[Jim-Bob]

The biggest issue with the S-10 is that it's a Chevy and domestic small trucks of that era just aren't all that well built. When I was shopping for a new small truck back in 1998, fuel economy was one of my top priorities which is why I bought a frontier with a 2.4/5 speed/ 3.54 gears. The comparable S-10 lost 2 mpg to the Frontier and ran a Cavalier engine paired with 4.10 gears, so it spins a lot of RPM on the highway. It also gives up 25 hp to the Nissan, not to mention reliability.

As for my Frontier, I still have it and have put 362,000 miles on it-original engine, never rebuilt. It's been a pizza delivery truck since new but the mileage is not all that great. I am lucky to see 22 MPG in the city due to E10 fuel ( It used to see 24 mpg city on E0). If I'm lucky it might see 26-28 mpg on the highway, so it's a real gas hog. I have considered lowering it though as the torsion bar suspension lowers with just a turn of the wrench up front and blocks out back.

Several people I worked with had S-10's and they just didn't last. The interiors fell apart due to low quality plastics and the engines died with low miles on them. They were lucky to get 150,000 miles out of them! Buy a Toyota or a Nissan of you want a small truck as they are built way better and get far better fuel economy. If you're lucky you might even find a diesel model from the 80's and be able to run it off a greasel conversion!

I'd also say that if you find a Metro with the 3 cylinder and 5 speed cheap, buy it. It will cure you for all other cars due the just how cheap it is to run around in. I'm actually going to be selling off my V8 cars soon but will be keeping the 2 Metros. 40-50mpg will cure you of the need for V8 power pretty quickly! Plus, even if it doesn't, they are still great for running errands because of the substantial fuel cost savings they provide.