100% Deuce Noob, is GL asking for trouble?

[rubicon_in_ga]

I've been reading ALOT of posts about this very subject, but stuff like SF97's, title's, EUC's, pay before you even get EUC approval, unknown condition of vehicles and general GL horror stories, I'm completely spooked about buying a GL Deuce.

That being said, I'm mechanically inclined and have some (a little) common sense. However, I have absolutely zero diesel engine or large truck experience at all. I try hard not to do anything half-a$$, and before I'd go through with the bidding and purchase, I'd do as much research and reading up as I could.

What would ya'll's advice be? For my first deuce, should I pay a little extra for one that's been gone through and at least mechanically sound, like from a dealer or another SS member, or should I pray, carry a horseshoe and four leaf clover, and bid on a GL Deuce for alot less cash up front, but risk a 50/50 shot that I'll end up spending the same amount of money overall by finding I have to tow it home, and spend considerable time and money just getting it running again?

I guess what it boils down to (for me) is cost... I really don't want to pay the price for a reconditioned one, but I also don't want the headaches of dealing with a GL horror story, and for the price, I'd love to find a diamond in the rough that doesn't need alot of work to be a great truck.

Thoughts?

 

[nk14zp]

See if a ss member will help you preview the gl trucks you are thinking of. then roll the dice and hope for the best.

 

[bulldog_mack13]

PM sent to help ya

 

[Warthog]

I have bought 7 trucks thru GL, 4 from GSA and 3 from Dovebid in the last 6 months.

Out of the 7 trucks from GL, only one had fuel issues which I suspected before I bought it. The trucks from GSA where bought as parts trucks. 2 of them ran after just a little work. The trucks from Dovebid where bought for the diesel engines and drivetrain.

I have never worked on Diesel engines before. Nothing more that a bigger version of gas engines ( Sheilds UP). One thing about the MVs, you can find all the manuals online here of via the internet. Takes some reading but everything is spelled out.

I say that you need to watch the auctions and go for it There are enough people here that will be more than willing to help with just about any isssue that comes up.

Warthog

 

[drgreg]

For every "GL horror story" there are dozens of good stories. This being said, only you can deside what is best for you. A private sale does not nesessarly mean you will get a problem free truck. I enjoy the auction and recovery process, I just opened an engine can on saturday, from a November auction, the engine was depot new, wow what a high.

 

[jmh4x4]

I was pondering the same question and decided to roll the dice and go GL, from the start it seemed like the cheaper choice, but I havent even picked mine up yet (can't barely wait till thursday) and have spent a couple hundred on filters, oils, battieries, spin on oil kit, etc. Once you factor in all the preventive maintenance items that need to be purchased to get her somewhat road ready, it quickly adds up to a private sellers price. (and at least there you can test drive first) To me it came down to wanting something to tinker with , a project, and the thrill of the unkown.

 

[jjfricko]

me and my dad went to go recover my first deuce. we were prepared for the worst i was in luck. ours had new tires rag top and a brand new canvas cover. i drove it home with no problem. the only 2 things wrong with it. a leaking fuel ingector pump on the hydraulic head. and s a t shirt keeping the hi low shifter in place. im only 18 had my first recovery and i was lucky.

 

[Blythewoodjoe]

I'm sure I will get flamed for this, but don't buy an auction truck. There are lots of trucks you can go and drive and look over for not much more than the GL trucks. And the auction is just that, an auction. You might get a nice truck at a nice price or you may watch what you want be bought by someone else for a lot more. Right now there are lots of trucks for sale out there. I like buying from GL. but I have been doing that for a while. You will see lots of guys on here brag about how they got a truck cheap and drove it home from the base. I think some of us take far too many chances with these trucks than we should. I just bought a truck from Ft. Jackson and I am debating driving it home but I honestly don't think that would be legal here any more with out a temp tag. I would be wise to load it on my trailer.

MY 2 CENTS worth.
Joe Trapp

 

[m16ty]

I'm sure I will get flamed for this, but don't buy an auction truck. There are lots of trucks you can go and drive and look over for not much more than the GL trucks. And the auction is just that, an auction. You might get a nice truck at a nice price or you may watch what you want be bought by someone else for a lot more. Right now there are lots of trucks for sale out there. I like buying from GL. but I have been doing that for a while. You will see lots of guys on here brag about how they got a truck cheap and drove it home from the base. I think some of us take far too many chances with these trucks than we should. I just bought a truck from Ft. Jackson and I am debating driving it home but I honestly don't think that would be legal here any more with out a temp tag. I would be wise to load it on my trailer.

MY 2 CENTS worth.
Joe Trapp

Well if they flame you I'll sit there and burn with you because I agree.

Rubicon, based on your post if I was you I'd get my first truck from a private sale. Given your limited experence with diesels and large trucks you're going to need to buy from someone that can get you started in the right direction. I think it could very well turn into disaster on your first truck from GL.

There are some members here that have some good trucks for less than some trucks sell for on GL. I'll have a good M35A2 for sale in a couple of weeks.

 

[thedeliverator]

Having bought my M1009 in a private sale, and a 30' trailer from GL, and am constantly drooling over the M35's coming out of Santa Fe, I'd agree with the above and say you should get your *first* from a private seller. You do still run the chance of getting a lemon, but that's any used vehicle.

After you've had the chance to play with your new big green toy you'll be much more willing to put up with GL to get another! And while you're waiting for your EUC to clear you can be doing all your Preventative Maintenance.

 

[wsucougarx]

Well, I have rolled the dice w/GL and yet have to be burned. All the trucks and trailers I have recovered have been outstanding. Granted I preview the trucks and trailers ahead of time before buying. I also check all fluids and seals to make sure everything is good to go before buying. But yes w/private sale you do have the option to test drive. However, test driving may not bring out any potential problems down the road.

 

[rockman]

Rubie, it depends on your timing, tools, and wallet. I bought a private truck and after a couple of year owning it, I bought a GSA truck. If you want to start with ta running truck and learn about it, go to a private seller. If you have a shop, diesel friends, and lots of time, take a shot a GL. I wanted to drive mine and use it so I went for a runner.

Bill

 

[rubicon_in_ga]

Guys, thank you SO MUCH for the replies! I'd love to try my hand at a GL... the thought of driving a 'pristine' recently ex-military Deuce off base and meeting all the wonderful people in the armed forces is very exciting to me.... but I totally have to agree with everybody pointing me in the direction of a private seller. I would much rather have a running (driveable) truck that I can learn on and tinker with as I go. I would hate trailering a GL truck home only to find out it needed alot more work than I could ever imagine, and end up getting completely discouraged in the process. Thanks guys! I knew I came to the right place to get my information!

 

[dburt]

If you can go and preview the truck before you bid, and look it over very carefully, start it, listen to it run, and check and double check all systems, then decide what your max bid would be, and bid that price. If you get it bought- bingo! If not, you learned from the experience. And if you do get it bought, your learning experience begins. Most of life is one big learning experience anyway, none of us know it all. So the learning experience can be pretty interesting too, and with all the other MV owners, it can be a fun process to be shared with the group. That all being said, my first truck was bought from a dealer so I knew what I was getting.