12th Jul 2002, 12:43

My first truck was a '94 s-10 that I owned for a year with no problems. My second was a '96 that needed a rebuild transmission at 36,000 miles. I now own a LOW mileage (80,000) 1996 4.3 v6 S-10 that I bought it in '98 and so far mine has needed:

Ball joints

U-joints

Water pump

AC Compressor and Dryer

Starter

Turn signal flasher

Drive shaft

Radiator

Tensioner Arm.

I drive 50 highway miles 3 days a week, plus occasional weekend miles. That's only 10,000 miles per year!!! High miles don't make these parts fail, poor engineering does. Even my mechanic admitted that these trucks have universally defective parts.

10th Nov 2002, 11:03

I own a 94' S-10 Blazer, which I bought new. It now has 191,000 miles on it and the fuel pump just went out. This is the first problem I have had with this vehicle! I've replaced the usual parts that wear out; alternator, brakes, shocks...but other that that, this has been the best truck I have ever owned. Maybe I got lucky;Maybe you got a bad one... who knows.

25th Nov 2002, 18:36

I got a '96 S-10 truck and I think it is great. I just passed 40,000 miles and had a total check over of the whole thing. The only thing I had to do was change the oil. It has been the best car I have ever had. You just have to make sure you take good care of it.

10th Apr 2003, 16:39

I totally disagree. I own an S-10. The only problems I have had ever: abroken caliper bolt at about 40K. U joints at 100K and replaced my clutch at 160K. Driving habits and maintenance probbly have more to do with the problems than vehicle quality.

14th Apr 2003, 14:55

I have 94 Chevy S-10 with a 2.2. I admit it's not extremely powerful, it is a 4 cylinder, but I have had very little trouble out of it. It has 179,984 miles on it as of today and I have owned it since 1994. I have had to replace the clutch twice, first at 85,000 miles then at 175,000 miles, but that is because of the way I drive. I replaced the belt tensioner at 170,000 miles after it broke, the windshield wiper motor at 165,000. Both parts I got at a junkyard and put on myself for $20. I need new shocks right now, but I haven't put them on yet. These will be the first. Last week my truck wouldn't start and I replaced the fuel pump for a grand total of $60.99. If I can do this stuff anyone can. I am a 21 yr old female and blond at that L.O.L. You just have to take care of things. Occasionally you will have defective parts, I got a good truck without any. I also keep a close check on the manufacturers site for part recalls, those are fixed for FREE. I have had two minor replacements done both in 1995. I keep the oil changed every 3,000 and check all of my fluids weekly or every other week. I haven't had a leak from anywhere. I love my S-10 and if this engine ever fails I will most likely put a 350 in it and keep it forever.

23rd Apr 2003, 01:19

I have a 1996 2.2L s-10. it is not powerful, but it has never let me down, left me stranded, or anything. it is the most dependable vehicle I've ever owned. the only non-regular service problem I've had was the O-2 sensor going out. I'm hitting 99k miles and have had the truck since 98.

7th May 2003, 08:20

I own an 89 S-10 pickup with the 4.3L. It's very reliable as far as the engine goes. The alternator was replaced around 100K and the fuel pump just went at 140K, but that's expected of a hard driven vehicle. The shocks are still good, never replaced. The only problems I've had with it are:

The passenger side door handle broke off from the hinge, but was replaced with a $10 part from a junkyard.

The turn signal lever/wiper controls have a bad wiring problem. The wipers are very sensitive, and often turn on when signaling.

Some small rust spots under the paint around the wheel arches and some along the back of the bed where it meets the tailgate.

Overall, I couldn't be happier with my vehicle. Sure it has problems, but nothing lasts forever.

7th Jun 2003, 18:45

Sorry about your S-10. My '94 S-10 had the transmision fail at 300 miles and the second one fail at a few miles passed the 36000 mile warranty (that's three transmissions). Then there's the rusted up gas tank and fuel pump which needed replacement at around 40,000 miles. I will only gloss over the failed windshield wiper motor, the short in the electrical wiring it took three trips to the dealer to finally fix, the defective alternator, etc. The entire list is too long for this short note. The hardest work to which this truck has been subjected is its use as a second car.

12th Jun 2003, 16:38

I have a GMC Jimmy S-10, 1993 92,000 miles replaced head gasket @ 87,000 and just found out it is blown and I have water in my oil. Now need a new engine. I am being told a rebuilt with a 3 year 36,000 warranty will cost about 2200 plus cost of installation of at least 18 hours labor. Any comments?

3rd Dec 2003, 17:08

My wife and I own a 1989 S-10 Blazer (4.3L). We are the second owners (bought @100k) and we just passed 255,501 miles. We change the oil every 3k or so and make sure our fluids are full. I don't know that I need to say anything else, but I feel like this truck deserves it. Have we had to fix problems? Yes. Have you ever been to a doctor?

The engine, a/c, and transmission are all original along with the rear and front ends. I keep putting off getting the upper control arm bushings replaced ($200), and I think the trany may only have another 20k or so left, but I think I'll buy another Chevy.

27th Jul 2004, 09:10

I have a 1996 4.3L Vortec V-6 4X4. It has 100,000 miles.

It runs great and quiet!

First, It is known that the EGR and Fuel Pump components can go bad in the s-10. However not slacking on the fuel filter replacement will make that problem much less of an issue.

Secondly, don't buy a pick-up that isn't 4X4 there is no point.

Third, don't buy a 4 cylinder there is no point.

Mine runs great and I take good care of it and keep everything greased, fluids up to fill, oil changed...etc.

It has only needed basic maintenance that every car needs at the proper mileage. Oh yeah, don't buy a 4 cylinder.

It is too slow and. If you do you will kick yourself for it later and wish you had a 6 along with the 4X4.

I love my truck, it is a beast! Looks good, runs good, accessories galore as well. Another thing lift your pick-up don't lower it. Every time I see a lowered s-10 bottom out I just want to smack the idiot driving it. It is a pick-up lower cars lift trucks, If your going to pimp something out make sure your not going to actually use it for anything.