[TrailFiend]

Hey everyone, Im new here to the forum, and I have some questions that I have before buying a used Chevy 4x4. I need a very reliable vehicle that will be used for everyday driving, road trips, and of course off-road. I need something that is going to last long after i get ahold of it. These are the models that I am interested in.

- 94'-99' Blazer/Tahoe 1500 2DR 4x4 5.7L V8(Z71, sport, LT...what are the differences?)
- 95'-00' S-10 Blazer 2DR 4x4 4.3L V6 (ZR2...what is it?)
- 95'-00' S-10 Pickup 3DR X-Cab 4x4 4.3L V6 (ZR2?)

I want to know which one of these would be the best for my need stated above. I dont know aht the difference between the Z71, sport and LT models are on the 1500 Blazer's, and also dont know what the difference is between the regular S-10 4x4 and the ZR2 option. Please fill me in.:great:

Here are some ad's that I found in my price range, I would like some opinions as to which are good deals, and if they are going to last. Here they are:

- 99' Tahoe 2DR 4x4 5.7L Vortec -(kept very clean)- 114,000 miles - $5000

- 97' S-10 ZR2 3DR 4x4 4.3L Hi-Output Vortec -(motor from 02' ZR2, truck kept up good)- 45,000 miles in motor, 190,000 miles on actual truck - $5250 o.b.o

- 00' S-10 Blazer LS 4x4 4.3L Vortec -(kept very clean)- 107,000 miles - $5950

- 94' Blazer 1500 2DR 4x4 5.7L 350cu.in. -(kept up excellent, 2nd owner, all receipts for work done)- 116,000 miles - $4900...

...So, those are the candidates for me as of today. Do any of these sound like a good deal? How many miles does a GM 4x4 usually last? Will they go past 200,000 miles if maintained properly? Thanks for helping me out. I look forward to using this forum once I purchase the right truck. Thanks again guys!

Silverado Parts

 

[retired2001]

Good luck with picking a new truck. The prices on the "full size" Blazer/Tahoe don't sound too bad. The '99 sounds like the better deal, depending on condition. The "ZR2" option had more heavy duty components than the normal 4X4 Blazer/S10. The differentials and brakes were more one the line of the full size. The price on the ZR2 sounds a little high, but that may just be me. The regular Blazer/S10 were pretty popular, but I don't have any real experience with them. I've owned S10s & 2wd Blazers and had very good luck, but have not had a 4X4. Good luck, again!

 

[TrailFiend]

thanks for the help retired! i still would like some more opinions. i am going to look at the 97' ZR2 today, just to check out the tranny and components.

 

[95CTburb19]

If properly maintained GM trucks will run well over 200,000. I've had very good luck with the 5.7.

 

[TrailFiend]

great info, keep it coming!:great:

 

[TahoeFever]

If properly maintained GM trucks will run well over 200,000. I've had very good luck with the 5.7.

my 86 burb with the 454 big block i lost count of mileage after the mileage counter rolled over to 0000000 again for the second time and when i was forced to take her off the road it had 125000 on it

still runs only problem is that the frame cracked and was deemed unsafe to drive
i have to agree keep up the truck to the best and it will get yah from point a to b for years to come

 

[TrailFiend]

i looked at the 97' ZR2, it was beat all to hell! probably would be a good truck for the weekends, but thats about it. the guy with the 94' Blazer 1500 is going to sell it saturday unless i can come up with $5000 for him. it sounds like a great buy, excellent condition, only 116k miles, no wrecks, clean body, very clean interior. i offerd him my 01' ford taurus with 50k miles plus $500, but to no avail...his daughter wants a jetta or accord.:grrrrrr: oh well, if he doesnt sell it saturday, im gonna get it somehow.

 

[PepboysASETech]

(ZR2?)

I think that ZR2 only mean that its 4X4. Like Z71 it just means 4X4.

 

[TrailFiend]

thats what i was thinking...but the ZR2 znd Z71 are options, and not standard on 4x4's. a ZR2 or Z71 are better than a regular 4x4, i just want to know what they put on them to make them stronger for off-road.

 

[dwill3015]

Here is the facts regarding the ZR2 optons. Enjoy!

 

[95CTburb19]

Don't they also have the limited slip in the ZR2's and Z71's as well?