Considering a 2nd Gen with some issues

Saw an '06 4x4 Regular Cab today. It was clean no major frame rust.

Problem is the airbag light is on and the speedo was only intermittently working on the test drive. I think it could still pass inspection, but the airbag light worries me. The owner says its because of a small dent in the rear bumper but that doesn't sound right to me.

Not sure if these are related or not, but the title is clean, no flood damage or anything. Its 10k, 92k miles and comes with a plow and extra stock wheels and tires.

It was also trying to dance across the road at any bump we hit at highway speed, the shocks felt like they weren't keeping the tires planted, but that could also be because of the 30" tires that were on it (no lift), and had a bit of a leaky exhaust pipe just before the muffler.

What do you guys think? Avoid because of electrical issues, or buy and pray its just a sensor and fix the other stuff and put the stock tires back on?

 

Depending on where you live an airbag light will instantly fail an inspection.

 

Plows can be rough on suspension parts.
That might be one reason it is all over the place.

Get the codes scanned for the SRS (Airbag)
I don’t see how a dent caused that?

The Speedometer might be simple, or worst case expensive.
Expensive would be replacing the gauge cluster. Simple would be a speed sensor.

 

My 2008 had a recall for the airbag coil in the steering wheel. You may want to check for open recalls at your dealer. The bumper dent has nothing to do with it.

 

New York State doesn't fail for an airbag light, but I personally don't to be riding around with a faulty sensor. @NAAC3TACO I do see an open recall for a spiral cable. Not sure if the previous owner ever had it fixed.. think a dealer would know?

 

Call the dealership and ask.
Pretty sure they keep records on it.

 

Price is too high IMO for issues it has. If it was in excellent condition it seems like a fair deal. The only thing this one really has going for it is it’s low mileage.

It’s probably lived a hard life considering the plow so I would be concerned it’s going to need a lot of preventative maintenance including tires, brakes, suspension and fluids. Also it’s one of the older 2nd gens which lowers resale value. I would pass… you’ll be into it for 12-13k right off the bat. Eh

 

@Sean42 i agree with you, the body and frame look nice but it will need new front end suspension and i'm not sure about these electrical issues. I'm happy to keep looking, I really want a Gen 1 since I live in the a city but haven't seen a clean one nearby.

 

I wouldn't say unreasonably high, given the prices near me, but I do agree with the 12k off the bat.

I'd rather just pay 20k for a truck that doesn't need that work done.

 

I would skip this one and keep looking. Sounds like this had a rough life and now needs work. There are nice ones out there. For used cars I look for unmodifed, older owner, maintenance records, etc. Have funds ready and be able to move quickly on a good deal.

 

The dealer can run the vin and find out. If it is a safety recall, they would perform it at no cost to you.