Price check on an 84 4x4

[Idlewild294]

First off, I don't own a Nissan pickup just yet.. I've been going back and forth for three weeks with a guy who is selling a 1984 Nissan 4x4 pickup with 139,000 miles. The truck appears very clean inside and out. The price originally started at $6,000 and he is now at $4,500, and I'm thinking it is still overpriced. What does everyone here think? Any common issues that I should look for regarding this truck? I owned an 88 4x4 Toyota when I was younger, but today's prices are a lot different! Any help would be appreciated.

[nissangirl74]

May I ask where you're located? Rust is a HUGE issue with any Datsun so if it's been outside in bad weather, exposed to salt, the weatherstrip has been compromised, that's going to be a big deal. From the pics it looks to be in good shape but I do agree that $4500 is high. Rust is your main issue if it is mechanically sound: check the bed, get under the truck and look at the frame, under the hood. Have you driven it? What does the inside of the bed look like? can you get under the truck? look under the hood at the strut towers, battery tray, radiator support. What do the seals look like around the glass? any signs of leaks? It's 30 years old so you don't expect it to be perfect but I don't want your first experience as a datsun owner to be an investment in a money pit / inevitable parts truck.

[Idlewild294]

The truck is located in southern Oklahoma. I haven't seen or driven the truck. We have just been messaging back and forth since he posted it. Thanks for the advice. I will look over those areas very closely.

[nissangirl74]

If / when you go look at it, before you start it, take a look at the fluids. The coolant should not be brown, the oil should not be milky, take a look at the radiator overflow reservoir for any suspicious goo. Battery terminals shouldn't be corroded, cables should not be frayed, belts should not be dry-rotted. Find out how long it has been since the truck was driven. If it has been a REALLY long time, if there's any fuel in it, it's probably no good - or not very good - and probably shouldn't be slung up into the fuel system. It's not good for any vehicle to just sit and not be driven. Seals wear out and crack, leaks form. Check for leaks on the ground under the truck.

[zack.]

The engine wiring on those vintage trucks was stretched pretty tight and has been know to break at the connectors.