Trucks

[lady-MGS]

Nope, Idaho does not. We found out when we bought the Taurus. At first the dealer told us to take it to some transmission shop and they would pay to fix it. Then they said they would pay half and then it turned into, you guys go ahead and fix it and we'll defer your payments till you get it all paid for. We checked into it then. Idaho is a messed up state.. lol

[Pumpkin_Jack]

For one do you want a Pick-up or SUV? seems like this thread is going both directions.....
What is the climate like? I'm from buffalo area tough winters with tons of snow here, so its different if your from say arizona or the carolinas....
Any other specifications we should know what it absolutely has to be able to do other than be able to store your sons wheelchair?

The dodge with the chek enbine light on you can prob take it or have the owner take it to an autozone(dont know if you have there) or similar place because they do free check engine light testing. With newer models they are usually pretty decent at figuring out whats triggering the light. Although you have to be careful because whats triggering the light may be bad because something may be causing the light triggering problem such as the O2 sensor to be wrong. Leading to deeper hidden problems.

As far as SUV's go I would avoid Ford post 2000ish they downgraded from a much sturdier and lasting frame that really makes a difference once you start to get rust, although rust is not as much of a problem if you dont live where they use rock salt and get a lot of snow.

For pickups given what I'm hearing most are approx. the same between the makes, the newer tundra's are really nice but no clue how they wear. GMC's, Ford, Dodge, and Chevy usually last for a while with little problems. Chevy and Dodge are slightly more known to have more minor problems, whereas Fords have a reputation for being perfectly good much longer but then having a big problem such as tranny or master cylinder.

Overall though in the last couple years all models have become closely comparable with none of them being "built like they used to." I dont know too much about pickups and suv's post 2007 or so because in general they should not be having too many problems.

When you are about to make a decision post it up and i will try to have me and my dad look for anything that may want to be pointed out.

Also make sure you know when....
last oil change was? Oil Filter changed?
Check tire alinement... Look for loose oil on and under the truck. Could mean large developing problems. Engine will probably be dirty but actual clean oil is a bad sign.
Signs of rust starting?
Tire tread? (if tread better on one side not other could very much be tire alinement)
High Beams and 4x4 work?
Check for loose or slipping belts/burn marks on belts could lead to minor repairs quickly.

Hmm..... that's all i can think of at the moment when you answer my questions i will try and help more.

[Apache Warrior]

Get the VIN Number and purchase a car report once you are serious about buying a specific vehicle. This will tell you if it has been in an accident or had major repairs done.
Apache

[Pumpkin_Jack]

Another thing I didnt think to point out was restating the lemons idea that has been said.

Ford F150 1994-05 have been known to have some tranny issues. Same with dodge. Chevy pickups have seemed to be fairly safe if upkept well if not have master cylinder issues.

As long as you treat your things well and maintain general upkeep then it will treat you well.

[Apache Warrior]

As Pumpkin Says. Maintenance will stand you better than anything else when it comes to having a vehicle last you a long time. Changing the oil when it is time, according to the conditions under which you drive the vehicle, will do more for the longevity of your engine than any other single thing you do.
When is it time to think about selling your vehicle and buying another? When repairs start costing you more a month than your car payments would be.
Apache