Thinking of buying a used S-10

[Mac626]

Hi everyone, I thought I'd get some info from the horse's mouth, so to speak. I am planning to buy a small truck for everyday use, mostly to and from work. The S-10 made my short list, so I thought ask for opinions and advice on what to check on a used one before I go on the hunt.

I want to spend about $4000 or less.

Thanks,

Mac

[sector95]

Mac,

Like the purchase of any used vehicle you want to get an idea as to how well it was kept. Generally, it the truck looks clean (interior has been kept up, there is no rust, body damage on the exterior, etc) then it probably has been well cared for. Maintenance records are always a plus (oil changes, scheduled maintenance, etc).

I would shy away from any of the 4-cyl models; they are underpowered (especially with an auto trans) and noisy. The 4.3L V-6 is a great motor (it's literally 2/3 of a 350 V-8) and you will be much happier with it; I got consistent low 20 mpg's with my '93 equipped with the 4.3 and a 5 speed. I would also recommend the extended cab models or the extended bed models... depends if you want greater interior comfort or maximum hauling capability.

I don't recall there being any major problems with these vehicles but there is always each model year's common glitches. There is a service called ALLData (alldata.com) you can subscribe to allowing you access to all the TSB's and recalls for any given model and year of car or truck. Also, CarFAX (carfax.com) is a good tool to use to check on the "legal" history of the title (was the truck part of a rental or lease fleet, was the truck "totaled" and issued a salvage title, was it involved in any accidents, did it ever flunk emissions testing.... etc). With CarFAX you'll need the VIN number to access the data-base and there is a cost involved. Neither one of these services is to be construed as 100% accurate, but it will give you a better idea about the used vehicle you're considering.

Good luck and happy hunting...

mike

[justinofdurham]

i would recommend an s-10. i have a 93 2.8 liter 6 cylinder standard. if it snows or you plan on playing in the mud definitly get a 4wd because i have rear wheel and even with 250 pounds in the back i barely get enough traction with my brand new all terrain tires. but again any pick up truck will feel that way. i would also recommend bucket seats i just switched from bench to bucket and its much better. for a work truck for construction i believe youll find alot of use for this small truck. my neighbors 85 s-10 just turned over 400,000 miles which is unbelievable and i beleive its still on its first motor. when i bought mine i had all of the service records too which was a plus helping me decide when to change the oil and belts again. all i can say its make sure you get under the truck and inspect the frame and underbody for rust because that will be one of the problems with a slightly older truck. other than that if you do purchase a truck change the air filter and youll really feel the difference. good luck.

[Mac626]

Thanks for the input guys, I've heard good things about them and I will only occasionally be hauling anything in it. I'll probably stick a tool box in the bakc if I get the regular cab and that's about it. I did know about alldata and carfax, I was really just curious if there was anything specific about the S-10 that tended to need attention on the older vehicles. For example, the Rangers have a weak AC system (not a good thing here in Texas!)

[dmbrisket 51]

lol, dex cool if you get a (i think) 96 or newer, look it up in this forum, youll find a few pages on the subject, and i know the 98's till 2000's have horrable cats on them and WILL need replacing at around 100k, im looken to do mine now, from dealer is about 500, aftermarket highflow is under 200, other then that, shoot for a 4.3L they have tremendous power and excellent gas mileage, my biggist bitch about mine is rust, its only a 98 (i know for some people thats old, but an 18 yr old hs student its damn near new) thats 7 years old, and its got its share of rust, but i am up here in Michigan so its something all 3 yr old vehicals have, other then that, happy hunting

[movin2stereo]

Check ball joints,wheel bearings(front),intake gasket(they like to puke right up front),door pins and bushings,check color of tranny fluid(should be red).

[xtrememeasures10]

Check to make sure if its 96 or up that the coolant was maintained. Open the radiator cap and see how it looks. should be pink or orange. no sludge! if its green in a 96 or newer laugh at the seller and leave. lol i have a 97 w/ 103,000. 2.2L 5speed. runs like new. i know they were talking the 2.2 down. but you want great gas mileage great meaning 30-35. for your everyday driver get one of those. w/ the 4.3 theres more power to abuse and you will hardly make it above the 20s.

PCV Valve. 2.2, passengerside toward the front of valve cover.
4.3, Driverside toward the rear of the valve cover
Chances are if they didnt do the most inexpensive thing they didnt
do jack.

make sure the oil dipstick does not look burnt. It can signify that they ran it dry on oil.

Check All fluids.

Airfilter

Breaks if at all possible. driver side front wears out the quickest.

tires of course

Serpentine belt

Battery for corrosion.

Fittings and grease zerks

Check for rust under the truck.

then take it on a test drive and see what it can do. Long straight road to make sure the alignment is ok.

other than that i suggest a 5 speed. much cheaper to maintain. and better mileage!

I got mine on ebay for 3,500. 60,000 miles. Ebays a good site just make them send you pictures of everything. most sellers will take a pic of whatever you want to see.

[Mac626]

Thanks for the great info guys! One question (and forgive my ignorance), why should there not be green anti-freeze in the cooling system?

[smokey041369]

the newer truck have this new antifreeze in them cause they say it handles more heat, last longer, better lubrication, and less corrosion build up in the cooling system.

if the truck is 96 or newer with the old green antifreeze just tell the seller you'll get back with him and find a different truck.

[Mac626]

Originally Posted by smokey041369

the newer truck have this new antifreeze in them cause they say it handles more heat, last longer, better lubrication, and less corrosion build up in the cooling system.

if the truck is 96 or newer with the old green antifreeze just tell the seller you'll get back with him and find a different truck.

Got it, thanks!

[dmbrisket 51]

Originally Posted by smokey041369

the newer truck have this new antifreeze in them cause they say it handles more heat, last longer, better lubrication, and less corrosion build up in the cooling system.

if the truck is 96 or newer with the old green antifreeze just tell the seller you'll get back with him and find a different truck.

someone who makes a switch like that, with or without the advisement or a gm tec or machanic is either A. ignorent for not heeding the warning, or B. ignorent for thinking its all the same