Buying a M1009

[M1009newguy]

hi im 16 and looking for my first vehicle, i wanted to ask about the m1009 before we decide on buying one, the one im looking at is in new mexico, on the government surplus site, do these usually run when you buy them, and how much do they normally go for, also are rust problems common? any info is helpful, thank you for the great forum you guys have, thanks for your time, Jacob

 

[axlr8]

i had the same ? as you did....they all said its not a good first car....no ac, diesel, no radio, and breakdown often unless you have a backup plan, dont do it.....they will not go for under 1k usually.....go to a civilian model at least

 

[M1009newguy]

i plan on using mine for offroad use, A/C isnt a big thing for me, neither is a radio, just need to know a little more on how it all works with the buying process and how many problems they usually have

 

[patracy]

There's a lot of info on the site, but the short and sweet of buying a CUCV from GL includes:

1. Expect to replace the driveshaft, they move them with forklifts and get get bent.
2. Expect dead batteries.
3. Expect electrical issues.
4. Expect missing parts, the CUCV's have been deadlined for a while and a lot of parts robbing happened.
5. Inspect before bidding.
6. Expect to have to get a CUCV key because it won't have it.
7. Except the interior to be thrashed and needing replacements.
8. Do the doghead starter relay mod ASAP, or you'll find out in a hurry why you should have.
9. You'll need to pay extra for the SF97 to tag it.
10. Remember your bid price doesn't include the state tax + 10% fee on top of the bid.
11. Expect it to need fluids.
12. Don't expect it to run, plan on trailering it home.

 

[twa@ezdn.net]

I built my first truck at 15 from junk. Know yourself, can you do it, it will be work. But if you decide to go CUCV you will have a big asset here @ SS.

Tim

 

[doghead]

So, your 16 and you want a vehicle. Do you have a job or the funds to purchase, repair and insure such a purchase? Are you mechanically skilled/experienced? Do you want the vehicle for fun or as a reliable daily driver? Personally, I think an MV for a first vehicle is a very bad choice.

How's English class going for you?

Here's one rule that not only applies to this web site, but it is also good advise for the real world also.

• Do not post in all CAPS or in giant run-on sentences without punctuation. Do not post as if texting and do avoid the use of texting abbreviations. We are not the grammar police but we want everyone to easily read your post in at least 8th grade English. It is extra work to post proper sentences from a smartphone but the result will be greatly appreciated. Please do your best to use capitalization, proper spelling and punctuation. It makes it easier for everyone to read!

One more thing, Government surplus means just that, not a used car sales business. You are buying an unknown item in unknown condition. It is surplus, nothing can be assumed when you purchase it. You will need to go over and asses every single part of the truck, before it will be safe to drive. Assume nothing. If you can afford to pay $3500 for a CUCV through a website auction, and accept it is junk when you get it, then this is a good choice for your first vehicle.

 

[M1009newguy]

I do have the funds to purchase, repair, and insure the vehicle. I have a current job, and am mechanically skilled. I plan on using the vehicle for daily use, and as a hunting rig.

 

[doghead]

I do have the funds to purchase, repair, and insure the vehicle. I have a current job, and am mechanically skilled. I plan on using the vehicle for daily use, and as a hunting rig.

Sounds like your in a better position than many people your age, especially the ones who want a MV.

If your comfortable with your mechanical abilities, then I would say yout 33% there!

 

[Dave Kay]

hi im 16 and looking for my first vehicle, i wanted to ask about the m1009 before we decide on buying one, the one im looking at is in new mexico, on the government surplus site, do these usually run when you buy them, and how much do they normally go for, also are rust problems common? any info is helpful, thank you for the great forum you guys have, thanks for your time, Jacob

Not to discourage you, but if you read the different car/truck forums out there about the many problems and issues that come with buying ANY model vehicle that is 20-PLUS years old, then you will have some idea of what you'll face when buying an M1009. Good luck -

 

[USAWEAPON777]

If your content with something that is an old truck from the military and not a fancy cushy Cadillac then go for it. i'm 17 and have had an m1008 for 2 years now. I love the truck and their great off road rigs. Working on them is easy and pretty straight forward. I can't help you with dealing with GL since I didn't purchase my truck from them but I can tell you about rust haha. since your in CA your probably a bit better off dealing with rust issues compared to those in the Northeast like me. It's a rarity to see any 80's chevy trucks anymore due to the salt that has utterly eaten away at most of them. If it has rust chances are they are in a couple places. Common rust areas are going to be in the inner and outer fenders, the lower cab corners, and often the floors due to the rubber mats that trap moisture. However make sure to look over any vehicle you buy in person. I made that mistake and had my dad bring the truck home. He failed to notice the 2 golf ball sized holes in the firewall from rust. Still, I love the truck and if you don't mind doing some work here and there Id definitely recommend one.

 

[treessw]

Just got my first CUCV M1008. Love it!!! Got a heck of a deal and use it for a run around truck and crummy for work. In the process of doing a few mods to add some creature comforts. I would also if I were you check to see if you can even run this thing in your part of Ca. Due to it being diesel Ca. has some strict rules on these and the EPA regulations. I have bought a few diesels from Ca for dirt cheap because of this reason and on the gas burners. You may have to get some retro fit required stuff to even be able to run this thing on the roads etc. Look into that first so you dont end up with something that could be freakin sweet but you cant go anywhere in. I dont live there so I dont know, just what I hear from some of the guys out there on the left coast. Good luck and welcome to the site!!!

 

[Cucvnut]

can you be 16 and buy from GL ?

 

[Mac53]

Not sure how many people here actually had an MV as their first vehicle...but I'm sure plenty of them will still be glad to give you their opinion on the matter.

My first vehicle was my M37 at the age of 15. In NC we are able to get our licenses at 16 (16.5 and 15.5 for a permit or something, I don't remember)....My plan was to fix it up to a decent daily driver condition by the time I was able to use it as such.... It was an amazing and failed experience. I lacked the tools and general mechanical ability to do most of the work and became overwhelmed quickly.... that being said, I sure had a great time doing it. An MV can really be a fun first project... But even if you are able to get it in great shape...you need to remember...These things are slow ! REALLY REALLY SLOW....and REALLY HARD to park in normal places..... I'm not sure of the area you live in, but I live in a relatively high crime area. I have to constantly worry about walking away from my truck in fear of someone snatching a shovel off the back for a souvenir.

Do some serious contemplation between just how far you're going to have to drive every day and how sick you're going to get of doing it at or below the speed limit....and just how cool the trucks are.

Personally, I wouldn't have gotten my truck if I didn't have access to other more reliable vehicles.

 

[Goose2448]

I thought it was 21, or 18, but I could be wrong on all counts. Having owned a Civy 08 as my first truck, expect a lot of work, engine, electrical(thats a nightmare), and anything on the thing. Mine was in great shape, but it was hardly driven by an Ex Army Truck Driver. But I spent more time under the thing than on the road. You will learn real quick on the value of hard work if you get one. Blood Sweat and Tears is what it takes to keep one running.

And you have to talk real nice to them, or they will PMS and kick you in the balls.....

 

[Mac53]

And you have to talk real nice to them, or they will PMS and kick you in the balls.....

... You can't just rely on them...you have to BELIEVE in them too! They won't start if you even have the slightest doubt that they wont. THEY SENSE FEAR.

 

[Goose2448]

Yeah the last time I doubted it that I was gonna make a turn in it, I was right. I ended up up side down 10 feet in the air. That was a bad night