So I listed my '90 F250 for sale or trade and a guy emailed me with a '94 mazda B4000 4x4 with 147k on the clock I think he said. Being a 5speed regular cab I wasn't too interested at first since I'm tall and fat and small trucks present a bit of a problem for me. I told the guy that if I did take his truck as a part trade I wasn't going to offer him a fair price for it just because I didn't like it much but he said he traded some car parts for it and asked if I wanted to come see it anyway. So I figure if he's willing to let me have it for half of what it's worth I can always flip it and get something I like more. (this won't be a straight across trade, I'll be getting the mazda plus ~$1700 if he agrees)

So here's where I need some guidance.
1. I have a pretty good idea of what to look for when buying a used vehicle but what specific issues should I check for on this truck. I've read about bad rear spring shackles and I read about a guy with a 2.3l with a stretched throttle cable, but I don't know if the cable issue is just on the 2.3 or if it's on the 4.0l as well. And I've also read about the problems with the electric 4wd and hubs.

2. There is some minor damage to the front driver's corner so it needs a new fender and grill. I like the ranger grill more so I was wondering if I could install just a ranger grill/lights or if I would have to swap fenders and hood too.

3. The truck has factory "4x4 off road" decals on the bed. What does the off road package entail, if anything?

4. I don't like the rims that are on it now. What bolt pattern are they and what will they interchange with?


If I do go through with the deal I'll probably just make sure the truck is sound and address the cosmetics and put it up for sale to find a truck I like more. I may end up hanging onto it and making a few small mods but eventually the truck will get sold. The only reason I'm considering it is because I've had no other offers for my F250 and I'm at my rock-bottom price I'm willing to take for it, plus it sounds like the guy is willing to give me a really good deal on the mazda.

 

What do you consider a good deal? He got it in a trade for some parts. If he could get money for it, would he still be talking to you?


For me the regular cab would be a deal breaker. If you're open to trading the f250 for something you can sell at a profit I'd be talking to guys that are interested in your truck. Ask them what they have to trade.

b4000's a sport truck. Fun vehicle for young guys who want to go fast, and can't afford insurance on a camaro. But not too many folks these days can put gas in a truck that doesn't pull its weight. I'd hang on to the f250 for that reason alone.

 

I forgot to mention it's not a straight across trade. I'd be getting cash in the deal.

He told me he wants my truck for work and the mazda won't do what he needs. Best guess from the pics I'd say the truck is worth $1300-1800 but I'd only give him $800 towards my truck at the most (I'm asking $2500 for the F250 and I kinda need the money).

I figure IF I do it I'll get a fender and grill from a JY, throw a little bed-liner on the rockers, Put on a set of tires I have laying around if it needs them and list it for $2500 and see what offers I get. Maybe I'll hang onto it and drive it for a bit, maybe I won't.

I'm not against keeping my truck, it's just that I don't need a 3/4 ton that gets 12 mpg and has a 90 foot turning radius, at least not at this time. And I'm a little light on finances at the moment. But if I don't get what I'm asking for it I'll just work on fixing it up. It's not like I'm behind on rent or anything like that.