Ok, im planning on picking up an H1 (1997 open top 40k miles) this week. Im flying out friday to the dealer to take a look at it first. The truck has low miles and the dealership changed all the fluids. I kinda want to drive the truck back (750 miles 15 hours home on google). Should I...? I received shipping quotes for $600 to $1100. Comments please.

 

Congratulations and welcome!!
I, personally, would not drive the truck back. There are many other "stupid" things that can go wrong other than fluid related. Just read the last 5 pages on this forum and you would have some idea. Once you learn your truck, you can drive it anywhere. It will cost you more than the shipping cost if things go wrong, not too many H1 mechanics out there. I drove mine home for 150 miles. If I knew then what I know now, I would have better inspected the truck or had it shipped. I consider myself lucky that I made it home even though nothing happened. Get the truck home safely, familiarize and educate yourself with the truck and ENJOY IT.

 

I'd probably ship it, it would depend on the condition. I've owned the trucks before so a owner would be able to guage proper condition of the vehicle before taking it on a long trip.

If it's an excellent condition truck that is mostly stock, and has documented proof of routine maintenance being performed by the previous owner, I'd be ok with driving it, but I'd still have a AAA premium card with RV/extended range towing on it just in case something goes south.

Otherwise, if it's somewhat questionable, get it shipped.

Most used H1's have to go through a debug/fix the last guys problem stage, so basically its all on the ownership history. Too many people buy these trucks and can't afford to maintain them properly.

 

This one look great, the only reason that Im flying up is to check out the possibility of rust
I see a few questionable spots and with it being up north its entire life. I got all the AM General service history from Kascar (which is 15 minutes from my house) truck was maintained by AM until its 3 year / 36000 mile ran up in 2000. I think the only modification is updated AC and PIAA lights.

 

Well after a few more photos, too much rust. I backed out. On the hunt again.

 

That's not the rust that would worry me

Chassis rust with holes through it, or paint bubbling around the aluminum/metal interface seams [especially roof/body interface] is the scary stuff.

But yes, if you find something that was in mint shape inside and out and was detailed/stored indoors on a regular basis, chances are its been taken care of. Might have better luck finding a rust free truck in the SouthWest or Florida assuming it stayed away from teh beaches/coast.

 

So I finally picked up my dream truck! 2000 HMC4 late model vin. My faces hurts from the grin I had had diving this vehicle around! Pics soon!

 

 

 

Very nice!! Congratulations.