Im turning 16 in 9 days and getting my liscense. yesterday, i test drove a truck owned by a guy off craigslist. The test drive went great i love the truck yada yada yada. We also took it to the AAA shop to get it check out, not too bad(check picture below to see the report). However, AAA says its $1300 in repairs for everything, including little stuff like wipers and turn signal. But i consider myself a fairly competant diy mechanic, i have enough tools for just about anything but i have never really worked near the engine, ive done disk brakes and oil changes by myself but never valve cover gaskets or (front)crank shaft oil seals or an oxygen sensor but after looking on youtube at "how to install ________ on a dakota" everything seems pretty simple, simple enough for me to do and save about $1100. Any of you ever done repairs like this? do you think i could handle em? and also, what do you think of the truck? how much should i offer him? (it is fully loaded(slt/sport), running boards, bed cover, leather int, leather wheel, stereo controls on wheel, roof rack)


http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/2936001964.html
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/2918412640.html

April2012Dodgedakotareport2.jpg
April2012Dodgedakotareport1.jpg

 

The rust is some what of concern. I would make sure it's not any worse underneath. Judging by the plates it's not a nc truck but rather a northern one that has seen much snow and salt . I'd show him the rust and repair sheet and start w a 3500 offer

 

ehh... shops are garbage, they just want your $$ , and if your takeing a truck to a shop to get it checked out, then they know your not mechanically advanced enough to check it out yourself hah...

i'd say have the guy get the check engine light fixed himself.. just my opinion..


Half the stuff on that list sounds like abunch of **** tho lol

 

there is a decent bit of rust under the door, like the doorjam i think and yes it has been in wi for the last 11 yrs, but do you think those repairs are easily done by an amateur even tho they may just be bs?

 

I will move this to the 2nd Generation Dakota Sub-Forum.

 

Well if you're planning on just using bondo to get rid of your rust and what not it's gonna come back in a year if you live up north.

With 147,000 miles and a lot of rust work, not to mention the CEL is on, I wouldn't pay $5000 for it. I'd offer $3000 and not go any higher than 3700.

Bring a scan tool with ya and check out the codes.

 

I second this

 

as a technician... Judging from the report they gave you.. its not a bad deal. Valve cover gaskets arent bad at all... few nick nacks here and there...some maintenance items... and its good to go...I would address the rust with the dude... I wouldnt buy a dog with cancer... Just me...

 

I live in NC so not too much rust risk but i was gunna sand all the rust down, put some pos15 on it, bondo and primer and whatever else i need to keep it away for a while but the rust under the running boards is my bigger concern, its not as simple as spackling a wall like the rust hole by the front wheel is

 

Most of that stuff is pretty easy. The outer tire wear on the tire concerns me; could be bad inflation or worth front-end parts. They said your undercarriage looked good, though.

The seals leaking is also a concern. You're going to have to be very diligent about checking your oil. As long as they don't leak too much, you'll be okay.