I know there are a lot of questions like this on q&a, but I feel as though mine is slighty different. I am considering buying (for free) an old GMC Sierra pickup truck, I believe it to be from the late 1980's. It has been sitting in a back yard for 5 years in Massachusetts, so it has been through its share of bad weather. I was told that the last time it was started, was 5 years ago, and ran fine then, but its condition now was unknown. I would imagine it to need a new battery and fluids, but I'm not sure of what else to be looking for. I've been told possibly brake lines, spark plugs, belts, & tires. Is this all true, and if so, is there anything else I should be checking? Is it at all possible to restore this vehicle to daily running condition for under $1,000.00? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
2007-02-02 01:13:15 · 6 answers · asked by Lefty R 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
go buy a running truck for the 1000 dollars.. really..The "free" truck will nickle and dime u to death...been there.
2007-02-02 01:17:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The main problem is that an engine without oil running through it once in a while gets rusty and just won't start. All the oil drops to the oil pan and sits there. They say the engine "seized up" and this is the same thing that happens to the brakes after sitting for only a week! It gets all rusty and the brake pads stick to the brake drum.
5 years is a looooong time to leave a car and not start or move it.
Under $1000? Yep, it probably still won't work even if you don't spend a penny on it. Late 1980s model, hasn't been moved or used in 5 years and left outdoors? Don't waste you time, seriously.
2007-02-02 01:21:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something to consider along with all the other answers. When a vehicle sits idle for an extended period of time the rubber and plastics used in making MANY parts dry out and "take Shape" These include tires, bushings, spacers, hoses, belts gaskets, wiring, weather seals and on and on. If and when you get this truck running you will find that as these rubber and plastic parts again begin to move as they were designed to do, they begin to deteriorate and break. This can over a short time get to be very frustrating and expensive. If you get the free truck running, beat the hell out of it for fun or take it to your local race track for the spectator's race or demolition derby
2007-02-02 03:23:18 · answer #3 · answered by mike k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My friend this truck will always need something. it is a money pit. Even if you got it running the fuel economy is about 12-15 mpg, on a good day. Take that $1000.00 and fin something that is on the road and you can evaluate it. One more thing as I to live in Mass., the rust on the undercarriage and frame are two more things that you an add to your list of problems.
2007-02-02 02:01:55 · answer #4 · answered by Boston Mark 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You CAN get the vehicle running, but not for under $1000.00 unless you're a mechanic and do much of it yourself.
More than likely, it has electrical problems on top of everything you've said.
Believe it or not, I did the SAME THING once with a car that was given to me for free after being abandoned like yours.
I spent over $800.00 in repairs, and had to end up junking it for the going rate of $50.00.
Go for it if you're mechanically inclined, but beware! If this thing could've been fixed with a thousand bucks, it would've already been done and not being given away for free.
2007-02-02 01:21:29 · answer #5 · answered by rob1963man 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why go that route. Spend your money on something that runs. Also consider the gas that thing will consume.
2007-02-02 01:17:52 · answer #6 · answered by SiLKy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋