Need Help!

[TGP Nick]

Someone offered to trade their '97 Chevy S-10 for my 89 Mustang.  It is a 2.2L 4 cylinder with a 5 spd with 78,186 miles on it.
Here are a couple pics of it:



What does everyone know about these trucks or more specifically this engine and transmission?  From the couple reviews I've read on carsurvey.org and edmunds, these seem to be pretty troublesome, but again they are just reviews anyone and everyone can post up. I'd like a little input from you guys here that have knowledge about this.  I'm a little leery of Chevys in general, but I'm trying to not be biased.
Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Nick

[jimmy]

         Nick IDK too much about the truck but the deal alone, does not sound like a good deal unless hes offering some money with it. IMO

[mfewtrail]

My brother used to have a 2.2/auto S-10. The 2.2 is a decent engine. I don't have any experience with the 5spd transmissions in those, but they probably hold up very well(can't say the same for the autos that came in them! :laugh:).

If I were you, I would keep the mustang, fix those bumpers on it, and then mod it. ;)

[dogbone]

I've had a couple of those through my business, decent motor easy on gas, kinda like a truck body on a  Sunfire chassis though. Be neat to throw a 350 small block in it and lower it though.

[TGP Nick]

What I'm looking for in a truck is a 4 cyl 5 spd combo that will pull off 30+ MPG and has a decently sized box so I can haul my MX bikes to the track on weekends.
I really don't want to keep the mustang; I have no use for it and I have put less than 100 miles on it in the 2 years that I've owned the car. 
Ideally, if I could sell the mustang outright, I would take that money and use it as a down payment on an 08 Ranger 4 cyl 5 speed with a few options. 

[TGP Nick]

Mustang SOLD today

[TGed]

What I'm looking for in a truck is a 4 cyl 5 spd combo that will pull off 30+ MPG and has a decently sized box so I can haul my MX bikes to the track on weekends.

With that truck, you will not see 25+mpg unless you drive down hill & with engine off.  They are okay for city driving, but they just really are not economy worthy imo.  They can haul what you ask for, but the mpg will go down even more.  If you were to want to trade a vehicle for the s-dime, you'd have to trade a J body 2.2 5 speed or a high miles soccer mom van for it.  Your mustang can fetch a better trade by far.