quetions i should ask when buying a truck?
500 Watt CAFz'r
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 923
As far as checking for bondo.....take a small magnet with you and touch it to the regular trouble spots. Cab corners, fender lips etc...
If the magnet doesn't stick or barely sticks you probably have a lot of bondo in that area.
Check to be sure the body seams line up and check the frame on modified vehicles.
If the magnet doesn't stick or barely sticks you probably have a lot of bondo in that area.
Check to be sure the body seams line up and check the frame on modified vehicles.
Thread Starter
2000 Watt CAFz'r
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,422
and why do i wanna buy a truck? two words "country town". you need something to do, ya can't just go and drink and party all the time. you gotta go off roading the other part of the time to. and i talked to the sales guy he said he would ship a truck here for me to look at when they foind one that's just right for me, even if i don't buy that truck. the dealership in this town also is very reputable becuase it is one of only 3 and it's the largest. so it has to be trusted.
ok so ask about a warrenty.
use magnet to find bondo!!
bring some one whos knows what the heck thier doing.
bring to a mechaninc if i find the one i like.
rust can equal big discount$$$
ask to maintenance records
lift hood to try and find work done to it
ok so ask about a warrenty.
use magnet to find bondo!!
bring some one whos knows what the heck thier doing.
bring to a mechaninc if i find the one i like.
rust can equal big discount$$$
ask to maintenance records
lift hood to try and find work done to it
1000 Watt CAFz'r
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,078
Here are some more things to add to your list.
1 - Check the oil - if it is BLACK or watery, its a bad sign.
2 - Pull a spark plug out, if there is ANY oil on it walk away.
3 - Check the transmission fluid (with the truck running). Is it nice and 'clear' pink or orange? Does it smell like 'burning'? If it smells like its been 'burnt', walk away.
4 - run the engine for a while, look around the rocked/valve covers for 'sweating'...not a really awful thing but not good (oil or other leaking out of the engine, burning off, etc)
5 - pull up the carpet and floor mats under the drivers foot area, try to put your fist THROUGH the floor. That is the first area to really rust through on most trucks floors. Bad floors = no sale.
6 - look through the service records (assuming they have them) for any of the 4x4 maintenance. If at all possible check the gear oil in BOTH differentials (or tell the mechanic you take it to to do so). If you blow a transfer case (you did say it was a 4x4) you'll be paying quite a pretty bit for a new one.
7 - walk around in the bed. feel for weak spots or look for rust. Look from underneath, especially the 'cab corners' (front corners of the bed) if they are rusted be wary of more rust.
8 Try ALL electrical things. Like windshield wipers, lights, blinkers, etc.
9 Run the heater (and/or AC) for a while. If the heater smells weird at all, ask why, its not usual. It should NEVER fog up the windows, either. Usually it will smell a BIT like a hair dryer on older cars, but any moist heat is bad.
10 MOST IMPORTANTLY - be an ***. If the dealer or person selling does not answer your questions to your satisfaction or will not let you check things (IE pulling up the carpet) then leave rigth away.
You are buying this ting, not trying to make him happy. Be tough about the vehicle condition, dont get 'sold',
Good luck...and honestly, bring someone with you. Even if its an uncle or something....
1 - Check the oil - if it is BLACK or watery, its a bad sign.
2 - Pull a spark plug out, if there is ANY oil on it walk away.
3 - Check the transmission fluid (with the truck running). Is it nice and 'clear' pink or orange? Does it smell like 'burning'? If it smells like its been 'burnt', walk away.
4 - run the engine for a while, look around the rocked/valve covers for 'sweating'...not a really awful thing but not good (oil or other leaking out of the engine, burning off, etc)
5 - pull up the carpet and floor mats under the drivers foot area, try to put your fist THROUGH the floor. That is the first area to really rust through on most trucks floors. Bad floors = no sale.
6 - look through the service records (assuming they have them) for any of the 4x4 maintenance. If at all possible check the gear oil in BOTH differentials (or tell the mechanic you take it to to do so). If you blow a transfer case (you did say it was a 4x4) you'll be paying quite a pretty bit for a new one.
7 - walk around in the bed. feel for weak spots or look for rust. Look from underneath, especially the 'cab corners' (front corners of the bed) if they are rusted be wary of more rust.
8 Try ALL electrical things. Like windshield wipers, lights, blinkers, etc.
9 Run the heater (and/or AC) for a while. If the heater smells weird at all, ask why, its not usual. It should NEVER fog up the windows, either. Usually it will smell a BIT like a hair dryer on older cars, but any moist heat is bad.
10 MOST IMPORTANTLY - be an ***. If the dealer or person selling does not answer your questions to your satisfaction or will not let you check things (IE pulling up the carpet) then leave rigth away.
You are buying this ting, not trying to make him happy. Be tough about the vehicle condition, dont get 'sold',
Good luck...and honestly, bring someone with you. Even if its an uncle or something....
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Gearstix
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Apr 11, 2008 01:50 AM
