Ok so im looking at a 1996 chevy suburban with 208k miles it has some cosmetic issues but idrc about the outside since its gonna be a beater/work truck everything works in the inside he wants 1500$ But idk are these trucks good? Like should i worry about the tranny or anything big? Please lmk

 

It has 208K miles on it and pushing 25 years old; things are going to breakdown, you have to expect it.

Tom

 

You think ill be dumping thousands?

 

I have no idea, it could be a great truck with no issues, but it has mileage and age on it.

Tom

 

Be right back. Let me check my crystal ball ...

 

I have a 93 with 350k. Needed a new tranny at 200k but otherwise routine maintenance has kept it running well and it would have been a great beater work truck. Got any maintenance records?

 

It all depends on how well the truck was maintained. Are there any maintenance records? Check the fluids, is the oil dirty, is the transmission fluid burned or is it pink in color? Check the air filter. Is the check engine light on? This will give you an idea of how the truck was taken care of.

 

The biggest indicator of durability at that point in a truck's life is how it was maintained. Does the current owner have maintenance records showing fluid changes - not just oil changes, but transmission, transfer case, axles, radiator, hell, even power steering? What about the rubber - boots, belts, hoses, etc? Are there spots of grease near the suspension fittings and boots, indicating they were regularly maintained?

No records? I'd walk away.

Is the platform solid? Yes, very. But a 100k truck with little maintenance is going to be in much rougher mechanical shape than one with 200k that was meticulously maintained.

 

Mister, I'm a mechanic, not a magician.. How much money do you plan to spend on an old vehicle that has 208k miles and, is a 1996? Insurance, inspections, tags, plate, and anything and everything it has to have to be roadworthy? Personally, I wouldn't buy an air-bag anything, but that's my opinion.