Author Topic: Newbie Truck Buying Advice  (Read 1523 times)

Offline gravycat99

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Newbie Truck Buying Advice
« on: December 15, 2022, 12:01:37 AM »
Hello!,

So over the past few years i've been getting more into these amazing trucks and plan to buy one soon. I don't really have any specific plans for a truck other than fix it up and give me something to do on the weekends. I'm considering buying this 1980 C20 Cheyenne Camper Special with a 454 and 200K miles for $3500. The box has been swapped out and is a different color. Also the body is all in great shape, no rust at all from what I can see. I've been looking on facebook marketplace for about 6 months and Prices on C10s are getting insane here in So Cal.. Seems like very few decent trucks that are driving for under 4-5K.

So My question is will I be sorry getting a c20? Should I hold out for a c10? What do you think?

Offline Shifty

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Re: Newbie Truck Buying Advice
« Reply #1 on: December 15, 2022, 08:15:27 AM »
A half-ton will definitely give better ride-quality, a 3/4 better load capability.  Comes down to wants/needs. Welcome either way from Tucson, AZ!
87 V20 Standard Cab Longbed (current)

87 R30 3+3 Longbed (days of yore)

98 C2500 ext cab longbed

Offline gravycat99

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Re: Newbie Truck Buying Advice
« Reply #2 on: December 15, 2022, 11:27:26 AM »
Thanks Shifty, Yeah I don't really know what I want/need. I just have a little cash burning a hole in my pocket and need something to wrench on!

Offline Shifty

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Re: Newbie Truck Buying Advice
« Reply #3 on: December 15, 2022, 11:37:03 AM »
Tough time to buy, but a great time to sell.  If you're just playing, I'd stick to the half-tons, they are much easier to sell later.  Long beds can be had much cheaper than shorties, but I'm sure you've seen that. 
87 V20 Standard Cab Longbed (current)

87 R30 3+3 Longbed (days of yore)

98 C2500 ext cab longbed

Offline Swampyankee74

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Re: Newbie Truck Buying Advice
« Reply #4 on: December 15, 2022, 12:44:46 PM »
Make sure you look for rotten t-posts and around windshield and rear window frame. And check to make sure the cowl isn't rotted out. Check the to make sure the firewall isn't rotted at the horizontal seem behind the motor.  You live in a nice place to find some nice older vehicles.

Offline gravycat99

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Re: Newbie Truck Buying Advice
« Reply #5 on: December 15, 2022, 09:31:32 PM »
Thanks for the tips Everyone, I'll post if I buy something..

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Newbie Truck Buying Advice
« Reply #6 on: December 17, 2022, 08:36:47 PM »
Welcome from SoCal San Diego.

I'd stay with the 1/2 ton. In fact I have one I might let go... 8)
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline AsolMarandy

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Re: Newbie Truck Buying Advice
« Reply #7 on: December 28, 2022, 09:12:13 AM »
I went through the same....looked for used truck and choose between two different models, for me the most important was vehicle inspection report, I bought the car with better report results and it was a good deal             

Offline Stewart G Griffin

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Re: Newbie Truck Buying Advice
« Reply #8 on: January 14, 2023, 10:09:13 AM »
My .02 :

It sounds like you want a 1/2----because you "just want something to work on / weekend project."    1/2 tons are closer to cars, for example 5 lug wheels vs.  8 lugs for the 3/4 ton.   1/2 tons are more "car-like,"  therefore more "hotrod-able."   Although a 3/4 ton could be hotrodded or worked on obviously.

If given two available choices, then i would go 1/2 ton.  Since only one choice is available at the moment, then the 3/4 is not a bad route.

Both ways are winning without any real losing either way.