Faults:

Broken valve spring at 15,000 miles (faulty part NOT due to over-revving).

Replaced O2 sensor at 40,000 miles.

Replaced plastic radiator side tank at 115,000 miles (still has a slow leak now). It's an old truck, so I just add a little antifreeze every month or so, and it's fine. Not going to blow a bunch of money on replacements until I have to.

A/C dryer has a leaky schrader valve, although the cap seals it up.

The truck is on its 3rd set of tires, 4th engine belt, 3rd battery, 2nd set of brake pads, 2nd set of plugs, 2nd fuel filter, and technically 2nd air filter (K&N). Still has the original tranny, clutch, rotors, spark plug wires.

General Comments:

Let me preface this by saying, I like my truck. It's been my faithful ride for 10 years.

First the bad: This truck is one of the slowest vehicles on the road today. It is a truck, so it's not designed for speed of course, but even then it's a slug. Also don't even think about putting 87 octane in it unless you want to hear the most disconcerting sounds of clacking from under the hood as the engine is put under load. Even on 89 you can still hear it, though not as bad. The engine runs best on 93 or E-85. My tachometer hasn't worked in years. And lastly, reverse is WAY too high in this truck. That's been a complaint of mine from day one... WHY would I want to go that fast in reverse?

Now the good: This truck is very reliable and has always gotten me home. Even when it broke a valve spring, it ran horribly, but it drove all the way home and never died. Cranks right up every morning. The transmission makes no noise and shifts smoothly enough. The clutch is easy. The ABS in the rear works well. It has ample hauling capability; it's never seemed to strain even carrying a piano and other odds and ends in the back. It may be slow, but it's steady and smooth. The gears ratios (except for reverse -- see above) are spaced just right.

The cab is comfortable even on long trips. Very roomy inside for driver and passenger. The stereo sounds great even 10 years later. The ride is quiet compared to other small pickups, and it's not overly bumpy (although certainly not luxurious). The seats are supportive, and the cloth material is durable. The center console lid mechanism still works great, the glove box is nice sized. The controls are simple, the gauges easy to read. The steering feels just right, and the cruise control still works perfectly. The headlights are bright, as are the reverse lights. All of the doors, windows, locks still work like they did when it was new.

Beyond that, the truck still looks good on the road. Not overly dated looking. I put a coat of NuFinish on it once a year, so it still shines like new. I've added a brush guard and fog lights which enhances its appearance. All-in-all, the good definitely outweighs the bad. I've taken good care of this truck, and it's paid off with 10 years of reliable, comfortable service.

One quirky thing I've noticed, which is just funny, is why when the fuel is low does a light come on that says, "Check gauge"? Anyone else notice that? Since when is gauge spelled gauge?

Faults:

Air conditioning! Needed a compressor at 5 years. The HOT Carolina summers require AC. I had to replace the compressor after 5 years, but it has worked just fine ever since. I have the "freon" level checked every summer.

This truck has provided great personal transportation and can haul quite a load even up the Appalachian Mountains. I have a cloth interior, which has remained strong and comfortable over the years

The steering, is still tight, the shifting is smooth and strong, and the ride is comfortable even on unpaved roads.

I replaced the original tires with Bridgestone all terrain radials of a slightly larger diameter and it works better on unpaved roads. Towing is good for a small boat or trailer.

Mileage can be improved with a camper shell or bed cover of some sort, and this is because of improved aerodynamics. I also get better gas mileage with premium fuel. I use fuel injector cleaners twice a year.

Over my lifetime, I have discovered that if you have a vehicle with a strong, solid frame and strong power source, much money can be saved by servicing properly at regular intervals. This may be the last vehicle I will ever own ~ and I LIKE that! I'm only 55!