1991 Chevrolet S-10 Tahoe 4.3L
Summary:
I wouldn't trust anything else to get me home
Faults:
Oil sending unit shortly after purchase (replaced under the warranty).
Problems with the passenger seat belt that would not release properly.
Replaced distributor and rotor assembly.
Changed valve stem seals (smoke on start up).
Right rear outer axle seal (2x).
Replaced the entire engine with another rebuilt 4.3L engine after I had a bent camshaft.
Front discs and calipers.
Will change the rear differential back plate seal shortly.
General Comments:
Reliability: I purchased the truck with cash when I returned from Desert Storm in 1991, and drove it off the show room floor with 3 miles on it. I was stationed in NC (USAF) and would drive home to CA each year afterwards (5 trips coast to coast) and never had a breakdown. I still have this little truck to this day, and it has ALWAYS gotten me home. Now retired from the military (26 years) and I still drive this truck every day. You couldn't pay me enough to get rid of this truck. I love this truck!
Maintenance: Other than the normal wear and tear on a vehicle, the only major maintenance was the engine replacement a few years ago at 120052 miles, and I had to replace the original alternator shortly after. I generally spend a couple of hundred a year if that on replacement parts as they wear out. Other than that, I put in gas, oil, and perform routine maintenance on the vehicle.
Performance: Excellent performance on the highway for local and interstate trips. Although I have the original transmission, and it is starting to bog down and lose power (time for an overhaul). Put a good set of tires on it and it will hug the corners. Great passing power (I hate the wife's 4 cylinder... no guts). I stomp on it and it still goes.
Overall: This little truck has served me well all these years. I can go to the corner market or down to the garden center and come back with a full load of dirt. It performed well (no overheating issues) when I pulled a U-Haul from Idaho to North Dakota. This little truck is a workhorse. Old friends say "damn you still own that truck?" Hell yes I do -- I will drive this truck until the wheels fall off, and then replace them too! I have had a lot of offers for the truck, as I have kept it in relative good condition. Someday I hope to fully restore it as it is showing signs of age (window seals, and a couple of rust spots here and there), but for now it cruises Boise with a "Retired USAF" sticker on it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th April, 2013
8th May 2017, 00:33
I also have an S10 bought new in 1991. Over 200,000 miles. I am finally admitting it needs a new engine. Any help where to get one?