I'm looking for an older (pre-1994) S-10 for under $4,000 and am wondering what I should watch out for. Any mechanical problems associated with certain years? Any goodies I should look for as well? I've been around cars long enough to know the 2.8L is garbage. I'm looking for a 4.3L 4x4. Extended cab would be nice, but not necessary. The ideal truck I'm looking for would have an enormous white fiberglass cap, shiny aluminum running boards, whitewall highway tires, and maybe even curb feelers--basically any material proof that this was someone's grandfather's truck. Then I can buy it, rip all that stuff off, and make it into the truck I want.
These trucks are actually out there; I've seen them on cars.com and autotrader.com. I'm just not willing to drive all the way from NC to Washington state to buy one.