Help for truck Im about to buy!
Jun 12, 2012 | 01:20 PM
#1
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Help for truck Im about to buy!
Hey, 1st post here atleast.
Looking to buy a truck that the nj salt hasnt been nice to. I want to know is this a little too beat of a truck to try and fix. Im looking for a project, but am unsure if the suspension portion is more than i can handle. Im not new to automtive, but new to these trucks, but it looks like the lower subframe for the front axle.
Here are all the pics from the listing and from the email the guy sent me
And this is the text in the listing:
Im going to see if i can get the price lower depending on the response, I also have to drive about 1hr 1/2 to tow it back.
Looking to buy a truck that the nj salt hasnt been nice to. I want to know is this a little too beat of a truck to try and fix. Im looking for a project, but am unsure if the suspension portion is more than i can handle. Im not new to automtive, but new to these trucks, but it looks like the lower subframe for the front axle.
Here are all the pics from the listing and from the email the guy sent me
And this is the text in the listing:
94 Toyota Truck, 4x4 Standard Cab, Manual Transmission, Bed Liner, AM/FM/MP3/CD Stereo, 166,899 miles, clean title.
Condition:
Truck is NOT road worthy - you should plan to pick up w/tow truck or flatbed - the passenger's side front/lower control arm has rusted through and is broken (see picture). NOTE: Both lower control arms were replaced years ago (due to rust/failing of original ones).
Truck runs, engine is fine, oil changed regularly (22R-E).
31" Dunlop RVxt Tires with minimal treadwear - essentially new (over $600 new).
Brakes good.
Some body rust on both front quarter panels.
Some body rust on bed, drivers side (patched).
Some rust on both front and rear bumper (rear bumper was replaced several years ago w/genuine Toyota rear step bumper)
Bottom of tailgate completely rusted (I have had it taped for awhile but essentially, it's falling apart).
Muffler/exhaust system rusted out and broken (needs to be replaced).
Frame/undercarriage shows significant amount rust.
Check Engine light remains on.
A/C factory installed but doesn't seem to cool much anymore.
Emergency brake not functional.
I used this truck last month to haul 3 loads of mulch and had no problems, but have since noticed the control arm problem so have not driven it since except to move it out of my driveway. If the control arm were to be replaced, truck still works fine mechancially -4x4 works etc...
$950 firm - You tow or pick up with flatbed.
Condition:
Truck is NOT road worthy - you should plan to pick up w/tow truck or flatbed - the passenger's side front/lower control arm has rusted through and is broken (see picture). NOTE: Both lower control arms were replaced years ago (due to rust/failing of original ones).
Truck runs, engine is fine, oil changed regularly (22R-E).
31" Dunlop RVxt Tires with minimal treadwear - essentially new (over $600 new).
Brakes good.
Some body rust on both front quarter panels.
Some body rust on bed, drivers side (patched).
Some rust on both front and rear bumper (rear bumper was replaced several years ago w/genuine Toyota rear step bumper)
Bottom of tailgate completely rusted (I have had it taped for awhile but essentially, it's falling apart).
Muffler/exhaust system rusted out and broken (needs to be replaced).
Frame/undercarriage shows significant amount rust.
Check Engine light remains on.
A/C factory installed but doesn't seem to cool much anymore.
Emergency brake not functional.
I used this truck last month to haul 3 loads of mulch and had no problems, but have since noticed the control arm problem so have not driven it since except to move it out of my driveway. If the control arm were to be replaced, truck still works fine mechancially -4x4 works etc...
$950 firm - You tow or pick up with flatbed.
Last edited by 01B3K; Jun 12, 2012 at 01:22 PM.
Jun 12, 2012 | 03:07 PM
#5
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 38
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From: Hudson, NY
Tough call.
I am not nearly mechanically savvy enough to purchase something in that condition, but if the rest of the frame itself is not rotted through, and you feel up to the task, I'd say talk him down a few bucks and go for it. I am a bit wary that there are no pics of the other parts of the frame, maybe ask for them before you waste your time?
At the end of the day, if it doesn't feel right for some reason, DON"T do it. Trust your instincts.
I am not nearly mechanically savvy enough to purchase something in that condition, but if the rest of the frame itself is not rotted through, and you feel up to the task, I'd say talk him down a few bucks and go for it. I am a bit wary that there are no pics of the other parts of the frame, maybe ask for them before you waste your time?
At the end of the day, if it doesn't feel right for some reason, DON"T do it. Trust your instincts.
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Jun 12, 2012 | 06:35 PM
#9
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Joined: Dec 2011
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From: CA, Until TSHTF!
The camber on the front wheels look a little more negitive than normal. Maybe just the way its sitting. You can probably count the layers of rust. I'd pass.
Last edited by ksti; Jun 12, 2012 at 06:38 PM.
Jun 12, 2012 | 06:57 PM
#10
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,034
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From: Springfield, Orygun
$950 firm my butt. $750 is more like it. Gotta pay to tow it home. Gotta pay for the SAS kit. Gotta buy the axle, fix exhaust, figure out and fix CEL and its causes. Gotta inspect (?) And smog (?) it. By that point you're just hitting the top of your budget. Then there's the body... I feel so bad for you salt coast folks, your rigs just slowly rot away. I'd hunt for a better one farther west, or dicker the Guy down to $700 or less.
Jun 12, 2012 | 09:40 PM
#12
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Posts: 13,381
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From: I live in New Tripoli Pa out in the woods
I would give him no more than $500.00 but i have all the parts to fix it. No way is it worth the $950.00 sure you might be able to recoup your money and then some parting it out but is your time figured at$ 0.00 per hour.
Depending on what your looking for it is not something your going to drive away after a weekend of wrenching.
I would look at the rest of the frame and truck before making any offer.
Depending on what your looking for it is not something your going to drive away after a weekend of wrenching.
I would look at the rest of the frame and truck before making any offer.
Jun 12, 2012 | 10:12 PM
#13
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 322
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From: Moscow idaho
Jun 13, 2012 | 06:35 AM
#17
Ewwww.....I think I need a tetanus shot just looking at pics. I would offer the price it is worth in scrap and not a dime more, $950 for that....that guy is living in a fantasy world.
Jun 13, 2012 | 06:53 AM
#18
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 739
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From: Richmond va
You'll spend more than its worth to fix it up.Dont grt in a hurry. I bought my 93 4runner with a new engine for $1700.00 Perfect interior. Then traded work for a paint job and body work.Got my 95 pickup with a blown motor for free.Keep looking.
Jun 14, 2012 | 06:27 AM
#19
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 720
Likes: 1
From: Ski town Colorado
Dont buy that, save your money and buy one from a state that isn't so hard on vehicles. There are always good trucks posted on Yotatech. Just be nice to your DD and put your pennies away for the right vehicle.
Jun 14, 2012 | 08:01 PM
#20
I live in NJ. and if the front looks like that, the rest of trucks frame is just as bad.wont waste my time. I have sold better trucks then that and for less money. They are out there, believe me I got a 1983 4x4 short bed from Pa. that sat in a barn for 15 years that came from Nevada with perfect frame and excellent body.for less then what he asking. keep looking and saving and the right one will come.
