Need input...possible new truck...

[Mark_88]

might have to park my 88 until the drive clean crap clears out of Ontario (haven't had it tested...but I know it will cost me more than I can afford because I threw out all the emission crap when they told me I didn't need the test...now they tell me I need the test...grrrrrrrr)...

Anyways, a guy I met has a 1997 regular cab long box 3.0 4x4 that he may be selling...only problem I'm concerned about is changing the heater core...which I understand is quite a bit more complex than my 88...

The truck has been rolled...and has minor body damage...and it has 381,000 Km on the clock...

My concern there is how long do the 3.0s last...what should I look/listen for...

Otherwise it is clean...didn't drive it yet but that would be step 2...I just sat in the cab to see if I could wrap myself in a standard cab...it was tight...and I don't fancy the truck for that reason...but it is automatic and has tilt steering...which are two pluses for a big person...

Appreciate the input...

 

[EERNGER]

I have had good luck with 3.0L's, the are a pretty dependable engine if they are maintained properly (rule goes for pretty much anything, but especially crucial in higher mileage vehicles). If the guy who is selling it seems to have a good grasp on how to maintain vehicles, then it could be a good move. If it were maintained properly and at a good price, i would not be scared of it.

 

[02RangerXLT]

With that many miles, I'd find something better.

 

[Mark_88]

I have had good luck with 3.0L's, the are a pretty dependable engine if they are maintained properly (rule goes for pretty much anything, but especially crucial in higher mileage vehicles). If the guy who is selling it seems to have a good grasp on how to maintain vehicles, then it could be a good move. If it were maintained properly and at a good price, i would not be scared of it.

With that many miles, I'd find something better.

Thanks for the input...I'm not committed to it but just wanted some input...I was kinda shocked at the high mileage, but my Tempo had almost 400,000 on it and would still probably been on the road if it hadn't rusted out on me...high mileage usually means either everything that needed to be replaced was, or it is about to become a money pit...

 

[4.0B2]

honestly, mileage is nothing.. IF MAINTAINED PROPERLY, my dad had a 89 chevy 2500 with a 350 that had 550,000 miles and the motor was never taken out of the truck. still runs today with 670,000 as we know the guy that bought it. but anyways-- the 3.0 is a good motor and will last.. just depends on if it was taken care of. listen for noises of the motor, ticks, rattles, vacuum leaks...

 

[derekj]

The truck has been rolled...

I would never buy something that had been rolled - walk away.