Once a 4×4 SUV gets a few years under its belt, it is understandable if it looks a bit rough around the edges. However, this 1988 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer is an exception to that rule. From its sparkling paint to its spotless interior, it is hard to comprehend that its odometer has a six-digit reading. It appears to need nothing and could be ideal for someone who regrets not securing one of these classics when they were new. Located in Davenport, Florida, you will find the Blazer listed here on eBay. Bidding sits below the reserve at $12,000, but the action so far suggests that figure will climb as the auction heads into the final hours.
The seller supplies an enormous number of high-quality photos with their listing, and every one of them paints a positive picture of this S-10. It has a known history, with its previous owner going to great lengths to preserve the vehicle in as-new condition. It spent its downtime in a climate-controlled garage, set on blocks with its wheels removed and the fluids drained. The buyer will benefit from this level of TLC because this Blazer appears flawless. Its stunning Midnight Black and Yukon Gold Metallic paint shines beautifully, with a depth you could almost walk into. The panels are laser-straight, and there isn’t a spot of penetrating rust anywhere. The bright trim sparkles as impressively as the paint, the alloy wheels are flawless, and the glass is clear. This S-10 would have turned heads in 1988, but its overall presentation would draw crowds today.
Powering this S-10 is a 2.8-liter V6, teamed with a four-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and power-assisted steering and brakes. The V6 produces 125hp and 150 ft/lbs of torque, with both figures ensuring respectable performance in almost any circumstance. The engine bay presents as beautifully as the rest of the vehicle, making it hard to believe that this Blazer has 128,475 miles showing on its odometer. It is a further testament to the sheltered existence this classic has led. The appearance is only the tip of the iceberg, with the seller confirming that this is a turnkey proposition where the winning bidder could fly in and drive it home.
When I scrolled through the supplied photos, I was bracing for that almost inevitable moment when a major flaw or problem raised its head. The interior seemed the most likely area because it is the one that is most prone to wear and tear. However, this Blazer’s interior is as impressive as the rest of the vehicle. Its appearance is worthy of a spot in a showroom because there is no visible wear on the cloth or vinyl, the carpet is spotless, and I doubt the back seat has ever seen use. It is a similar story with the rear cargo area, while the air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, tilt wheel, and AM/FM radio/cassette player will make life on the road pretty pleasant.
It is said that careful ownership shows, and that is undoubtedly the case with this 1988 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer. Its condition means it wouldn’t look out of place on a showroom floor thirty-six years after it rolled off the line. It is little wonder that it has attracted twenty-six bids because it appears to be a genuine survivor. The term “time capsule” is one of the most overused in the classic world, but there is none better to describe this S-10. Are you tempted to give it a new home?
This owner understands preventative maintenance. Stunning condition for the mileage. Especially considering its a 4wd.
To bad it’s not 4.3..
Looks like a very low mileage one but must have been very well cared for.
This was THE color combo to have. It was also the 1st year the 4.3 was available, but the 2.8 was pretty reliable as well. The added hood ornament a foot back on the grille is a bit odd. Havent seen that before. Otherwise a cool truck!
The 2.8 was crap. The oil pump was inefficient .
“As-new condition”. Complete with annoying lump on pass. side front floor where the catalytic converter is. Not one of GM’s better ideas. I’d pass.
Passing because of a hardly noticeable lump on passenger floor? Okie dokie
‘hardly noticeable’? Have you ever sat on the pass. side of one of these or an S-10 pickup? It’s annoying as all get out. Try riding a couple hundred miles like that.
I drove a 84 S10 Blazer thru 160,000 mike with black outside and same interior .
Mine was a Kentucky and Ohio vehicle so the lower rockers in front of wheels were patched with new metal. I rebuilt the 2.8 engine at 140K.
This is a real nice SUV that beings back fond memories…
GLWS!
Great truck until I read 2.8. Full stop look the other way. The 2.8 was a dog that would not get out of its own way. Nice truck otherwise, 4.3 would make it worthy.
How many of the 2.8s have you owned? Just wondering, my ’84 is still humming along fine.
Yep. I had an 88 Fiero GT that my brother bought new and had the 2.8/auto combo. It was slow enough, I couldn’t imagine a heavier vehicle with AWD!
I had two 2.8’s; one in a new ‘84 Celebrity wagon that was peppy and made it all the way to 80,000 miles before the crank pounded out the rear seal and killed it. The other was an ‘85 S10 Blazer. A noisy dog that finally thru a rod at 160,000 miles. So you never know.
You think the 2.8 was a dog, a 2.5 4 cyl Iron Duke was standard and that was really slow. An acquaintance who was buying my boat bought one to tow it with. Wish he had asked me first. Barely could pull it on flat ground.
Is it the 2.8 that just roars from under the hood?
Clutch fan perhaps?
I miss my 1985 Jimmy despite the 2.8 and its issues. These were handsome little trucks, with 2 tone paint jobs even better.
Dealer…….
What is the mechanical/ dependability issue with the 2.8 ? I thought they were almost bullet proof ? Tks
My 83 blew a heat gasket at around 30k miles and couldn’t make it over Sonora Pass unless it was in 2nd gear. There was also a problem with the clutch throw out mechanism that caused early clutch failure.
Never brought another Chevy after that one.
The 2.8 V6 most definitely did not provide respectable performance. My brother had an ’88 S-10 Blazer spec’d just like this one. It made more noise than power. To compound things, it was hooked to a transmission that hunted endlessly between 3rd and 4th (overdrive). A few years later, I bought an example with the 2.8 and a 5-speed, thinking it would be better. It was no faster, and I was the one who was endlessly hunting between gear ratios.
Grew up with an 85 in the family. 2.8 is a dog but ours was reliable except the tranny. It blew at about 80k. If I got one again it would be an 84 or 85 because the dash is so similar to a square body trucks dash. By 86 they went to instrument cluster like this ones and I find it very ugly.
I had 2 vehicles with the 2.8, and they were slugs. An S-10 that could not even pull a 4 jet-ski trailer over the Skyway Bridge, whereas my Mazda 4 cyl had no problem. 91 Izusu Trooper with the 2.8 and it blew 3 times, rebuilt again, had to keep the emergency flashers on just going over the hill here in Bullhead City in 2nd gear! The 4.3 is the way to go. This truck is nice but that 2.8, oh well.
The 4.3 is basically a 350 with 2 cylinders lopped off. Can’t go wrong with that!
What a great looking T-Blazer. Everything looks fresh for a 36 year old, 100k 4×4. As others have stated the 2.8 was a consolation prize once the 4.3 was available. But, you know, people and buying the first year of things. These were great little trucks that mostly suffered from unsupportive seats.
Back in the late90’s early 2000’s I had a 85 I purchased from a buy here pay here lot because I had to at the time. God knows how many miles were really on it with the 5 digit odometer but that thing leaked most every fluid it had in it and the starter motor was a pain in the but to change. True to my experience with GM products it was a money pit . I got rid of it after only about 6 months of owning it and it was the last GM product I ever purchased.
I’ve got a 2004 Xtreme that my father and I have driven a little over 90K miles. When he died my stepmother traded it back to the original dealer for a sedan. I talked to her a couple of days later and she told me about it. I called the dealer and bought it back. I wish mine were 4wd, but otherwise it’s been a great ride. I describe it as “Big enough, small enough, fast enough, safe enough, frugal enough and completely reliable.” When I don’t need a pickup but gotta haul some stuff, it’s the go-to vehicle.
The Bass Masters Classic took place in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in the mid-1980s. I assume Chevrolet was a sponsor for the tournament, as Smart Chevrolet had a fleet of Blazers that were black and gold driving around town during the event. After the tournament, I believe there was a drawing for one of the Blazers, but they were all sold as demonstration vehicles.
Now substitute a typhoon engine in this puppy and you have the ultimate sleeper.
Beautiful looking Chevy S-10. Although I was too young at the time to drive a car, I remember when this was intro’d. I thought it was the coolest car Chevy offered.
A back seat never used! Must not have had teenagers. :)
Nice car. Too far.
You couldn’t restore one to this condition. Simply amazing.
My wife bought one of these, same colors and everything, she loved it, I hated it. The VERY gutless 2.8L had multiple problems, 1st, the pushrods would poke through the rocker arms ( and my wife drives like a granny ) 2nd the 2.8L has a rope seal rear main that failed early and often it leaked 1qt. of oil every 60 miles ! had the engine rebuilt, rear main failed in no time, finally swapped it out for a 3.4L (not a typo, Chevy made a 3.4L as a so-called bolt in replacement for the 2.8L ) The 4.3L was a better engine but not as simple a swap.
The 3.4 found it’s way into Camaros as well as transverse applications.
Yes, much improved over the 2.8
I Had 2 of these dogs ,both pretty much crap , engine and rear axle problems , thought it was a good idea at first but learned the hard way ! this one is in nice shape hope it finds a good home !