I have the opportunity to buy a 1994 Lightning. It's white, and is in perfect condition. I mean perfect! Not even any rock or bug chips on the front end. The lower valance has been replaced though. No dents or scratches in or on the bed. Seats are perfect, looks new.

It's all stock except for new timing chain, roller rockers and K&N CAI. He has the original air box. It also has gen II style exhaust and new tires. It has 138,000 miles. Thats about average for a 10 year old truck.

He's wanting 9k even for it. Is this too high or in the ballpark? Any input or questions welcome.

Thanks,
Brent

 

If it runs good then $9,000 is at the top of the scale but not totally out there.
That would be premium dollar , but you are describing a premium truck.

I would ask the gen1 guys on NLOC. They know there Gen 1s

VINNIE

 

I will agree with that, but I cant help you on the price thing, I have no idea how much a perfect condition gen 1 goes for.

 

Thanks for replying. This truck has always been in Georgia, so no rust whatsoever. It is a one owner, and that owner is a Ford technician. If I decide to turn around and sell it after a short period, I don't want to get burned. I will say it looks as though Kelly Blue Book and Edmunds way under value these trucks.

That's why I kinda want to know what a real world value is.

Thanks

 

IMHO, that's a bit high because of the mileage, even if it is in perfect shape.

 

It's impossible to have 138,000 miles without a rock chip in the paint. It must have been at least partially repainted.

 

too high...

regardless what it looks like, you will have mechancial problems and need to start replacing suspension, joints etc... with that mileage..

I bought junk cars, bondo'd and sprayed them, sold them with wet paint that looked perfect.
Scrubbed the interior also.
The car was junk, but looked new.

 

When he replaced the lower valance he had the front bumper, grill and hood repainted. This was done at a Ford dealership. The owner is a Ford technician. There was no damage to anything other than the valance. The rest of the body is all original paint and is in perfect condition. Unless he told you, you would never know.

 

You can get a nice Gen 1 with HALF the miles of that one for under $9,000. Check the Gen 1 classifieds over on NLOC...there's plenty. Even if some have rock chips, I'm sure getting the front end painted will be cheaper than paying the premium on the one you're currently eyeing. Just my $.02.

 

None of these vehicles qualify as investments. You pay what you are willing to pay to have the kind of ride you'd like. Both a Benz and a Hyundai will get you from place to place. It sounds like you really like the truck, but frankly, while the actual lifespan of the vehicle is probably over 200K miles, the market hates anything with over a hundred on it, no matter how nice. It may be a nice truck, but if you pay $9k for it, the only way you'll recover your money is to drive it into the ground. As far as Blue Book undervaluing them, you'll probably change your mind if you buy it and try to re-sell it. Blue book is pretty darn close to reality. For the California Market, which is typically high, full retail is $7700.
Go to KBB.com and price it out yourself. Private party value is usually acceptable both to buyer and seller.

 

Gen 1s tend to run high in my experiences.. $9,000 w/138K would make me walk away.

Lawers...

I've always seem to do the opposite. Fix em up right and sell them for less than I had in them. Engineers....:o

Rich

 

I have 94 with under 40k and I know its not worth $9000... But its worth what you want to pay for it and how much you desire it.. IF you like it that much go for it...

PEacE........................
Jim

 

If your worried about getting burned down the road, If you decide to sell it, never buy one at top dollar with High milage
I'd keep looking
Good luck

 

I'd have to agree on passing. The saying I hear from my Used Car Manager when appraising a vehicle that's over 100K is that all the good is gone. You'd have a tough time reselling and not loosing a lot of money. The only way I'd consider it is if it was the exact vehicle you had always dreamed of owning and searched for a long time to find. But, if that were the case, you wouldn't be talking about re-selling before you even bought it.

Good luck.