Looking to buy a s-10

Its a 1989 gmc sonoma, with the 2.5 I4 and 5 speed.

the outside looks like garbage, but the engine is running sound. It has a little over 100k on it.

but my question is, how reliable would the 2.5 be to me as a winter beater?

if its a good engine I might buy it, only 500$

Great engine, alot better than the 2.8. Mine is only a 4speed which is the thing i dont like the most. Mine has 126k mi on it and still runs great.

165k on my 2.5L and it still runs great as can be.