2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Chevrolet Trailblazer

Chevrolet’s Trailblazer never quite cracked the code in a segment that’s now almost a Fortuner fan club with the Everest and MU-X trailing close behind. On paper at least, it promised a more American take on the seven-seat ladder-frame SUV—a proper off-roader with space for the entire extended family, even if it was basically a Colorado bakkie in disguise. Every used Trailblazer you’ll find today packs the same 2.8-litre turbodiesel, and only automatics are showing up in classifieds. There are only two on the market right now, spanning a full R100,000 from R159,950 to R259,995. That’s your first warning: these cars aren’t common, and the price spread means condition and equipment are everything. With a median around R210k, you’re staring down high mileage—think 179,709 km on average—which is where the Fortuner and Everest start to look a lot more predictable. Both available options are LTZs—the flagship spec, if you remember—with one manual 4x4 at the lower end and an auto at the top. Model years are 2012 to 2016. The LTZ badge means you’re getting leather seats and that early touchscreen, which isn’t the slickest but still works for Spotify and nav. Here’s the catch: compared to the Toyota or Ford, you’re working with much thinner local support because GM packed its bags in 2017 and took the spares channel with it. If you track one down, the 2.8D’s torque is still solid, and the kit list isn’t embarrassing. Just go in with your eyes open on parts and running costs, because that matters far more now than when these things were new.