With proper care and light usage, a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer can last twenty years or more. But it is notorious for having rust issues, so you need to keep an eye out for that.
has proven to be a reliable and durable SUV, with an average life expectancy of upwards of 200,000 miles meaning that it can last for up to 20 years with careful maintenance. However, it is a model that has had issues with rust on the frame and undercarriage.
The average Chevy Trailblazer has a life expectancy of around 200,000–300,000 miles.
To extend the lifespan of your Chevy Trailblazer, stick to a routine maintenance schedule, drive it fewer than 14,000 miles a year, and avoid accidents.
Be aware that this model is known to experience rust issues and powertrain problems.
How many miles can a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer last?
The best estimates for how long a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer should be able to last are between 200,000 and 300,000 miles. Given that most drivers put about 14,000 miles on their cars each year, that means that a Trailblazer that’s been driven regularly would have a life expectancy of around 15 years.
That means most probably aren’t running anymore—but if you find one that was well-maintained and driven infrequently, it could still be going strong!
With the right care and attention (and plenty of oil changes), a Chevy Trailblazer engine can last 200,000 to 300,000 miles. The engine for the 2004 Chevy Trailblazer is a 275-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine, with an unspectacular 16 mpg rating for a combination of highway and city driving.
It is possible that a Chevy Trailblazer could last 500,000 miles and there is anecdotal evidence of owners with vehicles that have achieved that landmark, but it is still a rare feat for any SUV to last that long.
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Average life expectancy for a Chevy Trailblazer
As we’ve seen, it’s possible that a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer could last up to around 200,000 miles and perhaps more. This puts it outside the top 20 SUVs with the greatest potential lifespan in an iSeeCars survey in 2022, while Chevy models like the
So let’s take a realistic look at the average life expectancy of a 2004 Trailblazer rather than its potential life expectancy.
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics says that the average lifespan of a passenger car in the United States is around 11 years. Clearly, this is less than the 14 to 15 we have already learned it would take on average to hit the 200,000-mile mark.
So if you want your Trailblazer to defy the average lifespan, you need to rely on factors like these:
Regular maintenance: Much like our own bodies, we can only expect our vehicles to make it into old age if we look after them—so don’t go skipping an oil change or getting behind on your Trailblazer’s maintenance schedule.
Mileage: We’ve talked about the average yearly mileage for a vehicle in the USA, but if you are driving less than that, there’s every chance your Trailblazer can last longer.
Accident history: Driving carefully is a great way to boost your Chevy’s longevity because every crash will take its toll on the essential components that keep it going.
There are lots of factors that come into play when you are looking to buy a used vehicle, but mileage is certainly a key one. So if you are considering a 2004 Trailblazer with much less than 200,000 miles on the clock, that’s a good sign that it could last you plenty more years yet, especially if it has been looked after well. That said, you may need to get a trusted mechanic to check that out for you to look for any hidden issues.
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How to extend a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer’s life expectancy
You’ve gone and bought a used 2004 Chevy Trailblazer, so how can you make sure it lasts as long as possible? Unsurprisingly, the key word here is maintenance. Following Chevy’s recommended maintenance schedule for things like oil changes, fluid flushes, and brake services will give your vehicle the best chance of staying in good condition for longer.
Common 2004 Chevy Trailblazer problems to watch out for
The 2004 Chevy Trailblazer was a popular SUV and has generally lasted well, but it also has more than its fair share of issues too:
Rust: Many of the early 2000s Trailblazers have had issues reported of frame rust problems, including the 2004 model. This often becoming a noticeable problem around the 120,000-mile mark. This can be an expensive issue to resolve—potentially between $2,000 and $3,000.
A/C unit issues: Another common issue reported is having fuses blown in the air conditioning unit. If you are driving in a hot area, this can be a major inconvenience. Expect to pay around $1,000 to repair it.
Interior accessories: The 2004 Chevy has had reported issues with several accessories—like doors locking on their own, the stereo system not working, fuel gauge malfunctions, and other similar problems.
Powertrain issues: Trailblazers from this generation have been reported to have problems with their powertrains, often coming within the first 100,000 miles. These include misfires, excessive vibration, unintended acceleration, and stalls, and can cost up to $1,200 to resolve.
It’s very rare that a car will get to the 300,000-mile mark, with just 0.03% getting that far. But if you look after your Trailblazer and get lucky, there’s no reason you couldn’t do it.
What is the highest mileage on a Chevy?
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The Chevy with the longest average lifespan is the Chevy Suburban, with a potential life expectancy of 265,732 miles. The Chevy Tahoe, Silverado, and Impala also ranked highly for lifespan.
You’ll need to work very hard on your Trailblazer to beat the efforts of Frank Oresnik, whose 1991 Chevy C1500 managed an incredible 1.29 million miles delivering steak and seafood from Chicago to Wisconsin. He’d bought it used with just 41,000 miles on the clock.
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