Posted: Sep 16 2008 at 5:30am | IP Logged

Important non-specific issues.

What was the maintenance performed on the vehicle?  What oil?  How often was it changed?

Was the trans serviced regularly?  The differentials?  The transfer case?  Was the cooling system flushed regularly?  Look into the radiator.  Is it filled with hardened mineral/chemical deposits?

Is there severe rust anywhere?  Pull up a piece of carpet and look underneath as well.

Drive it through a puddle and then look at the tire tracks.  Does it "crab"?  If so, it may have been in an accident.  Is there odd wear on any of the tires?  Is the steering wheel sloppy with lots of play?  Are the shocks leaking fluid?

Check brakes.  Will you soon need new pads/shoes/rotors?

How is the exhaust system?  Will it need replaced soon?

How old is the battery?  Are the terminals corroded?

Look at the body from the front or back.  Are there ripples or blemishes in the finish?  If so, may indicate a repair.  Test such areas with a small magnet.  If no response, it indicates a lot of body filler.

These are all things I would check on  a vehicle with 100,000 miles (or any used vehicle).  Overall, it will tell you what type of care the owner took of the truck.