer with the body in that kind of condition these days. I can say that much.

[GMCJOE]

My second s-10 series was an 88 2 door s10 blazer 4x4 with the 4.3 with about 185k miles on it. Had to rebuild the trans from the start. Loved it, ran great, plenty of power. I was the second owner. About the mileage the one you are looking at is sitting at is when I started having problems. Developed the lifter tick on start up, then just moved into regular maintenance kind of stuff. Water pump, steering components, sensors and such. Over all I loved the blazer and was a joy. Have had several s10 series vehicles and currently have one. I can say they do have a pretty decent life span if well maintained. Had that one for about 2 1/2 years, sold it with 286k on the clock for $500 and it would smoke the rear tires.

[likaroc13]

Originally Posted by GMCJOE

It looks to be well taken care of and it's always a plus when it has had a long stent with the same owner.
My problem with it is him using word's like "rare" for it being a 2 door. A 2 door is not very rare for that body stile or year. Using the emissions check for advertisement. The custom wheels ( not a bad thing, but doesn't really add to value). The rear bumper doesn't appear to be original to the vehicle, sits way to far out. So that makes me leery on the never been wrecked or not towed anything. Running Synthetic oil doesn't make a difference in reality, oil is oil and some brands are better than others. Only real difference with Synthetic oil is that it has a longer life, you can switch back and forth with no harm done. To me he is try to sell someone hard on the vehicle for the price he is asking, we all do it try selling tactics. And I figure he is just trying to get more than he legal fee's out of it, he isn't hard up for the cash at that price.

Another bad thing is, the engine has high miles. Yes it could continue to run forever, but usually on a vehicle this old things will start happening with that kind of mileage. Those motors aren't as advanced as the ones of 99 on that have clocked the 300k + mileage. He says it runs strong and fast, which means he probably runs it hard from time to time. Lots of miles, regular engine wear. Probably not a good combination.

Over all it looks to be in great condition and well taken care of. IMO I don't think it is worth what he is asking. Not many people are wanting to pay $3500 for a vehicle that old unless that is what they are really looking for and want. NADA say's it is worth what he is asking, I just use it as a basis and research what most people are asking for a vehicle in the same condition and what people are really paying for them to make an assessment on the current market value.
On a good note, the transmission has been rebuilt. So hopefully that doesn't have to be done anytime soon.

It is really up to you, if you think its worth the price and feel good about it. Go for it. You are the one that has to be happy in the end if you purchase it. It is hard to find a blazer with the body in that kind of condition these days. I can say that much.

thanks for the response, & I agree with your assessment pretty much 100%. I just emailed again for more details. I had also emailed last night to ask about it, & I just got this response:

Thanks for your interest in my Blazer. I am working on getting more pictures, but my
interior is not as nice as what you sent me. The driver side seat has a small wear
hole in it, hence the seat covers. The headliner needs re-glueing. There is a dash
cover, and a steering wheel cover. I like that console you had in yours. Mine is stock.
And it needs a coat of paint to make it car-show ready. Other than that it is in great
condition. Whether you want to restore it to car-show level, or just simply make it a
daily driver, it has many years of good life left in it. I really don't want to part with it,
but I have some legal costs to cover. Plus I spend most of my time now driving my
Vette, and I no longer need to have four vehicles total.

Doc Manges

I wonder if he's a doctor? To me it definitely sounds like he'd be willing to take less. Like you said, I believe he's trying to upsell to cover whatever those legal costs are. There's no way I'd give $3500 though.

[GMCJOE]

If he is a DOC he should be able to cover them legal cost...lol And he definitely isn't showing a very good picture of the rear view. He hid the bumper from the rear view picture he took. If it was for plate reason's, he could have just taken it off.

If he want's to sell it from what he described to you in the email, he is going to have to come down. I would say to at least around $2000.

For his price, you should start looking for a Xtreme Blazer...lol I love mine, but I paid $4500 for it and got it delivered from tad bit over 200 miles one way trip. Didn't even haggle on the price. I have found them cheaper than what I paid, but usually not an 02 model. Bought it for the same reason, to keep miles off my Titan and it is saves me gas money. Good luck, keep us updated on it and what he says. If he send you some more pics, post those as well.

[likaroc13]

Originally Posted by GMCJOE

If he is a DOC he should be able to cover them legal cost...lol And he definitely isn't showing a very good picture of the rear view. He hid the bumper from the rear view picture he took. If it was for plate reason's, he could have just taken it off.

If he want's to sell it from what he described to you in the email, he is going to have to come down. I would say to at least around $2000.

For his price, you should start looking for a Xtreme Blazer...lol I love mine, but I paid $4500 for it and got it delivered from tad bit over 200 miles one way trip. Didn't even haggle on the price. I have found them cheaper than what I paid, but usually not an 02 model. Bought it for the same reason, to keep miles off my Titan and it is saves me gas money. Good luck, keep us updated on it and what he says. If he send you some more pics, post those as well.

I hear ya about the Extreme or newer Blazers, but I just love the older square bodies best.

I had inquired about the bumper & asked if the engine was tuned/maintained through the years, as it would be my biggest concern with the mileage...here's the latest response:

I have kept the engine tuned and maintained through-out the years,
and have all the receipts. Never really had any problems with the
engine. I did have the transmission rebuilt maybe 5 or 7 years ago.
The engine is very strong considering the mileage and age. No
leaks or drips and oil consumption is less than normal. And I
did replace the bumper when I bought it. The original one had been
dented. The replacement one is heavy duty and has lasted well
over the years. I never put a hitch on it, but it has spaces where
one could. The front grill is custom. I also still have the original
wheels and hub caps. The custom wheels cost me about $800.
Currently has new tires. I just replaced the door panels and
weather stripping. As far as how long this engine will last -
I don't know. It's like everything else - if you take good care
of it and don't abuse it, it will last a long, long time. But if
you want to drag race with it, then who knows? Too bad you
live so far away. I love the Carolina's.

Sounds like an honest person.

[GMCJOE]

Hopefully. Now if you can just get him to come down off the price.

[Warrens69GMC]

His wording makes me leery of the whole thing. I have kept this car perfect for the next person to street rod it. WTF?

[likaroc13]

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

His wording makes me leery of the whole thing. I have kept this car perfect for the next person to street rod it. WTF?

unfortunately, that happens with many of these...can't tell you how many out there have V8 conversions...it's kinda hard to find a clean one these days that is pretty much original...i think he's just thinking along the same lines as many of us who like customs...it's a nice base for a "street rod"....which by the way, I've seen a few pretty nice ones with V8 swaps, but they're hot rods that I couldn't drive on a daily basis or road trip

[BlackedOut67shorty]

Very clean indeed but seems to be a little much for the milage. Im wondering if that is a 4x4, if so im a little hesitant that hes getting 23 mpg. i would believe that 16 to 20 would be more believable. And i didnt realize the two doors were so rare, i usually see two door blazers all the time.

[likaroc13]

Originally Posted by BlackedOut67shorty

Very clean indeed but seems to be a little much for the milage. Im wondering if that is a 4x4, if so im a little hesitant that hes getting 23 mpg. i would believe that 16 to 20 would be more believable. And i didnt realize the two doors were so rare, i usually see two door blazers all the time.

yeah, definitely too much $ for the mileage...it's a 2wd though, which is capable of 23mpg highway...and no, 2-door's are not rare...not sure of production #'s, but I'm quite sure they're less common than 4-door versions

i still haven't made any moves...just been keeping an eye out...might find something nicer anyway...I have a lead on my truck that's for sale, so we'll see how that goes first

[GMCJOE]

A 4x4 is capable of 23MPG too. I had an 88 with a 4.3, and I used it for delivering pizza. I would calculate my fuel economy each time a fueled up, and I always got it at the same place. It always came out to 22-23 every time. But I always ran a can of Seafoam in every tank cause of all the abuse it was getting from stop and go. Them blazers are pretty awesome.

[BlackedOut67shorty]

Originally Posted by GMCJOE

A 4x4 is capable of 23MPG too. I had an 88 with a 4.3, and I used it for delivering pizza. I would calculate my fuel economy each time a fueled up, and I always got it at the same place. It always came out to 22-23 every time. But I always ran a can of Seafoam in every tank cause of all the abuse it was getting from stop and go. Them blazers are pretty awesome.

Lol must have been an expensive fill up

[GMCJOE]

Tip's covered everything vehicle related and more. And that was when gas was $1.97.