Im looking to buy a 1989 gmc k1500 stepside z71. I currently drive a ford exploder and am looking to make the switch to a truck. I just need some tips on what to look for when i go to see the truck. I already walked around it and peaked in the window and it seems solid except for a little rot on the passenger front fender, rear bumper needs replacing, and the rubber under the widows is dry rotted. I did however notice moisture under the truck near the gas tank and it seemed to be wet from there to the engine. Keep in mind that it did not smell like gas and it rained the night before but it was greasy and everything else waws dry. The truck is selling for $2900 and i beleive has 125k on it any help would be appreciated thanks.
new guy from nh need some tips
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I'm not too familiar with that year model but I know for a fact that there are several users here who are. Give it a few minutes and I'm sure that someone will be able to help you. Until then... Welcome to GMTC!
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welcome to the club. sorry cant help ya.
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Welcome to the club. Check under the floor rug, bottom of doors & fenders for rust. Also unless this truck is really clean or has lots of add-ons $2900.00 seems a bit to much.
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Welcome to the club...Silveradotrailblazer said most of the really ugly stuff........ Rust......... The rest is pretty much normal wear & tear I've got a 89 K1500..... Rusty but trusty.............That's why I got my 98..
thanks Thats what i figured i just wanted to make sure there wasnt any major issues i should know about. The truck seems solid accept for one fender that has a little rot. The underside is good (and by good i mean new england standards, rusty but solid) I also agree that $2900 was high but it was or best offer so i figured id start around $1800 and go from there. A thought just hit me when i looked at the truck the bed was full of water. Do you think that the moisture on the tank could be water dripping from the bed maybe picking up greaese from the metal?
---------- Post added at 02:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:27 PM ----------
alright so i just got off the phone with the seller who happens to be the original owner and im goin to take a look at it later tonite. it has 225k miles on the truck but the motor was replaced at about 94k. he tells me it is inspected and has good tires and new brakes. and the price is flexible. Ill let you know how it goes.
---------- Post added at 02:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:27 PM ----------
alright so i just got off the phone with the seller who happens to be the original owner and im goin to take a look at it later tonite. it has 225k miles on the truck but the motor was replaced at about 94k. he tells me it is inspected and has good tires and new brakes. and the price is flexible. Ill let you know how it goes.
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Good luck!!!!
just got back from a test drive, it has a few things wrong. The steering is loose, the passenger seat belt is stuck, the gas gauge only goes up to half a tank, and the headliner is sagging way down. not sure if this is the truck im gonna go with yet. it runs fairly good and is comfortable. If i cant get it for around $1500-$1800 ill keep looking because it needs other things as well like fender and window seals etc.
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Welcome to the G M T C !
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good luck, and welcome to the club
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Welcome and good luck w/your search!
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Welcome to the club!
Hey Welcome to the Crew! Here's my warning:
Last summer I bought a 90 K1500 with the 5.7 liter 4spd 4x4. At a glance it needed a new CV arm - which theoretically will fix your loose steering problem.... Then I replaced the tie rod ends, upper and lower control arms, front shocks and one of the steering dampers I think is what it's called.... I bought mine for 500 bucks, and was ready to learn about it. If you have the time, and these parts are showing wear beyond their "safe" zone, I strongly urge you to replace them. Independant Front Suspension has some really great advantages - so long as it is maintained.
Don't have emissions standards up here, but I also replaced the exhaust, O2 sensor, air and fuel filters as well.
In the end, I put about 700 bucks into it. My stepson bought his own vehicle while I tried to get this one road ready, and I was able to turn it for 1500 dollas!
Good Luck!
Last summer I bought a 90 K1500 with the 5.7 liter 4spd 4x4. At a glance it needed a new CV arm - which theoretically will fix your loose steering problem.... Then I replaced the tie rod ends, upper and lower control arms, front shocks and one of the steering dampers I think is what it's called.... I bought mine for 500 bucks, and was ready to learn about it. If you have the time, and these parts are showing wear beyond their "safe" zone, I strongly urge you to replace them. Independant Front Suspension has some really great advantages - so long as it is maintained.
Don't have emissions standards up here, but I also replaced the exhaust, O2 sensor, air and fuel filters as well.
In the end, I put about 700 bucks into it. My stepson bought his own vehicle while I tried to get this one road ready, and I was able to turn it for 1500 dollas!
Good Luck!
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