I am looking to buy an older truck as I hate taking trash to the dump and getting lumber etc in my Runner. It will also be a beater truck for wheeling that I can dent and not worry about. Looking around my county, I found an 89 Toyota flatbed on the back of a small car lot. This truck is what I would call poor to fair condition, and is exactly what I'm looking for. Problem is, the guy is asking $3800 for it since trucks usually go at premium prices around here. This was probably a trade in and paid little for it. It was never even cleaned or washed. I have not driven it as the guy closes at 5 and haven't made it by in time. When I do go by I want some ammo to get the price down a lot.

Here is what I have seen looking at the car:
The flatbed was put on because the truck was rear ended. I can tell the way the rails were bent/torched off.
There are small dents all over the truck with some surface rust. The rust is not at all serious. The frame and underside is rust free.
The front bumper is all dented and the skirt is half ripped off.
Missing skid plate and spare.
Oil and power steering leaks.
Fan shrould broken/missing
Interior has holes in seats, dirty carpet, missing cup holder slide, and missing various AC knobs.

Many of the things I listed I don't care about or could be fixed easily, by adding seat covers, floor mats, touch up paint etc.
I plan to rip the flat bed off and build a nice one like many of the guys on the pirate board have.

The good points about the truck are:
It's a fully loaded xtra-cab v-6 with power windows, mirrors, locks, cruise, full gauges, alloys, moonroof, and a 5 spd. I know about the v-6 headgasket deal etc, but I won't even consider a 22re after having 2 trucks with them.

The odometer shows 81,xxx miles, but it looks to have 3 times that.

You can't put poor to fair condition in sites like Kelly Blue Book. Look at the pictures and tell me what you think it may be worth. (edited out carfax--Steve) I'd might pay 1500 to 2000. Thanks

 

Looks like poor to worse condition to me. You can put fair in KBB and it comes up with $2000 trade-in value in your area. From the overall condition I'd say he paid much less. Your 1500 to 2000 is probably a good ballpark if the truck suits you. Run a Carfax yourself, it's only 25 bucks... Another resource to see what asking prices are in your area is www.autotrader.com

 

I would take $500 in cash and offer him that, if he says no then walk. That thing is a money hole waiting to happen.

Todd

 

I agree. That's a money-pit. Run away.

 

no way is that worth 3800. i wouldn't pay more than 1500 for it.

 

I bought a 89 pickup that was waaaaay cleaner than that for $4,700. That guy is dreaiming to think he can get 3800 for it. No more than two grand for that truck I say.

 

man i might pay $1000 dollars or less for that i got a 84 in way better condition for 3000 and it only has 76000 miles on it.

 

$500 at most, and that's only to part it out and make the money back plus some. Not worth keeping in that condition.

 

I wouldn't pay more than a grand for it.. Looks like more work than it's worth.

 

That guy must be smoking crack