To buy or not to buy?? Opinions?

[chadmonger]

Hello,
New here just joined. I am looking into buying a 1978 K5 GMC Jimmy from my girlfriends uncle. I was hoping to get some input/opinions on what you guys think. Look forward to learning more! My first car was a 1990 K5 GMC Jimmy that I sold after a few months because I needed something better for a daily driver and I regret selling it every time that I see a K5 on the road. If I buy one now, it will not be a daily driver. I have a Chevy Cruze Eco for that now.

Thanks!!

 

[chadmonger]

More info about the truck:

1978 GMC Jimmy

Around 130,000 miles

Raised in Colorado, USA
Former County Commissioner's vehicle

Virtually rust free (minor surface rust only)

Lock-n-hub 4X4 (manual)

Engine: 350

Skid plates: covers gas tank, differential

 

[chadmonger]

Here are some pics, I have not seen it yet, going to go this weekend to look. Asking $2,500 OBO

 

[keelue]

i don't know what k5's go for in your part of the country but i bought mine for $2000, and it had a fairly built motor, a 4" lift, and 35" mt baja claws with decent tread. guess it depends on what you want to do with it though. if you want to run a stock blazer then i guess it's a start, but $2500 is pretty steep. i'd suggest taking your time, getting a membership here, and looking around at all the rigs and then decide on which way to go

 

[chadmonger]

i don't know what k5's go for in your part of the country but i bought mine for $2000, and it had a fairly built motor, a 4" lift, and 35" mt baja claws with decent tread. guess it depends on what you want to do with it though. if you want to run a stock blazer then i guess it's a start, but $2500 is pretty steep. i'd suggest taking your time, getting a membership here, and looking around at all the rigs and then decide on which way to go

Thanks for your input! I will not be keeping it stock, 4" lift and probably 33" tires would be done ASAP. Paint would come in time. I am sure I can get it down to $1,700 or $2,000 at most. Definitely going to take a look around the forum before doing anything.

 

[Jessie James]

Read the buyers guide as it has a big list of things to look for. All that surface rust scares me, and makes me wonder if the rear kick panels (look inside the rear wheel wells, facing to the front of the truck) are rusted out.

I'd also look at the hinges for the tailgate from underneath. If those two pass inspection, then you have a reasonably solid truck IMO.

 

[Stomis]

Thats a pass.

Only way Id pay that kinda money for a blazer is if it was A) Super super clean or B) Already had parts/money properly invested into it.

 

[79rustyk10]

Id pay 2 Gs for it for sure in the rust belt, IF it is as solid as it appears.

 

[chadmonger]

Here are a few more pictures for now. I am only going to consider buying if it is truly as solid as it looks in the pics. Thanks again for all the input, it will be very helpful this weekend when I look at the truck in person.

 

[jekquistk5]

I would buy it in a second if it was a 75.

 

[Jessie James]

I still want to see the rear passenger foot area from underneath, and the tailgate hinges. If the floor pan is rusted out ... pass.

Even then, it looks like it has not really been taken care of (paint). I know it's hot and all, but washing and waxing a vehicle suggests someone who has also taken care of internals, like lubrication changes and other regular maintenance.

Personally, I wouldn't buy that because it needs too much work for MY tastes. But I like super clean trucks. I'm tired of fixing 1000 little things when I can spend a little more and get a truck that only needs a handful of small fixes.

 

[chulisohombre]

id offer him 2 grand on it.i dont see anything in the pics that jumps out at me as real bad.the milage aint bad either.surface rust aint bad persay but it can show a deeper problem underneith.look under the rocker boxes and the crossmembers and body mounts.as said the rear tailgate hinges and steering box frame areas as well.if it was a county vehicle for a lot of years,services on it were probly done regularly.from the pics the rust dont look too bad though.

 

[79rustyk10]

Whats more desireable to me, is that its all stock and doesnt look beat.

I would much rather start with a clean, but somewhat aged slate, vs some hack job thats already lifted and has been beaten to hell and rebuilt...er, cobbled together by some jackass with the mechanical ability of a 7th grader.

 

[C/Kjunkie]

I would spend the 2k for a good stock truck. I think that truck is well worth it.