Hey just graduated college and have been driving a 96 t100 since I was 15. Got it with 90k and just rolled over 180k. Overall it is still in great shape minus a little rust. It's technically my parents vehicle and just wondering if it's worth buying it off them. How many miles are most people getting out of the 3.4? Any advice would be great.

 

Welcome!

First, I have to ask, where is the rust on the truck, and where are you located I the country? Personally, I would nip the rust in the bud and get it taken care of by a body shop before it gets too far to do anything about.

Second, how long you keep the truck and whether you buy it off mom and dad depends on how well it has been maintained. Keeping up with the proper maintenance and not just letting issues slide until they get big will limit the life of any vehicle.

Mine personally has 190k on it. I push it pretty hard, but never skimp on maintenance or repairs. I see no reason it won't make it to 300k or beyond.

 

258k and counting. It burns a bit of oil but not much. My trans doesnt skip a beat either.

 

This question gets asked a lot and the overall consensus is that (with the 3.4) these things will last about as long as other 3.4 equipped trucks (and really longer IMO since the frame doesn't really have any issues).

Which is to say, with proper maintenance and care, a long time. Many folks are several hundred thousand (300k +). I've had a few in the 250k-300k range running lovely on original stuff.

 

I have over 236,000 miles on my '98. It doesn't use any oil and runs like a top. I've had it for 13 years and am pretty strict with my maintenance.
They're good trucks if they've been maintained. It looks like you're ready for the timing belt and water pump PM again.