Thoughts on risky purchase?

[BrewKrew]

I’m the guy with a 2005 263k mi 4.7 4x4 with low oil pressure and vibration at idle, assuming my main bearings are bad and the truck is at the end of it’s life.

There’s a Marketplace listing near me for a 2002 4.7 4x4 with a screwed up rear drive shaft. From the iffy pictures it looks like the front U joints came apart and the back is still attached to the rear differential. Listing says “motor and transmission strong” and “motor was replaced 40k miles ago”. Odo in pics says body has 173k. The rest of the pictures clearly show me that this truck is in better shape than my current truck. Seller has only responded to one of my questions with a half-ass answer, unresponsive to my other messages. It’s unclear whether the engine was new or just a used swap. He lowered the price to $1,700 after I sent him some more questions but hasn’t even opened that message.

My idea is that if this truck is driveable other than the driveshaft, I could take the driveshaft off my current truck and swap it into this ‘02. I’d have my old truck as a donor if anything else went wrong with the new one, apart from engine problems. Obviously it’s risky buying a truck without being able to drive it, but if I go look at it I can at least ask my questions and inspect the truck.

So my question for the forum is: Is this a decent idea, or not worth the risk? I just want a running driving truck without breaking the bank, but am I being too hopeful and optimistic?

 

[markabby]

run away from it

 

[Daw14]

Pass

 

[MrBonez]

Leave it where you found it.

 

[mikeru]

I’m not sure why everyone’s telling you to run away from this. It seems that you’re not afraid of wrenching and you’re wanting to stick with this older generation of trucks. $1700 is actually a pretty good price for a parts truck, especially if it has a running engine. But I wouldn’t recommend buying it without going over it thoroughly before hand. Go and look at the truck in person if you’re seriously considering buying it. If they guy is evasive with his answers or seems to be flat out lying, then you might want to walk away.

 

[GeauxinUp]

I’m with Mike here. If you’re in a tight spot, and not able to replace your current (bad) engine, this seems like a decent option. Go check the truck out, only bring $1500 in cash. If you feel good after talking to him and looking the truck over, offer him the $1500. If he don’t take it, walk away. I’m betting 1500 is his line in the sand, and if he’s lowered the price already, he likely hasn’t gotten any other offers. I’d imagine you could part the truck out if it doesn’t work out right and make your money back at the very least

 

[diymirage]

I’m with Mike here. If you’re in a tight spot, and not able to replace your current (bad) engine, this seems like a decent option. Go check the truck out, only bring $1500 in cash. If you feel good after talking to him and looking the truck over, offer him the $1500. If he don’t take it, walk away. I’m betting 1500 is his line in the sand, and if he’s lowered the price already, he likely hasn’t gotten any other offers. I’d imagine you could part the truck out if it doesn’t work out right and make your money back at the very least

If I'm selling something and I'm asking, oh, let's say, $1700 and some jackrabbit comes up with the "I only brought $1500" line, you can bet we are done dealing

I don't play games and I don't appreciate people waisting my time

 

[markabby]

If I'm selling something and I'm asking, oh, let's say, $1700 and some jackrabbit comes up with the "I only brought $1500" line, you can bet we are done dealing

I don't play games and I don't appreciate people waisting my time

true, but, i usually bring the asking amount. Then, after looking things over, i'll make my line offer if i feel it's not worth the asking price. If it's not accepted, i just say thanks and leave.

when selling, a bird in the hand is worth two in thee bush. when buying, i ask myself, how bad do i want it.

 

[GeauxinUp]

If I'm selling something and I'm asking, oh, let's say, $1700 and some jackrabbit comes up with the "I only brought $1500" line, you can bet we are done dealing

I don't play games and I don't appreciate people waisting my time

Cool story

 

[diymirage]

true, but, i usually bring the asking amount. Then, after looking things over, i'll make my line offer if i feel it's not worth the asking price. If it's not accepted, i just say thanks and leave.

when selling, a bird in the hand is worth two in thee bush. when buying, i ask myself, how bad do i want it.

That i can understand

Personally, ik not looking to get one over one people, if i come across something at a fair price, ill pay that price

If there is legitimate reason to haggle, we can discuss it, but I think more often then not I've paid asking price, simply because it was a fair price

If I'm selling, I won't entertain offers unless you are in front of me
(Man, I hate fakebook)

 

[markabby]

That i can understand

Personally, ik not looking to get one over one people, if i come across something at a fair price, ill pay that price

If there is legitimate reason to haggle, we can discuss it, but I think more often then not I've paid asking price, simply because it was a fair price

If I'm selling, I won't entertain offers unless you are in front of me
(Man, I hate fakebook)

ugh..selling on FB is a curse! I even learned never to list anything as FREE...you get all kinds of weirdos showing up. One night i had to hold my pistol behind my back...lol

Selling stuff...i've had many people say "im on my way" never to hear from them again. Meanwhile others are messaging saying they want it.

FB marketplace is convenient, but, ebay sorts out the tire kickers from those who are serious.

 

[Jim113]

It seems obvious he's not answering your questions for a reason ....

 

[Dusty]

Go listen to it run and look it over good. They were solid motors unless overheated, then it was warped heads. As far as value, only you can be the judge of that.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, 18” wheels. Build Date: 3 June 2018. Now at 133455 miles.

 

[Tray Burge]

I buy stuff on FB Marketplace all the time, yeah, there are some weirdo's but it's a great platform and that's where I'm gonna list my truck. Craigslist is loaded with nothing but scammers trying to pull the "certified used car" scam.