It’s easy to forget that while Chevy unveiled the “GMT400” trucks in 1988, the Blazer persevered on the classic Squarebody platform until its more rounded replacement appeared for 1992. The grille was updated for 1989 to give it an appearance that was more in line with the new trucks, but for the most part, it was the same old SUV that we knew and loved. We can call it the “Bonus Blazer.” Being a Squarebody, the Blazer was not immune to that truck’s faults, including a predilection for rusting into oblivion, but not all of them fell prey to the tinworm; this spectacularly clean ’89 Blazer is for sale with no reserve on eBay in Tacoma, Washington. The like-new door seams tell you that if you search for a solid Squarebody, your search is at an end.
I’m not sure that anyone can convince me that a Blazer is not the perfect vehicle for many of us. If you don’t mind mediocre fuel mileage and don’t carry too many passengers, what can’t a Blazer do (within reason)? Its standard four-wheel-drive will get you out of trouble on-road or off. Its trim overall length of 184.8 inches makes it easy to park, and it will fit in almost any garage. It has a 31 gallon fuel tank, so you don’t have to worry about range (although that’s an expensive fill-up when the time comes). Our featured truck has the Silverado package, which includes fancier seat and headliner trim, power door locks (this one has power windows, too), electric tailgate window, custom steering wheel, and a few other fancy goodies.
Perhaps the only letdown in this Blazer’s presentation is in its engine compartment, but it’s not always easy to mask 121,000 miles, no matter how gentle they’ve been. Only two engines were available in 1989, this 350 and the 6.2-liter Diesel. Few will be sad that the original owner chose the gas engine, which made 210 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. The seller says that it runs and drives well, but the air conditioning doesn’t work. Surprisingly (for 1989), a four-speed manual was standard in the Blazer with the gas engine, but this one (as most of them likely did) has the four-speed automatic.
The seller includes several pictures of the undercarriage, and aside from showing 36 years of use, there’s little rust to speak of. This is clearly one of the most solid Blazers you’ll find in America right now.
And the bidding reflects that. With three days to go, the high bid is over $15,000, and I imagine it will keep climbing. This beautiful Blazer with its Smoke Blue and Gray “Special” two-tone paint is in amazing condition (although that rear bumper may have taken a hit). It has a clean Washington title and the seller is willing to work with your shipper if you’re out of state. If the Blazer is your perfect truck, nobody will blame you if you bid on this one.
I have owned a mix of new and used K5 Blazers since 1976 from ’71-’89 models. My favourites are the models produced up to 1975, where the entire roof is removable. I have owned my ’75 for about 20 years.
My next favourite are the last square-body type built through 1991. This is mainly because of the improved performance, reliability, and fuel economy provided by the TBI 350, and 4-peed auto transmission.
The ’89 shown here is one of the nicest I have seen in recent years. The ’89s are less rust prone than previous models thanks to the introduction of galvanized body panels, and this one is a good example. It is well-optioned, but not quite fully loaded, missing the sliding rear windows, HD quad-shock suspension, and auto-locking hubs. I suspect the A/C repair will involve more than a re-charge, and there may be some other systems and components (like tires) that are aging out. As always a PPI is best practice.
With a weekends worth of work, this could be a really great truck.
I bought an 89 V Blazer new. Beautiful vehicle, well built. About $25k new. I lived in northern New Hampshire where a vehicle of this caliber is required bu I would classify this as an inclimate weather vehicle rather then a trust off roader due to its width and poor departure angle. It got very good fuel economy due to the 700R4 and a 3.08 axle: 16 in town and 23 on the highway, in four wheel drive it would only deliver 8-10, but that’s what one bought the vehicle for!
Last of the good Blazers not surprised the bidding has climbed to over $18k
Great looking V-Blazer. It’s got all the right features and two colors I like a lot. The paint is in amazing shape considering both colors were prone to delamination. Someone gets to fix the air and own a classic.
I had an 81 2WD Blazer that I put 480K on in 20 years of driving any damn where I wanted to go. Coast to coast several times, pulling a 20 ft trailer with barn find MG’s, and every kind of boat up to a 26ft sailboat, and a 23 ft travel trailer. The only reason I sold it was to buy a 3/4 ton Dodge diesel to pull a 5th wheel trailer. Even with the Dodge in the running, the Blazer is the BEST truck I’ve ever owned. This one is nice and sure would look good in my driveway, next to the pickup.
Wrong steering wheel.
Should have the steering wheel with the square horn button.
Miss my loaded dark blue 87…with rear sliders on removable top.
Many good times from going to the beach to the drive-in movies.