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1986 Chevrolet S-10 review from North America

"This truck refuses to die"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Right after buying the truck, I replaced the spark plugs, spark plug wires, and air filter. I used quality parts, but it still cost less than 100 dollars total.

I had to replace all four brakes, the disk up front and the drums on the rear wheels, at 205,000 miles. That bit of repair work cost me 176 dollars US.

The previous owner had recently replaced the alternator, battery, exhaust, and all four tires. Even with all that new hardware on it, I still managed to get the my S-10 for a grand total of 750 dollars US. It even came with a toolbox and a rubber bed mat.

The driver side of the bench seat is worn-out to the point where I have had to cover it with duct tape.

Both back corners of the cab have rusted through. The two holes are about the size of dimes.

There is a dent on the front drivers side fender from where I dropped the truck on its side in a ditch.

The heater and vents are broken, and the driver side window refuses to roll down. This is quite annoying at times.

General comments?

I bought this S-10 from the man who originally purchased it new from the dealership. after 17 years and over 208000 miles, neither the engine nor the automatic transmission have ever been rebuilt or replaced. They are factory original.

The fuel-injected 2.5 four cylinder engine is a bit on the sluggish side, but I have noticed that my S-10 can still outperform the average new ford ranger.

This truck is tough! I dropped it onto its side in a roadside ditch while doing about 40 to 50 miles and hour. All it has to show for it is a fist sized dent on the front fender, and a slightly bent bumper. The tow truck pulled it out, and the engine started right up. The truck steers perfectly, and nothing has gone wrong with it since.

My S-10 handles surprisingly well in bad weather and on bad roads. I was expecting a lot worse considering the fact that it is a two wheel drive truck. It simply refused to bog down when driven over wet or soft ground.

My S-10 is the base price model, so it is lacking in amenities. it didn't come with A/C or tilt steering, and the locks and windows aren't powered. The only thing that really gets on my nerves however, is the lack of heat. I don't mind being cold, but I can't get my windshield to defog or defrost.

This truck is absolutely perfect for anyone who is needing a tough reliable truck, and doesn't mind putting up with a lack of amenities.

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Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
First year of ownership2002
Most recent year of ownership2003
Engine and transmission 2.5 four cylinder Automatic
Performance marks 7/10
Reliability marks 10/10
Comfort marks 5/10
Dealer Service marks  
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 7/10
Distance when acquired200000 miles
Most recent distance208763 miles
Previous carHonda Civic
Date of Entry 18th May, 2003

All Chevrolet S-10 reviews