Buying An Old Pickup Truck
I asked the staff expert about what I should be on the lookout for when buying a really old pickup truck. Our conversation follows:
Me: If i was going to buy a really old truck -- say 20 years old -- for $500, what should be on the look out for?
Loyd: Running or no?
Me: Yes.
Loyd: Drive it. Be on the lookout for shaking or vibrations that would account for ball joints being out or unmaintained grease seals. Hard shifting could be a sign of transmission wear or problems with the torque converter.Pull the dipstick. Smell it. If it smells like fish they put heavy oil in it to cover an oil leak. If it smells burn the engine could be prone to overheating. Open the radiator cap. Is it fluid or water. what color is it? It shouldn't be rusty but should be green.
Look on the engine block for oil buildup. The engine should be clean but kinda dusty. If it's sparkly clean they mayhave had the motor cleaned to cover an oil leak.
What year is it?
Me: Dunno, exactly. Sub 1987.
Loyd: Import or domestic?
Me: Domestic.
Loyd: 2005 - 1987 = 18 x 30,000 (average yearly mileage) = 540,000It'll probably need a new motor. Watch for bounciness in the ride, shocks and springs could be going out.
Me: Excellent advice, thanks.
Loyd: NP. i've bought more than my share of lemons.
Posted by Dane on April 21, 2005 | 0 Comments
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