Seeing a vehicle that you used to see everywhere suddenly appearing like an ancient relic that must be preserved is a bit of a shock. It’s a commentary on both how much times have changed and also how old you’re getting. Neither is good as it relates to those of us who like old cars and trucks and that wish we could stay young forever, which is why someone will spend too much on this clean 1984 Chevrolet S10 Durango pickup with the extended cab listed here on eBay. Bidding is at a reasonable $4,500 with no reserve.
This truck is in Cleveland, Tennessee, an area I’ve spent a fair amount of time in over the years. I’m not surprised a clean pickup truck appeared here, as the climate is overall mild and the locals love a good workhorse. The bigger challenge is finding one that hasn’t been driven into the ground after years of faithful service. Somehow, this “Durango”-spec S10 escaped that fate, and if the 40,000 miles listed in the description is accurate, it’s barely broken in. The Chevy will come with new tires and a tonneau cover.
The extended cab didn’t mean much in the middle 80s for any brand of pickup, as it just barely yielded a little extra room for luggage (and not much of it). The clean condition of the upholstery suggests that the mileage claim is accurate, along with the relatively blemish-free carpeting. The S10 features an automatic transmission paired to the familiar 2.8L V6. It also comes with air conditioning and a brand new dual exhaust system, according to the seller. The rest of the details in the cabin look as nice as the bench seat, with no major complaints from me.
The engine bay is nothing to write home about – it’s neither super clean nor overly filthy – it just looks like that of a used truck. The big deal here is that the S10 has been in this part of the country since new, which leaves little question that its condition is indeed as clean as it appears in photos. Gold over blue is a very, very 80s color, which isn’t sought after now but may be more appealing to a collector because it is so period-correct. This is likely one of the very few S10s from this era that was saved, so hopefully, bidders will show their appreciation with a strong final number.
That’s one loaded out truck with 4wd, air, cruise, steering. We used to see these early S-10’s everywhere and now when you see one it’s like where did they all go? Another thing you notice is how small they are compared to a modern compact truck. My how things have changed. These were good workhorses and I’m sad to see them go. One thing I have noticed working on old cars and trucks is how hard it is to keep them on the road. Your choices are used parts if you can find them or aftermarket pattern parts which are absolute garbage. I was just discussing this with a friend who is putting finishing touches on a 66 Mustang fastback. The amount of extra time spent trying to make reproduction parts work is a real challenge.
I remember, as a nine year old, these coming out. It was a neat surprise, as we entered the shopping mall, the local Chevrolet dealer had several of these placed in the north branch, right down the middle!
Trim levels, diepalayed on the front fender below the S-10, had names such as this Durango, the more uplevel Tahoe, and the Sport. And were all there for me to inspect. As well as one without – it was “S-10”, with nothing below it. Black vinyl floor with a 4 speed. I don’t remember going into any store that day. Usually it was a given to head to Woodworths to check out the model kits. Not that day….
No disrespect to the new Ford Maverick, but we really need a small, conventional truck like this again. These were much smaller than what we think of as a small truck today. Dad had two, and three across the front seat was enough to turn friends into enemies.
@alphasud – this is a mid-level Durango. Tahoe trim was even more plush, and the trucks could be optioned with power windows, power locks, two-tone paint, aluminum wheels, and in the later years, a digital dashboard. A little embarrassed that I know all that, but Dad counted on me to be his automotive encyclopedia when he was car or truck shopping.
First one was a 1988, regular cab, long bed, two-tone blue, no A/C, and Tahoe trim. I managed to convince him to pony up for a 3.42 positraction rear and the newly available 4.3 V6. That truck could leave two black streaks at every traffic signal.
Second was a 1991 extended-cab 4×4, white with blue interior, 4.3 V6, and fully loaded, including bucket seats, console, and digital dash. Nice truck, but it wasn’t a hotrod like the ’88.
Nick truck!!! Too bad the engineers could not swap the position of the a/c compressor with the alternator and clean up the engine compartment like later gm engine compartments.
They probably needed all that hose for the amount of r12 they needed. Hope it’s been retro fitted to 134a.
Large blue valve cap on canister tells me it’s r134a fitted.
The 5sp models especially made for a good little off road 4×4 vehicle. In Jimmy/Blazer or truck configuration.
My first new vehicle was a 1983 S10, 2.8L auto. Kept it for 20 years as I eventually swapped in a 350/700r4.
Only issue with the early S-10 is power. The 2.8 is fine for light duty use but when they do the heavier work it seems to shorten engine life. GM figured it out and 4.3 was the six of choice later. 60° V6 was originally designed to fit sideways in the front wheel drive Citations and various other GM cars through the years. Reliable in autos if maintenance is kept up is decent. This is a good looking little truck. Sorry I don’t want to own it.
The 2.8 was very anemic but it was a good workhorse. The main reason for failure was intake manifold gaskets leaked coolant into the crankcase which in turn killed the bearings. With proper maintenance these would last over 200K. The 4.3 is definitely the one to have.
This truck was for sale on E-bay before….. hummmm
Odd color combo, but I’d still love to have it
Bought the GMC S-15 version as a rural mail truck. Great for my 80 mile route for many years.
Purchased an 82 Tahoe 2wd loaded right off the showroom floor. Dark blue with silver, beautiful looking truck BUT I felt like I was later bought a doing research and development for GM. 3 automatic transmissions under warranty and numerous little items that just didn’t hold up. Swore I’d never buy another first year anything and haven’t. 32 years later bought a 2016 Colorado that in 6 years has been 100% trouble free. This looks like a nice truck.
Bummer, this one sold a month ago for $11,700, the buyer must not have come through with the cashola.
https://barnfinds.com/40k-mile-1984-chevrolet-s-10-durango-4×4/
This brings back a few memories. My friend Billy bought one of these and I remember thinking how COOL it was with the extended cab and a V-6 engine in that little truck. His also had the 2.8 I’m guessing he got rid of it and into something else before much could go wrong because he was always borrowing / financing new or new-used cars / trucks / cycles / toys. It was a handy vehicle.
Now I drive a 2010 Dodge Dakota extended cab w/ a 3.7 L V-6. I don’t think it’s much quicker or more sophisticated than this S-10. It’s fine for around town and it’s reliable though so I keep her around!
Peace!
not worth the 11K$ if U ask me.
“…extended cab didn’t mean much…”
I like the room for my legs to stretch, drivin bent is never good.
Wonder if it could be had w/the durable 3800 (’75 – ’08). That’s
the right size (2.8/4.3) for this S10 if askin a “ford guy”.
not worth the 11K$ if U ask me.
“…extended cab didn’t mean much…”
I like the room for my legs to stretch, drivin bent is never good.
Wonder if it could be had w/the durable 3800 (’75 – ’08). That’s
the right size (2.8/4.3) for this S10 if askin a “ford guy”.
not worth the 11K$ if U ask me.
“…extended cab didn’t mean much…”
I like the room for my legs to stretch, drivin bent is never good.
Wonder if it could be had w/the durable 3800 (’75 – ’08). That’s
the right size (2.8/4.3) for this S10 if askin a “ford guy”.
Since when does a 2.8 V6 sound good with dual exhaust ? I love headers put them on my vehicles but on a V6 headers or dual exhaust sounds like a low flying crop duster!