If you can afford it I would go with 2008-9 , the last couple of years.
Known issues with earlier years, dashboard going out, stepper motors in dash crap out. Believe steppers were updated with the 2008-9 years.
Ignition switch switch eventually craps causing all kinds of weird electrical anamolies like dash and starting issues.
Fan clutch craps out , 2008-9 went back to the old style non computerized clutch which is more reliable.
Maintenance: 50K for 4wd fluids and filters. Oil changes you can go by the oil life monitor , depending on how you drive could be 7-10K before it comes on with standard dino oil. Has 7 quart oil sump thus the longer intervals.
I6 is a wonderful engine with good hp, 285 hp in the later years.
Plugs are every 90-100K , antifreeze is 5 years or 150K I believe.
So far 45K miles on mine and only have replaced tires and the normal oil changes. If I drive lightfooted I can get 22-23 mpg on the highway. These are not particularly fuel efficient with a big I6 or V8 pushing upwards of 5000 lbs. Great to travel in though with lots of legroom.
Routinely guys get 200K out of the motors and trannies. Happy 360 hunting!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Robbabob
Good afternoon all! I'm no stranger to vehicle forums, I try to give logical input when I can and mostly keep my mouth shut when it's time (to learn). Well, except when I ask questions, lol
All too often in forums, people join AFTER they purchase, instead of educating themselves about their purchase before hand. I have found, the best way to learn is through these forums where "reviews" can't be slanted. Learn from the operators and DIY guys like you.
My wife is wanting to get a TrailBlazer, so I figured I would join this forum to get a leg up on the purchase. I have a Dakota and have learned a ton from the Dodge forum about my truck. I figure y'all are just as nice and helpful on this site, so I look forward to receiving you input.
The input I'm looking for is what you'd expect:
* Is there a year or set of years to stay away from?
* What are the typical issues all TB's have?
* Is there anything specific I should pay close attention to when visually inspecting?
* What might I focus on to perform when test driving the TB's?
* What is the typical reaction time when switching the Electronic Transfer Case?
* What mileage do engine components start getting replaced?
* Any Drive-train issues begin to pop up at certain mileage thresholds?
Just like every vehicle, good PM can keep them running several hundred thousand miles. My truck has 205K and the engine is still very strong; I've just had to do quite a bit for many little things (like the current repair is seals and bearings replaced in the differential).
We plan for the TB to be the wife's drive to work and probably a little vacation time for us into the mountains (staying in cabins). Any serious off-roading will be done in my truck (sans she gets a dent or brush scrapes).
Hope I've asked enough of the right questions. I suspect your input will also lead me where I haven't thought of yet.
Thanks in advance!
Robb
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