I’ll try to keep this short and bullet point type format. Looking for input…

My wife and I are the only drivers in the household. We had always had a third vehicle that was daily-driver capable. Three years ago we gave away our third as it was falling apart and we’ve gone without a third daily option.

Long story short: We own an operational modified M1009 that needs work and which my wife will never see as a daily driver. I have the funds to get all of the needed work done, but hesitate to do so. I have the chance to buy a near-mint low mileage 2005 ZR2 Blazer, a vehicle I’ve always liked, which could be a cheap spare daily and gets wife approval as it is.

The full, long story:

I have the skills and tools to perform basic maintenance, minor repairs, and moderately-complex body work.

First half of the equation:
We have a modified M1009/K5 used for plowing, hauling things, and homestead-related duties. While I love it, I also realize as time goes on that it will always be a “toy” unless I invest a ton of money into restoration. It’s registered, insured, and roadworthy. My wife absolutely refuses to view it as a spare vehicle that she will drive anywhere. To her it is for utility use only no matter what. It gets horrendous mileage, around 9MPG average.

The M1009 has a gas SBC 350 engine swap and the engine’s lineage is uncertain; it seems to be from a truck circa 1979. It needs a new exhaust and ball joints to pass inspection. It needs unknown attention to the fuel system and/or engine to make it more reliable— I’m guessing the carb needs a rebuild and the timing to be adjusted. Those aren’t things I feel comfortable doing myself. Sometimes it has great days and other days the engine seems to die randomly. I know a few old school mechanics who could work with me on this but haven’t explored my options much since my wife doesn’t place any importance on the vehicle.

Second part of the equation:
An acquaintance of an acquaintance is selling a 2005 ZR2 Blazer that needs nothing. I had a similar vehicle and I dated a girl who had the same one, and my memories of them are very fond. I’d readily consider it as a worthy spare daily driver. My wife seems to approve as well. I probably won’t find another in such good condition anywhere near my part of the country.

Thoughts:
My heart is with the M1009 obviously, but the practical side of me leans toward investing in the ZR2.

To buy the ZR2 would be approximately three times the cost of fixing up the M1009 to “reliable” status.

Thank you all for the feedback. I’ll pass on any S10 platform unless it’s free or nearly so.