The S-10 was a U.S-built small truck produced by Chevrolet from 1982 to 2003. That’s when the strategy shifted from importing models from Japan, like the LUV (Light Utility Vehicle). The seller’s 1992 was running but smoking when it was parked 10 years ago. With the V6 engine needing some work, this project pickup is available as cheap wheels here on craigslist for $1,199. Another check mark goes to Tony Primo in the Tips Department.
During its lengthy run, the S-10 (and the GMC variant, the S-15) competed with the U.S.-produced Ford Ranger and (still) a few imports. To help differentiate the S-10 from others in the family mix, Chevy would refer to this truck as a “quarter-ton” pickup, though it could haul more. Besides the transport units, Chevy and GMC also sold SUVs built on the same platform, the S-10 Blazer and the S-15 Jimmy. In 2004, the pickups were replaced by the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon (also the rebadged Isuzu I-Series).
We’re told this Chevy is mechanic-owned but has been stuffed away in a garage for 10 years. The V6 motor had begun to smoke, so it was probably tucked away for when he/she could get around to working on it. But it hasn’t even been started since then. So you’ll have to tow it home and get at the root of the engine’s problem. It has a 5-speed manual transmission which should help the renewed truck to be more nimble.
On the plus side, this Chevy is without rust and should have no sheet metal issues. The paint is flat black and doesn’t look bad if your goal is to fix up a daily driver, not a restored garage queen. The odometer reads 122,500 miles, which would normally mean more life is left. Other than the lack of a headliner, the interior seems to be in good shape. The tires have plenty of meat on them, but after 10 years??? For $1,200 (less one dollar), this might be the cheapest pickup you’ll find.
Buy it! It will hold up longer than any new truck out there