Tate

I found a 98 12v truck for sale. Its 12 hours away, but the guy is bringing it out for me to see, and to move his mom from one city to another. I had a search done on it to see if there are any leins against it, and had a report on it done, like car fax. Turns out its been water damaged, twice. Once back in 02, and again in 04. Its been rebuilt according to the records, but the words Junk and Loss leave a sour taste. Anyway, I'm still gonna take a look at it because it could be decent, but looking for some pointers on dealing with water damage. I know rust would be a concern, but this as just painted not too long ago.

It was junked in 02 with 59000 miles on it, and it has 94000 now. Thats suspiciously low. It has had a provincial inspection to get it into Canada, so mechanically, it should be fairly sound, but for how long is the question. Any feedback would be appreciated.

bigdattydiesel

i say just check it out and test drive it and if it seems good go for it

2500CTD

How extreme does it need to be to be considered water damged? Leaving the driver windows down? or having to tie a bouy to the antennea so you cant find it later? Ask the owner if he knows anything about it. Just be a little more picky on it. I prolly wouldnt expect on getting money out of later though. How long has it been for sale?

Tate

The search says it has been an Insurance Loss, and Junk. This was down in Texas, Henderson and Katy area according to the search. I was kind of thinking a Hurricane victim, but one was in February of '04, the other was in October of '02. I'll take the papers with me when I go to look at it. If I can get him down a couple g's, I'd be happy.

2500

stay away from it!

water damage results in permanent electrical connection problems.
plus anytime you need to re-sell. you'll have a really tuff time.

not worth the trouble!

2500CTD

If it is cheap enough it would make a great donor truck.

BEARHUNTER

Stay away from it. Water damage can come back and haunt you years later. If the water got into wiring connections it could be a big problem for you. Just be careful and if you buy it, you have been WARNED

pull-do

I live in the same area your are talking about the truck is from, Katy---Houston ----same thing---the rains we have had don't have to come from a hurricane, it wouldn't be anything for the truck to be completely submerged for hours in the Houston traffic, it happens all the time.

If nothing else pay to have it gone over with a fine tooth comb by a reputable shop inspection-----like was said the electrical problems can be over bearing on you.

1-5-3-6-2-4

Where are you going to get to veiw it? I've put vehicles through professional inspections in the past when I was conserned about the history. Don't just take it anywhere though. I have a buddy in Calgary (red seal automotive) that is a Dodge truck specialist, he just opened his own shop after years at a Dodge dealer.

96_12V

Completely agree! Too good to be true - it usually is!

"Total loss" and "junk" should give you quite a bit to chew on. "resale - ability" would also be something to think about.

1-5-3-6-2-4

I wouldn't just write it off as "stay away" it's not just any vehicle. Its a '98 12valve, probably 4wd, probably automatic.

I think you need to Veiw it, Drive it, Get it inspected, Then make a decision for the right price.

Tate

You're close, its a 5 spd. I'm still gonna view it. I'd rather look at it and decide its junk instead of turn away now and wonder 'what if'.

Luke, the guy is coming down here for me to see it. I think he'll be here on Monday or Tuesday. If you don't mind, PM the number to your friend. I'd feel a lot better having a pro look over this. It would be pretty close to a dream truck if it doesn't turn out to be a pile of garbage.

1-5-3-6-2-4

You bet I'm bringing my wifes minivan to him on Monday morning too.

gwhammy

Most of the trucks now have water tight connections on them. I have had a water damaged truck back in the 70's when the connections were loose fitting and had a heck of a time with wiring about a year or two after I bought but it set in muddy water for a week or two.

2500

it's not as bad for a 12 valve as it's not electronically controlled.
beware of later electrical problems, truck may test out perfect but come back to haunt you.

anything mechanical you can drain and refill. that's not the issue. later corrosion with electrical connectors will cause problems.

but it's cheap enough ... you can always turn it into a donor truck.
I'd still stay away from it... too many good trucks available with no issues.

I've noticed a flood of good 12v CTD's for good prices on autotraders lately.