Can check the radiator fluid and motor oil condition. Don't recall what the coolant change is (if there's oil in it) but the motor oil will be a chocolate brown if the coolant is in it.

Alternatively any trained mechanics can run a test to check for issues. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I'm really eager to learn how to work on cars, would you say a raider is a good place to start? Would the 4 cyl be easier to understand than a v6?

I learned alittle wrenching in my early years, but since gioning the WIRE in '03 I've earned my mastersdegree on here from folks on here helping me.
The V6 is less complicated for a beginner than the 4.
I personally like inline engine better than a V cause I can see everything better and it's easier on an ageing back,,,
but,,,,
The 4 clys have a carb with all the emmission hoses and gizmos that goes with that.
Fuel Injection system reduces the number of vacuum hoses and gizmos for emissions control because its computer controled. The copmuter systems on pre 1995 are pretty simple, too.
The Transmission with the V6 (esp. the manual) are way more H.D. than the 4 clys.
The axles and diffs are alittle more H.D. too.
This vehicle or a Toyota pickup with a 4 cyl 22R fuel injected are the best for a beginner to own IMHO,,,both also the best for a vehicle that can be kept in the family forever and handed down thru the generations. I've had mine since '96.
2 door Raider is a Short Wheel Base. SWB offroad vehicles are getting rare therefor more collectable (like old jeeps and old landrover,,,but Raiders don't break down constantly),and are better offroad.

Additionally, the V6 will ride much better since it has a coil-sprung rear axle rather than the leaf-spring rear suspension that came on the 4-cylinder models.

v6 is easier to work on not having to mess with carb. Also around here that 4 cylinder will get bog down and you will wish you had the extra power. Not saying the v6 has a ton of power. Not to mention with the v6 models you get a little bit beefier suspension and axle parts. There is a few of us Carolina peeps if you need a hand give us a buzz. I do not think it is to bad. Drive it. It will tell you if there is something wrong.

I'm less than an hour from you-I have the same vehicle except mine is Montero

if I had the $$$ I would buy it just for parts

Wow, looks good. Did you buy it?

Black is like an oven during the summer if the AC stops working... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> is what I looked like last summer in mine.

I wonder what the interior looks like.

Hahah the interior is tan, maybe that would help? I'm trying to go look at it this weekend, it's 3.5 hours away so it's a bit of a haul. Anyone live coveniently in York, Sc? Haha. How long can it be driven with crispy valve seals?

That's a good looking truck. Best of luck with it.