1979 Chevrolet Blazer K5 review from North America
"Excellent Vehicle--Cheap and Reliable"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The original ball joints finally started going bad around 190,000 miles which, IMHO isn't bad! The ball joints were replaced by myself. I replaced the inner and outer wheel bearings along with the hubs just so everything in the front end was fresh. Total cost for this was $325...try doing this on a newer vehicle--it would probably run at least $500.
The heater blower motor bearings started making a horrid noise--the blower motor was easily replaced in about 20 minutes. This was around $30.
The alternator went out and had to be replaced, but this was only about $30. Cheap!!
It eats gas if you drive it hard.
These have been the only "real" problems I've had with it and for the age and mileage, it's to be expected.
General comments?
I really liked this Blazer... the reason I say "liked" is because it's now seriously damaged due to hitting a cow a few nights ago.
The cow didn't fare so well, but myself and the passenger with me escaped unharmed. I even drove it home that night. There is no way I could have done this with my 2002 F-150--it wouldn't have been driveable.
The insurance company will probably total the Blazer as estimates are $3500 to fix it. It's been a great rig... tows my boat well, drives like a champ on snowy/icy roads, turns on a dime and has never left me stranded out in the boonies.
I wouldn't hesitate to drive across the country entirely off-road in the Blazer as it's darn reliable.
I'm in the process now of looking for another one just in case this one is a total.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1979 |
| Year of manufacture | 1979 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 186000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 209000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet C1500 |
| Date of Entry | 12th September, 2005 |