What should I look for in buying Toyota Dolphin?

[hamandbacon]

My wife and I are going to look at a 1986 Dolphin later this afternoon and I wanted to get any feedback on things to note before buying. This model has 104,000 miles, a new heater, a new water pump on engine, is very clean inside with both air conditioners running well. The seller states that the interior is very clean and well cared for. I plan on popping the hubcaps to look for the infamous bolt pattern, and hope it is a 6. Any other pointers? Here in the south (Georgia) he is asking $7,000.

Thanks for your board and website. It is very informative and helpful.

Jeff Goswick

Adairsville, GA

[Gulfstream Greg]

Hi Jeff and welcome.

Besides the axle I would look for signs of water damage everywhere. Don't be afraid to move cushions or look inside cabinets with a flashlight. At the same time look at all the screws checking to make sure they are still tight. Even look under the rig for signs of trouble. Look for signs of oil leaks. Examine the bottoms of the holding tank valves for signs that they may have hit something. If it?s an automatic pull the dipstick and give it a smell test. Sometimes it?s helpful to smell the oil of a transmission you know is ok to compare. Rev the engine with out a load on it, listen for signs of rod knock. Valve train noise is common with these engines. If the owner will let you perform a compression test on the engine.

Greg