I hope this isn't an inappropriate place to ask this question, if it is I apologize. I don't know much about trucks and want some advice if possible.
I'm going to look at a 1985 Nissan pickup 2wd 4cylinder shortbed w/canopy. The owner is asking $1,200. I'm a little concerned because it has 213,000 miles on it. The truck has been owned by one family since it was new and has been well maintained. It has a new master cylinder, new front brakes, new radiator, and rebuilt carb. It is an automatic with cc, PS, and alloy tires. The body is in good shape and the interior has just been detailed. The owner claims it drives like it only has 20,00 miles on it. I have been doing some internet research and it seems this is a reliable engine. Can anyone advise me on what questions to ask when I look at it, what to watch out for, and whether I should even consider buying a truck with this many miles on it?
It's not the same engine but... Back in 1989 I bought a 1980 2WD KingCab with 198k on the clock. I put another 100k on it and then sold it at 298k miles because I wanted a car. From what I've read, it seems that the engine in the 85 that you are looking at is a real workhorse. That it has been in the same family and regularly maintained would be a plus in my book. Do they have all of the maintenance documented? That would be another big plus IMHO.
The ONLY thing I'd be "concerned" about with that deal is the automatic transmission. Nissan automatics aren't known for their longegevity, and if regular maintenance hasn't been performed (regular fluid changes), the durability of that transmission COULD be suspect.
But if it drives good, and the rest of the vehicle has been maintained, it sounds like it's probably a non-issue. Couldn't hurt to ask them when was the last time they serviced the transmission. Sounds like a good deal, and I wouldn't let the miles bother me at all. I have 183k on my '95 and it still drives really well. There's some frame rust here and there (hey, it's import steel), but the driving experience is pretty good for so many miles. I expect another 100k out of it easily.
aint a bad thing to have a lot of miles, im runnin 210k on my 85 pickup, runs like a gem, but its manual, not auto, so do check yourself, and if u have the time/money, u should get it changed to manual, ull love it...ps..do keep your oil filled, dont let it run down on u...
I'd offer him $1000 and go for it, if I were you. That truck might last you 50,000 or you might get another 150,000 out of it. Think of it this way: No car payment! My truck has 205,000 and runs like new...I have co-workers with 315,000 and 375,000 (yes, really) on their trucks. Take care of it, fix it when it needs fixed, and it'll do fine. My grandad owned some Datsun trucks that we swear must have had at least half a million miles on them HAH
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