What should it cost?

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julia crites - 17 Mar 2006 01:22 GMT

My neighbor has a 89 4cyl mini truck (not sure
of the model name) for sale. It runs, though he hasn't used it in a year
or so. Says it needs a tune up etc...misses after warmed..Hasn't passed
smog yet. Body solid, nice tires&rims {camper shell included} He's had a
for sale sign on for several months @ 1,500. When I first showed
interest he quoted 1,300. Then changed to 1,800! Now he said it didn't
pass smog.. so he wants 1.540...as is! What the ----? Is this original
owner selling his love child or just playing this 50 year old woman for
stupid. Please dont tell me to "go online" Kelly Book etc Im a
computer preschooler! Any opinons gratefuly welcomed!!

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GreenGas - 17 Mar 2006 05:27 GMT

I wouldn't give much over $500 for a 17 year old truck with nearly 200K on
the odometer, and I'd only give that if the body were in excellent condition
and I needed it. Sounds like the engine needs work, and most certainly the
drivetrain and brakes are worn if not worn out.
My advice - look somewhere else for something newer that is worth $1500.
hope this helps
Steve

> My neighbor has a 89 4cyl mini truck (not sure
> of the model name) for sale. It runs, though he hasn't used it in a year
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> stupid. Please dont tell me to "go online" Kelly Book etc Im a
> computer preschooler! Any opinons gratefuly welcomed!!

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julia crites - 18 Mar 2006 03:27 GMT

Thank you Steve for taking the time to confirm
my suspicions of

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julia crites - 18 Mar 2006 03:46 GMT

Ooops, dropped screen! Anyway I was pretty
sure he was way over the sanity limit, I've bought plenty of used cars
from private owners
But wasn"t sure if trucks had a different standard of value...{ the
macho thing!!} Wish me luck, I hate the stress of vehicle decisons.

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GreenGas - 18 Mar 2006 05:02 GMT

Julia, to get an idea of what you should pay for the kind of truck you want,
watch Ebay - and then watch the local paper to see
if you can see a like version of what you want. Generally, you'll get a
pretty good idea that way of the going value, then it's up to you to
decide on the condition, mileage, extras, etc that make it either worth more
or less.
Trucks are just like cars... some are taken well care of and are worth more,
others are abused and arent' worth much at all. Seldom do trucks have
inherent value just because they're old, like old GTO's or Mustangs or
Camaros, Buicks, or Oldsmobiles.
Good luck.
Let us know if you have more questions.
Steve

> Ooops, dropped screen! Anyway I was pretty
> sure he was way over the sanity limit, I've bought plenty of used cars
> from private owners
> But wasn"t sure if trucks had a different standard of value...{ the
> macho thing!!} Wish me luck, I hate the stress of vehicle decisons.

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miles - 18 Mar 2006 16:01 GMT

> I wouldn't give much over $500 for a 17 year old truck with nearly 200K on
> the odometer, and I'd only give that if the body were in excellent condition
> and I needed it. Sounds like the engine needs work, and most certainly the
> drivetrain and brakes are worn if not worn out.
> My advice - look somewhere else for something newer that is worth $1500.
> hope this helps

Anything that just runs and is drivable is worth at least $500
regardless of the body condition. I doubt at 200K the brakes are
original so their condition would be unknown unless the owner had work
records. If the trucks body and interior are clean, engine only needs
minor work, tires are good, no rust etc then it could be worth $1500.

Since the OP isn't truck savy I'd find a mechanic friend that knows
vehicles and prices to take a look at it. Either that or take it to a
reputable shop and have it inspected. It's worth the small charge to
avoid taking a gamble.

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