Should i buy a $1500.00 parts truck??

[fightman80]

As the title suggests.. I'm looking at a $1500.00 + 6hrs of travelling costs for a parts truck.

It's got good rear bumper pieces, tailgate, 2000 center console, same tan interior... is an Sr5 like mine... and many other good parts on it... with 300 000kms (yes you read that right... I'm Canadian.. lol)

The frame has some rot where the trailing arms hook up to the frame... I'm still waiting on pics... but may do a spot repair to drive it here... or trailer it to my place.

Anybody have any input on travelling the truck in this condition (if I'm able to weld up the mounts), and whether or not it's worth buying?

I've been looking for months... but nothing local to me... and anything that was... was in far worse shape.

 

[Scramble]

I would, trailer it home.

 

[theesotericone]

What do you need off it?

 

[trdsport]

I own a 2002 myself, bumped in to another 2002 last week same rot on frame where the cross member meets..otherwise engine tranny runs mint. Picked it for $1700 body is good. Wish these PO took some good care of them.

 

[Roamed YT]

I would. Depending on what you need, I can see recovering what I put in to it plus whatever I need! Would definitely trailer it though, save yourself the stress and hassle of roadside bodges to limp it down the highway.

Even rough, parts trucks out here go for good coin out west.

 

[SCHUNTER1969]

Low ball the guy and try to get him down to 1k. If he doesn't budge walk away and then talk to him 2-3 weeks later. He will probably be willing to negotiate then.

Take what you need and then part it out. If you play your cards right you could probably turn a profit.

 

[fightman80]

So far.. I'd be looking for the cupholder console in it... the rear chrome bumper pieces, rear hatch, some other little interior pieces, whatever else I can scam off of it. Extra badges would be nice too.

I'd have to get more info on the truck to see what else. It's located in my old hometown 6hours away. I don't have a trailer yet... but going to see what I can swing... maybe borrow one from someone out here.

 

[poleclimber63]

So far.. I'd be looking for the cupholder console in it... the rear chrome bumper pieces, rear hatch, some other little interior pieces, whatever else I can scam off of it. Extra badges would be nice too.

I'd have to get more info on the truck to see what else. It's located in my old hometown 6hours away. I don't have a trailer yet... but going to see what I can swing... maybe borrow one from someone out here.

For a $1500 investment you need the engine/tranny? I suppose you can part out the major components and make most of your money back.... namely the engine/tranny/transfercase/rear end...The only item you listed that makes sense, for that money, would be the rear hatch.... I suppose I shouldn't question it, as vehicles in the condition you describe don't exist in BC (unless they're transplants from AB) or they're accident victims.
My buddy bought a 96 LTD last Fall for $2500 (a smokin price for BC), it was in good shape but the old guy who sold it figured it wasn't worth much, as it had 420000KM on it.... wrong! I had a close look at it when he bought it, and you'd never know it. Since he bought it, all he's done is change the oil and add some aftermarket goodies! Luckily, the PO maintained it...
His daughter also bought a 4runner last Summer after graduation, it had 250000KM --- driving both, you'd never know one has twice the mileage. Hers was in average condition, they did the TB/WP and changed the oil--- that's it.

 

[fightman80]

Yeah... I've been pricing out the parts I listed above... the Hatch will cost me $800.00. The center console... $200+... rear bumper piece.. not sure.. thinking about $100.00. All the little dash pieces I'm planning on stealing... clips and such... can add up as well.

Not to mention... I would use the interior rear cargo trim panels... and whatever other pieces I can scam off of it.

I plan on keeping the truck forever. I've had 13yrs.. and don't plan on getting rid of it. So why not have a spare motor and trans? I'm just thinking that as these trucks get older... parts are going to be harder to get... am I right?

THis is what he sent me for pics of the frame....







Body looks mint though... and interior looks clean too...

 

[theesotericone]

I plan on keeping the truck forever. I've had 13yrs.. and don't plan on getting rid of it. So why not have a spare motor and trans? I'm just thinking that as these trucks get older... parts are going to be harder to get... am I right?

If you have the space to keep the parts rig that line of reasoning above is pretty sound. Lots of little things can add up over the course of time. It's a long trip though. Use that to your advantage and try to get the guys price down. If he says no then decide. I'm betting there's a little wiggle room on his end though.

 

[poleclimber63]

Yeah... I've been pricing out the parts I listed above... the Hatch will cost me $800.00. The center console... $200+... rear bumper piece.. not sure.. thinking about $100.00. All the little dash pieces I'm planning on stealing... clips and such... can add up as well.

Not to mention... I would use the interior rear cargo trim panels... and whatever other pieces I can scam off of it.

I plan on keeping the truck forever. I've had 13yrs.. and don't plan on getting rid of it. So why not have a spare motor and trans? I'm just thinking that as these trucks get older... parts are going to be harder to get... am I right?

THis is what he sent me for pics of the frame....







Body looks mint though... and interior looks clean too...

Holy crap! That's one rusted frame! Is that bailing wire holding the trailing arm in place?? I'd say trailer it home... I'm still shocked how hard weather in Ont and Qc are on vehicles......

 

[fightman80]

I think is some sort of metal wire... and I also see a Zip-tie in there... lol! Winters are definitely rough... which is why I'm such a stickler for oiling up my rigs in the fall... to prep them for the harsh winters. lol!

 

[gamefreakgc]

Am I the only one who thinks this is not a good deal? I buy parts cars for less that $1000. And that's with no rust. Got one in the backyard right now that was $600, a 99 with multi-mode.

I realize that location might dictate otherwise with price and availability though. But you're gonna be fighting rust the whole way through, the engine bay will even be rusted.

 

[fightman80]

Says the guy from Cali... lol! I realize what you're saying... but we don't have the population or the weather to give us options like the one you speak of in your yard...

 

[flipty]

These Cali guys have never seen rust. That frame looks worse than mine, and it's a Minnesota lifer with nearly 300,000 miles. For reference, the one I got which "could" have been considered a parts car for a more serious enthusiast (I'm turning mine into a daily driver) was listed at US$1800. That said, the rear arms are shot, but not being held on with zip ties.

Oh, and if you have to go at freeway speeds, you will be needing a trailer for that. It's probably ok up til about 45MPH and then the ass-wobble will be nearly uncontrollable.

 

[fightman80]

Here's some pics from the seller:

 

[MN4runnerman]

A few more zip ties and it would pass inspection with flying colors.....

 

[fightman80]

If I get this truck... it's not going to see an inspection station again... it'll be in pieces... living vicariously through my 4Runner.

 

[96RedRunner]

Fightman that body looks damn good. Low ball and go from there.
Grandpa always said, if you dont offend them with first offer your paying too much.

 

[fightman80]

Looks like it's sold... buddy said that someone came and gave a deposit... and is picking it up tomorrow.

Like I said... these trucks are hard to come by in decent shape out here.... lol!