That is a good question and one that I can't be sure about. Not only is maintenance important, but how was the vehicle run. How does it run? At first start up, is there any blue smoke from the exhaust? Have you checked the oil to make sure there is no coolant getting into it? Also, make sure there are no coolant leaks on the engine.
Keep in mind, vehicles today run a lot longer than the ones in the past. I attribute that to the fact that people maintain them now whereas in the past, having an oil chance was rare. Regardless, remember there are hundreds of other components that can go bad from wear, and they do. THe engine may run another 100K but other things go bad. For example, transmissions, transfercase, differentials, brake components, sensors and the list goes on.
What I would like to end with is this. If the vehicle runs well, is still solid (check rear shackles for rust problems) and the price it low enough, go for it. However, please keep in mind that at that mileage, anything can happen.
If it makes you feel better, I drive a Dakota with 217K in it. I plow snow, haul, and use it to tow mine and my kids dirt bikes around. It still keeps going and has never let me down. I'm sure it will some day, but I also know I can get parts cheap from a salvage yard.
Let me know if you have other questions.
Joe
Nov 10, 2009 at 9:49 PM
