Does anyone completely go through their new to them truck when you first get it?

[venuspie1]

Just picked up my 95 and it had one owner and 168k miles. Kept up really well and runs great. So the first thing I do is start replacing things. Makes sense I know. I really enjoy tinkering and just making things better. So I replace all the maintenance items. Plugs,wires, filters, t-stat, oil and trans fluid. Flushed the heater core and radiator and engine block when doing t-stat. Vacuum lines or anything else I can come up with. Actually looking for more ideas of maintenance items if anyone has some.

None of this HAD to be done but I enjoy it so much that I actually start wasting money on parts. My last ranger, I had $3500 in a $2500 truck. New A/C, which was a fun learning experience. New timing belt etc.... Goes on and on. Then I had to sell it because I wanted this 95 4.0 pretty bad. Had to take a loss on it.

I starting to look at it as if I'm paying for my enjoyment so it isn't a loss. I really have fun tearing it apart and putting it back better.

Anyone else like this? Or am I just crazy.

 

[Dirtman]

Nope, when I buy a used truck I never even test drive it. I bring it home and weld the hood shut. What goes on under there is none of my business!

 

[Shran]

Most of my vehicles came to me as basket case junk that needed a lot of work... so yes... they get a lot of repairs right off the bat, simply out of necessity.

 

[venuspie1]

What I'm talking about is doing stuff for no other reason than to make yourself feel better and know it was done right. Such as changing plugs and wires when the truck is running perfect already. Or changing all of the fluids even though the previous owner said they were done recently but has no proof and they look good on the dipstick. Replacing t-stat and flush and new coolant when it currently doesn't overheat.

 

[RobbieD]

More of an IRRAN thing here; Inspect, Repair or Replace As Needed. I like splurging on other unnecessary luxuries like groceries and the light bill. : )

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I look for change under the seats and rug.









No, I don't replace things just cause. I'm too broke for that.

 

[19Walt93]

I go through anything I buy that isn't new and I take the brakes apart and lube up the caliper slides during the PDI on new ones I've bought. Making sure the maintenance is up to date isn't wasting money,it's insurance against break downs. If the coolant hoses are original they deserve replacement by now.

 

[wildbill23c]

Nope not at all....Replacement engine and transmission rebuilt in my 88 Bronco 2....just replace all the drive train components as soon as you get a used vehicle it'll solve a few issues, electrically no, but mechanically it'll solve a few LOL.

 

[sgtsandman]

I always assume the previous owner was an idiot and “never had to do anything but change the oil”. I’m seldom disappointed.

Even a “certified used” vehicle gets a complete once over.

 

[cbxer55]

When I bought the 2007 Mustang in November last year, I even took a code scanner with me to check and see if any PD codes were there. Guys like "what's that?" LMAO!!

Went through it with a fine tooth comb. Under the hood, under the car, trunk, everywhere. Test drove it. Was happy with it. Bought it! Got it home, ordered new intake the first day. Had it on the next weekend, along with a Ford Racing strut tower brace.

 

[RobbieD]

I look for change under the seats and rug.

Just be careful, and watch out for underwear and sex toys.

 

[cbxer55]

Just be careful, and watch out for underwear and sex toys.

Used condoms perhaps? ;-)

 

[JohnnyO]

Never bought a used truck but when I buy a used anything else I change ALL the fluids and filters and check the plugs and replace if necessary.

 

[Bgunner]

I do my personal once over once the vehicle is home. This means lifted and 100% from nose to tail inspection and cleaning. I do this to know the vehicles condition and what needs or soon will need to be replaced. I have a touch of Vehicle OCD and it needs to be fixed to perfection, my perfection, or I literally loose sleep and dream about it. SO I do understand the need to fix or have something to do.

This stems from the need for gratification whether it be instant or from seeing the fruit of your labor it is all gratification. Many people like seeing something they accomplished and to see it physically and in 3D it is better.

Welcome to the car bug buddy... set a budget a week is the best suggestion I can give so you don't go broke.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

If left to my own devices and an open pocketbook I would probably replace all typical wear items as soon as I buy a used vehicle. It’s never worked that way yet though.

Usually I take sgtsandman’s approach and give it a once over, tune-up, and cleaning. That’s typically all the time I have and all my wallet will take. Everything else takes on an extended scope of work.

My 4x4 Ranger is a prime example. I’ve had it just over three years now. From the day I drove it home I vowed to fix all of the half-baked wiring from a previous owner. It’s still not fixed, but that should change next week because it’s finally become a problem child. New battery terminals, wire, splitters, fuse blocks, the whole works. I’m tired of random no-starts because the wiring is finally giving up. I know it’s the wiring because I wiggled it the other day when it wouldn’t start (dome light wouldn’t even come on), and all of a sudden I had contact again. Pretty sure it’s probably battery terminal related to be precise, but I’m anal about wiring so it’s all getting done right. With welding cable instead of regular battery cable.