I am a new owner of a 1996 Chevy Blazer LS 2DR 2WD, 165K MI pd $1000.
I am mechanically inept...

I purchased the blazer to take me and my stuff from So FL to CA.
I am getting estimates for work to be done. I've taken it to two different shops to date. I plan to take it for a third estimate in the morning.

I am confused, (but thats another story for another day...) The first estimate says we should have the front rotors & pads replaced on the front brakes were the 2nd estimate said the brakes are fine.

Also - both claimed to have checked the fluids, shop 1 says transmision fluid is black and should be flused, where shop 2 says all fluids are fine and the vehicle appears well maintained.???

I am posting the laundry list from both estimates. Obviously without seeing the vehicle you would not be able to direct me in what work needs to be done... But how can we end up with 2 vastly different estimates for the same vehicle?

Both shops were told the intented use of the vehicle - Moving to California - will be towing a small enclosed trailer. The trailer has not yet been purchased.

Are these prices reasonable?

I have no mechanically gifted friends in my small inner circle, and the shop that I have used in the past has changed ownership - and staff. They gave me the first estimate.

Any and all advice would be appreciated.

 

Well, like you said it's difficult to tell which estimate is more reliable. However, it appears from the types of items on estimate #1 that they are identifying items that perhaps are marginal but would need to be replaced if you keep the vehicle for the next state inspection, not just for the trip.

Some of the items on #1's list are a bit high-priced, like the air filter and wiper blades. You could easily change these yourself for much much less, and it's pretty simple. Pull the dipstick on the transmission and see what the color is (should be bright red, not real dark or brown) to verify what both shops are telling you. That's not to say, though, that #1's list is not accurate. Certainly if you were to go to #1 and have all that work done, you could feel very safe taking the trek across the US with not too much worry.

It would be very prudent to get a 3rd estimate. Is #1 a dealer shop?

 

Hello, thanks for the reply.

Good point about the inspection.
We have gotten a third estimate and it is closer to estimate #1, except the prices are much better.
We are going with shop #3. The car should be out tommorrow.

None of the estimates were at a dealership.