Used 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT Consumer Reviews
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Still Going Strong After 18yrs and 223,000+ Miles!
TB1203, 05/25/2023
2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT LT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have relatively few complaints about this truck. Most of the interior has held up well, except maybe the side panels on the front seats that won't stay on. I had the instrument cluster problem but found a person who repairs yours with a lifetime warranty for about $65, It was easy to remove/replace myself. Otherwise the electrics all still work and the AC is the original and hasn't needed any service. Then engine starts/runs like new as does the transmission. I know not everyone has had that same experience but a lot depends on how you drive and maintain. Most of the repairs were typical, especially for it's age and mileage at the time such as motor mounts (which were weak from the factory), front wheel hub bearing assemblies, brakes, serp belt, fan clutch etc. These things are just normal wear and tear that won't last forever. For what it costs to keep it on the road vs replacing it, its well worth it. It's hard to find used vehicles that haven't already lived most all of their useful lives for under $10K sold AS-IS and probably need additional costly repairs or will soon. My EXT is the uplevel LT trim which has among other things the info message center, steering wheel controls, digital dual zone climate control and rear HVAC and audio controls. Although I didn't buy it new, the original sticker price when new came in at over $36K which seems pretty steep for 2005 money. I've put almost 100K of those miles on it myself and have routinely made multi-state trips of 1500mi or more at a time and it has never left me stranded, other than the plastic shifter bushing (a $19 part) which connects the inside shifter to the transmission and that happened in my garage, another easy and cheap fix. Although it never would win a race, the power of the 4.2L 6cyl feels plenty responsive enough for most situations. These are known for unimpressive MPG, especially the longer heavier 7 passenger 3rd row EXT which has a larger fuel tank and is heavier than the shorter version, but some far newer SUV's MPG are the same or not much better. Third row is surprisingly roomy and comfortable, even for average adults, although access is a bit tricky. The premium ride suspension is comfortable and well controlled, even with what I believe is mostly the original suspension parts. I retrofitted all of the exterior and interior lighting with LED's which greatly improves visibility and gives it a custom look in and out that enhances it instead of looking out of place. The paint and exterior trim has held up well and looks great. A nice thing is that even though it's 18 years old, parts and accessories (like LED plug & play taillight assemblies) are readily available locally everywhere or online from Amazon and other retailers, for example a throttle body from Amazon was $72, a simple DIY fix. I'm overall very satisfied with the vehicle and capabilities being it's a real 4X4 truck platform, not a car based crossover. I don't take it mudding but it's quite capable in deep snow in 4WD and doesn't disappoint. It's too bad that the 1st gen Trailblazers didn't have a longer run and the very reliable 4.2L Vortec i6 was never used again after the Morraine Truck Plant was closed and ended the Trailblazer and it's brand mates. The EXTs, were assembled in Oklahoma on a stretched platform and ended production in 2006. I plan to keep mine going as long as possible in the absence of a major problem which seems unlikely in the near future. I see these everywhere I've been around the US, both regular and EXT and most people I've talked to about them say they love them. I get a lot of compliments on how nice mine looks overall including the still shiny Emerald Green Metallic paint and intact grey cloth interior. Most are surprised it has that many miles on it and runs so well. IMHO, GM hasn't made a comparable AND reliable SUV since that offers this level of capability, comfort, and long term overall value. Most people aren't in the market for something this age today in 2023, but those that already own them have numerous online resources, including step by step videos for issues they encounter as they are by this time mostly well known and well documented. Many can be easily remedied if you're handy with tools, or at least give you a direction as to what to expect to pay when seeking professional repairs. For example, I recently had a headlights coming on randomly while the vehicle was turned off and parked issue, potentially leading to a dead battery and repaired it myself it without any tools, literally in 2 minutes with a $30 relay in the engine bay fuse box (#46 to be exact if this happens to you), potentially saving hundreds just by searching for it online. For how old it is, the current mileage and what it does, it's a great truck.
Road Warrior
Skip, 03/10/2009
2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT LT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has been a great selection for me...especially the V8, I average 20MPG.
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Cool vehicle
Randy Driggers, 12/18/2015
2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT LT Rwd 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
We bought this vehicle with just 39 miles on it in May 2005. In December 2015 we have 105,000 miles on our EXT. We bought as our "Grannymobile" since our two kids each had two kids giving us four grandkids. I have enjoyed Some wonderful conversations between them. My son had two sons and my daughter had two daughters. They are now 9, 10, 11, 12. I still love getting out of my work 2014 Buick Enclave and driving my Trailblazer. We have always followed the maintenance schedule from Chevrolet. I have averaged about $1,200 per year keeping up with the maintenance, tires, etc. I just spent $2,700 dollars on front left and right ball joints, stabilizer bar front and rear shocks and other repairs, not because we had to but because we needed to and now seemed to be the right time. We love our Trailblazer!
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