How to Choose and Buy a Used Pickup Truck

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So you've got most of your cash tied up in land and the rest in agricultural developments and now, on top of everything, you realize that you need a pickup or larger truck to keep things moving efficiently.

O.K. You're probably already committed to a second-hand job, but before you run out and inspect just any old available used truck, try to pare your field down a little so that you spend your time checking out only those models likely to give you the most of what you need for your money.

First off, discount style and age . . . they're generally of little importance per se. Consider, instead, convenience, sturdiness (degree depends on your needs) and cash outlay (both present and future). In a nutshell, you're probably after the handiest farm-worthy vehicle you can get for the least possible purchase, maintenance and operation cost.

A fine axiom, but where does it leave you? To begin with, it tends to leave you with a limited number of makes to choose from. Chevrolet, Chevrolet Corvair, Ford, Dodge, Volkswagen, International, GMC and Willys are realistic alternatives. Of course, others are available (older Studebaker, Hudson, Plymouth and such foreigners as Land Rover, Toyota and Datsun), but these are pretty unrealistic choices because of the high cost and/or limited availability of parts.

Initial price will obviously be of first importance, and local papers can provide you with some insight as to what to expect. Our papers—LOS ANGELES TIMES and SOUTH BAY DAILY BREEZE—offer the prices listed in the box below (I've started with 1968 since I suspect that none of MOTHER'S readers care to participate in the losing end of Detroit's built-in depreciation system):

Notice the relatively sharp drop in price for trucks of the earlier 1960's. Pickups of that period are mechanically similar to later models (simpler, if anything) and if you can find one in good condition, you'll be getting the best value for your money.

By the way, while you're perusing the papers to get a sense of the going rate for used pickups in your price range, keep an eye out for auctions of city and county-owned trucks. Pickups sold at these sales generally have a lot of miles on them, but they've probably also been pretty well-maintained which should save you some headaches later on. Farm auctions often include trucks, too, but check these vehicles carefully for neglect. A truck that's had regular lubrication and oil changes is worth much more to you than one that brings with it the problems of its previous owner's inattention (keep this in mind during your own period of ownership).

Once you've gotten some idea of the brand and initial cost that suit you, you'll need to consider the type of engine you want. The lower gas mileage which can be expected of the V-8's and the GMC V6 (my GMC 6 got six mpg without a camper and 4-6 mpg with) make these suspect in my opinion . . . and when the cost of tune-ups and engine work is added (even if you do the work yourself), they become still more undesirable.

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