My buddy is going to look at a 97 12 valve 5 spd with 151k miles on it. I know the motor and trans, but no idea what to check out chassis/body wise.

We're going down in ~2.5 hours to check it out, may or may not be able to test drive it tonight. He'll be looking again and possibly buying tomorrow morning, but I gotta be in class and won't be able to be present.

Dealership is saying excellent shape, no scratches or dings. We haven't seen it at all yet. They are asking $9,900. thats about on track with NADA but still seems like a lot for a 12 year old truck.
but what do I know, I'm quickly coming up to 20k on one 2 years older

 

depending on the shape

 

If the truck is a 4x4 and a Ext Cab then at 9900 its a steal,unless you find its not very nice inside or out.Ball joints are not a issue with this year,check the trac bar and tie rod ends for looseness and look it over good for oil leaks.The rest can be fixed and it will run along time.

 

we went and looked at it tonight. It isn't as clean as described. paint is pretty clean, no big dents, but there's a lot of sun damage, seats are torn, etc.
This is a trade in a dealer took and is selling. They said they checked out the front end parts and they look good. The front tires are almost bald, and they played it off that this old guy who otherwise took excellent care of this truck never rotated them, but the wear definitely isn't normal.
Its also leaking oil. I didn't get to hear it run tonight, but its got a nice film all under the truck. They say they've got a guy coming in friday to pay $9,900 for it. He's gonna offer 8500 and see what happens.

 

too much $$$$$ for that. i got a 96 with new ball joint and trac bar. 15000 miles on new tranny low stall and shift kit. good paint no rips or tears 151000 on truck. newer tires as well for 7400. the motor was bone stock and have 4500 in receits for the frontend and tranny work done in the last 15000 miles. keep looking!!!!!!!!

 

yeah I agree. Not my decision but I told him no way in hell he should drop that coin on something that old.

 

I bought mine for 6k with very few mods and 200k miles
I think if the transmission and the drive train are good then it isnt out of the question to pay that much

 

What do you bet they only gave him $3000 for it.

 

I paid $7000.00 for mine and i think mines in better shape.

 

(They say they've got a guy coming in friday to pay $9,900 for it.)

That line would make me really suspisious.Sounds like he's tring to pull a fast one.But thats just me.

I paid 10,000$ for mine and it's in better shape.