Faults:
I bought the truck in 2007, from the original owner, with only 88,000 miles. Paid $800.
I purchased it knowing that the automatic trans. would sometimes act like it was going into neutral when shifting from 1st to 2nd. The mechanic at the trans. shop stated that this could be due to a hardened seal, and suggested that I try pouring a few ounces of brake fluid into the trans. (note: brake fluid tends to make rubber get soft and swell up). I got lucky. After pouring in 10 ounces of brake fluid and driving a few miles, the problem went away and the truck now has 144,000 miles and still shifts perfectly.
The old truck looks a little rough, but has been super dependable. It's made a 2,200 mile round trip from N. Carolina to Minnesota and a 1,600? mile round trip to Michigan without missing a beat. Both times towing a trailer and loaded down with household stuff.
Problems?
- Trans. "neutralizing". Fixed with $3 bottle of brake fluid.
- Replaced starter.
- Windshield wiper linkage bushings worn out. $5 in parts but what a PAIN to install.
- Replaced radiator.
- Replaced water pump.
- Turn signal switch broken.
- A/C not working.
- Normal maintenance. Brakes, oil, tires, etc.
29th Oct 2012, 18:04
Daily driver indeed at 185 miles per day, 7 days a week, for six years.