Hey, this is my first post. I'd like to say hi. I've been interested in Toyota trucks for quite a few years now. Now that I am actually old enough to drive, I've been looking into buying one to use for my lawn mowing business. Problem is, I only have so much to spend right now, and everything I can find on craigslist is just a bit too much, or somewhat questionable. So, I hope you guys might be able to help me figure out where to look to try and find a truck for under $1000, Thanks a lot.

 

Keep looking. Someone around your area might be selling one, keep an eye on craigslist and check the classifieds here on YotaTech. Just keep your eyes open and you'll find one eventually.

 

Okay, thanks. I think that I have finally gotten through all of the adds on craigslist, so I'll be checking everyday at the most recent ones. I do really like this one though, but there isn't a whole lot of information in the add. I may just have to call him, then. http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/3898858383.html

If you don't mind me asking, how did you acquire your pickup?

 

If your budget is 1000, I don't think you can really afford to be too choosy. I'd look for the overall condition of the vehicle before being concerned with the make, in my humble opinion. Toyotas fetch a premium on CL, there just aren't many to be found for that price-and the ones that are will end up costing you more anyway.

What's your mechanical skill level?

 

I'm not sure. I have a bit of experience repairing lawn mowers, as well as a tendency to learn quickly. I do have two car buff neighbors, though, as well as another that is pretty much the best go to guy I've had for a lot of projects I've done (nothing car related though).

I see what you mean by not being able to be choosy, but in my area it seems that just about every cheap truck is around $1200-$1500 at the lowest, so I thought that I might as well go with my favorite, the Toyota's. I was considering checking out some junkyards, but I'm not exactly sure how the salvage title stuff works.

 

That attitude will take you a long way, never stop learning....

I see a lot of "undesirable" 2wd pickups way cheaper than the 4x4 Yotas around here. The old 300 Fords are probably fairly plentiful out your way, and parts would be cheap, too. Just some food for thought. Then you can get a Yota with your profits from this season.

Good luck, keep us posted.

 

Thanks. But those "undesirable" pickups are exactly what I am looking for. Good on gas, and cheap. But yeah, I'll check into the Fords and see if I can find anything good. Thanks a lot.

 

I have bought 3 different Toyota trucks for less than 1000 dollars. A non running 79 for 150, a running and drivable 87 for 250 and a running 94 for 900. They all needed work. They all came about thru friend of a friend type situations. It will seem like months will pass by with no leads and then all of the sudden it is a flurry of chaotic activity. my advise is this: save your money, do your research and wait patiently. Also it never hurts to take a different way home and look in back yards for a truck. (don't trespass, just drive slowly). I would also start learning or practicing some mechanics.... and see who you could trade lawn mowing service for mechanical service with. good luck!

 

Your in Ohio at least give us a town!!

For $ 1000.00 your not going to get much with the price of scrap so high.

I am at least 6 hours away one way to bad .

If your willing to do the work I could part with a running one but it needs a new radiator support and front end . Other odds and ends I may have forgot about I have all the parts just got side tracked with other projects.

 

I'm in Dayton. So yeah, that's like 8 hrs, bummer. Thanks for the offer, though.

 

After another craigslist search there are quite a few cheap Fords. This makes me feel okay, because if I don't find a good Toyota by next summer, that's probably what I'll end with. Anyways, what would be a good price to pay for a running, driving toyota? Thanks