Night Hawks Tapes

Archive for November, 2009

If the truck makes it this far, arrange to have a professional 4×4 mechanic (one whom you trust) put the truck on a lift and go over it again. (if the owner hesitates or balks at your request, take it as a sign that something, somewhere, is” real bad wrong” with the truck. Go elsewhere.) Make sure the mechanic checks the front and rear differentials, wheel bearings, U-joints, and axles for signs of damage. Have him prepare a written estimate for any repairs.That way, you’ll have some leverage when haggling.
Assuming the truck clears this hurdle, you’re ready to make an offer. Prices vary by region and season. You’ll probably pay more if you live near a big city, less in a rural area. The old rule was that prices rise in the summer and drop in the winter. Given the current
popularity of 4WD trucks in suburban areas, you very well may see prices rise in the Ml as bad weather sets in. Some models also hold their value much better than others.The Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) can help give you an idea of what the avenge retail price for the vehicle you’re interested in is.
The preceding mainly applies to vehicles that are three to five years old. if your budget requires you to shop for vehicles older than that, you can still follow the basic outline, but obviously you will see many more signs of wear and tear. (Some sportsmen may be looking at vehicles as old as ten years. if that’s the case, read on.)
Plain and simple, the whole process—particularly the persistent attention to detail—can wear you out. Here, it helps to be able to summon the exasperating wariness of a big brown trout. Do that and you won’t buy someone else’s trouble.