When I purchased this truck in December of 2003, I was told it had a new fan clutch installed.
I needed a new power window motor for the passenger side door, but that was my fault, I locked my keys in and attempted to use a "Slim Jim," damaging the window motor in the process, it cost $96 to replace it. From that day forward I carry an extra "idiot pair" of keys.
The EGR valve gets choked up with carbon periodically, but is relatively easy to clean, it's a common problem with the Vortec engines that's easy to correct.
The old O2 sensor gave me some problems (Service Engine Soon light came on, computer diagnostic picked up O2 sensor), I replaced the O2 sensor, and no light ever since.
It needed a minor alignment, as the tires up front were wearing unevenly.
The front disc brake pads were replaced about 2,000 miles ago.
The factory radio didn't work, so I replaced it with an aftermarket CD deck.
I recently got new tires to replace the old ones.
The body style of the first generation models (1983-1994) has one major flaw: rust. Being that this is an 11 year old vehicle, it does have some rust, but no rot, and fortunately very little of it is visible (confined mainly to under the hood and along the bottom lip of the doors), I plan to address that problem once I have the time and money.
The door hinge bushings could also use replacement soon so the doors don't sag.
Aside from a few small glitches that have been/need to be worked out, this has been a great vehicle that has for the most part required only routine maintenance (oil change, tire rotations, etc).
I have been a lover of the first generation S-10 trucks (Pickups 1982-1993, Blazers 1983-1994) since my last vehicle, a 1990 S-10 pickup, it was a bit beat-up looking on the outside, but it ran with little to no problems, aside from burning a little oil at startup. My only reason for replacing it was that it was bad in the snow (only 2wd), and I wanted something for periodic off-road use (again, the pickup was NOT 4wd).
I have read a great deal of negative reviews regarding the current generation, which began with the 1995 model year, they just don't build them like they used to.
If you are considering an S-10 Blazer, go with a pre-1995 model, they are more reliable mechanically, just watch out for rust. The newer ones are more resistant to rust, but have more mechanical problems. Therefore, if I were you, I'd rather live with a little rust vs. repair headaches (in other words, first generation).
All in all, despite a few small flaws, this is a great vehicle.
Hey I am about to buy a 1993 Chevy Blazer S-10 with 70,000 miles. I was wondering how good it does on gas and if there is any major problems I should look out for regarding the Blazer in general. Also, how the the 4WD in the snow and off-road? This is my first 4WD vehicle I am going to purchase. Please email me at bigmann_tkl7755@yahoo.com with your comments. Thanks!
Hiya, I just purchased a 1993 chevy blazer S10 tahoe. I was wondering about the EGR valve. How often does it clog up and what did you do to fix the problem? I plan to do a lot of traveling once I get mine up and running.
I brought a 1992 (3) in December of 2006, should have known better. W/I three months the transmission went (cost $1000). Spoke to one of the sellers who became a LAWYER over night in techncalities of "buyer Beware" laws. Other sellers cell phone # is dead, wonder why.
Now oil is leaking out from somewhere, will have to replace left side motor mount, transmission mounts, oil cooling lines (before they go and I seige the engine, because you can loose all of your oil before you can get it to the side of the road) and valve cover gaskets. Previous owner lied about condition of car, stating "that they drove this car from down South, because it was dealer maintained." Road testing, forget about it! I going to tell everybody about this experience. Rust under the hood and and frayed or bandage wire (s) is a DEAD give-away.