Making the decision

LASTLY, go back to the engine and re-check the oil level and coolant (only if it has safely cooled and depressurised by now). Compare the levels with those you noted earlier and, if there’s any change, you need to know why.

These are all pointers to what can be expected of a particular vehicle: how reliable it might be, how much work a wrong ’un may need to put right, whether it’s worth having as a restoration project, or whether it’s just a cracking machine that must be bought.

Of course, whatever the condition, there’s always a risk that anything might go wrong the next day. Assess the condition and the risk, and agree a price that’s fair to buyer and seller. A few weeks after purchase you will know your motor well and, if looked after, it’ll be a good truck that won’t depreciate.