new and need help (looking at truck)

[crazyzdux]

Hey I’m looking into getting a 1985 Nissan Pickup. The farmer near me is having an auction and selling off all his equipment. The truck was used on a farm for a few years to run around the farm and to the store to get small things. All i know is the truck is a manual trans. 4 cylinder engine and has 320K miles. I just want a truck to go to the dump and to have an extra vehicle in case one is down.

What should i look for, like problems or issues that I may be able to spot without driving the truck?

What would a truck like this go for? I want to set my price before I go so I don’t get excited and pay way too much while in the heat of the movement.


thanks for you help in advanced

[Rev_D21]

Welcome!

As far as what to check, the usual stuff applies: oil color and smell, noises and squeaks, service history if there is any, electrical gremlins like non functioning lamps, smoking, chain noise, steering parts (at that mileage and age I would be surprised if the steering was 100% GTG), exhaust, frame rot although the 720 trucks are not famous for rotting frames like the hardbody, u-joints and that covers the basics. Look for disconnected hoses under the hood. Glance over the underhood wiring looking for signs of damage or poor repairs. Check for timing chain rattle. At 320k I'd say it's in the $400 area unless it's a gem then maybe $800 tops.

[crazyzdux]

Im ok with doing some work to the truck as needed as I do ALL the work on our two VW's now. I have a good source for good parts that I use now for getting everything. What are some good sites to get good parts for engine and body?

[crazyzdux]

Sorry, Im new to these trucks so would this be concidered a 720 or hardbody. What kind of gas millage do the 4 cylinder manual trans. get? Also what would be the towing and load rating of this truck (just cerious) in real numbers that real truck owners have actually done successfully?

[Rev_D21]

1985 would be the 720 series. I use Rockauto.com for most hard parts. Cab and body parts I go through my local dealer, I'm on special terms with them.