Buying a clunker

[dbusher]

Hi. New to forum.  I am going to save a clunker.   I just sold my 03 Rubicon and am looking to buy a 87 Chevy. The current owner put in a new tranny,  new $3K paint job, bumpers and hoses.  Runs real well. I plan on taking another test drive this friday and dig into the details of the truck. 
He is asking $3k   (a/c and horn does not work).

From the scant details I provided here,  does this sound like a good idea?

Also, my wife has concerns about the following:
- Is it going to fall apart and cost more then its worth? 
- Are parts hard to find?
- How do you put a family of 5 in this thing?

My answers (would like yours also)
- It will probably have a few issues but the repairs will be relatively cheaper then the ones we would have with our current 03 jeep
- No.  Not that I know of anyway.
- Slap a couple of bucket seats in the back bed.

Look forward to you responses. 

Dom

[eventhorizon66]

R10 or V10?  Is this a daily driver or a play thing?  If so, will it meet your needs as such?  Your right about your wife's first two concerns, but she may have a good point on the occupant capacity.  Mounting a bench seat in the bed wouldn't be my first choice for a solution.  If you really want a 73-87, why not hunt down a nice K5, so the kiddos will have a place to sit.  Although, it's unlikely you'll as sweet a deal for a Blazer.

At any rate, $3K for a clean 87, regardless of model, is a good buy in my book.

[dbusher]

Hi. Thanks for the response.

R10 or V10?  //not sure. I will ask.
Is this a daily driver or a play thing? //we have a nice family truck already. This would be for driving about 5-20miles a day to work and back..thats about it.

I will look into the K5.

Thanks for your input.

[eventhorizon66]

Hi. Thanks for the response.

R10 or V10?  //not sure. I will ask.
Is this a daily driver or a play thing? //we have a nice family truck already. This would be for driving about 5-20miles a day to work and back..thats about it.

I will look into the K5.

Thanks for your input.

R10 = 1/2 ton 2WD

V10 = 1/2 ton 4WD

What engine does it have?  4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L?

If this is just to get you to work and you like the truck, I'd say go for it.  Got any pics of it?

[VileZambonie]

First mistake is talking to the wife about it. Second mistake is not already buying it before someone else does.

[fitz]

Keep in mind that having passangers ride in the bed is illegal in some state even if you add seats and seatbelts.

[oldyeller]

If your going to be using it for a work truck, how often would there be 5 passengers?  It is possible, though most likely illegal.  We used to use our 77 to haul 2 adults and 3 children, me and my sister sat on my mom and brother's laps.  I think it would be a great buy.  Parts are usually easy to find and not nearly as expensive as any newer vehicle's parts.  If you take care of it, it will last a long time.  Maintenance is fairly simple.  If you already have a family truck, this one shouldn't have to haul the family.  If you want it for a family vehicle, think about the blazer or even a suburban.

[heyharris1]

Just my 2 cents, i bought an 86 chevy truck for getting wood. as a work truck i cannot complain, the thing is a beast. last trip i hauled 2 cords of wood in the bed and another cord on the trailer i was pullin. never missed a lick and cruised all day long at 60. as a family vehicle, no way. very rough ride could be because its a 1 ton. real stiff suspension, and the wife complained how unconfortable the ride was. good maybe she wont come next time i get wood. :-). as a work vehicle you cant go wrong. as a family vehicle i think there are beter choices. i would personally go with a suburban.
jim

[Captkaos]

I have been driving my 87 R10 since 2005, I sold a 97 lifted TJ for it.  Repair cost were the main reason.  I have driven my daughter in it and wouldn't think twice about it.  She was born after I got it.

As for seating 5 in it, not the best solution.  2 adults and 2 children are going to be cramped.

The biggest repair issue would be the motor/trans and anything can be retro'd in them, or any 87-93 is a bolt in.

[Stewart G Griffin]

One of the problems with the new program and just the term "clunker" is that it makes people think that just because a car is, say, older than say 6 or 7 years it's automatically a "clunker."

As we all know, this is so far from the truth.  And is it really giving the right message?

[dbusher]

Here is a pic of the truck.  Its a 4x4.  AZ allows for kids in the back under 18 if it has a camper shell.
I am going to take another test drive this Friday. Its been a while since I bought an older vehicle. Any suggestions on
what I should look for that might be a deal killer?
He is trying to sell for 4K along with him fixing the A/C.   I am going to offer 3K as is or $3500 if he fixes the AC.   
The front seat has a cover but its a bit ripped up as is the carpet. 
I will let you know how it goes on Friday.

[smitty77]

If the rest of it (inside and under it) looks as good as the photo, and you can get it for $3000 then I'd say you got one heck of a deal.  The biggest issue I've seen with the truck up here in the northeast is they literally rust to pieces (mostly cases it's body rust), but if it's a southern vehicle then you should be fine.  With a family, I'd look into a Blazer (K5) as I'm not a fan of kids riding in the back, even with a seat and belts - there's no roll-over protection for them back there.  But a Blazer will cost you more.  Either way, a Blazer is also prone to the same issues as these trucks.

If you aren't sure on the mechanical condition, take it to a trusted mechanic and have them give it the once-over to spot anything you might have missed.  If it were me, I'd at least do a compression check on the motor and wind it up on the highway for 10 or 20 miles (if he'll let you) and listen for any clunks or noises from the tranny, transfer case, and differentials.  These and a bad motor would be your biggest repair bills.  Steering components can get expensive if everything is worn and sloppy, so give that a good going-over.  Be wary if it was running before you went to look at it.  See if you can do a "pop-over" and watch it start from cold.  And lastly, check the frame where the steering box attaches and look closely for any cracks on the inside and outside of the frame.  This is a known weak spot on these trucks, and there is a weld-in repair kit for this.  If it's cracked, you just found another way to reduce the price.  If it's repaired, don't be alarmed as it is common.

Many places sell carpet and seat covering kits for about $500 total (if I recall) so don't let that be a deal breaker, but do use it as a bargaining tool.  And if you do get it, check the store out on this site for parts you may need.  I have yet to order anything, but everyone raves about Chris's prices and service and quality of merch.

[dumbucket1]

I would hardly call a vehicle I paid 4k for a clunker. In fact I never give more than 1k for one of these trucks and some of them are very nice.

[The dream]

I had to go Vile's way, Don't talk to the wife about it and just do it. My wife gave me a hard time for a while for getting my truck a few months ago, but now she is over it and I have a Great truck. 

[dbusher]

Hi dumbucket1.  So 3K might be to much?  I can't seem to find a truck like this for under 2K that doesn't seem to need considerable work.