What to look for?

[baritoneblaster]

I am going to look at a 97 V8 Eddie Bauer tomorrow that only has 82K on it. It is a V8 so I know they are fairly bulletproof. This will be the first V8 and the first 2nd gen I have owned in a while. I know it needs ball joints. Is there any thing else I should be looking for?

 

[Rick]

82k is excellent. There really shouldn't be too many issues with such a low mileage rig.

 

[Kevlar7R]

check oil color (good indication of maintenance)
Check trans fluid color (good indication of tranny life)
Keep an eye out for extensive non-factory wires under the hood, under the dash, and under the body. (good indication of crappy shade tree mechanic crap)

a 97 with only 82k is very low mileage... Almost suspiciously low. I would look at the screws that hold the dash panels in for evidence that they have been removed (wondering if the gauges have been replaced). On that same note, look for extensive interior wear.

Another obvious is get underneath and look for rust, evidence of major drips, etc.

hopefully the truck will be cold when you get there. Start it cold and listen carefully for engine rattles that go away quickly as it warms up (timing chain issues). I know when I sell cars I always warm them up before the person gets there for exactly this reason.

 

[baritoneblaster]

Well I bought it and it even had some extra parts. It needs a few interior detail pieces fixed or replaced and some rust above the running boards repaired. It looks and runs well enough to only have 83k on it. So for $2500 it was a pretty good deal. Thanks to all the useful tips here she will be good as new. Restoration thread to follow.