need opinions, good idea or not

[av8tr33337]

I have a chance to buy a 93 s10 for 1500 dollars. The pickup looks immaculate, sounds and runs great. But it has 190k miles on it. I need something in a hurry to commute back and forth from wichita kansas to Amarillo tx, 6 hours each way, either weekly or bi-weekly. It has the 4.3 liter and it is clean and sounds great. Supposedly doesn't burn oil etc. Question: I know it's a gamble but in general is that truck, and more specificaly the drive train known to have good longevity?? Any thoughts would be appreciated. No worries, I won't cuss you if it blows up on me the first trip. Just looking for a little input from those who know best about these trucks.

[68C15]

what's an S10? I've never heard of them. I don't know a thing about them.

OK, all smart-a$$ing aside, they are generally quite reliable. but just like any other used vehicle on this planet should be gone over with a fine toothed comb prior to purchase.

it is impossible for any of us to say for sure, you would best taking it to a reputable independant shop for an inspection. when we do this we charge about $30

[av8tr33337]

I agree. A mechanic friend of mine was the one who told me about it. When we ran it the other day there was the slightest tick of the fan hitting the shroud from time to time. He is going to look at the motor mounts on monday to see if it's bad which is likely the reason it's hitting. It's definately NOT engine noise and you can see where it's just grazing the shroud. He's going to put it on the lift and look it all over for me. Thanks for the response.

Bartman

[Myself]

If it's throttle body injected, I wouldn't hesitate so long as it's been maintained well. If it is Vortec CPI, you need to ask if the fuel injection spider system, and fuel pump have been replaced. If not it will need done any time now. If it already has......no worries.

[protrash64]

We all know its a gamble, but I have seen many of these trucks at work that just keep running and running. I didnt see what tranny it had....I am not aware of a 700r4 thats gone that far yet.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Auto or 5speed? If it's a 5 speed I wouldn't be too concerned. The 7ooR is a decent tranny, but if it hasn't been rebuilt...200K is A LOT of miles for an auto.

The only real issue I'm aware of the 4.3 having is intake gasket leaks, if it's already at 190K, they've already been changed once or probably aren't going to go bad. The leak problem has been linked to the dexcrap (dexcool) eating the gaskets over the years.

With almost 200K it may be time to replace a lot of things. Ball joints, tie rod ends, U joints, change ALL the fluids. For a little money up front, you can have a good little truck.

My 99 2.2L 5spd just rolled 100K. Panel gaps on these trucks are horrible, but they seem to be really reliable trucks. LOTS and LOTS of trucks and s-10 blazers still on the road here in the southeast. My truck has several "exact looking twins, color and all" in just my immediate area.

[av8tr33337]

Wow lots of good info. Thanks evedrybody. This will really help me to know what to look for.

Bartman

[av8tr33337]

It's an Automatic. I'll try to find out what tranny today sometime. He said he replaced one of the ball joints, I would have done at least both lower and the tierod ends at that point. But I can do it if need be.

[protrash64]

If that tranny hasnt been replaced the truck must have been driven downhill with a tailwind its whole life. Dont cuss me if you buy it!!!!!

[Dooley]

Some of the 1993 S10 pickups had a 4L60E tranny. More expensive and harder to find if it ever needs one of those. Different electrics.

[av8tr33337]

Thanks. Does expensive mean better??? I guess whe you get 190k on any tranny it's on it's last leg.

[Tink]

You never know about those trannies... We had 230K on our 4.3L auto S10 blazer and the tranny was still going strong... bottom end was starting to go and the body was shot so it had to be taken off the road.