Hey, for my first vehicle I am going to be getting a pickup(need the 4WD, need the bed, want something big). Anyway, I believe I have found something in my local listings. The color choice isn't my first, but I by no means don't like it, though that should be one of my last concerns.

Anyway, here is the truck:
http://boston.craigslist.org/car/177797265.html

When I go to take a look at it, what should I look for(I know a fair bit about cars and what to do when buying them, but this being my first vehicle and expensive purchase, I want to have all bases covered)?

I am going to grab the VIN for a carfax run when I am out looking at it.

For you dodge truck enthusiasts, I had a few questions on their trucks. Do they tend to be relativly durable? Also, do the 1996 era 1500s have a live axle setup in the front too, or is it Independant? Anything else important to know about dodge trucks? I will mainly be using the truck outside of simple transportation for moving the snow blower around in the winter, moving lumber and some other building materials around in the summer, and hopefully some light off-roading.

Thanks,

Mike

 

I'd look into an F150 or Toyota. The mid 90's Dodge trucks are not well built. Nothing out of Chrysler was built well in those days. They were also behind the Ford, & GMC trucks at that time in features, power, towing, bed size, etc.

 

I'm aware their cars were built like shit... Though my dad had a chrysler for 10 years that only had problems that he caused.

Their are simply no GMCs and Fords available locally(currently) that I am interested in, I had found one, but the guy sold it despite my request to go an see it. I am also a big mopar fan, and would not mind doing my own work on it. In terms of bed size this is adequate as the GMCs I had seen had those flair beds. Also, I was under the impression that Mopar engines were relativly powerful at that time.

Thanks though,

Mike

 

Did you ever find a welding class to take? If so, how is it working out for you?

 

get an SRT10

edit - all i read was u wanted a pickup. didnt see your age or anything. hold off on an srt 10 for a bit

 

subinf, My friends neighbor(a block away) said he would teach us how to weld. I have held off on calling courses due to that(as its free). If he turns out to not come through by the end of next week, I am going to make some more calls.

Marc, if I had an unlimited budget for a truck I would probably go for a 3500 Mega Cab with a cummins turbo diesel, or a loaded up F350. The SRT10s are nice, but personally that is not what I am looking for, but rather a "brute."

Mike

 

Ford & Toyota trucks > any other trucks. I'd keep looking personally.

<----- Ford truck biased. They are built very, very well.

I used to own this...


Great truck and I never had one single problem with it. It was the guardrail that had a problem with it.

EDIT: Damn, it's been awhile... The more I sit here staring at that picture, the more I realize I loved that truck.

 

What is your price range? Around what that Craigslist ad was asking? 4500?

 

Yes, 4500-5000. I am a Mopar fan. Dunno why, I know its not because of the minivans we have owned, but it must be in my blood, the only cool car my dad ever owned without my assistance(I chose the 3g TL) was a Charger. I also have a few friends who are very happy with their Daks and Rams. Apart from that, I have read some great reviews on the 1994-01 Rams.

Mike

 

i'd personally get another f150...if i was in the market for another full size. they have a huge aftermarket and can be found cheaply.

 

you guys need to look into a GMC Sierra or Chevy Silverado. In My Opinion they are the best built of the big 3.

I had a mid 90's Dodge Ram 4x4 it sucked bad. never a Dodge again.
now dad has a 03 GMC Sierra 3/4 ton 4x4 4 door short box Duramax diesel, Allison tranny SLT, WITH Banks "big hoss" kit in it putting down about 500 hp

 

^- until I see a pic of that as well

 

o'rly?

https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...&postcount=135

 

Since you are getting a 4x4, make sure the front and rear differentials and the tranny still hold up just fine. When you get to test drive the truck, drive the trunk in an "8" shape as tight as possible. If you don't hear any binding, the differentials are holding up.

Good luck.

 

Well. That was a big dissapointment. I would maybe be willing to pay 2K for it, tops. It was a dented up rust bucket which had an engine which made odd sounds and breaks that didn't word.

Regardless I would like to run a cafax, though I am not going to be crushed if no one feels like doing it for me. VIN: 3B7HF13ZXTM127017

And the hunt continues... Maybe a wrangler, maybe another Ram, Maybe a Z71.

Mike

 

I really like the 97 and 98 Chevy/GMC trucks... they come with the old 350... But I guess there's nothing wrong with a Dodge, if that's what you want...

But you really only need a full sized if you're going to be towing stuff... Gas mileage is going to kill you on a old full sized truck... say hello to 13mpg...

Toyota would be my second choice, if you can get by with a smaller, fuel efficient, reliable truck

Mike, craigslist is good, but also hit up autotrader and get the local want ad: http://www.thewantad.com/

Summer time is a good time to buy a truck... just like wintertime is a good time to buy a convertible...

I was looking at this one a couple of months ago at a local dealer... it's been sitting there for awhile so I stopped one day when they were closed.... I don't really need a truck... but I want one

http://certifiedauto.com/toy-truc1.htm

 

Thanks. The more places I can look, the better. Personally, if I go with a truck, I want American Also I need to have an extended cab(the one thing I did like with this truck).

Size and mileage is becoming a little scary to me, which is why I am just now starting to flirt with the idea of looking at a wrangler with a little 4 banger, preferbly with an auto. The thing I noticed when driving this truck today was A: It has no pickup(NPI), you can hold the pedal down and nothing seems to happen, B: How the hell am I going to park something like this? I figure I could get a wrangler with a cheap trailer(for the snow blower, and for the occasional home depot run) for not too much money. If I were to get a wrangler, I would have to find a later model that does not use leaf springs. Oy... So much to think about. Maybe if my mother decides to get herself a new Grand Cherokee I wont need to worry about getting myself something a decent size with a fair amount of power.

Mike

 

Hey Crazymjb, have you ever thought about lookin at www.autotrader.com ?? I found my truck there, and couldn't be happier...

 

I'm looking there as I type this . Their prices, however, seem to be higher than I can realistically afford

Mike

 

Mike, If I remember correctly, although a Japanese company, Toyota p/u's are made in the USA. I'm pretty sure the Tacoma is. Someone correct me if I'm wrong please.

You should be able to find a truck like what Greenie posted fairly easy. It would be fairly inexpensive, give decent fuel milage, and run forever.

BTW, any Toyota w/ a 22R(or RE) engine in it will make a VERY reliable vehicle. Probably MUCH more reliable than any high milage domestic. Stay away from the turbo charged 22R though. More power but along with it comes problems. I don't think they made very many of those though.

I've got a buddy with a 91 or 92 Toy w/ 4cyl. 22RE engine in it. He's running about 12" of lift and sitting on 37" tires, uses it as a daily driver AND a rock crawlin', 4-wheelin' machine. He has NO engine mods other than a K&N filter charger and he's had it geared. This truck was completely stock & IMMACULATE when he bought it. It has been thru hell and returned yet it still runs as strong as day one.

Toyota trucks are GREAT trucks. I don't care what anyone says.






Here's his truck in action...





Don't sell yourself short on a Wrangler. Sure, they are fun but at the end of the day, Heep, I mean Jeep still built it.

 

I'm not saying they aren't good trucks, but it is sort of a personal thing. I feel that Trucks are a great representation of American redneck culture, and that is what I want.

Mike

 

LH, Don't you like Rusty ?? You're going to make her feel unloved... and and unloved truck is a bad thing

 

Wrangler's are rather expensive. Even the 4 banger. They are also not practical. They have no room, & are bare bones features. They let in a lot of wind & road noise. I had the displeasure of driving a 98 few years ago for a few weeks. I liked Wrangler's untill I drove one for a time.

 

Rusty isn't so bad but with a 3spd, it's hardly road trip worthy. Not to mention the glass packs make for an additionaly irritating journey.

I've got plans for it though.


Maybe I should post the pic of that one too...

 

LH, you didn't buy another K5 blazer did you ??

 

One of these is more than enough, lol!



I'll probably never get rid of her though!


Damn, I knew I was gonna have to post that picture before ever I made my first post in here.

Someone hit the passenger door and put a dent in it a few weeks ago. All the body panels were straight too!

 

Yeah, I probably won't go with a wrangler. Anyway... The search must go on...

Mike

 

Jeeps are kinda tough to find up here in decent condition anyways... they just have so many places where they rust...

Chris, I've been trying to stay away from some of the chevy truck sites, but when I'm bored, I always end up here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...splay.php?f=68

 

I prefer the green one on the left...

 

Aright, heres the deal, I am now looking into another(expect this one thread to be perpetual until I actually get a truck) truck, this time a GMC. I have decided that I will go with a GM product from this point on after talking to many, and doing more research(IFS = BIG PLUS, reliability, etc). Anyway, newest listing: http://boston.craigslist.org/car/176668230.html

I will not pay what is being asked, but anyway, I got a VIN for a carfax report if anyone would be willing to run it, I would really appreciate it. VIN: 2GTEK19R6T1548052

Thanks,

Mike

 

Personally.......
........ Fords are good for styling around town and acting like you have a truck that will give NASCAR fans a hard-on or give that classic look when you put it up 30" on "Mudders".

.......Chevy's are good for saying that style is not an issue with me, but want a truck that I can buy any aftermarket part imaginable to help that happen.

.......Toyota's are good for saying I'm looking for a truck that will give me an image of being smart for subscribing to CR and loving a shallow bed and rubber strips to cover every body panel seam there is on my truck.

.......Nissan's make me look smarter than Chevy owners, but dumber than Ford owners.

.........Dodge,....because you want a truck.......period!!

 

You missed pissing off isuzu fans.

 

I'm not a big fan of the step side bed, but if I was looking for a truck, that one I would consider... except that it's green... I just don't like green vehicles

 

I agree with both those points. But from what it sounds like(having talked to the guy), the truck is in pretty good condition, being mechanic owned. Personally, I want a black truck... But I don't hate the forest green, at least its not teal or blue. As far as the flareside beds, I am not a huge fan, but as long as it can fit a sheet of plywood and my snowblower and maybe a few lawn chairs for a beach party I'm fine.

Also, I plan/hope to have this truck be my big "project" so I can do some light off roading and have a good vehicle for when Resident Evil becomes a reality(you know it will).

Anyway, I am still waiting on a carfax which would be much appreciated.

Mike

 

I wouldn't by a GM truck of that model if it was the last truck on earth. After seeing all the troubles friends have had with theirs and our Suburban at work (same thing), I'd stay far away. Once you get the drivetrain straightened up (engine/tranny) - the rest of the truck will nickle and dime you to death! Then, after you replaced almost every other part on the truck - the engine/tranny will crap out again. No thanks...

Not that the others (Ford/Dodge) don't have problems too, because they do. Honestly, Toyota is probably the best bet. You can't kill the damn things, plus the interiors are miles ahead of the other domestic guys.

While I'm sure your want to buy American is well founded, you'll be cursing them in no time...lose the pride and buy smart

 

Thanks. I am aware of some of the problems GMs have. This is the third transmission rebuild and it has had the planetary case replaced with the newer unproblematic one. I have not heard much bad stuff about GM engines however.

Anyway, After looking at the truck today, I am interested in it, so anyone who could run a car fax, I would greatly appreciate it. Mods, do you think I should start a new Carfax thread?

Mike

 

Of all the ones I know of, only one has not had the motor rebuilt/replaced. Even the truck you posted has had engine problems "ENGINE REPLACED AT 64,000 BY GM DEALER".

 

proaudio, do you have a carfax?

 

Yeah Mike, start a new thread for the carfax request...

You'll have a better chance of someone seeing it in it's own thread...

 

No, that info was from the original link to the truck he posted.