How bad is this?

I think yours may be out of my budget. You were asking 20k right?

I just sold a truck and I have 17,500 to work with.

 

Lol those would be considered mint up here in the northeast

 

Bed rack included?

 

Sounds like you have a pretty good budget to work with.

That first truck looks pretty well rusted for$16k.

A little time & effort to find a good truck now will keep you from dealing with rust issues down the road.

 

Back in 2014 I only paid $500 for my 147k mile 2004 TRD 4x4 with a beautiful undercarriage & frame. But it had a seized 3.4 due to po neglect. Used low mile motor, new Toytec suspension lift, new wheels/tires, 231mm tundra brakes ect...I love this truck. Shortly after I bought a 2nd 2004 TRD from a fellow Tacomaworld member for $600 with a rusted area on the frame and high mileage. My buddy at Mobtown Offroad cut out the rust and welded in new metal for me. I use that one as my winter beater and for chores here on my property. I only buy'em if they're cheap.

 

I should probably clarify, this will be my sole personal vehicle. Will not be a daily driver because I have a work issued vehicle, but outside of work this truck would be only option besides my antique mustang.

 

I just don’t think these trucks are worth those prices. I paid around 9k for a ‘99 4x4 xtra cab early in the summer, Az owned and literally no rust at all, and I thought I paid out the ass. If you’re dropping nearly double that on one in way worse condition than mine, I think you’re going to be pretty disappointed in how much money you’re going to need to put into one of these things to keep it reliable and on the road. Ball joints, steering racks, fuel injectors, brake lines, bushings… and that’s all assuming there’s no big issues with the engine/trans/coolant systems. I bought mine as a hunting rig, and I like it for that, but there’s a shit load of stuff that’s going to be worn out on one of these trucks for a main mode of transportation

 

Run away fast

 

This truck will need more work than your antique Mustang... It's a good starting point because the frame and body appear to be solid (subject to closer inspection). However, a lot of other big-ticket items will need replacement due to rust and wear/tear e.g. replacement rear axle from a salvage yard, replacement spare wheel/tire.

I think it's the opposite of a parts truck lol. Majority of the parts are too rusted to be serviceable on another truck.

 

That first one looks like it had it's frame replaced, just comparing the rear axle and gas tank skid to the frame. At 16k that's a hard pass though, even with the low miles. I bought mine with 130k miles in similar condition (maybe slightly less rusty?) and if I could do it all over I would have found something cleaner. Would have been able to spend a lot more money on mods vs maintenance.

 

Since I really am not shopping for a Truck.

Both those are expensive compared to pre inflation prices.

Price is the only thing that would stop me from buying either of those trucks today.

Looking for better shop around I 20 and I 40 west of Little Rock

 

@inf811 , I would suggest looking in the South East and the South West for a truck. You'll find one in much better condition. You could always reach out to another TW member to check out a truck you might find. Buy a 1 way ticket and drive the truck back home. I had a friend bought a mid 90's Toyota 4x4 truck from Ebay Motors, and that's what he did. Do some google searching nation wide and look for trucks in the SE and the SW. I think in the long run you'll be glad you passed up both of these rusty framed trucks.

 

unless you're willing to deal with the rust. best to look down south or out west for a truck.

that being said.. i wouldnt pay 16k for that first one.. it'll need ALOT of love to keep the rust at bay.

 

@inf811 — are you looking for these on dealer lots? If so, you may do better with an individual in this market.

In July of ‘20, I traded in a truck to get my Tacoma. KBB said it was worth $4K, that is what I got. The dealer had it listed for $16k the next day, and I saw it driving around town the week after that. I hope the buyer didn’t pay anywhere near that…

 

The first one - looks okay. The spare was a decoy, I saw that and thought "OH HERE WE GO!" but the frame actually looks in decent shape. Get it, wire brush/rust reformer and keep up on it, that frame's actually in pretty good shape.

I'd scrap the spare and get a new one and also keep up on that, since that thing is SKETCHY.

 

Very Sad indeed. Was that a 69, which is my absolute favorite year. Dam nice looking Chevelle.