I purchased my 1991 Chevy S-10 new in September of 1990 with 6 miles on the odometer. 27 years later my S-10 now has over 524,000 original miles. It still has its original 2.8 liter engine. Regular oil changes ARE very important for the life of an engine. I know, I’ve had around 160 of them. My S-10 also has its original 5 speed manual transmission. The original clutch went out at around 224,000 miles. The second clutch lasted around 240,000 miles and is now on its third. I’ve never been really hard on my clutches.

In 2000, a hail storm came through my neighborhood. Being parked outside at the time my S-10 was totaled by the insurance company. I bought it back. Nine years later someone slid in the rain and hit my truck in the rear end. Bent the frame, destroyed the box bed, tail gate and bumper. Again totaled. Again, I bought it back.

My S-10 is my everyday truck. For the 4 years of GMAC loan the monthly payments were a manageable $128. With its Tahoe trim package, the window sticker price was $10,200. It is truly my “Christine” but has yet to repair itself.