Any way to verify odometer mileage?

[ZmOz]

I'm having a hard time right now deciding whether I want to fix up my '79 chevy truck and sell it for a good profit, or completely restore it and keep it. The odometer says about 70k, though looking at the truck you'd say it has rolled over 15 or 16 times. <br /><br />On the other hand, the title I got from the previous owner (an arizona title) listed the correct mileage for the last 5 years or so and I have no proof that it ever did roll over. The current Oregon title/registration in my name is clean, and in the "odometer reading" box, it's blank.<br /><br />Carfax I believe only goes back to '81. Is there any way for me to verify that this is the original mileage on the truck? If I painted it and cleaned it up something with only 70k actual miles would probably sell for more.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Any way to verify odometer mileage?

Not really. The older trucks/cars had mostly mechanical odometers and they did turn over.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Any way to verify odometer mileage?

And noone is gonna believe 70k. But on something that old, actual mileage is just a number. Anyone looking at vehicles like that, they judge how the motor runs & the trans shifts, and look for rusted out frame & such. Mileage has little to no bearing on it's actual value. In my experience 2wd pickups are always worth $500-750 no matter what. and a 4wd is always worth $1000 if the 4wd stuff works. Anything above that is a gamble and in the eye of the beholder. Best of luck

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Any way to verify odometer mileage?

Originally posted by TilliamWe:<br />[QB]In my experience 2wd pickups are always worth $500-750 no matter what. and a 4wd is always worth $1000 if the 4wd stuff works.

You must be looking at some pretty crappy trucks. I could easily sell the 2wd truck right now as it sits for a grand. If I put $1000-5000 into it I can sell it for $2500-7000+ depending on how much work I want to do. It is nearly impossible to find any good running truck with a straight body for under $1000. Having only 70k would definately be an asset on something this old and would certainly make it worth more than one where the odometer clearly has rolled over many times.

 

[BF]

Re: Any way to verify odometer mileage?

I've still got a '76 ford 150 that has 'bout 120K miles. I know that's what it is because my FIL bought it new, and he gave it to me right around the 100,000 mark... But, looking at it, you'd think it has 400K miles on it... he was HARD on that vehicle! Full of dent's/rust and at one time had been repainted with a brush (with house paint I think). The cab's OK (I fixed the floor etc), but otherwise the body is shot. Definately, just for hunting season, and going to the dump. I abuse it completely. I've rammed it through bush so thick it knocked the mirrors off (nothin a couple sheet metal screws couldn't fix) <br /><br />I figure I could sell it as a farm "yard" truck for $200... or maybe someone would want the motor/tranny for a project. Good strong 300 ci. But I'll likely keep it 'til it needs to be pulled away somewhere. With a hammer and a slotted screwdriver handy, I'm never too worried about being stranded. We don't need no stinkin' code readers! <br /><br />There are lot's of folks around where my parents are that have old pickups for going to the dump that are nearly pristine... like 69/70 gmc's that are straight, solid and low mileage... would be nice to pick one of those up! They'd probably fall over if they had an idea what those trucks are worth to the right person.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Any way to verify odometer mileage?

Originally posted by ZmOz:<br />

Originally posted by TilliamWe:<br />[QB]In my experience 2wd pickups are always worth $500-750 no matter what. and a 4wd is always worth $1000 if the 4wd stuff works.

You must be looking at some pretty crappy trucks.

yes, that is exactly what i was talking about. I never said they'd be nice. I meant "basic running, mostly legal" transportation. Like my 1987 Chevt Beauville 20 that I tow my boat with. Paid $600 three years ago, wouldn't take less than that for it now, and it's junk!

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Any way to verify odometer mileage?

BF, if i needed your truck, it wouldn't make hardly any difference that it's 120k or 420k. It's all in how it runs, and functions.

 

[BF]

Re: Any way to verify odometer mileage?

I hear ya... that was sorta my point. Mine looks like an infected boil, but it serves a purpose... that it's "low mileage" is kinda beside the point. Some miles are harder than others