I'm currently in the market for a truck. There are two that have caught my eye. One is a 1996 1500 with 103k for about $4500 and the other is a 1997 1500 with 162k miles.

I pulled up CARFAX reports for both and I found that the '96 had one owner and the '97 had 2. There wasn't much in the way of maintenance reports on the '96. The one thing that stuck out was that there is an open recall on it for the ignition switch from 2000. The '97, on the other hand, has quite a few entries. It appears to have undergone regular maintenance. The last major things were about 80k ago when several things were replaced (i.e. spark plugs, wires, drive belt, etc.) and the transmission fluid was flushed It had regular oil and filter changes and passed emissions inspection every time.

With the lower price and the regular maintenance, I'm thinking that the '97 would be a better one to look at closer. The fact that the '96 has an open recall from 13 years ago concerns me. While the owner may have not gotten word of it somehow, it still strikes me as strange. The only maintenance reported on that was a hood latch replaced at a dealer (shouldn't they have noticed the recall was open?). Just wanted to see what other people thought. and I appreciate any opinions or comments. Thanks!

 

I feel like the owner of 96 didn't pay much attention to his/her car when it came to problems, Not saying he/she didn't take car of it, maybe he or she used to do repairing by him or something like that.

Do ask the owner of 97 why did the first seller sold it to him, Like what didn't he keep etc.
In my point of view 97 seems like a better option, Can't really say about the miles, Because he could have driven them for long journeys which aren't that bad.

That all said, I would advice not to take my opinion very highly since I Don't have truck or had a truck. Planning to buy a truck soon though.

 

You are right without a proper maintenance if you buy such car you need to pay up for the remodeling which costs is as equal as new car... Rather you can go for the 97 model which is going to give you good mileage at cost..