Fair trade — Z4 for K5 Blazer?

In KC the Z4 was my dream car, dream come true. The highways there, the open roads, the boulevards. In Lansing I feel like I can’t ever really stretch its legs. It’s been demotivating to drive. So I’ve been thinking about what other open air car I might get into that won’t have the speed element to constantly disappoint me. I’m not looking forward to getting it ready to sell though. So many little dumb things in the interior fell apart, for instance. Then there’s the power roof which doesn’t power and a 4” tear, and the brakes I should probably get around to and the list goes on. Oh yeah and I have a 2 and 4 year old and no time to be both a dad and be a mechanic and a husband.

I figure if I fixed everything up on my ‘03 3.0 auto with 137k miles I might get $7, or so the Craigslist ads lead me to believe. I figured maybe $5ish if I left it as-is. Meanwhile, I found this 1986 K5 Blazer for $5,500.

Vs

He’s completely redone the wiring harness, it has a 305 and an automatic, it’s not from Michigan but from somewhere south of Indiana but does still have some rust. The topper is like 300 lbs so as-is I wouldn’t be taking it off and putting it back on. I don’t really care about the gas mileage hit; it wouldn’t be my DD. And it does have working AC. Apparently the guy isn’t satisfied with the body; he’s really particular and wants it painted and all that, but I don’t care much about that  

But I just don’t know about worth, that and value- are these going up or down? Presumably they’re straightforward to work on and parts wouldn’t be too hard to find, right? I’ve never owned a 4x4 in general or a full size truck (non running Sonomas don’t count, right?)

I took out the Z4 today and MAN I love the acceleration. But on the other hand that’s what has me constantly looking over my shoulder. I’m on the fence already but I’d like to know what the hive mind thinks. Thanks, all. 

I think that's a losing trade as-is/right-now, but could go your way in the long run. Those blazers aren't going down in value or becoming any more common. It all hinges on whether the blazer significantly improves during your ownership or turns into a rusty-er beater. 

The cheap flat black paint job may be hiding a multitude of sins.  Check it closely for rust or poor repairs.  Also, a lot of lifted trucks are not done properly, so check the suspension and driveline to make sure it's all okay.

stuart in mn said:

The cheap flat black paint job may be hiding a multitude of sins.  Check it closely for rust or poor repairs.  Also, a lot of lifted trucks are not done properly, so check the suspension and driveline to make sure it's all okay.

What do I check on the suspension/driveline? Maybe - is anyone in Lansing who knows this stuff?

I'm no 4WD expert, but I have seen them lifted with some sketchy methods - home made blocks under the springs, that sort of thing.  They also can get the driveshaft phasing out of whack if it's lifted too much and/or the axles don't have the proper alignment.

It’s likely a 4” suspension only (no body) with 4 new leaf packs. Cheap and easy to do and cheap and easy to re-do if needed.

They are not losing value as was already said.

Oh, and you can fix them with a very basic standard tool kit and LMC

I like 70s-80s trucks.

I like 4wds.

I like boxy SUVs.

I have no real affinity for BMWs

Nor am I a fan of the Z4.


I still would never make that trade.

PS- the rear of that Blazer is lifted with blocks, not springs.

Cooter said:

PS- the rear of that Blazer is lifted with blocks, not springs.

I believe what you’re seeing there is the rear shock. You could still be right though as the first picture shows a pretty flat leaf spring (like factory-flat) and yet it’s lifted which would indicate a block.

By the way, blocks in the rear are nothing to worry about. Axle wrap with a 305 and 35’s and stock gearing probably isn’t a concern.

I never said that was a block.  The fact that you cannnot see the spring in that angle means that it is lifted with blocks.   

To double down, I would not be surprised if it had blocks in the front, as well.

Not to mention the fact that the door is sagging to the point of hitting the body at the top right.

This is not a $5500 truck.  It is closer to half.

Nope. Youd be trading bottom of the market value for your car for above top market value of the blazer. Losing coming and going.

Send the bmw through the car wash, throw it up for 6k obo, possible trades on different convertible. Or keep it.

Square bodies are going up in valve but that K5 is 3k max around here. 

Cooter said:

I never said that was a block.  The fact that you cannnot see the spring in that angle means that it is lifted with blocks.   

I suppose you can copy and paste where I mentioned you said  “that was a block”, yes?

Stampie said:

Square bodies are going up in valve but that K5 is 3k max around here. 

Agreed. Also these seem typically to get traded between people who beat the crap out of them and arent the best mechanics, at least from what ive seen. Unless one of these was bought from a old man whos owned it for a long time and is basically stock, i’d consider it a major project needing major $. Seems a bigger motor swap would be mandatory.  

I would trade a z4 for a k5, but not THAT k5.  Sell the car and find a cleaner down south one and have it shipped 

P3PPY said:

Oh yeah and I have a 2 and 4 year old and no time to be both a dad and be a mechanic and a husband.

I dont think an old truck would be the right answer for you. They require just as much or more attention than an aging bmw. I think that z4 should be able to get you a nice clean jeep TJ. I think that would be a better fit. Top down cruising (and its the whole top and doors, not just the back half), with the reliability of a modern fuel injected driveline. 

E36 M3, I got a four door E30 with a clean title.

Wanna do an even trade? 

You want to trade a BMW Z4 for... an old GM truck? And this one in particular?

I'd keep looking.

ebonyandivory said:

Cooter said:

PS- the rear of that Blazer is lifted with blocks, not springs.

I believe what you’re seeing there is the rear shock. You could still be right though...

Only too happy to oblige.

I’ll echo the TJ comment or if you’re committed to a late model GM trucks the GMT 900 is getting into that price range. Also, police spec explorers are about 7-8k at auction right now. Really, you can get a whole lot of truck in your price range that will outhandle, outmud, and be overall more livable than an old K5 blazer. That being said, I do love squarebodies. Just not that one 

Well, I appreciate the frank replies. I think what’s been said makes sense, especially the idea of how that would be going bottom dollar for my car and top for his. Consider it case closed. :)

I have a collection of square bodies.  Some of them can bring serious money.   Based on his description of the z4 I personally don’t think this trade is as big a mismatch as some of you indicate if the blazer is in decent condition.  I mean you can go all CSI on the pictures I guess,  but it would be much more valuable just to go take a look.

I owned an 81 K5 for about 14 years before someone ran a red light and put it in the junkyard. Yeah, most are used and abused for what they're designed for. Pretty good 4-wheeler. Small blocks in the rear ( 4" or less) were pretty standard for small lift. Anything more than 4" needs leaf springs designed for the lift. Use of blocks in the front was considered unsafe. Maybe 2" or less would still be safe. As the front leafs are basically flat, arched springs are the way to go. Definitely not stacked blocks or 12" blocks. And I've seen it. When I had my K5 I did a lot of offroading with it. Now this was years ago so attitude and tech might be different now.

As for rust. Typical Chevy truck spots. Around the tail lights, fender lips and A-pillar. Easy to check A-pillar from the inside passenger footwell, rust shows up there. Also the top of the tailgate outside both end by the window. That has a tendency to crack there, most likely from closing (slamming) tailgate shut. These are the trouble spots I learned on my K5.

Cotton said:

I have a collection of square bodies.  Some of them can bring serious money.   Based on his description of the z4 I personally don’t think this trade is as big a mismatch as some of you indicate if the blazer is in decent condition.  I mean you can go all CSI on the pictures I guess,  but it would be much more valuable just to go take a look.

I was explaining this decision to not do it to my cousin who is also familiar with the condition of the Z4 and he’s of a similar opinion. Mannnn guys like you are going to put me back up on the fence.