If I could offer any advice from my experience, I would say to take your time, drive several of them, and get the one that you have no doubts about. I kinda rushed when I got mine, and it had several small issues that ended up costing me alot of money. Mainly front end stuff. Since I got it 16 months ago Ive dropped a few grand into getting rid of the vibrations and jitters (ball joints, inner tie rods, tie rod ends, steering rack, sway bar bushings, tires, all on top of maintenance). Looking back, I wish I had been more patient, found one that felt really solid, had lower miles and all the maintenace records, and just paid a few grand more up front. It would have saved me alot of headaches. I drove a 97 base, manual with 134K that was super solid, had all maintenance records, one owner, and was at a great price. And I ended up turning it down just because it didnt have a sun roof, and I found a black one that looked better. That was a bad decision on my part. Now I really want a manual! And I could have put the same amount of money and time into modifying that one which Ive spent just getting mine to ride better. I know alot of the guys on the forum have the resources and money to do alot of work on their rigs. But if youre getting yours for the purpose of a reliable, do anything, daily driver, better to pay more up front and get something that you have full confidence in.
