The Chevy Tahoe nameplate has been closely linked to the SUV that’s worn the name since the 1990s, so it’s easy to forget that Tahoe used to be a trim package of the Chevy S-10 pickup. Here’s one clean example that just sold in an online auction on Bring a Trailer for $12,500. That’s a pretty penny for an old Chevy S-10, but this is a clean survivor in a highly desirable spec.
The Tahoe was one of the higher trim packages available for the Chevy S-10 in 1989. It included chrome accents, alloy wheels, nicely padded cloth seats, and a Delco AM/FM radio with a tape deck.
For an enthusiast, this is one of the more desirable cab and mechanical configurations for a GMT325 Chevy S-10, as long as you don’t plan on taking it off-road. It’s a single cab with rear-wheel drive and a 2.8L V6 LL2 mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
The first generation of the Chevy S-10 is getting harder to find in good condition with low mileage, which is why this one fetches such a good price. It only has about 4,400 miles on the clock, and its Carfax vehicle history report shows no accidents in its past. It had one owner from the time it was new until 2024. In fact, the same truck changed hands on Bring a Trailer in September 2024. The high bid only went to $7,100 and was sold after the auction closed for an undisclosed amount.
According to the Bring a Trailer listing, the truck has undergone some work since the last sale. Aftermarket roof-mounted horns and clearance lights were removed, and the roof was repainted, restoring the truck to its stock condition and likely increasing its value. Additionally, the windshield and rubber seals were reportedly replaced during prior ownership.
This successful sale goes to show that there’s a craving among enthusiasts for a return to simplicity in pickup trucks. A humble compact pickup this size with a single cab and a manual transmission might be a tough sell on the new market today, but there’s a lot to love in this relic from another era of American trucks.
Comments
America needs this choice again. My first S-10 was an ’83 Durango, black 4X4 reg cab shortbed, with 2.8 V6 and four speed manual. Gray vinyl bench seat. Chunky 5-spoke alloys. It was my pride and joy, to this day, one of my favorite vehicles ever… out of many. I factory ordered it.
Not really a craving for simple trucks. Just a clean S-10 that is rare anymore. Also cheap as $12K is not all that much.
I had one in gray and silver just like this. It had a 4.3. I got 17 MPG on a good day. It was not the best build and it was not comfortable. The 4.3 was a boat anchor.
I have a Canyon today that gets much better MPG and is even a crew and 4×4 that the S10 lacked. The bed though short still hauls more than the old truck. The electro plated frame has held up much better than the waxed frame.
Yes it cost more but everything today cost more. I would not give up what I have for the old days. Even my 97 Extra cab Sonoma was fun with the ZQ8 but even then the MPG was not much and the 4.3 lacked power.
If GM did this today it would be a 150 HP 4 or Turbo 3 at best. Not much power. I hauled nearly 40 bags of mulch in my short bed that the little truck could never handle. you need a real suspension even to haul an engine like I do from time to time.
Had a 1998 GMC S15 extended cab, 4.3, 2wd with sport suspension. Had a 2002 S10 crew cab 4×4 as well. Both were great reliable trucks and the size was great for the suburbs and beds were useful. Miss both of them. Definitely would take another truck this size. My 2014 rcsb Silverado is a little too big for my needs. Good truck, though.
Sorry. Meant Sonoma.
Well as you know, they were S15’s before they were Sonoma.
My first new vehicle was an ’83 GMC S15 Sierra Classic trim. Black/Black Cloth, 2WD Short box, 2.8L, 5 speed. I couldn’t afford a/c and an automatic, so I got the 5 speed (and a/c).
It was a good looker!
I owned a S10 Tahoe 4/4. I gave it to my Daughter 4 years ago. The paint scheme is the same as that one pictured. When I bought the truck, it was painted with read top and bottom with silver sandwiched in between. My Daughter’s husband repainted it in 1999 or 2000 because the silver paint kept peeling. I liked the truck much. The truck would consistently get 22 MPG until the throttle body got messed up.
I owned a bunch of S10 trucks and blazers since they came out. All were great little rides. Here in Tx they sell for high dollars if clean.
First,
Those wheels are stamped steel 14” rally wheels. Not allloy. I bought a new 1990 S-10 EL (no radio, power steering or rear bumper. Only option was the 14” rally wheels) back in 90 for $6400 out the door. Sticker was around $8500. First time buyer and a rebate took a lot off. Great truck but bad luck. Hit 9 times in 7 years. Still got around 160k out of it. Would definitely buy another if GM would make it! For now, I will just enjoy my 92 Sonoma (4.3/M5/ps/pb/A/C/Cruise and tilt. Was the same red which seems to be the common denominator of these survivors. 120k and still running strong.
If Chevy or GMC made a truck like this today, I would be at the stealership tomorrow, checkbook in hand.