advice on craigslist truck

[Twitch57]

I think I am going to buy this truck

http://ventura.craigslist.org/car/773578697.html

"I am selling my 91 ranger
it need two coil packs for the spark plugs
i just put a brand new battery in it
it does not run at the moment do to
the coil packs needing to be replaced
it is a manual am i need a automatic
it is a my lose your gain deal
besides that one this there is nothing wrong with it
( non drivable )"

$300

I think it would be worth it just for parts

How hard/expensive is it to fix the coil packs

thanks

 

[MAKG]

How hard/expensive is it to fix the coil packs

thanks

It's (effectively) impossible to fix coil packs. Replacing it isn't hard, but can be pricey. Ask your favorite local parts store.

The one potential "gotcha" is that of the three bolts securing the coil pack (there is only one...), one of them goes into the passenger side exhaust manifold, and can be difficult to remove. Beyond that, it's easier than removing the #3 spark plug on an A/C truck.

Make sure the title is decent. You won't be able to register it until it's fixed. At that price, I'd tolerate the headache, even though it's illegal in California to sell a vehicle "as is" regarding smog (it's the seller's responsibility).

 

[northerncountry]

one thought comes to my mind 5.0 RANGER

 

[snake]

May be a deal even if the engine is locked up- but keep in mind NEVER take someone else's word (especially a seller) on what is wrong with something. Could be a tripped enertia switch to melted down from no oil or water...

 

[cr_the_machinist]

Show up with $200~250 cash in hand. Money talks and bullsh$t walks!

 

[Twitch57]

I am planning on just using it as a parts truck or a trailer queen, depending on its condition relative to my ranger

The registration has expired, how does one purchase a truck that isnt registered without re-registering or paying smog?

 

[MAKG]

One reregisters it, pays smog, AND pays the fine. This can easily cost more than the purchase price if the seller has been an idiot and has let it rot for years (slightly expired registration isn't that expensive). It's the seller's responsibility, but I don't see that happening here.

Or dismantle it. You may have some trouble disposing of a truck you don't have title to, though.

The fine was $191 for my Bronco II when I bought it (the seller DID pay it). It was about a year expired.

 

[Twitch57]

can i just pay cash for it, leave it as is, ignore registration, and just not drive it on the road?

 

[Boggin]

can i just pay cash for it, leave it as is, ignore registration, and just not drive it on the road?

thats what i done

 

[metalmacguyver]

You should be able to get 400-450 out of it if you ended up having to scrap it. As long as you can stay under that number between buying it and paying those fines or whatever, I would consider it worthwhile. Then from there if you can get it running, you have found yourself a good deal.