Replacing my '02 Trailblazer?

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cardiac

cardiac

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
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My '02 Trailblazer 4x4 LTZ is getting up there in age/miles (180k) and I am starting to look for another drive to work vehicle. I want an SUV that can tow my 14' utility trailer, is AWD/4x4, and under 100k in miles. I've been looking at a few 2007-2008 Pathfinders. Co-worker has one and loves it. MPG isn't the greatest, but that's not my first concern.
How is the reliability on the motor and trans? Any other issues to watch for? In doing some research, I can't find to many issues with it.

Thoughts?
 
BudAshes

BudAshes

Lifer
Jul 20, 2003
13,990
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cardiac said:
My '02 Trailblazer 4x4 LTZ is getting up there in age/miles (180k) and I am starting to look for another drive to work vehicle. I want an SUV that can tow my 14' utility trailer, is AWD/4x4, and under 100k in miles. I've been looking at a few 2007-2008 Pathfinders. Co-worker has one and loves it. MPG isn't the greatest, but that's not my first concern.
How is the reliability on the motor and trans? Any other issues to watch for? In doing some research, I can't find to many issues with it.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Just get a 4runner. They are the best 4wd mid size SUV and when you go to sell it you will actually get something for it. Best off road, best in the snow, best reliability, decent tow rating, decent gas mileage etc. I've never driven that era of pathfinder but I've tried the newer ones and they are truly heinous vehicles. I have no idea how they sell any of them. And I say this as someone who drove a 94 pathfinder for over a decade and loved the hell out of it.
 
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mindless1

mindless1

Diamond Member
Aug 11, 2001
8,754
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pauldun170 said:
Ahem
http://www.nissanproblems.com/trends/coolant-leaks-destroy-transmission/


Trailblazer's are surprisingly joining "tank" status around here. Rattly, squeaky tanks that keep on going.
Most common reason for selling appears to be "Wife embarrassed by the duct tape"

I like 4runner recomendation but they command a premium.
Would you consider a F150 work?
Click to expand...
That does not seem to be a unique problem with those Nissans, could happen with any vehicle that has an internal tranny cooler. Solution is simple, run tranny cooler lines to an external, separate radiator.
 
monkeydelmagico

monkeydelmagico

Diamond Member
Nov 16, 2011
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In that age range I would look for a Mazda CX-9. They were something of a revelation for the time period 2008-2009. Smooth, comfortable, capable, inexpensive, reliable. Will tow 5K with proper setup. The Nissan is a truck in comparison. Nothing wrong with the old Nissan but the world of SUV's has moved on.

The 4runners of that era are better than the Nissan mostly because they are indestructible. I don't find either one particularly pleasant to drive on the road. The Mazda rides, drives, and handles much better on road. Deep off road the Nissan and Toyota have skills. The CX-9 not so much. Since my trucks/suv spend 99% of their time on pavement I choose a more road worthy vehicle. Your needs could be different.

If you live where Mazda dealers are rare a Ford Edge is a similar type of vehicle. Alot of the running gear is the same. For some reason max towing is lower at 3500lbs
 
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M

mizzou

Diamond Member
Jan 2, 2008
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gmt800 trucks and their variants have their issues....but I think they will have legendary status in the future.

Easy to work on and sturdy LS small blocks.

IMO if u want 2006-2009
....just fix yer ride and dont fix whats not broken
 
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