At $19,500, Is This 1988 Chevy K5 Blazer a Smokin’-Sizzling Deal?

Chevy just lately introduced that its subsequent Blazer will be a crossover EV, a far cry from at the moment’s Good Worth or No Cube K5 4X4 version. Let’s see if this old-school SUV is priced to nonetheless carry the warmth.

Based on the advert, yesterday’s 1970 Volkswagen Squareback 4X4 (sure, that’s a factor) wanted solely a carburetor to be a driver. Wanting on the pics within the advert, that declaration actually stretched credibility because the closely modded automotive appeared to wish way more to be roadworthy. Most of you thought that the automotive’s $5,000 price ticket additionally tugged on credulity’s cape. That was made plain by the huge 95 % No Cube loss the Vee-Dub suffered.

Look, I get it. The vacations are upon us and shortly it will likely be a brand-new yr. Who has time to tackle one other mission? Fortuitously, at the moment’s 1988 Chevy K5 Blazer appears to be a turn-key truck, with solely minor work wanted to spiff it up and make these annoying neighbors jealous.

Chevy launched the K5 Blazer for the 1969 mannequin yr, coming into a burgeoning market already occupied by the Jeep CJ, Worldwide Harvester’s Scout, and chief competitor Ford’s Bronco. Being primarily based on the K10 pickup, the Blazer was not solely roomier and higher using than any of these rivals, but it surely was additionally extra economical to construct. Ford’s bean counters readily realized this, and the corporate switched the Bronco from a stand-alone mannequin to an off-shoot of the F-Sequence with its second technology.

Talking of second gens, that’s simply what this K5 represents. The primary technology Blazer lasted for simply 4 mannequin years earlier than it was refreshed as a part of the K10 overhaul in 1973. The second-generation Blazer would then run for the subsequent 18 years with solely minor modifications.

This one comes from close to the top of that run when full-sized SUVs have been shedding the recognition battle to smaller, mid-sized vehicles. In Chevy’s case, that was the S-10-based Blazer. These have tons to love, although, with respectable area total and a detachable cap over the again that the Blazer’s smaller namesake by no means provided.

Right here that high is painted white to match the principle coloration of the remainder of the bodywork. That’s complemented by a purple insert that wraps all the way in which across the rear. There are some chips noticeable within the paint and the rub strip is lacking on the doorways, however in any other case, all of it appears serviceable. Plus, there’s a hood decoration! Keep in mind these?

The spare tire lives within the load space for theft deterrence and to offer the K5’s booty a clear look. The tailgate flips down identical to a pickup’s, however the rear window must be retracted beforehand so it’s a little bit of a two-step course of. As soon as open that gives entry to a big, flat load space that appears clear albeit exhibiting some fading within the carpet. One other difficulty is a few sag within the headliner over the ahead a part of the cabin. On the plus facet, the seats seem like in terrific form, as does the remainder of the inside, save for some cracks within the sprint delicate cap.

This Blazer has been fitted with the Silverado trim so it has niceties like cruise management, energy home windows, and A/C, together with the full-carpeting.

Energy comes from a throttle physique injected 350 CID V8 that on this mannequin yr gave it as much as the tune of 210 horsepower 300 lb-ft of torque. Behind that may be a 700R4 computerized that the current proprietor says was “rebuilt by a superb household owned store with efficiency shift package.” The combo sends the ponies by a two-speed switch case to each entrance and rear axles. Based on the advert, the truck has loved correct upkeep over its 155,000 life and runs with out difficulty. The one drawback famous is a considerably cryptic notice of some work wanted on the A/C.

The title is clear and the advert claims that the truck wears nearly-new Michelins and is total in “tremendous situation for an 88.”

Now, what may one count on to pay for such a clear truck? The vendor asks $19,500 in alternate for the title. Placing that in context, that value is about $300 lower than the place to begin for a Kia Soul, that firm’s least expensive automotive and one of many least pricy new vehicles in the marketplace. It’s actually method lower than what Chevy will ask for the brand new Blazer EV.

What do you say, does that appear like a deal for what’s probably the most effective REAL Blazers in the marketplace? Or, does that value simply not gentle your fireplace?

You determine!

Raleigh, North Carolina, Craigslist, or go right here if the advert disappears.

H/T to FauxShizzle for the hookup!

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