Faults:

Starter finally gave out during winter of 2013 (the truck sat un-garaged for 6 six years).

Small but very noticeable brake line leak; bought a new bottle of fluid every 3-4 days.

Exhaust leak at the manifolds/Y pipe. Loud, but didn't mind this.

One of the tail lights stopped working; replaced the whole circuit board for it and of course replaced the other.

Only the original alternator was replaced and the truck was back up and running after sitting for so long.

Most of, if not all of these problems were caused by the truck sitting outside for 6 years.

General Comments:

Very powerful truck from Chevrolet. I had a C1500 with the Silverado trim level, which was the top of the line model offering power door locks/windows, chrome trim, and the 5.7 liter V8 putting out 210 HP and 300 ft lbs of torque. More options were available.

Brakes could have been slightly more powerful, but they got the job done. Only anti lock brakes in the rear, drums in the rear.

Very simple truck to work on, parts are always easy to find.

Despite being 2WD, the truck did pretty well in winter.

Unfortunately my truck was involved in an accident (slammed into the side of the ride at 40 mph). It still ran right afterwards.

I would definitely buy another; good solid American muscle in a pickup package.

Faults:

Rear brake wheel cylinders developed leaks, replaced at 80,000 miles. New cylinders were cheap. Why would anyone rebuild them!

Engine computer coolant temperature sensor in intake manifold replaced at 90,000 miles. Cheap easy fix.

Rear tail light assemblies became intermittent in operation, replaced both at 90,000 miles. Chronic problem on this generation of Chevy trucks.

Radiator developed a leak. Replaced at 95,000 miles. Very easy to replace.

EGR valve leaking, replaced at 100,000 miles. Determined after check engine light came on and pulled flashing light codes. Diaphragm had a leak.

Headliner material is loose. Need to replace. Easy on this truck compared to a car.

General Comments:

What a great truck. It has been very reliable. Ours has low miles because it lived on a Tennessee farm almost its whole life. The truck is rust free.

I chose the 1988 model year of this truck as it was the first year of the new redesign. This means that the gas tank was inboard of the frame. Previous years had a dangerous design called "side saddle" gas tanks where the tanks were mounted outside of the frame rails. This left them exposed to being hit in a side collision.

The 1988 model year also was the last year for the very reliable 3-speed automatic transmission. After 1988, GM installed a new 4-speed electronic transmission that was prone to electrical problems. Also, the 5.0L V-8 also used a throttle body injection system. While not quite as fuel efficient as multi-point injection that came later, it is a much simpler and cheaper system.

Gas mileage for this truck is not great. I get 16 MPG on the highway and slightly less around town.

Extremely cheap truck to own. Insurance is cheap, parts are cheap, easy to work on. Since we only use the truck locally, and it is not driven more than 5000 miles per year, gas mileage is really not an issue.