I was looking into buying this 1995 Chevy Blazer 4door, with a 4.3L V6 Vortec engine.. but it just won't go into 3rd gear (automatic). My uncle is a mechanic and said it could be the computer not telling it to shift.. or maybe the transmission is just messed up. I'm calling around and no answers yet.. so I was hoping someone here could help me (long time guest, new member).

She wants $1800 for the Blazer.. and everything is in good shape. Just minor dents and things.. and a cracked winshield. Oh yeah.. the parking break doesn't work. Other then that and the shifting problem.. I think this would be a great buy.. well.. I'm only 16.. looking to get my first Blazer.. but this seems like a great one.. love the engine.

Thanks for your time!

 

Well with the trany issue and the windshield I would not give a penny over $900, but that is just me. The trany if needs replacing or rebuild can take a bundle. The windshield is not as much of a pain with your uncle as a Mechanic.
If you feel it is worth all the known issues that the 95 to 97 have, I would try to get them down closer to $1,000. Just let them know with Over Drive and 3rd not working right, it can be a spendy repair.
You can also look up the list of recalls and TBS (via the links on this forum) and see for yourself if you really want to get into one like this. Or better yet just ask your uncle what he thinks.

 

My unlce said about the same thing you did.. forget about it.

I think that's what I'll do.. because the tranny is going to cost atleast $1100.. just got an estimate. Thanks for your time!

 

Again, there is only one way to start to learn mechanics. Buy a fixer up and do just that. Basket cases are so much fun. I started with a 42 Chevy. Been turning my own wrenches ever sense. Lots of broken bones, cuts, and opps. But its the best way to learn how to do it yourself. The trany can be rebuilt (between yourself and your uncle) for around $300 w/ lots of new stuff including the torque converter. Or a Bone yard one will cost you about the same $300 to $500 pending on the yard.

Not trying to stear you away from a ride just saying if you are not a do it yourselfer, then it can get expencive to keep up with all the known issues. I bought my 95 as a minor fix up, but had some one just about T-Bone me. Now its a repairable in process (but I can still drive it).

 

Oh, wow... well maybe I can find a cheaper transmission or something.

 

Yea, there are all sorts of choices. I really enjoy my 95 (more so at how cheap I got it). Nice ride, leather, some gremlins, but you will find that with about any car/truck/suv. Heck my Honda is on it 3rd used motor (should have just built one) and has 300k miles on it. That one was $100 basket case and still is my most reliable ride (even bellied in mud, that was a fun day. Spun a crank bearing on the 2nd motor that day getting unstuck with out help).

And trust me, if I could not do the work myself, I would not had bought 90% of the toys I have had. $85 perhr laborcost I have seen most shops charge. OUCH....................

Just have to remember with about any used car/truck/suv you buy you will end up putting into it what you paid for it within the first year. This has been proven true for me for many of years. More then that if you want to end up customizing it.

 

Ah.. yeah I've already picked out my rims.. which cost $1200.. that's almost as much as the blazer itself.. lol.

Edit: If I was to buy a new transmission locally though.. and I happened to find one on eBay.. would you even consider something like this? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/95-97...spagenameZWDVW

I can get it locally and put on for like $1100... though.. or maybe $900. Maybe less, I'll have to do some more research.

 

Here is one in Ohio that even has the T-Case with it starting at $100:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/95-S-...QQcmdZViewItem

But seeing in your profile you are in AL that would be a haul. Hmmm try checking http://www.car-parts.comfor ones in the bone yard network that would be closer to you.

 

Ah yeah.. pickup only is a bummer. I did find about 12 pages on the other website for transmissions, though.. thanks.

Now the woman doesn't want us to pick it up and take it to a mechanic though.. to make sure it's the transmission and not just a selenoid. So, this is probably just a rip-off.. she knows what she's doing lol. I'll just pass on this one.