Since we all tend to be type A - any advice about buying a used truck? I need a 4x4 - don’t want to spend more than about 5K - I’d like to spend more like 2-3K. It can be a beater but I want it to run/last me 10-20K miles (just an around town/short drives in the snow truck). I’ve never bought a used car as I know nothing about cars/trucks and was always worried I’d get a piece of junk that would break down all the time…
Can I bring it to a mechanic to check out for $50 or so?
Anything else I can do?
Thanks all,
Dave
I’d definately take it to an independent mechanic to check it out. They usually charge $50-75 for an inspection. Nothing wrong with having a beater utility vehicle. They do things that a car just can’t. My mini-van has 200,000 on it and still going strong. It’s paid for and costs me very little. Of couse the wife gets to drive the car.
I second cerveloguy on his advise. Alot of extra stuff drivetrain stuff to go wrong.
this sounds totally doable. the things I’d watch out for are: has it been used to shovel snow, and has it pulled anything big. the shovel on the front beats the hell out of a truck and pulling spells trouble in the clutch. those are two biggies. my advice is to buy a trading post and go buy from a person who wants to see theirself. you can get a better truck this way and learn aobut the history of the vehicle. you might be able to find a higher quality truck for the same price this way…has been true for us. also, avoid a truck that has “water damage”…often these vehicles have the elctronics messed up and is a real pain in the arse.