Would you purchase someone else's build?

Is it really someone's project though? Almost everything I've done (and most people on here have done) is bolt on and can just as easily be unbolted or unclipped (neoprene seat covers).

totally agree, I looked at most of the pics, looks like it was just sliders, UCA's, Toytec, and tires and rims. Not really a "build" per se, it still has a stock battery stock, stock switch configurations, ext. I didn't notice really anything I would consider a "mod" and barely a "build". Just sayin'

Expensive? probably, I wouldn't say that I am up to date on the latest pre-owned prices.
 
totally agree, I looked at most of the pics, looks like it was just sliders, UCA's, Toytec, and tires and rims. Not really a "build" per se, it still has a stock battery stock, stock switch configurations, ext. I didn't notice really anything I would consider a "mod" and barely a "build". Just sayin'

Expensive? probably, I wouldn't say that I am up to date on the latest pre-owned prices.

I only recently checked since I may sell next year. $34k for that trail isn't that far out of line considering my 2012 with 45k miles is fetching about $28-30k in stock form and mine is about as base model as it gets.
 
You guys crack me up worrying about scratches and if a vehicle has been wheeled or not, when that is exactly what you plan to do with it. Do you really think you can wheel it without banging it up? I think not if you are really going to get out an enjoy it offroad.

I purchased my 4Runner used for ~26k with 48k on the OD. It had a lift, tires, and rack already on it. First used vehicle I have ever purchased. I don't feel so bad when I scratch it up since it already had a few flaws on it when I got it. It's still nice, just not fresh off the lot nice... These yotas are up for the abuse and it just feels wrong taking a brand new super clean truck out into the dirt and rocks for abuse.

Builds? Hardly any of the trucks on here are builds. They are mostly boltons and minor tweaks. Nothing wrong with that, but there is not that much special about a truck with a lift, wheels, tires, and sliders.

I say used is the best way to go if you can find a good deal. That one listed seems a bit high, would not hurt to make an offer. They can only say NO.

Also, I see a bunch of people buy new and then want to spend 4k within the first week of ownership to do lift, wheels, and tires. That is fine, but if you buy it with some of that already on it you might be satisfied for a while.
 
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Is it really someone's project though? Almost everything I've done (and most people on here have done) is bolt on and can just as easily be unbolted or unclipped (neoprene seat covers). What I wouldn't buy is anything with engine mods (not even CAI or that stuff because there's no telling if they've done other things to the engine) or an aftermarket full length roof rack like Baja or Gobi (because I don't know how well it's been sealed unless I did it myself), or shady maintenance records/accidents. I'd love to do my own maintenance but from a resale perspective I probably won't since I like to have solid documentation. I may sell mine if I get set of orders overseas because I won't drive it and I don't want to pay for something I don't drive. If that happens, you will see every mod I have come for sale because I'll return it completely to stock before I sell it because it gets better resale that way (especially to dealers if I'm in a pinch). Plus most people in WA that have these that I've seen are soccer moms.

totally agree, I looked at most of the pics, looks like it was just sliders, UCA's, Toytec, and tires and rims. Not really a "build" per se, it still has a stock battery stock, stock switch configurations, ext. I didn't notice really anything I would consider a "mod" and barely a "build". Just sayin'

Expensive? probably, I wouldn't say that I am up to date on the latest pre-owned prices.

You guys crack me up worrying about scratches and if a vehicle has been wheeled or not, when that is exactly what you plan to do with it. Do you really think you can wheel it without banging it up? I think not if you are really going to get out an enjoy it offroad.

I purchased my 4Runner used for ~26k with 48k on the OD. It had a lift, tires, and rack already on it. First used vehicle I have ever purchased. I don't feel so bad when I scratch it up since it already had a few flaws on it when I got it. It's still nice, just not fresh off the lot nice... These yotas are up for the abuse and it just feels wrong taking a brand new super clean truck out into the dirt and rocks for abuse.

Builds? Hardly any of the trucks on here are builds. They are mostly boltons and minor tweaks. Nothing wrong with that, but there is not that much special about a truck with a lift, wheels, tires, and sliders.

I say used is the best way to go if you can find a good deal. That one listed seems a bit high, would not hurt to make an offer. They can only say NO.

Also, I see a bunch of people buy new and then want to spend 4k within the first week of ownership to do lift, wheels, and tires. That is fine, but if you buy it with some of that already on it you might be satisfied for a while.

The OP's original question was "Would you purchase someone else's build?"
Yes he had a link but a but he said a "build."

Tires and wheels are one thing and I would have no problem with that. Any suspension, electrical (@antman) or interior mods, or if holes were drilled in the exterior and I will just buy new thank you very much.

This is not because it could have been taken off road. My truck is stock and has been offroad more than most modified vehicles. My problem is shoddy installation by driveway weekend mechanics who most of the time have no clue what they are doing nor do they have the proper tools nor do they even understand torque, much less know the torque specs. Most of them are modifying just for looks and to them if it looks good it must be right! Right? Those are the ones I stay away from. C'mon, you guys have read the same threads as I have and while I won't single any specific member out, many times I have read his "build" thread and shuddered to think he is actually driving this down the road. But hey, that's just me.
 
To me, I PROBABLY wouldn't buy someone else's build....unless:

If, for example, I knew the person well who did the build, and knew that they were meticulous and did everything "right" to the extreme, and IF they were mods that I would want myself, and IF the price was right.....then sure, I'd do it. I'd say there's less than a 1 percent chance of that happening.

On the other hand, buying ANY used vehicle poses a slight risk, as you usually don't know about the prior owners driving habits, or maintenance, etc.. Even the "Pre-Owned Certified" and Carfax stuff is a complete crapshoot (I speak from personal experience here....believe me). I bought a high end German vehicle that was pre-owned certified and had a clean Carfax, and when I went to trade it in found out that it had been in a wreck. After a considerable amount of legal action and a settlement which I'm legally bound not to disclose I finally got compensated for the loss....but my point is that all that stuff is "iffy". I certainly know how to do an inspection for collision damage now :-) Courtesy of hard-knocks U.

The BEST situation when buying used is knowing how to inspect the vehicle yourself (or have someone who is highly qualified and you trust do it for you). When you add in the "build" components as referenced in this thread, I think you'd have to be able to inspect each and determine whether or not it was properly done. I am certainly not qualified to do that myself, so I likely would never buy someone else's build unless it fit into the exception I stated above. I also insist on seeing a maintenance history record (preferably from the dealer).

I guess if you're not like me though, and could properly inspect the mods (assuming they are ones you'd want anyway), then I'd think you could save a ton of money buying someone else's build.

The last point I'll make is that I don't think most of the people who do builds are really in it purely for the "function" anyway (donning my asbestos suit now). I think the build is "mostly" their hobby, and the vehicles they build spend more time inspiring awe in others than they do on the Rubicon trail. That being the case, why buy someone else's hobby, when in reality you want to create your own? It's kinda the adult version of building model cars. Nobody buys model cars that are already built, 'cause the fun is in building them. Nothing wrong with it, it's a cool hobby.

I'm a professional photographer, so to me any "build enthusiast" who buys someone else's build is kinda like me buying someone else's photography. I would never do that, as I am an artist myself and enjoy the creative process more than the end result. Just sayin'.
 
The OP's original question was "Would you purchase someone else's build?"
Yes he had a link but a but he said a "build."

Tires and wheels are one thing and I would have no problem with that. Any suspension, electrical (@antman) or interior mods, or if holes were drilled in the exterior and I will just buy new thank you very much.

This is not because it could have been taken off road. My truck is stock and has been offroad more than most modified vehicles. My problem is shoddy installation by driveway weekend mechanics who most of the time have no clue what they are doing nor do they have the proper tools nor do they even understand torque, much less know the torque specs. Most of them are modifying just for looks and to them if it looks good it must be right! Right? Those are the ones I stay away from. C'mon, you guys have read the same threads as I have and while I won't single any specific member out, many times I have read his "build" thread and shuddered to think he is actually driving this down the road. But hey, that's just me.

While I totally concur with your latter statements about the weekend warrior hack artist, I think I mentioned it had the original battery & no noticeable 3rd party wiring attached (one thing many replace when adding additions, not always the case of course, there I go assuming again :P ), the OP did say he was in the market and that he did see that particular truck. That was all I was basing my comments on. :)

What's torque? :D
 
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don't know nothing about the truck in question but why does a modded truck equal somebody's problem?
 
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I should recant any said statements and replace it with "If you aren't smart enough to determine what has been done to something, or how to fix it if it has, you should buy a new one" How's that for words of wisedumb :D
 

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