Flyin to indi for a cruiser

[southerndisco]

So I live down south, and been on the hunt for a cruiser for bout 3 months since my disco blew, my budget ain’t massive, and found a cruiser in Indianapolis that all said and done (plane tickets gas food) I can just scrape by getting the truck to where I live. I know it’s a stupid decision but my disco is too expensive to run and the aftermarket is nearly non existent and been wanting a 80 for a long time too. I’m asking 2 questions:

Is there anyone in Indianapolis that would be able to do a pre purchase inspection? I know the basic problems but my mechanical skills come from forums and occasionally wrenching. A actual business or someone who knows them well I don’t care

And what are y’all’s experiences with flying and driving back? It’s a almost 10hr drive and 700 miles almost, am accounting to buy some tools and some things like flex tape and hose clamps for the way back, know we’ve don’t some sketchy stuff with our trailer going to the keys

 

[scottryana]

Are you buying from a private seller? Are they on mud? Have they been pretty good sending photos and videos of it running and driving? Me personally I wouldn’t do it unless I felt pretty good not only about the truck but about the seller too.

 

[Ktaylor]

I am in Indy and very involved in the LC scene. Want to PM me the details? I may know of the truck or may be able to go and check it out.

 

[western flyer]

It is no-doubt quite risky to fly in and drive back unless you have (or can acquire while there as part of pre-purchase inspection) rather good evidence that the rig is sorted out well enough for the drive of 700 miles back home. I am with Scottryana here.

That being said, I took the risk and flew one-way to Mississippi from CA and then drove back the 80 I bought 1800 miles home (no issues). Importantly, that was many moons ago when 80s were all newer. The seller provided tons of pictures and maintenance data before I flew out. The 80 was in good shape and was as the seller described. I flew in with a modest bag of tools, some parts, tarp, downloaded material on my phone (see the FAQ), etc. It would have very much sucked to break down along most of that route.

 

[mudgudgeon]

I'd be firmly in the cautious camp.

Once you've committed to one way tickets, the pressure is there to buy, and not waste your flight.

I'd want lots of photos all parts of the car, particularly under carriage and engine area before I bought a ticket.

Post pics here. We'll critique the shīt outta those pics for you

 

[mudgudgeon]

Although, your biggest problem could be looking at a truck with oil leaks, and going "Huh. Toyota copied LandRover's self sustaining anti-rust system! Who knew!"

 

[southerndisco]

I am in Indy and very involved in the LC scene. Want to PM me the details? I may know of the truck or may be able to go and check it out.

Doing it now

 

[Brindleboxer]

I will say you do what makes you happy but concur with comments above that I would only consider if I received adequate information to believe the return trip would not result in a bad start to ownership.

If flying in you could bring many of the items I would bring for a road trip in your luggage. Remember to bring a phone charger and if you have AAA bring your card. Things to consider: portable jump pack, some basic hand tools, fusible link (get from a dealership if you buy), pick up a couple quarts of oil and some water in case you have cooling system leaks.

I wish you luck!

 

[southerndisco]

Are you buying from a private seller? Are they on mud? Have they been pretty good sending photos and videos of it running and driving? Me personally I wouldn’t do it unless I felt pretty good not only about the truck but about the seller too.

Yea it’s a private seller, planning a FaceTime soon, my disco was shipped here but that was a dealership, I know it’s different dealing with private sellers

 

[southerndisco]

I will say you do what makes you happy but concur with comments above that I would only consider if I received adequate information to believe the return trip would not result in a bad start to ownership.

If flying in you could bring many of the items I would bring for a road trip in your luggage. Remember to bring a phone charger and if you have AAA bring your card. Things to consider: portable jump pack, some basic hand tools, fusible link (get from a dealership if you buy), pick up a couple quarts of oil and some water in case you have cooling system leaks.

I wish you luck!

What would the link be for? Was planning on buying tools there since tsa ain’t a fan of bringing them on planes

 

[southerndisco]

I'd be firmly in the cautious camp.

Once you've committed to one way tickets, the pressure is there to buy, and not waste your flight.

I'd want lots of photos all parts of the car, particularly under carriage and engine area before I bought a ticket.

Post pics here. We'll critique the shīt outta those pics for you

Will do that, hopefully y’all will

 

[mudgudgeon]

What would the link be for? Was planning on buying tools there since tsa ain’t a fan of bringing them on planes

No reason not to bring whatever tools you think you might need. Just put them in checked luggage, not carry on.

You would need to check TSA rules on lithium ion batteries. A jump pack might not be allowed.

 

[Nad Aitch]

You're on GA?
I see affordable Southern trucks all the time. Id skip it and find one in GA/TN/AL/FL

Buying euphoria is getting the best of you. Don't be in a hurry to make a bad decision, there's plenty more fish in the sea.

 

[southerndisco]

You're on GA?
I see affordable Southern trucks all the time. Id skip it and find one in GA/TN/AL/FL

Buying euphoria is getting the best of you. Don't be in a hurry to make a bad decision, there's plenty more fish in the sea.

Yea I know, but been using my dads crv and he’s starting to need it a lot and I’m in college, it comforts me a bit that the truck was from sc then to nj to in. But after I make sure it runs nice wire wheel and por15 are the first things to come

 

[mudgudgeon]

it comforts me a bit that the truck was from sc then to nj to in.

This probably means it's seen salted roads. Unless it was garaged all winter

I bought a work truck recently. Anything i looked at that had history of time in the NE had nasty rust.
Looked at several 10 year old trucks with rust holes in the body and frame

 

[greentruck]

If the truck has OBD2 (95-97) get a ScanGauge or equivalent. You plug it into the connector located in the fuse panel by the driver's left knee. That way you can monitor coolant tempos and other vital info.

 

[baldilocks]

Are the tires old and crusty or up to a 700 mile road trip? 4 new tires prior to the trip home is a significant monetary addition to your already stressed budget.

Buying what is at this point a hobby vehicle seems rather a poor choice of vehicles for a college student. You knew this comment would surface.

 

[mudgudgeon]

Buying what is at this point a hobby vehicle seems rather a poor choice of vehicles for a college student. You knew this comment would surface.

Got to agree. If you're not confident in making a 700 mile trip, how is daily driving it gonna play out?

 

[CrabCake]

..... your already stressed budget.

Buying what is at this point a hobby vehicle seems rather a poor choice of vehicles for a college student. You knew this comment would surface.

Ugh, I'm going to have to agree with this one...25-30 year old cars/trucks are really toys and shouldn't be considered a DD. That said, mine could be a DD for a long time in its current condition, but I also paid a lot for a very nice example. Even in great shape, I've still spent thousands in needed and optional repairs and upgrades. I did drive mine from AZ to MD...3k+ miles...but I could also afford to put it on a truck to haul it home if it died and hop a plane back home.

As a college student, worry about that first and just get some transportation that is reliable. Do well in school and you'll soon be able to afford whatever you want. My wife and I are actually sponsoring my son's wife's niece that just started community college....she's overcome so much to get where she is today and hopefully this extra nudge will give her a solid future. A couple thousand a semester is nothing for us, but a vault full of $$ to her. Believe me, all she cares about is getting to class, not what she's getting there in.

 

[JohnnyUtah2]

Buying what is at this point a hobby vehicle seems rather a poor choice of vehicles for a college student. You knew this comment would surface.

Got to agree. If you're not confident in making a 700 mile trip, how is daily driving it gonna play out?

Ugh, I'm going to have to agree with this one...25-30 year old cars/trucks are really toys and shouldn't be considered a DD. That said, mine could be a DD for a long time in its current condition, but I also paid a lot for a very nice example. Even in great shape, I've still spent thousands in needed and optional repairs and upgrades. I did drive mine from AZ to MD...3k+ miles...but I could also afford to put it on a truck to haul it home if it died and hop a plane back home.

I agree with all of the above points.

Can you daily drive 27+ year old vehicle?
Sure! How much money do you have?

Can you afford to maintain it and make it reliable?
Sure! How much money do you have?

Unfortunately, I think the best option would be to get a nice used Toyota Corolla or Honda civic. Drive that until you can buy any cruiser you want.