Salt, Rust, and the value of a diesel engine
OK - I don't want this to become a diesel vs. gas debate, so I'm going to try to be very specific with my question. We might be in the market for a used truck in the next couple of years. Most gas...
Forum Discussion
"There's some value to this consideration, but as a person who doesn't know a lot about cars, I worry about that process. If I try to buy long distance, I'm going to need a LOT of coaching on here as to how to make sure something is worth it before I jump on a plane to go buy it! Between flight, hotels, food and gas, I'd be adding upwards of $1,000 to the cost of a $25k truck - that's a big premium and one you'd only want to do once! Honestly, it scares me a bit! "
And this TOTALLY makes sense. Myself being more of a gearhead, I didn't consider that. AND being's you're looking at 10 year old diesels potentially, each model, IMO has it's own quirks that are potentially much more expensive to fix than their gas counterparts.
Even knowing what I know, my theory on used vehicles is I pretty much ONLY buy private party, typically older folks whom a person can get a good feel for how they "live" including how they take care of their cars.
Since you're considering gas trucks too, I'll add, I think gassers fetch even less in/around the mountains out west for obvious reasons, so the deal may be a bit sweeter and not as many "quirks" to consider.
I've bought several vehicles long distance, at least long enough the drive would p!ss you off if you got there and it wasn't as represented. Alot of communication with the owner, alot of pics and being a decent judge of character, IMO is almost as good as being a good mechanic. Luck of the draw says you could get a good looking turd from the car lot across the street just as easily.
FWIW, one of the big selling points of the car we just got our son, was the add said "no text, land line" combined with the pics that were in grampas garage that you could eat off the floor, I was 95% sold before we drove down there.
Anyhow, something to consider. Having spent a great deal of time in Northern WI, and growing up in IL and working as a fleet mechanic through high school and college, if I never get under a rusty vehicle again, it'll be too soon!
If you find a cherry truck in Seattle I'd be happy to give it a once over for you if I could.
And this TOTALLY makes sense. Myself being more of a gearhead, I didn't consider that. AND being's you're looking at 10 year old diesels potentially, each model, IMO has it's own quirks that are potentially much more expensive to fix than their gas counterparts.
Even knowing what I know, my theory on used vehicles is I pretty much ONLY buy private party, typically older folks whom a person can get a good feel for how they "live" including how they take care of their cars.
Since you're considering gas trucks too, I'll add, I think gassers fetch even less in/around the mountains out west for obvious reasons, so the deal may be a bit sweeter and not as many "quirks" to consider.
I've bought several vehicles long distance, at least long enough the drive would p!ss you off if you got there and it wasn't as represented. Alot of communication with the owner, alot of pics and being a decent judge of character, IMO is almost as good as being a good mechanic. Luck of the draw says you could get a good looking turd from the car lot across the street just as easily.
FWIW, one of the big selling points of the car we just got our son, was the add said "no text, land line" combined with the pics that were in grampas garage that you could eat off the floor, I was 95% sold before we drove down there.
Anyhow, something to consider. Having spent a great deal of time in Northern WI, and growing up in IL and working as a fleet mechanic through high school and college, if I never get under a rusty vehicle again, it'll be too soon!
If you find a cherry truck in Seattle I'd be happy to give it a once over for you if I could.
