2001 Blazer 4WD issues...worth it?
Paid practically nothing for it and now I'm seeing why. Starter needs shimmied and noticed today that there is an oil leak somewhere above it because it is soaked with oil and dripping...don't even know what the problem there could be. Rear brakes (passenger) leaking fluid, #1 cylinder isn't firing properly (probably due to needing spark plugs/wires changed), lower ball joints need replacing as does idler and pitman arm.
I know I'm looking at a hefty amount of cash...is it worth it or am I just tossing money into a pit? If I get all the above issues fixed for $1k or less (about what I paid for it), I'll be happy. But will the car?
How should I put this? Its not cheap to keep a Blazer running right (and it sounds like the previous owner figured this out one way or the other). SUVs in general tend to be money pits and the Blazer is no exception. I've put over $8,000 in my truck and that doesn't even include the purchase price of about $5,000 (I bought it from a dealer). And there still are issues with my truck that could use fixin' like front differential not engaging and A/C only blowing hot air. Luckily, I have kick-@ss tires, I know how to drive a RWD vehicle in the snow, and I drive with my windows down regardless.
The Blazer is the most dependable vehicle I've ever owned. But it comes at a price. If you're willing to put down the cash to get its problems fixed (which will be a hell of a lot more than $1,000), its totally worth it. As long as you stay up on maintenance, the truck will never let you down.
