rjxj wrote:
You can cover the basics but can never know for sure no matter what year it is. I have bought many used vehicles and always gone over the basics before trusting them. Tires, brakes, hoses, belts, water pump etc. 130,000 isn't that bad but years can be. If you are mechanically inclined you can carry tools but the most important tool is money. If I didn't have the money to fix whatever happens and put me up in a room or have the rig towed home then I'd stay home.
It's all about the maintenance of the vehicle !!!! When I purchase a new (used) vehicle I go over it with a fine tooth comb. Unless the previous owners can come up with invoices from reputable automotive repair ship I don't consider anything has been done. I start with replacing ALL the filters, ALL Rubber hoses, AT transmission filter, rear end fluid, ignition wires and associated parts. Check radiator & heater cores for signs of leaks or spongy cores. Replace automatically if vehicle is 15 yrs or older. On to breaks, new pads or shoes and break lines. Tires, yes unless DOT code is less than 3 yrs. Also dont forget to look at the drive shaft joints, and rear seals. Batteries, unless they 24-36 months old - replace them!!
I've done this religiously to ALL my vehicles across 50 yrs and have never been left stranded along side the road. Yes, my maintenance philosophy may be a little overboard. However, I give's me a baseline that I know that the item has been replaced / or maintained and I shouldn't have to worry about something breaking down or leaking out in the middle of Gods Country.
The same maintenance philosophy hold true for the Gen set, A/C, etc....
AL
