It has over 250,000 miles on the engine; mechanic says it would be $5000 to replace in addition to $1500 "front end work." The door locks don't work (doors sometimes stick open and someone has to use a screwdriver to get it to unstick so I can close the door), the air conditioning works, but really stresses the engine so I don't use it, back tailgate door rattles badly and it needs a new radio. And yet - I love my car. I really hate to get rid of it, but I'm a poor teacher with no car skills. Should I stay or should I go (after the Clash song)?

 

If you are not in the position, either with the skills, place, or time, to do the repairs yourself, it is likely that keeping this vehicle is not worth it.

Is it 4wd? 2dr or 4dr?

For the quoted cost for the engine replacement, you can get a really nice 2nd generation Blazer, with 4wd, AC etc. E,g, just 1/2 mile from where I live there is a 2000 Bravada for sale for $3000. Its exterior and interior look really nice. Don't know about the engine and drive-train though.

 

Thanks, Christine. It is a 4WD and a 4Door. My attachment is sentimental, not practical. It's just so heavy newer cars seem not as safe. Still, if it breaks down that's not so safe. Dunno.

 

For one thing, anything with an airbag, which your 91 does not have, will be safer. If you like the vehicle configuration and are on a bit of a budget, then you should get yourself an early 2000's Blazer. It will still be older but will also be at least 10 years newer and if you are patient in your search, one with much fewer miles. If you are not attached to the configuration, i.e. a smaller to mid-sized SUV, then there are lots of options.

As for safety, the engineering for that aspect of cars is always improving so unless you see something in Consumer Reports about a newer car being a death-trap, you are probably at least as safe if not safer in a newer vehicle. FYI: Size does not always equate to safety. The bodies of 60s road-yachts were not designed to crumple in front end collisions with the result that those in the passenger compartment were crushed instead.

As for your emotional attachment, if you need, you should have a little ceremony or keep a souvenir from it when you sell it. I still have the "Dodge" hood emblem from a 71 Dodge Dart that was a big part of my life. (Damn that car was quick even with a 2-bbl 318!) I sold it to someone who I knew was going to take car of it so I was good with letting leave my hands. Spread the wealth, right?

 

That's really great advice. I'll take a look at the 2000> models. Thanks!

 

If money is not so much an issue, you should look at the 4-Runners and see if they are good quality. For similar years, the 4-Runners go for quite a bit more money. They are a bit larger but not that much.

But an early 2000s Blazer will be an updated version of the 91 you like so much. Don't know much about them but there are also the Trailblazers that are from the later end of the 2000s.