Possibly buying a s 10

[Fisherman193]

Well there is a guy selling a 98 s10 4cyl 5 spd manual tranny, it has 205k miles the truck is 2wd manual locks and windows. The truck is in good shape from what I could tell when I saw it on the side of the road it needs new front tires, and a windshield. When I called the guy about it he says it runs good however it needs a battery and it burns about one quart of oil every 5k miles. So overall the truck is in fair shape it just needs a few small things like the windshield and tires to pass inspection. I am planning on driving there today to take a better look and take a test drive. He is asking 1,600 for the truck but when I called him he said he needed some money and was negoitible on the price. So if I take a look and it all looks good and drives good I planned on offering around 1,250 or a touch more for the truck if he will take it. Do you guys think this is a fair price to pay and do you know of anything else I should look for specifically while looking at the truck.

By the way this truck is basically what I would like to have as a DD thats easy on gas so I can keep the miles off my 95 k1500 and still have my 95 when I want to play in the mud or just feel like using it.

[matt167]

personally, I wouldn't touch it. a 4cyl S10 ( think they were a 2.2 in '98, but could be 2.5 ) is a gutlass wonder. with 205k miles it is well worn, and needing tires/ windshield and a battery, your probably in for about $300 in repairs at a minimum. you will probably find it needs an allignment ( $60ish ) possible shocks and balljoints, so you could add another $150 into probable repairs, and realisticly that $1,250 vehicle is going to cost you in the ballpark of $1,800ish ( give or take ) to get in shape. Truck with that kinda miles in 'good' shape may bring $2,200 or so at least in my area... Personally, I don't think offering $800-$1k would be out of line. that's if you really wanted it.. I personally prefer Ford Rangers, and would reccomend looking into them. I'v owed 3 Rangers in the past.

[g9m3c]

I'd offer a $1,000 (cash in hand) and see where that gets you. Make sure you have a bill of sale in hand to fill out the appropriate details.