Re: [MV] Sage advice? DRMO truck auctions

Eric Kozowski (eric@haydenisland.verio.net)
Fri, 23 Apr 1999 22:20:49 -0700

On Sat, Apr 24, 1999 at 12:18:12AM -0400, LEEnCALIF@aol.com wrote:
> Looking for a little sage advice from any of our MVPA members who have bought
> trucks from DRMO:
>
> I'm in Northern Calif. and the closest major outlet is Ft. Lewis, Wa. I see
> they have a large number of 2.5 to 5 ton trucks offered for sale in near
> future. A few in the pics don't look too bad, several of those listed in
> good condition...most of them noted as fair.
>
> 1. Does "fair condition" mean a truck you can drive home or what should I
> expect?

it varies quite a bit, although generally fair means it's driveable.

> 2. How much can your rely on the Army's assessment of condition?

not a whole lot.

> 3. How do you value the trucks... any key things to look for? Obvious things
> I know like tie rod wear, bushing, drive shaft, radiator fluid, engine oil,
> etc. (I'm a hotrod builder, but never worked on big green things or
> multi-fuel engines).

loose lug nuts, especially the front, brake adjustment, leaking fron axle seals,
tight steering system, air compressor bearing, air system leaks.

> 4. I was told the average price for these things is about $1500 and up, that
> seems like a tremedous bargain...is that correct, just $1500 on average?

that's a bit low. when i was tracking bid results, they were running around
$3200.

> What has been your experience on a reasonable price for a "drive it home"
> truck? I am about 900 miles away, so it will be a long ride home, albeit
> with a chase vehicle and a tool chest!

$500 either side of $3200.

> 5. Any brand, like Studebaker-Packard, that I should stay away from?

not that i know of.

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