We are looking at buying a 2001 Blazer LT. What is the mileage like. Is there anything a guy should look out for? Is a blown O2 sensor common after 80 k. Your help would be appreciated

 

Do a pressure check on the cooling system to make sure you have no leads in water pump, radiator, or intake manifold gasket (common). For some reason, the gas mileage sucks on these Blazers despite only being a 6 cylinder.

 

I agree that checking for leaks in the intake manifold and heater (if possible) makes sense. Both are common, and both are labor-intensive to fix.

I disagree strongly about the mileage. It's an SUV, and it will get mileage like one. I'd expect @18-20 highway, 15-16 in town if you don't jam the gas to the firewell all the time.

Have a front end shop check the ball joints - they are a wear point. Also check brakes for wear remaining. If possible, find out if the transmission has been power-flushed every 30K miles or so -very important on Blazers. If it hasn't been done, do it immediately. And an O2 sensor can fail anytime, although failure as early as 80K miles would be a bit unusual. Not hard to check, though - any shop can do it.

 

test drive!! make sure 4wd system works! tranny fluid changed? oil?
service records? dont buy on word, show me the records!! fuel gauge fluctuate? check underneath for leaking oil lines by the oil filter!!!!! [take a regular screwdriver bigger blade open door to oil filter underneath the radiator}
look at rear axle leaking by the front of the yoke where driveshaft meets it. ball joints as already mentioned!!! coolant pressure test? changed regularly. rear wiper work? clean engine? power windows work? locks? heat? a/c? leaking 4wd axle seal? leaks in transfer case? thease are big bucks give it the once over!! good luck!!