Buying Advice

[MC1983]

I have already read through the BUYERS GUIDE thread and have a few more questions. I went to go look at a truck this weekend, a 97 5 speed, no locker. The seller had a lot of service records as well as a recommendation sheet from the last time it was at the dealer. It needs stabilizer links/bushings, new rear brake shoes/drums, parking brake cranks stuck, right rear diff seal leak (no grease or oil on inner tire so maybe its not that bad), valve cover gasket, muffler leak. Dealer estimated $3000 worth of work to fix everything. Timing belt and water pump were done 3 yr/30K ago.

When I looked at it, there was some clear coat peeling from the drivers cargo window in the rear. Is it common for the clear to peel on these trucks? Gas pedal was pretty stiff and sticky. I read that it might be a gummed up gas pedal. Clutch felt stiff, but engagement point was pretty low. As far as I know, this is the original clutch (170k). The leak from the valve covers was pretty bad as oil sludge was visible on covers and burnt oil could be smelled.

That being said, I can get the vehicle for $3700. There is not much rust on the frame/bumpers. Truck was garaged the first half of its life and has been in one family with dealer service records. It would be a great buy if the fixes are pretty quick and easy, but I am not sure that is the case. Could there be something else wrong or anything I should look out for?

 

[SCRunner12]

I'd say it is a decent buy assuming it is a 4x4. Most of the stuff you mentioned are that big of a deal and can be done at home or for pretty cheap. The rear axle seals can be a good chunk of change if they go. I would replace them now before you would get new rear brakes. I would try to get him down to 3500 or 3300. Other than that I think its a pretty good deal.

 

[MC1983]

Yes, it is a 4x4, no locker with 179k on it. I can do most of the maintenance on my own, just nowhere to do the work. I am a student and am unable to work on the truck in my apartment parking lot. I would have to take the truck in to a shop to get those things fixed which might end up getting pricey.

Was just wondering about the clear coat issue as it isn't terrible, but I have seen clear coat peeling that looks really bad.

 

[vooduguru]

Take it for a test drive, get it up to about 35mph in 3rd gear, then shift it into 5th. if it bogs significantly, then the clutch is probably fine. This probably goes without saying but inspect the brake rotors, especially on the backside. Check alignment, adjust your offer accordingly. The asking price seems fair.

 

[SCRunner12]

What color is it? Anthracite? The clear coat is something you just have to deal with till you want to repaint it. Some of the colors peel really easy and there's not much you can do about it AFAIK.

 

[MC1983]

Yes, color is anthracite metallic. What other colors are notorious for the clear peeling? I tried a search and could not come up with a thread if it was a common problem.

I would love to take it on a test drive but unfortunately, the owner let the registration expire since he is moving out of town soon so it really isn't safe to take it on a test drive on the street. I was able to drive it in his parking lot/alley but never really got out of 1st gear.

The price does seem fair, just the fact that I do not know how much I will need to put forth in order to get it to pass state inspection. MD is notorious for being pretty tough and picky with their state safety inspection.

 

[SCRunner12]

The anthracite is my favorite color, but if fades so easy if it wasn't taken care of. Have the guy get a one day permit so you can really take it out and take it to a shop. They are easy to get and will allow you to drive it up to speed. I wouldn't buy it unless you can really drive it. It may shake and vibrate at high speeds and you would never know.

 

[MC1983]

Yes, it is a great color. The seller is moving soon so this does not seem like a priority for him. The truck has been sitting for a month since registration expired. He did not clean or prep the care for sale at all so it really doesn't present well. He does have all the service records and it is dealer maintained so I kind of believe him but I would want to test drive it myself.

This might be a great deal that only comes along once in a while so I am having a tough time trying to decide. If this thing had a locker, I would have already purchased it. It all depends how much he is willing to come down in price.

 

[brian2sun]

You can save $1000-$1500 for all that service if you don't go to the dealer. IMO, there is no reason to pay them for their "expertise" for such bonehead work. Any shop should be able to take care of those items on your list easily and for a fraction of the price. Just to give you an idea, I just had a complete engine rebuild done with removal and installation labor for $2,200. And your dealer wants to charge you almost a grand more than what I paid just for some basic maintenance work.

 

[MAD 69]

So $3,700 for truck and another $3,000 for labor - $6700 for a '97, I would pass since you can get a better deal elsewhere. Do you really want to drive a 5spd in B'More?

 

[brian2sun]

So $3,700 for truck and another $3,000 for labor - $6700 for a '97, I would pass since you can get a better deal elsewhere. Do you really want to drive a 5spd in B'More?

Yeah, but how about $3,700 +$1000 in maintenance. $4,700 isn't too bad IMO. That quote he got from the dealer is ridiculous - might as well be $30,000.

 

[MC1983]

I don't mind driving a 5sp and actually prefer it. Not much traffic on my way to and from work so it really isn't that bad. $3000 worth of work was what the dealer quoted for parts and labor. We all know dealer inflates their prices so I was posting to see what others thought it would cost.