Clueless... mechanical inquiry/help please!

[Brittney Hanna]

Hey everyone,

New to the forums.. I had Chevy Colorado right after they came back... totaled it in a stupid act.. Been stuck with a commuter car I paid too much for and had no idea what meant what in the purchase process.. invested another $4K and counting for a vehicle I loath and hate.

I've learned a bit BUT... hoping ya all can help a gal out on this one...

I found a 1996 (er.. a bit older then I would like but hey... I'm a cougar in my RL relationship being senior to him by 3 years... we can try this out...) Dodge Ram - I think it is a 2500 but not sure.

The ad says "Truck runs good now when I put it in gear it dies after changing transmission filter new micky Thompson’s on it believe tourqe converter went out but not sure let me no what you have or looking for someone to help fix or a nice family car thank"

Not trying to blast the guy... I have sent in a few more questions. I am NOT a mechanical chick... every vehicle I have ever had I bought from the lot or took over the payments to help my Mum out.

What in the world could be wrong with the pickup? What should I ask (200k+ miles.. was the engine rebuilt? I'm out of my depth here...).

 

[Wiredawg]

Buying a older truck with mechanical issues without being mechanical probably not a good idea and could end up being your next bad story.

Sounds like you don't know anybody who is mechanical, so best idea is to take whatever you considering buying to an experienced mechanic to evaluate it for you.

Maybe someone else here has better advice. Good luck finding a good vehicle.

Cheers, Ron

 

[BigPapa]

Where are you?

 

[GAmes]

I also believe that buying an older vehicle with issues is a bad idea if you aren't a mechanic. Buying an old Dodge Ram with automatic transmission issues is a REALLY bad idea. The cost of repairs could easily be in excess of one of the throw away cars on the market (Hyundai/Kia). My opinion, if you are in need of a car or pickup, is a late model Toyota.

 

[EDankievitch]

I agree with the other two replies. You don’t know what your getting into. Could be a simple fix. Could be a money pit. Only way to find out for sure is have someone in the know go over it with you. A 96 Cummins is a mechanical engine. For the transmission to stall the engine when going into gear... Could get expensive!!!!!
Keep looking. I’m sure there is a good truck at a fair price out there for you. Probably one listed on here..

 

[endoscott]

I agree with GAmes on the Toyota idea. They are generally bulletproof, especially engine/trans. With normal maintenance easily 300K rigs. Yes, you will still have wear items to fix, like ball joints and stuff like that, but I recently changed shocks on our '97 4runner off road build and at 185,000 miles the original shocks were not leaking and the suspension guy said they still would have had some life in them. Of course the Bilsteins are an upgrade, but still, those original ones were going along OK. you will get 100,000 miles out of a set of factory brake pads. On our old 97 that we bought new (daughter still has it) I never had a single repair until over 100,000 miles and that was a starter, basically a wear item. I wouldn't be afraid of an old Toyota Tacoma either if you need a small truck. Tundra if you need full size. Too bad Toyota doesn't sell full size CTD powered trucks, they would sell a million of those.

 

[GrantP]

I would get an estimate on a full rebuild of the transmission (probably around $5k) then add that to the asking price. Is the truck still worth it to you then?

The only thing that doesn't scare me about this is the 200k miles on the engine, if it's been maintained then that's a non issue. If you see a Fram oil filter on the truck just walk away.

Not being able to test drive it due to the transmission problems, you may find another rat's nest of issues once it runs again. If you don't have the budget or the ability to buy and fix what could turn out to be a major project, walk away.

Toyota Tacoma is a good suggestion but their resale values are high (and for good reason). I'd say keep shopping...

 

[HPSimpson]

Another person ask questions and never here again?

 

[Brittney Hanna]

Not true - I am here. And reading the comments and suggestions.

I am located in Oregon - specifically the coast with travel to the mid valley regularly. I am not mechanically inclined nor do I have a tech savvy friend to sucker into a garage date and a case of beer. So keep shopping is the smartest thing to do!

Thanks everyone!

 

[Wiredawg]

Hey Brittney,

If I was close by, Id help you... there are some members up in your neck of the woods that might could help out too. I see a lot of great 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Gen trucks come out of that part of the country, but can be pricey if in good to great shape. In the heyday of the TDR, we formed chapters in different parts of the country, had wrenching gatherings, and helped esch other when we had more extensive work to do. Not sure where the downturn ocurred, but life isn't the same so much now.

Maybe if you can find an elderly couple selling the car/truck, a deal can be had. There's a lot of checklists out there for buying a used vehicle that you don't have to be a mechnic to figure out if something is at least worth spending $150 to $250 to check out deeper. Leaks, squeeks, unusual sounds, unusual tire wear, steering sloppy, body panels, hoods, trunks, and doors not straight, unusual smells, check corners in the truck, faded stained carpet. unusual smoking (from the engine) etc. Also when getting serious, check CarFax on history.

Anyhoo, best of luck finding something decent to drive.

Cheers, Ron