09-08-2004, 06:01 PM
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#1 |
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Registered User
Age: 28
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1995-2001 GMC JIMMY's
I am looking at purchasing a 95-97 gmc jimmy 4 door 4x4 with over 90,000 miles. I am curious to know what are the pro's and cons of these vehicles when the milage is a little higher and just the overall factor of such a vehicle.
The motor style i am looking at is the 95 4.3 or the 96-01 4.3vortec. I know the older 4.3's are pretty reliable and can be a solid weapon when looked after. Please if you own one and have had bad experiences or have owned one and had excellent experiences, i would love to know as i don't want to buy one and regret it further down the road as i need a reliable vehicle for transporting my 2 month old son around and i have my eyes set on the JIMMY. Thank you in advance for those who can help Last edited by MiDnIgHt RuMbLeR : 09-08-2004 at 06:02 PM. |
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09-09-2004, 01:22 PM
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#2 |
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Registered User
Age: 33
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Re: 1995-2001 GMC JIMMY's
Ball joints are the #1issue to watch for. I dumped a good chunk into my 00 Jimmy at 66k doing new ball joints and such. The engine and transmission are fairly reliable. You'll find with age the interior gets squeeky but that's nothing major.
Steve |
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09-09-2004, 01:45 PM
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#3 |
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V8 Member
Age: 30
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Re: 1995-2001 GMC JIMMY's
my 00 jimmy.. the smog pump keeps failing.. i bought it with 24k now its up to 53k.. thats the only problem ive had so far.. nice rides for the money if you ask me.. i dont regret getting mine at all..
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09-09-2004, 02:06 PM
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#4 |
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Registered User
Age: 33
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Re: 1995-2001 GMC JIMMY's
I put 900 miles on my Jimmy over the weekend as was very happy with it. It's kind of a pooch around town compared to my 01 Blazer and 02 4.3 S-10 before it but on the highway I ran it over 90mph a couple times and it didn't feel strained at all. I even managed to get over 20mpg on the last tank according to the computer (cruise set about 78 with the a/c off). Steve |
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09-09-2004, 03:25 PM
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#5 |
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V8 Member
Age: 30
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Re: 1995-2001 GMC JIMMY's
hey steve.. i guess its not on all the jimmys.. its not belt driven.. its electric im guessing.. its near the crank pulley.. on the pass side.. dont know.. the thing is under warranty so i take it in when ever it needs something fixed..
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09-09-2004, 04:18 PM
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#6 |
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Registered User
Age: 33
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Re: 1995-2001 GMC JIMMY's
I'm not sure if mine has one or not, I've never looked for it. What happens when they go out?
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09-09-2004, 11:02 PM
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#7 |
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V8 Member
Age: 30
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Re: 1995-2001 GMC JIMMY's
just trips the SES light on.. the dealership told me that they are known for sucking in water in winter and having it freeze in the pump..
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09-09-2004, 11:12 PM
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#8 |
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Registered User
Age: 33
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Re: 1995-2001 GMC JIMMY's
Hmm, sounds like a PITA! I hope mine doesn't have one.
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09-10-2004, 01:08 AM
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#9 |
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Registered User
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Re: 1995-2001 GMC JIMMY's
I just bought a 1995 4X4 2-door Blazer off E-bay with 155K miles..
Doesn't look like much had ever been done to it, so I replaced the following: Ball Joints (all 4) - looks like they were all ORIGINAL with 155,000 miles!!. One was shot, one was on teh way out and the others were actually in fairly good shape. Always have them replaced as pairs (top and bottom on each side). They all still had the original rivits in them. Replacments are bolt in. Not a bad job, I would demand good quality replacments as there is some crap out there. Oil cooler Lines - From what I hear they have become a problem with bad crimps from the factory (Blazers/Jimmys have remote oil coolers positioned under the front bumper). A few hours to replace, nothing major. You should have the lines inspected on any Blazer/Jimmy you are contemplating buying. I have heard that some '95 - '97's are starting to have problems with them. Once replaced once they will probably outlast the useful life of the vehicle. One of mine were starting to leak with 155,000 miles. Exhaust - cheap, easy to replace. Muffler back. Idler arm - common GM truck wear item, simple to replace. 1 U-joint - not shot, but going. Standard U-joint easy to replace. Shocks (all 4) - Cheap and easy to replace output seal on transmission - again a common wear item with 150,000 miles. Cheap and easy to replace as I had the driveshaft out when I was doing the U-joint anyway. All in all cost me around $400 for the above fixes. Note that I am a mechanic and own my own garage, so no labor there and no mark up on parts. Also consider that I bought the Blazer for $1500, and I knew what I was getting into. Engine, transmission and 4X4 unit all work great. The Blazer has proven very easy to work on, has more than enough power (quite impressive for a V6), seems to get great milage (much better than my former Pathfinder) and parts are dirt cheap compared to many other SUV's (especially my former Pathfinder - some common wear components were $$$). The shear number of them produced and sold makes them very affordable on the used market, they can be had for relativley little money compared to other SUV's in the field. I have always found GM trucks to be very reliable. They are not without their problems, but when problems do arise they are easy to fix (I find GM's to be very easy to work on) and parts are usually inexpensive. My shop specialises in Audi's and Subaru's, but I enjoy owning and driving GM trucks. I would recommend one without hesitation. If you do not do your own work I would advise having a quality shop check out any vehicle you are considering purchasing. Let us know how it turns out for you, Last edited by VTS10 : 09-10-2004 at 01:12 AM. |
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09-10-2004, 01:11 AM
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#10 |
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Registered User
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Re: 1995-2001 GMC JIMMY's
Just noticed you mentioned you were looking at one over 90K miles.
I would look out for the following: Brakes Ball Joints Oil Cooler Lines Exhaust condition Shocks Transmission condition - does it shift smooth? Check the dipstick and see if the fluid appears to be burnt or if it is clean. Hope this helps, |
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09-10-2004, 12:19 PM
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#11 |
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Registered User
Age: 33
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Re: 1995-2001 GMC JIMMY's
Damn! You da man! I wish somedays I would have gone to an automotive tech school to learn all the different ways to work on a vehicle. I'm mechanical but I don't have the knowhow, tools, space to do alot of things. I think it's awesome you can do all that yourself! :thumbup: |
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09-11-2004, 10:56 AM
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#12 |
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Again! It's a 5-cylinder!
Age: 46
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 82
Location: Waukegan, Illinois User is: OffLine |
Re: 1995-2001 GMC JIMMY's
I bought my 1996 Jimmy SLT in 1998 when it had 33,000 miles on it.
Replaced rotors at 64,000 miles Replaced alternator at 73,000 miles Had the radiator replaced at 96,000 (sludge buildup had started a little rust) Complete tune at just over 100,000 miles Now at 105,247 miles the thing runs like a champ Only two issues, heat and air does not blow from the vents, only the top one as if the defroster is always on??? Power seats stopped working and the dome light, I have yet to determine why???  As you can see I have not put a lot of money into it but would not be afraid to drive it anywhere  |
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