We bought a truck one time and in the inspection discovered the air conditioner did not work. We asked for a reduction in price and they lowered about $1,000, which was a considerable amount since they were only asking about $3,500 in the first place. On our way home with our new truck, we realized it was due to a blown fuse. Thanks, Dave. All of your videos are very entertaining and useful.

Be great to see a series on how you restore this truck to a safe, nominal driving state. Tracking the costs of parts and tools needed would be nice too.

Inline 6 is a HUGE selling feature in those trucks. Nearly indestructible and good on fuel, backed by a 5 speed, perfection. Everything else I can fix....but I'm a mechanic.

Dave is the kind of guy we all wish we had as our neighbor. The kind of guy who just stop what he's doing to help you out and makes sure you're ok. Thanks Dave!

$500 truck $600 for new tires $700 for parts to fix everything else. One week total part time labor replacing defective parts. Definitely costs less than 2 monthly payments on a brand new truck. Be Blessed.

Boy! I thought we were rust prone here, but you guys took that to a whole new level.

I have purchased my share of older vehicles and I have to say that this is the best, most realistic video of what someone should go through when buying a used car that I have ever seen. By the same token, it's good to know what others are looking for when you are selling a vehicle so you can make some simple repairs to get the best return on your investment and this video does that as well. Nicely done!

I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about in most of this video! As a 78-year-old female, I missed out on that education. But, I am about to go out on the road by myself for the rest of my life (whatever is left of it) and so I do know I have got to learn something about how a truck runs. Your videos are always so easy to watch and so informative. Thanks for this video. So nice to see you again, I have missed your videos.

Excellent information. As far as costs go. New Truck $50,000. Old Truck $2000. Spend an additional amount money. Repair and replace the brake system. Especially the rear brakes most people never worked on them. Drain and replace the brake fluid. New plugs,wires, rotor and rotor cap. Replace hoses and belts Use an engine oil treatment of your choice. I like SeaFoam. Then change the oil and filter. Check the oil in the rear end. Check the transmission fluid. If it is low add a transmission additive for no slip etc. Put a new battery on it. Check the terminals and wires replace as needed. Spending an extra thousand or so doing all this will cut down on unexpected breakdowns.

This couldn’t have come at a better time, I’m looking for a truck at the moment, I’d like to find me a 90’s ford 4x4, I’m down state here in Michigan and the salt eats em up. I don’t mind it being rusty or banged up, but just want a reliable truck for hailing to our property . Thanks for sharing 👍🏻🇺🇸

So much wisdom here! Given the crazy prices for new pickups, this video is worth more than it's weight in gold!

Mechanical locking hubs-winning. Also on this particular truck it has one of the easiest Heater Cores to change in all my years of turning Wrenches. The only part that scare me on this truck is the remaining life of the hard lines (fuel, brakes.) All easily repairable. I agree about the Spring Perches, Body Mounts, and Frame condition. If they are extremely damaged, consider your options carefully. Rust never sleeps.....

100,000.00 "as is". I had to back up and look at that to make sure I was seeing that right. Love it! 🤣 Great video as always Dave! 👌🏼

Love your work Dave. I am listening. I might not have the flashest, newest, most computerised super-truck either - but like you - I HAVE LAND . . . . . Seriously - you & Brooke are heroes. Thank you both for sharing your philosophy.

Timely video for me, Dave. Thanks! My '02 Camry got flattened by a hillside full of trees on New Years Eve, true story. I had loaned it to my son because his car threw it's transmission and the wife and I have a nice ten year old mini van, I work from home, she's not working right now, so no hardship to us to help him out. He even parked it in his garage to keep it safe. Everything worked on that Camry, not a single thing wrong with it. On NYE here in Kentucky we had a major ice and wind storm, his house is at the bottom of a cliff. All the trees came down from the top of the cliff right onto his garage and the back of his house. Fortunately only cosmetic damage to the house but the garage was flattened, with my car in it. Funniest part of the story, once they cut down far enough to get to the car it was about half of it's normal height, but still started and drove out of the mess of trees onto the flat bed that hauled it away. Since our 4 wheel pick up got rear ended last Summer we have really wanted another one, so we decided to get one instead of another car. Hence how timely this video is for me. Another awesome video, thanks again.

This is super helpful for folks looking at older and older vehicles. Well done, and thanks.

Literally just was talking about potentially buying an old truck. I’ll watch this soon.

I love those old Fords! That one is a killer package. 4x4, standard, manual shift tcase, 4.9 I6! That will go for a long while yet!! Great video Dave! Keep it up! Cheers from BC Canada!

I drive a 2012 model hilux that first left the warehouse in 2016 and saw only 47 thousand miles. It’s the best find I ever had. Luckily got it right before the used market craze too

This is a very well done video and well put together! Great for a novice who is looking for a cheap truck ! You cover many things alot of people dont think about 👍

Greetings from Brazil

Good sound advice Dave. The last brand new vehicle I purchased from a dealership was way back in 1986. I've learnt over the years that if you know what to look for, you can find a very reliable used vehicle and save tens of thousands of dollars.

A couple things you didn't mention to check. First off, I always ask the owner for all maintenance records and receipts especially for recent repairs. Second, look at the State inspection sticker, if there is one and it's current. If not, or you reside in a State with no vehicle inspection then it's up to you as you just inspected it anyway. The other thing I do is ask the owner to jack up the front end so I can pull on the tire checking wheel bearings. I always bring a 3 ton hydraulic jack with me just for that purpose. Sometimes tire wear will expose a bad wheel bearing but not always. A simple rule of thumb when purchasing any used vehicle is expect to invest anywhere between $2,000 to $4,000 in repairs and replacement parts like tires. Great vid and I still learned a bunch. Cheers!

WOW that is a rust bucket! Glad I live out in the desert... you'd never see that. Even my '96 only has very superficial rust. You've been an inspiration Dave, thank you!

I missed the first 15+ min, will have to go back and view it. What I caught was great, real-life knowledge that is really helpful. Thanks so much Dave!

This Channel has pushed me from running the rat race to off grid. Owned a 2016 tacoma, spending all my money on bills to buying a 1994 K1500 with no payment. Such a good feeling. Thanks Dave

The older cars and trucks like that have engine bays that look complicated and overwhelming but once you get into it they're actually relatively easy and highly serviceable. They can rely more on vacuum than newer vehicles but they're a whole lot cheaper to fix than electric modules that go bad.

Construction guys and guys that work with their hands and brains are the best at this stuff....Worked construction as well as flew airplanes for a living and fixed my own stuff my whole life . Dave and Brooke and solid people in my book. Great vid Dave !

Everytime! I just love this channel, thank you so much for the genuine content you put out, nothing more nothing less, no gimmicks no clickbait. I appreciate you Dave.

Thanks for making this video Dave. As an owner of an old truck and someone with only basic knowledge of cars and engines, this sort of walkthrough really helps. Much appreciated!

Hey Dave, found your channel not too long ago. Big fan of what you’re doing, I like your videos cause they help me learn the simple need to know things about off grid/self sustaining smart living. Keep up the good work man!

This is invaluable information for anyone buying anything used..Thanks Dave your channel gets better as it evolves.

Dave your channel is so awesome! Great content and your approach to teaching viewers is fantastic.

I really enjoy your videos, Dave! This one is no exception! Buying an old used truck makes more sense than spending ridiculous amounts of money on something I'd be afraid to use for fear of damaging my investment. Thanks for sharing your knowledge! You're a good teacher, for sure.

Thank you so much Dave! I just bought a 23 year old tracker and I took a trusted mechanic with me. I like understanding stuff and learned a lot from this video. Knowledge is power!

I had the same truck, only mine was a standard cab with an 8' bed. Inline 6, 5-speed, dual fuel tanks, 4x4. Look forward to seeing you use this one. You are obviously very knowledgeable.

Been watching your videos for a while just recently subscribed. Man the way you share knowledge is absolutely awesome. It seems you take pride in trying to deeply explain what your doing to your fans so if they want to give it it a shot they may have a slight knowledge from your videos

This brought back memories of my dad working on his trucks, cars, and semi-he was a truck driver. When he bought his first new truck he popped the hood and started removing off all these new fangled things that "weren't necessary" to make a truck work. Looking back he probably should've bought another used one lol. Thanks for your expertise.

You’ve got 3/4M subscribers and still so practical and not showy, love it! So admirable

Thank you Dave. Really perfect timing. My wife and I are avid viewers of you and your wife. We are in the beginning stages of simplifying and moving off grid. Appreciate the knowledge and the way you both share it. Keep being radical.

Hi Dave, love your videos especially the ones about building your own cabin. Like you, I have a ninth generation F150. Mine is a single cab with the 302 engine - just purrs along, and has been absolutely reliable. Here in New Zealand we have LOTS of old American trucks!

i really appreciate you going through this. i am looking to get my first vehicle soon and i dont have a huge budget. this is really helpful Dave thank you!

I really love living in Montana. You can easily find old trucks with no rust.

My man Whipple never disappoints.

I absolutely love yours and Brooke's videos! Your my and Kerry's inspiration 😉 we only buy used crappy cars, never bought a new car, lasts longer, no car payments and living on a homestead we don't need a new fancy car! I love this video great information somethings we've never checked for. Keep these great informative videos coming!!

I was doing a roof for a woman and I asked one day "what are you gonna do with that old truck out in that field?" She said "if you can get it outta there, you can have it" Same truck as this 😏

Thanks Dave excellent info!!! I like how you break things down and make a intimidating process not so overwhelming!!!

You and Brooke are my hero’s! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. No more new vehicles for us. Off grid here we come.

Well, just as I expected. Another great posting by Dave the Man! Good thorough walk around that should help all the potential buyers from getting buyers remorse! Good point about expecting some issues, but knowing what's major and what's not is the key! Thanks for another great educational video. Stay radical!!

Six years ago I purchased a 93 Ranger XL. Although it had a few issues, most have since been dealt with and I'm very happy with the purchase. The plastic headlights in older Fords are subject to leakage, fogging, and discoloration and should be replaced. The good news is they aren't expensive. The bad news is the new replacements are just as prone to moisture and discoloration problems and a downright nightmare to install and align. It makes one long for the era of "five minutes and you're done" sealed glass headlights from yesteryear. My first replacements actually resembled partly filled aquariums after going through a rainy spring. I discovered that the problem can be traced to real shoddy gluing of the two segments. Don't gamble. I suggest applying J-B Weld all the way around the outside of the seam and allowing it to dry before installing. There are also special sprays and wipes that only need to be applied only once a year to keep the plastic lens clear.

I own a repair shop in Texas Dave - everything you have said and showed folks here is spot on - too often people bring me their trucks/cars after they bought them, and I hit them with a similar inspection to make a list - man nice video for everyone to see and learn - good on ya

When checking the oil dipstick, look to see if there are signs of caked on burnt oil which means it was driven when low on oil. Start truck, hold brake and give it some gas and listen for rod knocks. Look for smoke coming from exhaust. Black burning oil, white possible head gasket or worse. If truck appears to have low miles, check wear on gas pedal if pedal is heavily worn, it may have more miles than you think. Wet tires or drive in sand and check to see if tires track straight or crooked... crooked may be bent frame.

Don't forget to check the clutch if it has a manual transmission , example how much travel does it have before it disengages and engages ( lot of travel before it engages , may be a bad clutch , very little , could need adjustment ) and if it's hard to push down . I noticed the truck you bought has the 4.9 ( 300 ) straight 6 , good engines .

Thank you for a great video, Dave! You always have informative and entertaining content. You're a great teacher. Love your channel and Brooke's too! ❤️❤️❤️

I really enjoy your videos. It's my dream to be off grid. How ever I am in a group home right now due to some addiction issues. I've been sober for 21 months and have found my calling. U have kept my faith and hope up. Thank u Dave!

Thank you for the detail in your video. Your step by step inspection process was very helpful as I reviewed (and bought) an old f-150 this morning.

Thank you for all this information.. Since I'm a woman, you showed me alot of things that I would not have thought about. I'll be looking for another vehicle soon. I met you about a week ago in a Meijer store, if you remember me. I enjoyed talking with you. You and Brooke are so interesting. Hope I get to see either one of you again soon! Take care!

Great video. Your method and pace of explaining the topic was spot on. Presented like a pro. I’m 60 and wish I had something like this when I was 20. I would have saved some money. Thanks!

Nice work. You are very detailed and organized. Thanks for all the advices.

This video is a gift from heaven. Thank you.

I Live in the North Star Borough and have been watching your channel for long before I even dreamed of coming up to Alaska and this video is great to see. This is an issue I've been facing since I've made the jump up here, going on nearly 2 years. Quite a necessity up here and the prices reflect that! Thanks for the info!

Great video! I'm from Montana and love the 90's Fords. I have a fleet of different trucks that includes an 88 F-150 and a 97 F-350 turbo diesel. Both still run great despite my best efforts of beating them up. I still get folks wanting to buy the 97. Folks offering nearly full price what I paid for it brand new back in 97. It just astounds me but I'm not ready to let it go yet because I still use it for a lot of hauling and prefer trucks that are more mechanical/less electronics-based. Makes it easier to work on them. You remind me of something like a mix between Al from Home Improvement and Bob Villa. Great stuff!

Great video. Even as a mechanic, it’s always good to get back to the basics and remind yourself of the simple checks.

I've seen videos showing this process before and they don't even compare to this one. Amazing. So much information. And showing it on a vehicle which actually had a ton of issues is incredibly useful.

Great video as usual Dave !!! Makes my 2001 Ranger with 88K look great. I always had company supplied vans and it helped make my Ranger great for retirement.

Strong overview. I always check on whether the model has a timing chain or belt and question the owner about replacement and any receipt handy on that. I ask about brake work, head gasket replacement as well. And I always smell the oil (well, almost always ! ). Thanks, you gave me a couple more ideas, appreciate that !

I just would like to say thank you for posting videos! My dad had been watching your videos, he's a big fan

Thanks for this video. I picked up a 94' f250 back in January. I definitely did not do as thorough a job checking things like you covered but I think I did good for the price. I love these old trucks.

All great information,very thorough inspection. Pretty much the same things I look for. I'm certain alot of subscribers will find this extremely useful.

...GREAT INFO. BUYER BEWARE...STAY SAFE//

Dav watch your channel every day im 65 retired and so enjoy watching you and lissing to you and learning as i watch you ive learned so much from lissing to you thank you and God bless you and family David you and Brook have a very merry christmas and a brand new new year love the way you and brook pray and thank God for your food so many people dont do this any more what a a sham i always thank him because of him my family always have planty of food

Bushy, you remind me of myself at a younger age . Hitting my 70s now , but can remember my time in Alaska like it was yesterday. I'm a big guy like you, but I was bullied defended myself and went to jail and kicked out of school . Made my way to Alaska and was accepted by all . Sorry I left . Thank you for the memories. Keep on being radical

Interesting. Looked like the check engine light might have been on and it had a pretty good exhaust leak. In some states that's not an issue but here in Arizona they freak out at emissions time if even an insignificant hose is off. An exhaust leak will result in a fail. In some states people even remove their emission stuff. I've had a rusty car once in my life. Bought it here in Arizona for parts. An Arizona car all it's life. The car was a 61 Mercury Comet. Front floor pans were rusty. How did it get rusty in a dry state where summer temp's average 115? The carpet pad. Rubber quickly dry rots here. That in turn allows water entry. Carpet pads are like sponges. Even with high daily temps that moisture under the carpet stays wet indefinitely. Thus the rotted out floors in an Arizona car. $1900 was not to bad considering the necessary stuff is a cheap fix.

Awesome video Dave, and thanks for going through everything that one should be looking at when purchasing a older vehicle,and explaining everything to us,👍😊....

@19:10 is probably the most valuable point of this video. It's astounding how much debt people rack up on a new vehicle. I've never regretted buying a used vehicle. It's an awesome feeling knowing you own your vehicle and not the bank! Thanks for the video Dave!

Great video! I like the detailed information on the blower motor and the 4WD low. Good stuff.

As a kid I can only remember riding around in those same type of used trucks! Dad wasnt having anything to do with the financial burden of a new truck. 45yrs later and I'm forking out nearly 2.5k to have a rack and pinion replaced because its all electronic and has to be programed to the truck.. this makes me want to just go find one like you have shown here, pay cash and not worry about it! Thanks for the reminder and great tips Dave!

Solid post, here.

Hello from west Michigan, Dave! Same as always good honest straightforward advice! This is what YT should be.

Good, thorough approach. On the rust issue, I'd add that for trucks with either molded polymer bed liners or just rubber mats, they not only can hide bed-rust, but can cause it by trapping water. May pay to sneak a peek! Also in support of your theme on older trucks...I found a very nice '95 F 250 with 7.3 liter diesel 6+ years ago, bought it and have been really pleased. Reliable and parts are usually readily available because of the popularity of the '87 -'97 (nicknamed Original Body Style). I get asked if I'd sell my "real truck" often, and have been pumping diesel more than once to get yakking with owners of NEW trucks at the next pump over who are dismayed by the number of recalls they're dealing with. Dave's got the right approach! Thanks

Excellent video! Great, well explained walk around that most people should easily understand, and be able to duplicate. I’ve been mechanically inclined my whole life, so no issues here…but I wanted to see exactly the way Dave demonstrated how to accomplish it. Awesome job sir!

Not in the market for an old truck, but I absolutely loved watching this. Dave is always so informative. Besides, I could listen to Dave talk about just about anything. Such a down to earth person. :-)

The best video I've seen in a while. This is the old-school way my grandpa taught me on how to buy a truck. Good job Dave! and Thanks!

My daily driver is a 1999 Ford F250 Super Duty 4x4 with a 7.3 powerstroke diesel bought it with 99k miles and it now has 190k + miles the best truck i've owned by far. I plow snow with it and wash it often the truck has made me lots of money in the last couple years of plowing with it. I've done alot of work to it over the years i put new injectors, sensors, gaskets, turbo, transmission and even put a flatbed on it. She's pushing 400+ horsepower and is super reliable i've owned it 8 years. Older trucks are way more reliable then anything new in today's world to many electronics that can fail and cost people to much money. You don't need a pretty truck you just need a reliable truck to drive that's all. KISS principle - "Keep It Simple Stupid".

300/6 with a 5-speed. Yup, that’ll run forever. Anybody in the comments looking for a truck that’ll outlive you if it doesn’t rust away, go for one of these.

Thank you😊

I like this video the most because it is what all my brothers told me. My brothers never did a video, but I am glad you did. Great advice.

I'm just gonna give you a call when I go to look at my next pickup truck. What a great, informative video. Thank you.

Nicely organized. Only thing I’d add is road testing, or gravel testing, 4wd to verify it’s functioning or not.

Under the hood all you have to look for is a 300 Cu In straight Six. If that's there you have nothing to worry about.

One complaint I dont have about the west coast is the unbearably rusty trucks, all you usually have to worry about is overheated and overworked trucks!

Thanks Dave, great video. I really enjoyed watching this and appreciate the guide.

Excellent video, Dave. Thank you. How about an update after you fix all the things that need fixing? After the $1900 you spent to buy the truck, how much more will you spend to fix it up?

While there is lots to look for I still find this less stressful than the pages of paperwork involved in purchasing a new truck. People tell me they would not buy used cuz they are not a mechanic. I tell them I do not buy new cuz I'm not a lawyer. When you scratch a new truck it feels terrible. When you scratch a used truck you feel like you made the right decision. Now you don't care how wet the dogs get. Save up for a new truck for your retirement when hopefully the heavy lifting is done.

Thanks for helping a dad be able to explain to his son what to look for when buying an older truck.

My man, this is such a great video, thanks for the work you put into educating people.

Inspired content 💯!! You can only remain broke when you live over your means, spend more and invest less. Do not be in a haste to forget that liabilities feed on you while assets feed you. Start up an investment and save your future. Forex is a very good Idea.

Seller be like. 8500 firm.

Good advice for purchasing any used vehicle. Thanks!

I appreciate the way you break things down, thanks for the tips Dave.