Faults:

Battery 2x.

EGR valve.

Transfer case control module.

Water pump.

Intake gasket.

Power steering pump.

Fuel pump.

Oil lines.

Motor mounts.

Lost compression.

General Comments:

This was my grandfather's truck that I didn't skip any cost in meticulously maintaining. Despite this, it required non-standard maintenance and/or sourcing rare parts such as the TCCM (transfer case control module). The motor was rebuilt at approximately 115K miles and was ported properly. At 124K miles, multiple cylinders lost proper compression and the motor was basically shot. In addition to virtually every possible wear & tear item being replaced, often prematurely, the HVAC system loses vacuum pressure even though all of the vacuum lines were replaced. Too many items on this truck to go wrong and, unfortunately, they're just not worth enough money to bother throwing much money at. Interior comfort is only decent. Power from the Vortec is good if you hammer down the accelerator and it drops a gear. Cruises down the highway smoothly.

Faults:

Rear brakes leaking.

Shocks finished.

Fuel pump died.

Fuel injector leaking.

A/C doesn't work.

General Comments:

I bought this truck last year to replace my daily driver, which spent more time in my driveway than on the road. This S-10 is fairly old and has quite a few miles on it. So I was expecting it to need some work. Unfortunately, for me I’ve had to replace quite a few things. The repair bill is up around $2000 so far, and I still have quite a few things left to fix. Still, overall it’s been fairly reliable. I took it on a 4400 mile round trip and wasn’t left stranded. It got me there and back in one piece.

I find the seats to be pretty comfy, and I don’t generally get sore even on long trips. I find the leg room to be slightly lacking, but I think that’s to be expected in a small vehicle.

I’m not sure if there is something wrong with the steering or not, since I’ve never driven any other S-10’s, but mine feels really loose. It doesn’t feel very precise. The overall ride quality is very truck-like, a little rough and bouncy at times.

Considering that I have a 4.3L V6, I figured I would have decent power, but there isn’t much pep there. I have to mash the gas petal to the floor to get up to speed on the freeway. Gas mileage is decent at about 25mpg highway.

Overall I enjoy the truck, but not so much the hit I've taken money wise fixing it. I think had I been able to afford a newer S-10, I might have been able to avoid similar issues. The truck is at that age and mileage where you need to start putting money into it to keep it on the road.

Faults:

Wiper motor at 70,000.

Fuel pump at 165,000.

Water pump at 185,000.

A/C compressor at 169,000 (did not replace).

General Comments:

This is the most dependable truck I have ever owned.

If someone had told me at 38,000 miles I would keep rolling at 190,000, I would have said "yeah right".

A/C lasted longer than expected, I simply chose not to replace it.

Although it lacks pep, this 4 cyl is great on gas and has enough power to haul the occasional washer or fridge.

The fact this 2.2 engine is so rugged and durable it makes hard decisions on whether to do more expensive repairs... easy (need new clutch soon).

I add ring seal to every oil change to help extend the life of the engine, and fuel injector cleaner every month.

Never let this truck run hot and you will be rewarded!!