Great First Car: 1991 Chevrolet S10 Short Bed – SOLD!

September 14th Update – It’s no surprise to us the Craigslist as for this ’91 S10 pickup offered at only $3,500  was already deleted by the private seller.  At that price and in the condition the truck appeared to be in, we knew it wouldn’t last and so we’re calling this S10 “Sold!”

A small, honest, economical pickup.  Long time readers know how frustrated we are with today’s manufacturers who refuse to offer truly small trucks such as this “Iron Duke” four-cylinder powered, factory air-conditioned,  1991 Chevrolet S10 pickup listed recently on Craigslist in Barrington, New Jersey with an asking price of $3,500.  A quick check of the NADA Guides Classic Car Online Valuation Tool confirms the seller’s asking price falls within the current “Low”, “Average”, and “High” retail value range of $2,025, $2,993, and $3,667, respectively.

Chevrolet produced the first generation “quarter-ton” compact S10 from 1982 through 1993. The S10 was the first domestically built compact pickup of the big three American automakers. While the Big Three had been importing badge-engineered mini-pickups, the 1973 Arab oil embargo forced GM to consider designing a domestically produced compact pickup truck. In typical fashion, parts from other GM chassis lines (primarily from the GM G-body intermediates) were incorporated. Track width was similar to the former GM H-body subcompacts (Vega/Monza).  The Chevrolet and GMC models were identical apart from the grille, tailgate, and assorted insignia.

Here’s an early 90’s S10 commercial when Chevrolet was still using their “Heartbeat of America” tag line:

While the seller’s ad doesn’t confirm it, we get a vibe that he may be the first or second owner as he’s proud to mention how well maintained this truck is.  Other than needing some interior work (reupholster the seat and replace the cracked dashboard pad, this is an economical example of an S10 that could also make a RADwood-eligible first car for the right enthusiast. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

” Have a Chevrolet S-10 truck for sale
It’s 1991
Automatic transmission
It’s been very well maintained over the years -(maintenance schedule kept up with i.e. oil changes, tune ups, etc.)
only 86,800 miles
No mechanical issues whatsoever
Rides nice
Easy startup
Tires like new with healthy treads
6 foot bed
Clean interior
Full working ac/heat“

Do you have a Chevrolet S10 story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!