Buying a Used Truck

[AirVenture]

Hey guys, any advice for a buying a used truck?

My budget is somewhere in the $5,000-$10,000 range. I'm looking for a cab that has full rear seats (not bench). 4x2 or 4x4. V6 or V8. Right now I'm leaning towards the good deals that can be had on Ford F150's. They're thousands of them for sale here in the DFW area. I'm also partial to the Toyota Tacoma.

The problem is as I near the $10,000 range I'm nearing the price of a new truck after all the rebates and offers going on at the end of the year.

[Infiniti]

Good luck finding a truck with under 100,000 miles for that price. A guy I work with totaled his 2001 F150 Supercab with 140,000 miles and they gave him $8,000.

[AirVenture]

Over 100,000 is fine. This won't be a daily driver, just a go getter for things the Mustang can't fit.

[V3AutoDetailing]

New trucks are upwards of 40,000. Finding a used one not beat to hell under 20,000 will be a task

[swanicyouth]

I was in the same boat as you 2 years ago, buy needed a 4x4 SUV to get to work in when it snows. I thought about a truck, but decided on the SUV instead, as my BMW is useless in the snow.

Then I lucked out and found my 2001 Pathfinder 4x4 for $7999.00. It had 84k and the body had a few dents. I've since fixed all the dents and had some paint work done, so now its pretty close to perfect. Mechanically it has needed nothing in 14k miles



As for advice, as I guess it would be just keep looking because good deals are out there. I probably saved 4-5k $ on this truck because the paint wasn't perfect. I figured I could still drive it until I had the money to fix it. That's exactly what I did.

I bought it at the type of car lot that doesn't put money for paint and cosmetics into cars so they can sell them cheaper. I saw it was a diamond in the rough and that whoever had it before took pretty good care of it. As the interior was not worn at all and there were no leaks or mechanical problems. I knew I could slowly fix any cosmetic issues, but I didn't want something with mechanical issues that would break down.

Keep looking, there are good deals out there, just don't expect perfection in that price range. Look for something that needs the kind of work that you can do or live with.

[Yamasixx]

Tacoma's are awesome trucks. Buying a high mileage truck should be a Toyota or Nissan IMO. In my experience, high mile Ford, Chevy and Dodges will nickel and dime you to death. I bought a 05 Tacoma with 125,000 miles on it and have had zero issues. Beware though, mileage Tacoma's aren't cheap.

If you get real interested in a Tacoma, let me know and I can give you some knowledge on some things to look for on them.

[Eandras]

My advice is to take your time and don't make an emotional decision when looking. If you can test drive make sure the important things work. If cold check the heat if it takes a long time to warm up or heat is not hot there is an issue. It four wheel drive an it has automatic locking hubs make sure they lock and unlock. You can do this while idling on the side of the road. Look at all the fluids. If the transmission fluid is not red and smells burnt the maintainence may not be up to date.

Look for coolant in the oil this would show signs of a head gasket of cracked block. If possible take it to your mechanic and let them look,it over. Another good thing is ask your mechanic to,look around for a vehicle for you. They see a lot of people and could give you a lead on a truck.

If you are using Craigslist be careful. Auto trader is a fair service as well.

Good luck in your search.

[AirVenture]

Thanks guys! Some great advice there.

It's amazing how well the Toyota trucks keep their value. I've had to go back to the 80's in some cases to find anything in my price range. However, with some wheeling and dealing I think I can get into a 100k+ 90's version.

Then again, I really really want to recreat Marty's Toyota Pickup in Back to the Future! I believe it's an 85 or 86. Even a modern day one would be kinda cool

[oldmodman]

Do they have dealer auctions where you are?

I have bought three vehicles at the gigantic dealer auction in El Monte. They typically have three thousand cars, trucks, motorhomes, and motorcycles for sale.

I only bid on cars that needed some work. Most of the buyers there were dealers that only wanted creampuffs.

Paid about 40% less than typical going prices. I went with a friend that has a dealers license, but there are quite a few dealers that for a small fee will let you go along with them and bid for you.

[bulldog shine]

Keep looking, I bought my '03 Dodge Thunder Road Edition for around 7500 with 70k. The truck is loaded leather the whole 9 yards even came with toneau cover. Yes, It has a hemi and I get 15 MPG around town 20 on trips.