Buying another 97 Chevy K1500; Engine shakes really bad

[jasolhe]

good stuff guys - i'll see if the seller can fix this
*i don't want to be liable / repairing his vehicle in his driveway while he still owns it haha

 

[Schurkey]

i'll see if the seller can fix this

If he fixes it, the price goes WAY up. Maybe if it's running right, he won't want to sell at all.

As long as it runs bad, selling it gets rid of a headache for him. Take advantage of his headache.

*i don't want to be liable / repairing his vehicle in his driveway while he still owns it

Smart money is to perform some basic tests--cranking compression, maybe cylinder balance--and connect a scan tool to check sensor data, computer outputs, fuel trims and misfire counts. Don't "repair" anything...just test.

Then offer somewhat less than asking price--perhaps down to "scrap value" depending on what you find.

YOU fix the truck after paying the minimum amount for it.