So, I'm on the way home and see a 93 extra cab 22RE sitting on a used lot with a $2995 tag on it. Hmmm, I say to myself. I stopped and looked, and on the window it said "Defective Motor" and "Bad Head Gasket". After looking the rest of the truck over, it seems to be in pretty good shape (the exhaust might need changed).

So here lies my dilemna: I already have a 91 that is completely in pieces, and awaiting the money for parts. After checking Kelly Blue Book, I'd offer at most $2000 for this truck. I'll have $3000 to spend. Anyone see the dilemna yet? Buy another truck that needs fixed, or proceed with the one I have? The pickups are pretty scarce around here, but I don't know much about the 22RE and what it would need to get it running again. That truck has 175k mi. on it.

Thoughts?

 

Hmmm....that is a dilemma. I'm a big fan of the 22re myself. Extra cab would be icing......sweetness.

The 22re's are a simple design, IMO. Cheaper to repair (only one head, less valves, less pistons, etc.) and easier to work on. If you have $3000 to spend that would not be relegated to the project at hand, you could buy the truck, finish the current, sell the current, and have the cash to fix the truck. A blown HG is not a big deal.....unless there's deeper damage done. That would have to be investigated. Even then, fairly simple to fix and still cheaper than a V6. Were I in the same situation, I'd have the willingness. It would just be a matter of workspace, time, and money. Something you'd have to consider for yourself. You definitely have a consuming project already.

Oh, and I certainly wouldn't pay more than $2k for it.

 

I'm not sure how it is outside Colorado where I live but it would have to be one immaculately perfect looking vehicle with some extra benefits to boot (lift, tires, lockers etc.) for me to pay $3000 for a vehicle that had engine problems and/or atleast needed a headgasket. If they are scarce in your area it may be a different story.

 

Yes, that price is out of line, unless otherwise perfect.
Just remember that a blown HG can result in water in the oil.. And water pumped around the motor in place of oil.. You could be looking at a bad motor, total rebuild - maybe even (worst case) not even usable as a core.

Negotiate on this - a new motor, install, will start at $3k.. Probably more at most shops.

 

I picked up an '88 Xtra cab with a blown HG for $800. In hindsight I should have shopped around and bought one that was in runnin condition unless you have another vehicle for DD duties.


I wouldn't pay $2000 for it let alone $2950.

 

I agree too much money, also make sure it's really a head gasket problem not a timing chain.

 

My knowledge on the 22RE is limited. However, I do know that
doing a head gasket on one is relatively easy and not all that time consuming.

But, to put this in perspective for you, I bought my 92 V6 Xcab for $2500.
Minus tailgate rust and a couple dents, its was in great shape, with 183k.

I know how car lots work. Provided another old 'yota guy doesn't find it
and snatch it up, its gonna sit there for a while. Wait about a month or so.
Then go in to the dealership and ask to talk to the sales manager. Tell him
that you'll give him $1500 and have cash/check in hand. See what happens,
because at that point they probably want to get rid of it. Don't wait too long
or the wholesalers will snatch it up.

 

Ya, I may go in there with $1500 cash, and see what happens. Of course, that's $1500 less to go into my already ongoing project. It's definitely a toss up. With the $3k I'll have shortly, I'll be real close to having my free '91 back on the road, complete with a 3.4l. On the other hand, having both would be sweet.

I agree that their asking price is way out of line. If the truck were in excellent condition, with those miles, the KBB price on it is $4000. I'll have to stop b an give it a thorough look over. This is just a small town lot (albeit a big lot). I haven't figured out how they got the truck in the first place (auction or trade-in). But, I think I might be able to work out a deal.

What's that saying? "A bird in the hand..."?

 

Get your current project finished. It's not a deal... just a truck for sale. You can find another easily enough at that price, probably running too. They'll only get cheaper as time goes on.

90% says trade-in, and now they need to unload it.

 

Agreed...