Hi everyone, Long time viewer, first time poster.
Context
I live in Maryland, and have land up north in NY (a basic cabin for now). I'm looking for a truck that I can use in the summer months to haul materials as I work on the land (buying lumber, renting equipment), and camp on occasion (towing a small pop-up, and also borrowing a 22 foot camper for a 5-6 week trip to the east coast of Canada). I'd keep it covered on my land in the spring/summer, and garage it around Thanksgiving. I'd like the option of using it the winter, if I fly up to Buffalo, get it out of storage with family, and go skiing for a few days or stay at my land. It would be stored near the Buffalo airport, for easy retrieval/dropoff. Total yearly usage would be <4,000 miles, excluding going out east.
For this kind of infrequent use, a rental makes sense, but I can't tow with the rentals that are available, and for the price of a 6-week rental of a work truck that can tow, I might as well just buy one.
Vehicle I'm considering
- A fleet vehicle at auction (private or GSA) that ages/miles out of use, sourced from southern states that likely didn't see ice/salt - I'd go in person and at least inspect/start it before buying
- 4x4 for winter and a crew cab for kids
- 5L V8 for towing potential/reliability
- Not too picky on the year or condition - I can shampoo it, put a new CarPlay unit into it, seat covers, floor mats, etc.
- Mileage: ~100k, assuming it will need a new transmission at 150k ($5k)
My goal is to spend about $14k on the purchase. I've watched auctions for a few months and seen comparable vehicles go for ~8-12k. Used ~equivalent vehicles near me (Craigslist, etc.) are more, and $20k and up at dealers. I can't spend that for a vehicle that sits unused most of the year. Could be an F150, a GMC or Chevy 1500 - seems like they're flush with parts and people who know how to work on them without spending a fortune. My car knowledge is limited to minor stuff I can learn on YouTube (coolant change is as sophisticated as I've been).
Question
Is a fleet truck a sensible risk in this kind of situation? Recommendations? Alternatives?
Happy to get ideas and input. Many thanks in advance.
Scotty, if I buy it, can I bring it by for you to evaluate? 🙂
To add: I have a mechanic in MD that I trust to work on it, the 'bring it to Scotty' comment was because he's said a few times, basically, don't get cars at auctions.
@elektrik Buying at an auction is a big gamble especially for people who are not experts, and even they can get burned.
Of course, which is why I'm asking. A large energy company that disposes of dozens of fleet trucks (just the pickups alone) a month seems like a decent source, however. Each listing has >20 photos of the body and dash (while turned on), VIN, tire wear, etc. If there's an engine light on, you at least know that, along with body damage (if any) details. Otherwise, they say "Runs and moves." Some have the company decals still on them.