Inspection Report on the 1994 80

[bpenn1980]

Just got the 40-point inspection back for the 1994 80 and would like to get your input on it.

-Birf's ($1,120)
-Secondary oil pan leaking ($924)
-Valve cover leaking ($350)
-Distributor O-Ring Leaking ($212)
-Belts Cracked & Squeaking ($211)
-Transmission Service ($99)

I knew about the birf's, but should I be worried about the other stuff at all, outside of knowing I need to get it done? Valve cover and oil pan leaking dont sound good.

Thanks for any input
Brad

Inspection summary below...

 

[SOCALFJ]

How many miles? Thats would paint a bigger picture for us.

 

[bpenn1980]

93,000 miles
Car is in really nice cosmetic condition, engine compartment super clean. Overall presents very nicely.

Birf's dont bother me(am looking forward to doing them actually!), but when I start adding the grand for the oil pan repairs onto $10,000 to buy the truck it starts adding up pretty quick...

 

[SOCALFJ]

I think with 93k, personally i would work with the problems. Valve cover and rear seal is fine if its not dripping like a coffee maker. You can replace after you buy in segments so you don't take a hard hit right off the bat. Not to mention you can probably fix most of those for a heck of a lot cheaper than those prices. However on the other side of the token.. 93k is a spring chicken. It shouldn't have too many problems with it. Depends how you look at it.

OR you can knock off the asking price of the truck to offset the repairs. I've know many that have done that.

 

[Dan2722]

I would not pay $212 to have the distributor O-Ring replaced this is a 20 minute job and a $5 part, I just did mine and it is a job.

As far as the other leaks it depends how bad they are and changing weight and grade of oil may stop them if they are minor. A lot of Cruisers including mine seep a little oil.

 

[boydmick]

. . .OR you can knock off the asking price of the truck to offset the repairs. I've know many that have done that.

That is what I would do. The leaks aren't critical or time sensitive (unless we're talking quarts of leakage) Use the estimates to knock the price down and perform the repairs yourself (plus you get to learn about your truck).

The oil pan is the only difficult part, but even that is doable - there is a thread somewhere that details the process pretty well. I personally can live with a sheet of cardboard under the truck for a while before I'd part with $1000

I don't think mileage is the problem here, we are talking about a 13 year old truck, seals deteriorate.

 

[Bluetribal]

Mine is down right nasty under the truck but it doesn't leave a mark on the driveway! I think you will be fine.

 

[g8mfzj80]

That truck is nice but I kind of doubt its worth 10k. I would negotiate down from that price minus the repairs noted and see how it goes? Hope it works out, either way $ well spent on the inspection.

Yeah I was wondered about a possible oil pan leak, but when she said no residue found on the mat she parks under figured it must be old or very minor. Did hear a belt squeak but did'nt notice any cracking. The valve cover leak must be minor also since I did'nt see any seepage at all unless it was in the back. The prices on the Dist O-Ring and value cover seem really high and I'm betting DIY for pretty cheap.

They missed the coolant change; was either mixed green/red or just old. Either way I would change that.

Brian

 

[bpenn1980]

That truck is nice but I kind of doubt its worth 10k. I would negotiate down from that price minus the repairs noted and see how it goes? Hope it works out, either way $ well spent on the inspection.

Hey Brian,

Just to get an idea of what you're thinking, what price would you be comfortable at if you were going to buy it?

 

[g8mfzj80]

I'm kind of cheaper than most so I went to NADA.com for a estimate value, considering the condition, work that’s needed and market I would offer what’s listed; $8,375 initially. Think its would rate clean retail rather than high all things considered including the window short on the passenger side. If the inspection came back cleaner than I would have maybe moved it up to high.

Brian

 

[mkfour]

-Birf's ($1,120)
-Secondary oil pan leaking ($924)
-Valve cover leaking ($350)
-Distributor O-Ring Leaking ($212)
-Belts Cracked & Squeaking ($211)
-Transmission Service ($99)

I think these will be typical repairs necessary for most 80's that you will find for sale, except for dealer 80's. Like everyone else has said, there's nothing major, and if the price is negotiated, you should buy.

I say $7500.

You can do all of the above on two weekends, except for the oil pan. Birf's on one weekend and the rest on the next weekend. And it should cost you $300 in parts plus fluids.

Once you buy, I'll gladly help out with repairs if you're in the LA/OC area.

 

[bpenn1980]

Deal done at $8,450

Will post some pics for you guys sometime soon

Thanks for all the help! (Special thanks to Brian and Mark)

 

[Bluetribal]

CONGRATS WELCOME TO THE CLUB ..... Now take some pics and post them in the Official SoCal 80's Check-in Sticky...

 

[Slomo]

Congrats on the new rig. A little late but you can handle almost all of the above issues mentioned and most all here would be happy to help, myself included. I wouldn't rush on any of them except perhaps the coolant if it is as bad as Brian indicated. Post up with any help you need and look forward to seeing you on the trail.