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Trailblazer SS review.

Old Dec 2, 2005 | 10:24 AM
  #31  
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Re: Trailblazer SS review.

Originally Posted by Z284ever
Yeah Darth , I know what you mean. Just wondering what the performance and real world gas mileage difference would be with 2wd vs AWD. And for those handful of times per year that you really could use the benefits of AWD...is it worth having to lug it along the other 360 days per year.
Worthwhile points...

I think I remember reading that AWD got 1 MPG less than 2WD in highway driving...

Another counterpoint is, if I am dropping that much cash on the vehicle, especially this perfomance version of this vehicle (one that isn't an Echo, Cobalt, or even Malibu type of vehicle, fuel economy-wise, to begin with), a 1 MPG difference is unlikely to affect my choice.
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 10:26 AM
  #32  
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Re: Trailblazer SS review.

Originally Posted by Hoodshaker


Red Jewel Tintcoat was just added this month to the TB and is available on the SS (extra cost).
Ah! That explains that!

Hopefully they will add a few more too.
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 11:22 AM
  #33  
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Re: Trailblazer SS review.

[rant]

GRRRRRR ....

I can't "build your own" SS on the US website so I built an LT 1SC with the equipment I want, stickers at $37,255 and red tags at $31,754.57.

Then I built basically the same on the GMCanada "build your own: site, it stickers at $51,970. A 40% premium ... when the dollar is at 1.1687???

Stuff like that makes me want to say "s###w you, GM, and buy a Toyota.



[/rant]
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 11:35 AM
  #34  
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Re: Trailblazer SS review.

Originally Posted by poSSum
[rant]

GRRRRRR ....

I can't "build your own" SS on the US website so I built an LT 1SC with the equipment I want, stickers at $37,255 and red tags at $31,754.57.

Then I built basically the same on the GMCanada "build your own: site, it stickers at $51,970. A 40% premium ... when the dollar is at 1.1687???

Stuff like that makes me want to say "s###w you, GM, and buy a Toyota.



[/rant]

Why such a HUGE price difference, I wonder???
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 11:37 AM
  #35  
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Re: Trailblazer SS review.

I am thinking about trading in my 03 Silverado SS for a TBSS. You can't beat a 400 horse suv.
Brandon
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 11:37 AM
  #36  
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Re: Trailblazer SS review.

I built a LT 1SE to $32,880 with sunroof, heated seats and the sound package. Can you get NAV on it? Add $5,000 for SS and its $37,000 but I get GMS so I'd assume it'll fall back around $33,000? Either this or pay $25,000 for a used 2004 Lightning...
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 12:42 PM
  #37  
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Re: Trailblazer SS review.

Originally Posted by Z284ever
Why such a HUGE price difference, I wonder???
More to make you go hmmmm

Base number before doing any actual building CAN : USA : CAN/USA

2WD: 31,595 : 27,410 : 1.153

4WD: 40,730 : 29,660 : 1.37

I guess if I were interested in a TB SS a year from now, I'd be looking at the USA used market. Vehicles need to be in service for 6 months before we can import.
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 01:18 PM
  #38  
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Re: Trailblazer SS review.

Originally Posted by Z284ever
Just wondering what everyone thinks and if the AWD is worth it....

Would anyone in "snow country" consider the 2wd version?
I'm 95% sure I'm picking one of these up in Jan-February. I'm using it to pull a boat. I spent enough time spinning rear tires pulling the boat out on wet ramps this year. AWD for me, please.

Also, having driven an AWD vehicle during the last two winters, I wouldn't want it anyother way. Its soo much fun to tear around after a big snow with AWD.
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 01:45 PM
  #39  
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Re: Trailblazer SS review.

Originally Posted by Z284ever
Just wondering what everyone thinks and if the AWD is worth it....

Would anyone in "snow country" consider the 2wd version?
I'd rather poke my own eyes out with a pick axe.

I actually have a leg to stand on with this opinion, too. In '03, I ordered for a customer (doing it for stock would have gotten me fired IMMEDIATELY, for good reason) an '03 2WD Bravada. He traded in an old Electra wagon, and INSISTED he didn't need AWD. His RWD wagon had served him well, and he was an old guy...no talking sense into him.

When I saw him later that winter, I thought he was going to take a swing at me, telling me how awful this thing was in snow. I told him the traction control wasn't enough to help him when he ordered it!!!! He then calmed down, as he remembered the conversation. A 2WD SUV is like a 2WD pickup, not like a RWD car. There's a lot of open, empty space over those back wheels, and not a lotta weight. Without snow tires, that thing was suicide.

391hp with 20s will only be a little worse
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 04:24 PM
  #40  
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Re: Trailblazer SS review.

If that drivetrain was available in the Bravada, I'd go for one. I always thought the last Bravadas was the best looking of GMs mid-size SUVs, it a shame its gone.

Growing up our family always had a Caprice Wagon in the driveway, those things were awesome in the snow. I figured any type of SUV with 2wd would do the same with extra body weight over the rear wheels like a wagon, but maybe the wheel base is to short and the weight distrubution is more 50/50
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 04:58 PM
  #41  
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Re: Trailblazer SS review.

Well, after some research, it looks like the Jeep will absolutly own the SS, both in acceleration and handling. Anyone know the tow rating on the Jeep?
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 05:02 PM
  #42  
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Re: Trailblazer SS review.

Darth,

I agree with you...get AWD. I know Charlie mentions what the hell do you lug it around for when you consider in some areas, it probably will only benefit you 5 days a year. For me? I could have used it a couple days last week, and it wasn't even December yet!

slt,
Back when I used to work full time at the dealership, during bad snow storms I would take a used '02 Bravada home, even though my '02 GA GT had snows on it. Those 360s can do great drifts in snow I think you'll enjoy it...I know a 270hp I6 Bravada was fun!

30th,
Everything Olds made was better Its sad, because for as much as I crow about Olds, I will likely never own one. By the time Ash and I are ready for our next cars, they'll all be too old. We were thinking of getting her an '04 Alero GL2 coupe (the ones with the FE3 suspension and V6 standard) back in the spring before her Grand Am showed up on trade...and the deal on that was too good to say no to. I'm selling '02 Bravadas with Bose, moonroof, heated leather, polished wheels, 6 CD and more for friggen $15,500 with 37k These were $37k MSRP cars in '02...no one wants an Olds because "how can I get them fixed? How good can they be if they don't make them anymore?"

Keep your Intrigue for a long, long time. A GLS is a gorgeous car, and you won't get crap for it. I almost bought an '02 GLS the day I bought my GP GT, but I really wanted a coupe. The sad thing was, the Intrigue was a nicer car with more stuff for less $$$!

What color is yours? Ruby Red with Neutral Leather was always my favorite GLS combo...we sold a ton that color. Navy with grey was a hot car too, but they killed navy after '00 IIRC.
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 05:03 PM
  #43  
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Re: Trailblazer SS review.

Originally Posted by slt
Well, after some research, it looks like the Jeep will absolutly own the SS, both in acceleration and handling. Anyone know the tow rating on the Jeep?
Why do people keep saying that? HP is similar, weights are similar...I don't get it...
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 05:20 PM
  #44  
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Re: Trailblazer SS review.

Originally Posted by Z284ever
Yeah Darth , I know what you mean. Just wondering what the performance and real world gas mileage difference would be with 2wd vs AWD. And for those handful of times per year that you really could use the benefits of AWD...is it worth having to lug it along the other 360 days per year.
I don't do 2wd SUV's because 4wd/AWD would be the only reason i'd even consider an SUV to begin with. With the TB SS AWD, i could get year round performance/traction. I'm sure it'll launch harder when it nice and dry out and i want to have fun, and i'm sure it'll feel more secure on the snow/ice when things do get ugly. It'll keep me very satisfied either way year round.

What's that saying?? i'm sure i'm not saying it right but it's something along the lines of ....I'd rather have somthing and not need it much vs needing it on occassion and not having it at all.

Jason E, probably because Jeep is advertising 4.Xsec 0-60 times for the SRT GC. That's fast.
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 05:23 PM
  #45  
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Re: Trailblazer SS review.

Originally Posted by Jason E
Why do people keep saying that? HP is similar, weights are similar...I don't get it...
I think the Jeep is underated. It looks like the SS runs mid 14's and around a 6 sec 0-60. The Jeep runs high 13's and around a 5 sec 0-60. If it can't tow, though, then it useless to me

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