I have been presented with the opportunity to purchase a 2005 Lariat Screw 4x4 with approx 90k miles that's virtually identical to Kozal01's truck. The asking price is $6000. The catch? Well the previous owner was not religious on oil changes and the engine crapped the bed. The good news is that it's already been pulled out.

The exterior of the truck is a 9/10 and the interior is 9/10 as well. It's got all the options like heated seats, sunroof. Etc.

What I'm wondering is if you'd pounce on this. I know engines can be had for ~$1000 with low mileage and as half of the labor is already done, it would only require install.

I really don't know why I'm second guessing this but it's something I would like opinions on. $6k is a lot of money to spend on something that doesn't run.

 

That's a tough call... Identical to his? Is it lifted or anything? Can you put the motor in yourself?

 

It's totally stick. Not even leveled. I can do the engine myself... With enough beer.

 

Lol well beer is cheap in the us sothat doesn't count as part of the cost lol so you'd have 7k into it if you can find a motor for 1k? 4wd? I'd jump on it probably get it going and sell it fir a profit. Or keep it and run it. Seems like a decent deal. Can you knock him down further then 6k?

 

With the engine pulled, where are all of the bolts, screws, and all the plastic snap do-dads? The other concern I'd have is what else was not properly maintained? Trans?

This would be a great time to pop in a new converter, headers, e-fan, and wash the engine bay down.

 

Get a low mileage engine, replace cam phasers, timing chain and guides, headers, and reinstall. Bulletproof truck for under 10k. I'd love to do that.

 

What does Jasper want for a rebuilt engine? You pay a little more but that 3 year unlimited mileage warranty is always nice, plus they do very amazing work you know you're getting a solid engine from Jasper. One of my friends owns a shop and had 2 consecutive AC Delco rebuilt 3.1L engines sent to him with backwards camshaft bearings installed, the engine sounded horrible lol!

 

Better question is, do you have time and desire to tackle a project like this?

If so, then consider the financial aspect. If doing it just cause it sounds like a good deal but gonna hate every hour spent working on it, then not worth it.

Then again, take your time, get a decent engine, ( lotta opportunities here since engine already pulled, could do some fun stuff ! ) and have fun with it, could be a blast!

All depends on what's going on in your life right now and only you can answer that.

 

Offer him 5. Chances are he needs it out of his yard. Then do something crazy (diesel swap, Eco boost swap)

 

Its at a small car dealership, so there's no real NEED to get rid of it. He offered it to me as an "in passing" kinda thing. I was there to look at another F150.

As for my life plans... I think this would be something I build and keep for myself. Financially, $8k would take a significant chunk out of my savings account but on the other hand, I know that I could make $5k profit minimum if I did end up selling it after investing $8k.

Its just such an odd situation but I almost feel as if its too good to pass up. Historically though, these types of deals usually end up working out NOT in my favor.