[Knarly]

I've got a 2002 Sonoma SLS 4x2 4.3 Vortec. It has almost 245,000 miles. It still runs well, just has a few issues that came since the last owner didn't really take care of it. Is it worth it to do anything to this truck, or should i just start with a "newer" truck?

 

[Rhotpursuit]

You kinda answered your own question...runs well.

 

[oldeerslayer]

In the S10 community a 2002 is considered a late model. Built during the last few years of production. Of course it's worth keeping.
From an economic stand point newer means bigger and more expensive. Not only to buy, but also to maintain.

 

[Knarly]

In the S10 community a 2002 is considered a late model. Built during the last few years of production. Of course it's worth keeping.
From an economic stand point newer means bigger and more expensive. Not only to buy, but also to maintain.

I dont necessarily mean new as in later year. I meant new as in lower miles and better condition. Are the later models considered better than the others? I'm kinda new to the coimmunity and I love these trucks. Just wanna make sure I'm not digging a hole I can get out of.

 

[Knarly]

You kinda answered your own question...runs well.

Well, runs well when it isn't acting up. I.e it doesn't crank when it was just running, and I just keep throwing parts at it basically and everytime one issue is fixed. 2 more come up.

 

[superj]

oh man, that would get old. its up to you though if you can find a lower mileage / better condition for cheaper then it would cost and be faster then the time it takes to get that one up to par. that's all subjective and can only be answered by you as you know what your time is worth.

I would rather pay little for an ugly truck that ran, or had little issues, that pay a bunch for something that might not have any trouble. I have lots of time to play with vehicles because I just work 0500-1330 and then I ride my bicycle for exercise. I can ride 3 days a week and make my 100 mile mark so that leaves me tons of car playing time so to me, I would stay with the one you have.

 

[Knarly]

oh man, that would get old. its up to you though if you can find a lower mileage / better condition for cheaper then it would cost and be faster then the time it takes to get that one up to par. that's all subjective and can only be answered by you as you know what your time is worth.

I would rather pay little for an ugly truck that ran, or had little issues, that pay a bunch for something that might not have any trouble. I have lots of time to play with vehicles because I just work 0500-1330 and then I ride my bicycle for exercise. I can ride 3 days a week and make my 100 mile mark so that leaves me tons of car playing time so to me, I would stay with the one you have.

My main concern is how much longer my engine is going to last. I know that the 4.3 is one of the best motors GM made. I have a decent amount of time to tinker with it. Just not as much time, (nor funds) that I would like to have with it.

 

[superj]

people have over 200k on the 2.2 and I think I read some with over 300k. mine has almost 170k and runs great but I had to replace the head about 2k ago because of an overheat issue that cracked it. if not for that, I think it would have run forever because it was so smooth and quiet. I still get over 20mpg in town too so until I get bored with the truck, it will still be with me as gas mileage is my number one driver in a truck's decider for purchase. I hate driving a v8 when its just me in the truck and the bed is empty, or has only my bicycle in it. since I need to pull a trailer every once in a while, the camry wasn't cutting it so I looked for the best mileage used gas truck in the range I wanted to pay and the s10/Sonoma with 2.2 and 5 speed won, by a long shot.

so I don't mind working on because the savings in gas pays for itself.

 

[67Truckin]

Bodywork is expensive so if the truck has a good body and paint, then I feel it is worth the mechanical repairs needed if you can do the work yourself.

 

[oldeerslayer]

My main concern is how much longer my engine is going to last. I know that the 4.3 is one of the best motors GM made. I have a decent amount of time to tinker with it. Just not as much time, (nor funds) that I would like to have with it.

Used 4.3's are cheap and there are still plenty out there.

 

[NWPenCrawler]

I am a new owner of a 2002 Sonoma 4.3 Ext cab 4x4 and it's got about 175,xxx miles and I really like it. It still runs smooth, great for around town commuting and utility errands. I've noticed it's pretty cheap to buy even ACDelco parts for this truck. If I were you, I'd keep it and just maintain it and fix the broken stuff. They don't make trucks this size any longer and I prefer this size over the new mid and full size. Also, this is a great community for these vehicles. If you don't know, just ask. Somebody will help.

 

[Knarly]

I am a new owner of a 2002 Sonoma 4.3 Ext cab 4x4 and it's got about 175,xxx miles and I really like it. It still runs smooth, great for around town commuting and utility errands. I've noticed it's pretty cheap to buy even ACDelco parts for this truck. If I were you, I'd keep it and just maintain it and fix the broken stuff. They don't make trucks this size any longer and I prefer this size over the new mid and full size. Also, this is a great community for these vehicles. If you don't know, just ask. Somebody will help.

See yeah i love my truck. I can't find many the way i want it. black, 4.3, ext cab, 4x2. my main thing is I don't know if/when i would possibly need to rebuild engine or tranny. I mean it has alot of intermittent issues, i hit a pole when i FIRST got it. the paint is cracked on the hood and roof. I just love it. I just need help debating if its worth keeping and pumping parts into? Like what are some sure fire signs that would make you stay away from one if you were to buy it?

 

[Knarly]

Bodywork is expensive so if the truck has a good body and paint, then I feel it is worth the mechanical repairs needed if you can do the work yourself.

I should've included that. It's a black Ext. cab. It has cracked paint and the roof. (nowhere else tho) and i hit a pole on the right side on the truck bed sids and it also knicked the back few inches of the cab. Got quoted around $1500 give or take some to have it repaired and painted. I was planning on fixing and painting it for right around $3500. Thats where i start to wonder if i just need to start fresh

 

[Knarly]

people have over 200k on the 2.2 and I think I read some with over 300k. mine has almost 170k and runs great but I had to replace the head about 2k ago because of an overheat issue that cracked it. if not for that, I think it would have run forever because it was so smooth and quiet. I still get over 20mpg in town too so until I get bored with the truck, it will still be with me as gas mileage is my number one driver in a truck's decider for purchase. I hate driving a v8 when its just me in the truck and the bed is empty, or has only my bicycle in it. since I need to pull a trailer every once in a while, the camry wasn't cutting it so I looked for the best mileage used gas truck in the range I wanted to pay and the s10/Sonoma with 2.2 and 5 speed won, by a long shot.

so I don't mind working on because the savings in gas pays for itself.

I mean i read that the 4.3 gets somewhere 15-20 but i feel like i get less. I love the truck. It has a decent amount of power for its size and its fun to drive. would it be worth to change from an Automatic to a manual?

 

[manbearpig]

For what? The gas mileage difference? Not going to be much, especially considering the cost of swapping and reprogramming the ECM. I would do it just for the fun part, driving an autotragic is just that.

 

[Knarly]

For what? The gas mileage difference? Not going to be much, especially considering the cost of swapping and reprogramming the ECM. I would do it just for the fun part, driving an autotragic is just that.

I love everything about the truck except the automatic. What would an estimate be on a manual transmission swap (ECM swapping too) for mild applications? and are there anny suggestions? (able to have support to swap later in it's life)

 

[NWPenCrawler]

See yeah i love my truck. I can't find many the way i want it. black, 4.3, ext cab, 4x2. my main thing is I don't know if/when i would possibly need to rebuild engine or tranny. I mean it has alot of intermittent issues, i hit a pole when i FIRST got it. the paint is cracked on the hood and roof. I just love it. I just need help debating if its worth keeping and pumping parts into? Like what are some sure fire signs that would make you stay away from one if you were to buy it?

Roll-overs and bent frames are my personal cutoff. I wouldn't invest in a vehicle that had a known bent frame or had been in a roll-over accident. Much easier to re-invest in a straight one and go from there.

 

[Harley]

Personally? I'd rather take some time and that $1500/3500 and find the perfect truck for me. Sure a 4.3/5 speed black extended cab might be hard to find, but with that kind of extra coin to spend on a truck you'll be happier in the long run if you aren't starting with a beat up, worn out truck.

 

[Knarly]

Personally? I'd rather take some time and that $1500/3500 and find the perfect truck for me. Sure a 4.3/5 speed black extended cab might be hard to find, but with that kind of extra coin to spend on a truck you'll be happier in the long run if you aren't starting with a beat up, worn out truck.

That's the thing. I love my truck, it was a gift. I have a lot of plans for it. I just don't wanna give the truck up just to get another one with its OWN issues. Truck runs great it's just stressful trying to figure out what could be wrong.

 

[Harley]

Some issues are not created equal. Body damage like you're describing doesn't sound like anything I would be in love with, but that's my personal take on the situation. Plus the high miles, plus the intermittent running/starting issues, plus plus plus...

I hear talk of spending about $5k in repairs/updates. Yes, another truck will have its own set of issues, but for $5k plus the $1k or more you can get out of the truck you have now, there are so many better options out there to get what you want and have money leftover to have fun with. It might take some time and patience to find a good starting point, but I'd go with that feeling you have of starting fresh.