Should I buy this?

I don't have any photos, sorry, but a buddy of mine is selling his 1995, Single cab Tacoma. It's a 4WD/Manual transmission flavor and is spacer lifted and currently on 35s. The truck has not been on the road for 15+ years. It cranks, runs and drives, but is said to have a bad synchro in the transmission. Mileage is 120k.

The paint color is bright red, has not been well maintained but is intact, though showing signs of wear. Body is straight. Interior is in decent shape for the age.

My intent for this truck is just a tinker toy. I already have an adventure Tacoma, but I always like to have a little project in the garage. He's asking $3,000. If I were to buy it, I would do the following:

Rebuilt Transmission (~$1200 if I pay someone / $350 if I buy the synchro kit and do it myself)
Remove Spacer Lift/35s
Install new shocks/lift and 33" tires (~$1600)
Misc. Hoses, belts, fluids, etc. (~$500)

I'm thinking by the time I'm done, I'll have roughly $6500 in the thing. Is it worth that in the open market? I'll probably sell it when I'm done...I'd like to make a few bucks, but mostly I don't want to lose anything.

 

If he's asking 3000 and it is in decent shape, i would buy it. if he'd do 2500 thats a no brainer.

again assuming its in decent condition.

 

What engine does it have?

 

2.7I4

 

The big question is" How's the frame?" If you get some pics it would help to make a decision. If all is good it would be a great deal.

 

Good question. I need to look at that...It's a South Texas truck all it's life, so I think it's fine, but I'll verify.

 

Buy it now before someone steals it.

 

I'd like to, buy he values it at $4000 and is giving me the friend deal. I would guess that in his mind, there's nothing wrong with the lift or the tires (used 35s bought of Craigslist 2 years ago), but I would personally disagree. I wouldn't want to negotiate it any further. It is what it is @ $3k.

 

Of course you should buy the thing.

 

I'm guessing you haven't checked the 1st Gen Tacoma buy/sell/trade forum here, or checked craigslist for similar trucks? They're selling for crazy money.

 

$6,500 in a 28 year old truck?
I don’t maybe……

You say it hasn’t been on the road in 15 years.
Lots of things can happen once you get it on the road.

Projects always cost me more.
Take your estimated cost and add 20%
I wouldn’t be surprised if you are closer to $8,000 by the time you’re done.

 

Understood and agreed. That's why I'm asking the question.

 

Words of wisdom, no doubt. They fall on deaf ears, though.

I have a wide array of hobbies and itchy fingers. All of my junk (dirt bikes, classic car, boat, Tacoma, guitars) are all working properly and that has created a noticeable void in my life.

 

If you really end up putting $6500 into it in the end (somewhat possible), you'd make a killing selling it.

 

Here's what you should do. PM me his phone number and I'll buy it. Then you don't have to make a decision once its no longer available

 

Photo...

 

Buy it for a date night, fun to just drive around truck. For $3000 I wouldnt care if the frame had some rust. Thats a deal.

Plus just look at this thing. (Not actual truck)

 

Man what are you waiting for?

 

To much money!! I would not go more then $1500.00

A truck your unable to give a proper road test can turn into a very expensive lesson.

You don`t put any value on your Labor to factor into your total cost.

This person is just a acquaintance not like your best friend?

I have seen all to often when buying vehicles from friends your no longer friends after the fact.

Best of Luck! No matter how things play out.

 

I've known this guy longer than he's had this truck. In fact, I bought the truck he had before this one from his dad back when I was in High school (I'm 37). I've also ridden in this truck (15+ years ago).

Also of note, I know my way around a vehicle, running or not. I'm aware of what kinds of things can go wrong and I'm aware of how to fix them. So while things can quickly go wrong with the truck of this nature, that liability is CLEARLY on me. It could burn to the ground as soon as I put a battery in it...not his fault. Just how the cookie crumbles.

As for factoring my labor into this, I don't care. The driver behind purchasing it isn't money or even having a fun truck when I'm done. It's about having something to do on the weekends.