1982 Chevrolet Scottsdale K10 review from North America

Replaced head gaskets at 128k

Replaced both batteries at 126k & 131k

Replaced all glow plugs at 130k

Cruise control drained battery

Replaced glow plug controller at 127.5k

Leaked oil terribly

Power steering belt always squeaked

Glow plugs don't turn on when warm/hot

Overheated when in 90+ heat

Lacked power on hills

Front brakes wore excessively fast

Engine vibrated

Replaced fuel filter at 131k

Fenders rusted uncontrollably

Leaf springs sagged on driver side.

This was a 1982 K10 4x4 Scottsdale with a T400 automatic. It had 3.07 gears. I only owned it for 5 months.

I would seriously discourage anyone from buying a diesel not equipped with an overdrive transmission. This 6.2L diesel even with 3.07 gears could only go about 65 miles an hour maximum.

I used it as a commuter vehicle and in 6 degree arctic cold, it started right up without a block heater! This is the only diesel that I have owned that would do that.

I did take it on one road trip. It was an 1,100 mile long journey. My average fuel economy for the whole trip was 24.6 miles per gallon! Although, the going was slow. I cruised at about 55 miles per hour.

I did have many problems with the truck. My front brakes wore down extremely fast. No, I didn't use them hard in any way. I don't know what the reason for this was.

Another thing that I had issues was the fuel splitter. If one tank was full and the other one dry, air from the dry tank would get into my line. The motor stalled four times while on the road. Once was in rush hour traffic!

Another thing, the cruise control, was poorly manufactured. For one thing, the spot where they put it on the motor almost prohibits you from taking off the oil filler cap. And another thing that might just be my bad luck, was that it drained the battery almost entirely. I would turn it on and my headlights would dim and the radio would go out. It did strand me at the beach one night when I pulled over to check my water and forgot to turn it off. While idling there, the motor stalled and my batteries were dead. I was extremely lucky to have a friend nearby to jump me at midnight.

Something else you can't control is the rust. The body rusted clear through in some places. Rust o'lleane didn't stop it either. I guess a lot of Chevrolet trucks do this to people.

To sum it up, I loved this thing dearly. I am a diesel fan, so I did overlook its problems. The fuel economy was the absolute best I have ever seen of or heard of. I would get almost 22 in the city!

I would strongly suggest that you do a check up on a 6.2L diesel before you buy it, because I know many people that have had absolute nightmares with them. I had a friend blow 3 engines in his blazer. I rode with him and no he wasn't a maniac. They only lasted about 65,000 miles each. Mine was troublesome, but I think I got lucky.

Have fun with your 6.2L Diesel, I think you'll love 'em.