Bartering Car for Car - What is current market climate?

[PeteD]

I have an opportunity to acquire a 199? Ford F350 4 door, long bed, 4x4 gasoline, for a couple of hundred, if not free. It has been sitting for eight years, but I think with a modest effort it'll come back to life. The condition of it seems pretty good; It was bought by an older gentleman who ended up moving, but had enough money where he left his house and three cars sitting in the yard.

The price of gas alone is a big enough reason why one couldn't pay me to take on this project in hopes to flip it for a profit of sorts, however, I'm wondering - is there more trade value in this truck than cash value? In a perfect world, I'm spending half a day to get this running, cleaning it, driving to a swap meet and driving home in some good ole American muscle - pipe dream? Perhaps.

The trading market for cars seems nonexistent. Even at swap meets and car carrels, I haven't seen anything but cash deals going down. Is this abnormal or the norm? What are your experiences?

[Farbin Kaiber]

I see a days work making you the couple of hundred, plus a few hundred in assorted little parts making you at least a grand.

[PeteD]

Yeah, I was craigslisting these beasts in my area and there seems to be a decent amount of supply for later model 350's, not so much this one, though this one is probably in better condition than most. Not knowing the demand yet, I think a grand might be fair. Worst case scenario, I fix it then get stuck with it so I buy a plow to work for the state this winter haha.

[James]

A truck like that is always going to have value, if its not rotten its a pretty desirable truck, old body style fords are in demand these days especially a late model crew and 4 wheel drive.

In Canada land that truck, running would be worth 3-4,000. Not running it would definitely make a desirable platform for a Cummins swap. You won't have trouble shifting it.

[Pantless Spency]

Pfft I would just fix it up and keep it, take it off some sweet jumps and drive in the dirt and shit.

[LuckyHenriksen]

Looks like it would be a fun little fix and flip project. I say go for it. Whether you sell for cash or trade for another vehicle it will be fun and a good experience. I enjoy flipping cars whenever I have the opportunity

[325ix]

The problem I see with it is that it is an F350 with a gasoline. Generally people looking for a heavy duty truck would opt for the gasoline.

[ohthejosh]

In Canada land that truck, running would be worth 3-4,000. Not running it would definitely make a desirable platform for a Cummins swap. You won't have trouble shifting it.

If this is true, you have instant profit. Especially if you got it for free! I would look into this Canada market and what it would take to sell over the boarder.

Again if that demand is there, you sir have a pile of cash waiting for you lol GL!

[M-technik-3]

The problem I see with it is that it is an F350 with a gasoline. Generally people looking for a heavy duty truck would opt for the gasoline.

Not these days, diesel is and has been the way to go for any serious commercial use.

[PeteD]

Thanks for the replies guys. So Canada eh? I'm with you on the gasoline situation. That is my hang up too - but I'm hoping with a little more research or for the right deal, it might be a moot point. I wish you could have felt the anticipation when I was determining if it was diesel or gas, slashing through the overgrown bushes, clawing my way to the fuel door...damnit! It takes gas!

I would love to do a cummings swap! Ever since I saw an article on John Goodwin, I wanted to build a gas sipping, mpg loving, beast.

http://http://www.fastcompany.com/ma...d-messiah.html

[PeteD]

...I just realized there is a show on A&E called Barter Kings...could help me gain some traction!