i always do the paper work and smog first thing just to get it out of the way. in cali you have to smog a vehicle every time it changes hands.
then,
fluid and filters, check radiator and test cap, tires/air pressure, lube/grease anything and everything that needs it. check brakes and shocks ect. change out vacuum lines pcv ect. all the things that no one ever looks at or thinks about. seems like there is always so much to do for the first few months.

 

First thing:

It can answer so many questions.

 

A friend of mine has an oil change place a block from my house. The first thing I do, is take it over for a service including oil, filter and fluids check. While it's on the rack, they let me walk around and check it over underneath. I make notes so I know what needs attention. I haven't changed my own oil in over 30 years.

Once I know what it needs, I drain the coolant and flush it as well as change the thermostat. That way I know there won't be a risk of corrosion or a busted block on a cold morning. I go from there. Everybody marvels as how many miles I get out of old iron but that's one reason.

 

Update: Since changing a few vacuum line, the evap purge valve, pvc valve, air intake hose, air filter, cleaned throttle body as best I could without removing it and replaced the gas cap. My poor gas mileage I was complaining about shot up from 13.39/mpg, 14.00/mpg to 21.50/mpg over a period of a month. I'll know definitely to final number on my next fill up. So far so good. Oh, and this is all 98% city/2% hwy. I haven't done the list of things I had planned, as it has been raining all week & I didn't want to lay in a puddle. I was just so stoked about my MPG I had to tell someone that might have a bit of interest. I told my G/F but she didn't care, just looked at me with this blank look. Anyway, I will also check the Rad, even though it was recently replaced, it gurgles a little bit. Might just be low, but I'm sure it could use a flush. Wish me luck.

 

first thing is drive it home.

 

Hay blazer gear heads? im new to owning my first blazer,its a 05 trail blazer ext LS....i bought it with 150k on it and im a mechanic so i can understand the automotive lingo but haven't had much work with blazers so just wanting a little heads up on what to look for as i take this journey with my new found favorite ride?

 

Do a forum search. will give you all the info of common problems, quirks, ect.