2002 Chevy S-10 V6 question

[Sigarms]

Looking at a beater truck for around the house and what the boys (who just got their driving permit) could drive.

Wife feels to uncomfortable with my 400k toyota sedan (too many little things to be worried about driving and I really can't argue with her) for them to use.

Came across a 2002 chevy s-10 V6 4x4, with the bed replaced with steak bed that could work out around the house as well (this will be a family car and not bought specially for the boys).

I use to own a early 90's S-10 regular cab, but it was only 2 wheel drive, which didn't last long in upstate NY with snow and ice.

Talked to a buddy up north who I trust who use to be my mechanic. He told me to look out for rot issues on those models. Being that the bed has been replaced...

Anyone have an older S-10 that has high mileage, and what do you think of it?

Lets just say the price is right than to be looking for a "beater" honda accord. That said, I'd never by buy used and not have a decent mechanic go over it and give me their thoughts what they thought as well. If it weren't 4 doors (per this S10), wouldn't even been looking at it.

Thanks

 

[zzvyb6]

Best for new young drivers is an old GM Bcar (leSabre, Monte Carlo, etc.). Junk yard is full of them, crashworthiness is good. And their friends won't want to borrow, race or be seen in it. Your insurance company will send you a "Thank You" card.

 

[om21braz]

Looking at a beater truck for around the house and what the boys (who just got their driving permit) could drive.

Wife feels to uncomfortable with my 400k toyota sedan (too many little things to be worried about driving and I really can't argue with her) for them to use.

Came across a 2002 chevy s-10 V6 4x4, with the bed replaced with steak bed that could work out around the house as well (this will be a family car and not bought specially for the boys).

I use to own a early 90's S-10 regular cab, but it was only 2 wheel drive, which didn't last long in upstate NY with snow and ice.

Talked to a buddy up north who I trust who use to be my mechanic. He told me to look out for rot issues on those models. Being that the bed has been replaced...

Anyone have an older S-10 that has high mileage, and what do you think of it?

Lets just say the price is right than to be looking for a "beater" honda accord. That said, I'd never by buy used and not have a decent mechanic go over it and give me their thoughts what they thought as well. If it weren't 4 doors (per this S10), wouldn't even been looking at it.

Thanks

My cousin had a 89’ that he put north of 350k on. Transmission made it to about +250k and engine still ran well when he got rid of it. He was excellent on service but drove it like it was stolen from day one. Lots of little parts in that span though. If I remember correctly worst offender was fan clutch - at least 6 of them. Other I know with newer ones as you mention have been overall good vehicles. Not real roomy, gas mileage was not much better than full size but pretty decent small pickups.

 

[CADplans]

Both of my daughters used Chevy S-10 trucks as their first vehicle,, both S-10's were short cab trucks,,
this insured the girls would not haul a half dozen friends around,,

I believe this was a significant part of each daughter getting through high school without an accident,,

Let the other kids drive around with 5-8 friends in the car,, not you,,,

NOTE: that may not work with boys, they may haul friends in the bed of the truck,,
girls will not ride in the bed of the truck, normally,,,

Over a decade later,, both girls still speak favorably about THEIR S-10 memories,, :thumbsup:

 

[MossRoad]

Looking at a beater truck for around the house and what the boys (who just got their driving permit) could drive.

Wife feels to uncomfortable with my 400k toyota sedan (too many little things to be worried about driving and I really can't argue with her) for them to use.

Came across a 2002 chevy s-10 V6 4x4, with the bed replaced with steak bed that could work out around the house as well (this will be a family car and not bought specially for the boys).

I use to own a early 90's S-10 regular cab, but it was only 2 wheel drive, which didn't last long in upstate NY with snow and ice.

Talked to a buddy up north who I trust who use to be my mechanic. He told me to look out for rot issues on those models. Being that the bed has been replaced...

Anyone have an older S-10 that has high mileage, and what do you think of it?

Lets just say the price is right than to be looking for a "beater" honda accord. That said, I'd never by buy used and not have a decent mechanic go over it and give me their thoughts what they thought as well. If it weren't 4 doors (per this S10), wouldn't even been looking at it.

Thanks

That 4.3L engine is very dependable. I had one in a 3/4 ton G20 short wheelbase van. Ran forever. Van body rotted out.

As for kids in small trucks... I wouldn't put my kid in one as a daily driver.

22 CHEVROLET S-1 EXTENDED CAB | NHTSA

 

[4570Man]

I’ve never had an an S10 but the 4.3s are tougher than nails.

 

[MossRoad]

I’ve never had an an S10 but the 4.3s are tougher than nails.

I ran mine out of oil 3 times. Something would happen to the crankcase ventilation, and it would suddenly blow all the oil out and the engine would just die. Couldn't crank it with the starter. Seized/locked. I'd let it cool down, pour in 4-5 quarts of oil, start it up and off I'd go for another 6 months. :laughing:

 

[deserteagle71]

I had an '88 S10 Blazer with the 4.3/automatic that I bought new and put 321,000 miles on it before I finally got rid of it. Engine and tranny still ran well but the body started falling apart on me.

 

[Sigarms]

Both of my daughters used Chevy S-10 trucks as their first vehicle,, both S-10's were short cab trucks,,
this insured the girls would not haul a half dozen friends around,,

I believe this was a significant part of each daughter getting through high school without an accident,,

Let the other kids drive around with 5-8 friends in the car,, not you,,,

NOTE: that may not work with boys, they may haul friends in the bed of the truck,,
girls will not ride in the bed of the truck, normally,,,

Over a decade later,, both girls still speak favorably about THEIR S-10 memories,, :thumbsup:

The crew cab is so the entire family can use it, NOT just the boys. First option was going to be an older "beater" 4 door honda accord. This vehicle isn't being bought just because of the boys (although one could argue that if both boys weren't working on their driving permits, we wouldn't be looking at one, go figure). Boys should know us enough that if rules are broken, the will be consequences (no intention of having them haul all their friends around in a vehicle).

I just happen to see this truck on our rural road. 4 door and 4 wheel drive, smaller in size would actually work out back or around the garden if we needed it. With the selling price, even if the boys had to sink some money into it, still wouldn't be that bad IMO.

 

[mostly_gas]

My older stepson had old style S-10 with the 4.3 and automatic transmission. Did not have a lot of trouble with engine or tranny, except for the vehicle mileage, about 20 mpg if I recall correctly.