Your top criteria in used-truck shopping?

[herm]

Tried to search for this but came up empty, so...Oldest son and I are shopping for his first used truck. Looking for advice on what's most important - mileage, age, body condition, etc - as well as your top "avoid this _____" His budget is about $7k, tops. He wants 4wd and a bed that fits his 1-man duckboat. I want reliability, as neither of us are much for repairs. Thanks in advance.

[Scott K]

Way to many variables to list, but the first thing i would do it, any vehicle you buy, have a mechanic do the once over on it, before you buy it.

[BartmanMN]

A few years back when I was shopping for a used truck I was looking for one with a fully documented repair/maintenance history. I was looking for a GMC/Chevy that was 04 or newer, but ended up with a one owner, low mile 2000 that had a spreadsheet showing everything that was done to it and when. The guy was super anal, which I love, so I didn't mind buying a slightly older model that I new was taken care of.

Not a lot of people keep these kinds of records, but they are out there. There are certain repairs that must be completed around 100K miles that are costly, so I wanted to make sure I wasn't buying a truck that I would need to dump a lot of money into right away.

[JONOV]

I agree with Bartman. Check for maintenance records, also check out the specific year/make/model/engine/transmission online to make sure that it isn't known for problems. Take it to a mechanic to check it out. Check tire tread/mileage and when the timing belt/chain was last replaced and when it will need to be replaced.

[Scott K]

I want to add, buy a truck that is comfortable, and that you like, over a lower millage truck. Most people dont mind putting a little money into a vehicle they like, compared to one they dont like.