Best way for me to buy a deuce?

[biodeucel]

Let me start with a little background about myself. I am 19 and am a student of mechanical engineering at a private university in upstate NY. Before I turned 16 I really wanted a deuce, but it just wasn't practical as a "first car". I ended up with a 2000 Toyota Tundra that has been very good to me.

Up until recently I had forgotten about how much I had wanted a deuce. I was thinking more along the lines of getting my truck more off-road worthy. Then it occurred to me, why spend thousands of dollars improving my DD, which I would then be afraid to take off road anyway for fear of breaking something important, when I could buy a second vehicle to play with?

Anyway, now I'm all excited about the idea of getting a deuce. I really would like to have one, but the cost is my main concern. I will be working this summer. If I can work the same schedule I did last summer (60 hrs a week between 2 jobs), I should be able to have a decent amount of cash leftover after having to buy new tires for the truck and saving some money for textbooks. Realistically, I would probably have in the area of $3k to spend. Not sure my parents would approve, but I can work that out later. Basically, I would like to have:

- A winch. I have been stuck before, and I don't want to get a deuce trapped somewhere with no way of getting it out.

- A heater, preferably working. It's cold here in the winter!

- A hard top. I don't want to have to worry about canvas collapsing under heavy snow, and besides, I think it looks better.

- A good engine and transmission. Also any other expensive, heavy parts need to not break on me!

Basically that's what I would be looking for. Air assist steering would be nice, but this isn't a daily driver and with my budget I don't think I can afford to be that picky. I don't mind if the paint is crap, painting is fun! I would eventually like to switch to super singles, but again, I can live with duals until the budget allows for improvements.

So, is my budget reasonable for a truck with these features? Where should I be looking? Is GL a good option for someone in my situation? I don't mind waiting a couple months for paperwork to go through like I've heard about. I'm reasonably close to Fort Drum, so that's a possibility.

I'm sure I'm forgetting to ask about something, and I'm sure I'm asking a few questions that have already been covered (sorry!). Any and all advice is welcome.

Thank you!

 

[Sephirothq]

That is a very big order for 3k. I know there are trucks with winches for 3500 in Virginia. Not sure about a hard top and needs no work.

I have seen them bring more then that from GL in nice shape with a winch and a hard top. and condition unknown other then the pictures look nice.

I have already spend $3200 on a duece from GL. That includes the 10% but not the title fees, or getting it home.

Try GL that is a gamble.

good luck

 

[biodeucel]

Sorry, I forgot to mention. 3k is about what I had left over last summer. The amount of time I had to work was cut short by high school ending late and college starting early. I could probably swing more than that, but I would basically rather have a less expensive truck than than one that looks perfect.

 

[scoutmanadam]

i would rather buy a duece from a member on here, which i am doing now, then at least you have someone that knows about the condition of the truck. i plan on getting a few others in the future and think i would just wait until a member had one close for sale. as far as cost goes, im not sure about the east coast, i know trucks over here always go a little higher. but from what i have seen for what you want you may be a little closer to 4500 to 5500.

 

[cornrichard]

I think your your $3000 figure is a little on the low side. An auction truck may be possible in that range. The winch is where your money gets tight. If it is a must have, I think is is always cheaper in the long run to purchase a truck already equipped. When you buy an auction truck you have about a 1 in 4 chance of a hidden, expensive, flaw. This can be compounded by the fact that you will usually have to have your new max budget paperweight hauled. That is not the end of the world. However it would probably put your repair costs into the next year when you can get back to work. A $3000 winch truck from a good private seller is like hens teeth. My trucks are both without winch. I looked at adding one but have decided that if I do it will be electric. The electric ones are not as durable as stock. The deciding factor for me is that you can operate one by yourself safely. Good luck, You are asking the right questions and using your head when considering a project that is going to use up all of your recreation money.

 

[Yohan]

In my humble opinion, $3000 will likely get you into a truck that needs some things such as electrical gremlins, mechanicals, etc. My personal rule of thumb is to save, save, save until you can afford the truck that meets your standards. I live in central NY and I won't drive my Deuce in the winter because of salt issues and I want her to last, but that's just me.

If you go cheap to start; you have a truck fast and will now spend your time saving money to fix things that are wrong with it. If you take your time saving; you trade the likely head aches of fixing things for the truck you want to end up with.

I know how you feel, though. When I was 19 it started with sport bikes and how I wish I had the money I blew on those. Now I'm over 40 and have owned a Mule w/ 106mm RR, a tracked armored personnel carrier, and a Deuce. From experience I can tell you, unless you have the time, tools, and skills to repair/modify your MV, take your time and save your Ben Franklins for the most sound vehicle you can find! You won't regret it in the end and maybe mom and dad will be surprised how resourcful and serious you are about getting a good vehicle to start with.

I don't have to check with my parents anymore, but everything goes through The War Department now (AKA My Wife), and I have kids and bills to think about. You might also consider trade fodder against a vehicle and/or selling things that are less important to you than your new hobby.

Good luck with your endeavor!

 

[biodeucel]

The deciding factor for me is that you can operate one by yourself safely.

Hmm, is operating the winches really that dangerous? If so I may decide to go with a non-winch.

How easy is it to get these things unstuck without the winch?

Thanks for all the replies!

 

[Jimma]

As a first time owner or buyer with limited experience with a deuce I would reccomend you look in the classified section here and consider purchasing from a member if possible. You may find a really nice truck that has been serviced, improved upon, and updated. Also you may spare yourself a costly suprise of a non running or non road worthy truck that may have to be towed home for repairs after a GL purchase. You might have the winning bid on a truck that runs but does not have properly working brakes and you have to tow it somewhere. I would check the classifieds on this site as well as your local craigslist. They often pop up on there at reasonable prices. Anyhow, you would have the advantage of talking to the owner, driving the truck, and gaining knowledge from the seller about the truck, maintenance and other important tips or facts.

 

[tm america]

i would get one with a winch.. Read the tms on the truck and winch so you know how to use your truck..These aren't your average pickup truck .. Winching is dangerous no matter what you are winching ..It needs to be done properly or things can be costly or fatal.. I would save up the extra 500 bucks to put with your 3000 and get one from one of the ss members that have driven and looked over the truck so you know what you're getting

 

[oddshot]

Just for the practice ...

You might want to look on Craig's List in your area.

That would let you find vehicles LOCALLY that you could go LOOK AT ... and maybe spend a little time with.

You don't HAVE to buy one.

I've seen a number of them on Craig's List down here in Georgia ... some are priced starting about $2,000.

I went and looked at them ... just to get a feel for the market. I didn't see anything that was up to snuff ... but I got a lot of experience looking.

I DID eventually find the one I wanted here on SS. I got it for $1,500. It DID need a little work (a top and it had a fuel leak ... and a couple of other small issues)

BUT ... I figure I will have it up to snuff for maybe another $1,000 .... that *might* include a motor pool paint job.

In the mean time ... Down load and read as many manuals as you can ... and learn to use the search feature on this forum. It is a TREMENDOUS library of information ... most of it learned the hard way ... ALL of it very useful.

If you have questions ... use the search first ... other than that ... don't be afraid to ask. You'll probably catch a bunch of crap for asking ... but what the heck.

When you buy one ... remember to post pictures.

Everybody here LOVES Deuce porn!!!

oddshot

 

[gimpyrobb]

I disagree, craigslist often has people that just drive them home to flip them. No going through and making sure things are right. I agree with finding one close, possibly from someone on this board. If you are told its been gone through, ask for receipts. I helped oilcan bring home his first deuce, the guy said he had gone through everything, and 1hr into the trip home, the T-case burnt up from no fluid in it. Even if its has "just been gone through" check it anyway. I also agree with the "wait till you find one the way you want it". Its cheaper in the long run.

 

[wreckerman893]

Everybody here LOVES Deuce porn!!!

Ohhhhhh yeaaaaaaaahhhhh baby!!!!!

I resemble that remark.

 

[Jimma]

Craigs list is not always bad. It often draws a different audience.

 

[porkysplace]

And one of the most important rules of buying a duece ( or any vehicel ) don't give them even a penny down unless they have a CLEAR TITTLE IN HAND .

 

[Jimma]

Lets hear another Macho Man Randy Savage's Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Yeah to not buying somehting without real paperwork. If the seller never titled it it will tell you they simply bought it to turn it, or they had trouble at the tag office.

 

[mikey]

i won a deuce from gl with winch for $1800. soft top, heater, "no brakes" painted on the door. upon recovery the deuce needed new batteries and some fluids... after that she started fine and i drover her 200miles home... i did the basic pm to get it home, but have yet to tear the truck apart and find out the true condition its in... i can tell you it needs guages, and the clutch slips just a bit...

my experience, two deuces from gl, is that you are taking a crap shoot with them... you pay more for a road ready deuce from the classifieds or anywhere else and to be honest, nobody can give you any guarantees... these trucks are 40 years old...

you should expect to pay either $4500 for your wish list or to go without a few extras like the winch and hard top... if you buy from gl, you should budget $500 - $1000 for parts and materials... 8 gallons of antifreeze is $100... add motor oil, gear oil and youre at a couple hundred right there... also, with gl you have to factor in the 10% fee for winning the bid and transportation if your deuce isnt roadworthy...

i bought from gl because i got two deuces for the price of one road ready deuce... both need work and i have the time and money to do that at my leisure... i was pleasantly surprised that both made the 200 mile trip home, but that was also a crap shoot...

check kublos surpluss down by binghampton... he has tons of road ready deuces for $4k and ken is a wonderful guy to deal with...

 

[Sephirothq]

also recommend making sure to get a clear title in hand. otherwise you are very limited to what you can do with the truck.

off road use
or
for parts

 

[Jimma]

Also on used vehicles in the State of Georgia there is no sales tax paid when you do the title and transfer. GL charges sales tax. Therefore, it cost Georgia residents another 7%. So with the 10% buyers premium and the 7% uncessary sales tax it cost and extra 17%. Thats like $306 over your bid price on a $1800 truck. Plus the suppies needed that mikey mentioned.

 

[oddshot]

Craigs list is not always bad. It often draws a different audience.

I didn't suggest BUYING off of Craig's list ...

I suggested LOOKING at vehicles listed there ...

I feel it is a good way to actually SEE and TOUCH vehicles ... and get a feel for the market ... you know ... whats out there.


LOOKING don't cost nothing. Maybe he could even get a ride.

Just as long as he don't pull out his wallet ... it ain't a bad exercise.


He *might* turn up a diamond in the rough on Craig's List ...

He MIGHT even find a wife on Craigs List.

But like my Daddy told me ... "*MITES* are on a chickens rear end!"




oddshot

 

[drgreg]

My advice would be to save your money and finish school. These vehicles have many other expenses involved: Insurance, fuel, parts and service. The purchase price is only the start.
I have seen many threads by guys that bought a truck by the skin of their teeth, only to find it to be burdensome. They then come back here to cry on our shoulders and they end up with a sour taste in there mouth, for our hobby.