OK, here’s the deal,
I’m looking for 1997 - 2000 S10 vehicle.
I found one I’m interested in. It’s a 2000 model, extended cab 6 cyl, just like I’m looking for. But it it just turned 100,000 miles. It’s looks clean, and the guy is a single owner. But the 100,000 miles worries me a bit. The conventional wisdom was to figure 12K per year. At 5 years old (and that’s pushing it with it only being February, right?) that should be around 60K on the odometer.
on the other hand, I have an Jimmy w/ over 300,000 miles on it, so I relize that if it’s taken care of that might not be a problem.
So, what’s the prevailing opinion these days? Should I just stay away from anything with that many miles on it?
Do the usual stuff…
- Look at the service records (if available).
- How frequently the oil was changed?
- How frequently the transmission oil was changed?
- Coolant changed?
- Break pads changed?
- Brake fluid changed?
- Air filter changed?
- A/C recharged?
- Belts changed?
- Spark plugs?
- Condition of tires?
- Does it have a tow hitch? What was towed? How often? How far?
- The box in the back, was it used to carry anything but air?
- Any after market mods?
Do a carfax report. It may cost a little but worth it in the end.
I’d say there are quite a few of these cars for sale. I would not rush to buy unless the deal is exceptional and the above questions answered to your satisfaction.
Totally what QuickSilver said. It’s been my experience that even with only moderate attention, the engine & tranny will go for 150k. I’ve seen people get well over 300k out of everything from Cavaliers to Skylarks to Cadillacs, but they are all over the oil change at 2,500 miles. And they fax me EVERY DAMNED RECEIPT TO PROVE IT! :mad:
ahem. What I’ve noticed is about 150k plus you start getting other stuff going wrong–shocks/struts, wheel bearings, CV joints, clutch plate needs replacing ($150 part) or automatic transmission needs replacing ($2,000 part!), power windows/locks/mirrors start going haywire and may or may not work…hundreds of little gremlins.
My advice? Go to NADA.com and get their value for the car. The mileage does sound a bit high, and that shoul adversely affect the value of the vehicle. But if it’s been meticulously cared for this deduction may not be entirely warranted. If maintenance can’t be proven, assume it hasn’t been done despite the seller’s insistence that it has. People who are anal enough to change their oil every 2,500 miles are anal enough to keep a log book with the technician’s name and the brand and weight of the oil used. I’ve had people want to show me the spark plugs they replaced every 20k. Theirs are more compelling statements because they are obviously insane.
Oh, and timing chain at about 75K to 100K miles .
Nothing ruins the day like a valve pushed through the lifter cover by the piston when the darn chain snaps.
Aren’t you glad you asked. 
I’m conflicted, and here’s why. (a visual into how my brain works)
Would I purchase the truck at $5? Of course I would
Would I purchase the truck at $6,000? Of course not.
Therefore somewhere in between is a number that I am willing to pay, and I have to figure out what that number is. That’s where I need to figure out how much the mileage thing is a problem.
I checked NADA and came up with $5850 trade in, and $7800 retail. He’s listing it for $5950, so I suppose he would come down on it. Therefore being cheaper than what NADA and KBB.com say it’s worth.
It might be worth the piece of mind to just look for something with lower mileage and expect to pay a grand more or so.
~sigh~