Anyone with a Chevy S10 (1998)??

[Jarvis1187]

Anyone with same/similiar car have huge poblems with it?

First, a disclaimer: I am not a car enthusiast and I know very little about cars...but I need some advice regarding my situation with my 1998 Chevy S-10 (regular cab). It has almost 130,000 miles on it. In the past 5 years, we have already had to replace the transmission system. In the past 6 months, I have had to replace the alternator AND the radiator is now busted. To boot, the AC is not working (re-charging with freon proved unsuccessful, so there is a leak) and it is getting to be unbearble (as I live in Florida).

Is it common to have the car star falling apart on you early? Do other S10 owners have to take it in every 3-6 months!? I don't know if it is worth fixing, or I should just trade it in... any advice?

[BlackGT2000]

Sounds pretty normal to me. What you are describing is normal wear. The transmission seems premature to me. Are you the first owner? Overloading a small truck like that could cause early failure of a transmission. You have 130000 miles though, things like alternators and air conditioners are going to wear out when you hit high mileage like that. Its hard to say what is the deal with your radiator. They can last forever or be damaged quite easily. It happens.

[Jarvis1187]

I am not the first owner...my dad bought it used in 2001. I bought it from him 1.5 years ago. I heard S10s have alot of problems...

I also want some advice on whether or not it is worht it to pay for all these problems...or would it be better to put that money towards downpayment?

[sickcallawayc12]

I own a 98 Blazer LT 4x4, 4.3. Pretty much same truck. Do you have 4.3 or 2.2? Anyway, those sound like typical Blazer/S-10 stuff. Manual or auto? Trannys on these vehicles last to 200k on average (automatic anyway). Some last longer, others don't, depends on how well taken care of it is. Radiator and alternator is typical maintenence stuff, like any other vehicle. A/C not functioning, for whatever reason, is common on these trucks. Mine didn't work when i got it in June of 06 (it only blows hot air), still doesn't work to this day. I like it that way, personally, since I prefer "natural" A/C. Replacing the entire sysem components cost roughly $1000 and is usually a good idea if you don't know how well its been taken care of by the previous owner.

To sum up, these trucks are definitely a money pit. Blazer/Jimmy/S-10/Bravada/Sonoma. Yes, you're gonna have to put money into it to keep it running right whether there are problems or typical maintenence. After all, it's a GM and many of their vehicles seem to be this way. I still like the Blazer/S-10 compared to other midsize trucks/suvs though. Most, if not all, trucks and suvs are gonna need more love than cars to be properly maintained. If you decide to keep it, there are many knowledgeable owners over in the "Blazer" section to help with any issues, plus all the Jimmy/Blazer/etc. are all in one forum no matter what link you use so you won't get lost.