Home » We’ve Just Been Offered An Amazing Car For $500 And We Need To Figure Out What To Do With It

We’ve Just Been Offered An Amazing Car For $500 And We Need To Figure Out What To Do With It

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Crank Shaft
Crank Shaft
1 year ago

This is a hell of an offer and you should absolutely take it. However if you do, you also must also absolutely upgrade the front brakes to 2010 spec. They are a direct bolt on upgrade. Toyota upsized them for the MCR because they were prone to fade, especially on the heavier AWD models. I’m going to assume that this message will get lost in the noise, so if I do hear you made the purchase, I will be all over your ass to make sure you are aware. You have been warned. 🙂

I had one of these (same model), so I’m quite familiar if you have any question. Oh, the rear brake lines are also prone to rusting out near the brackets. Double flare time.

They also make a pretty good mid-weight tow vehicle, but will need supplemental air bags, as the rear springs are rather soft. I actually kept them inflated at all times because it tightened up the handling so nicely.

Arrest-me Red
Arrest-me Red
1 year ago

I am thinking road trip mobile/parts hauler. Be able to remove seats, add storage, flat space for moving the deal David found.

Here4thecars
Here4thecars
1 year ago

Have Mercedes build the ultimate Autopian camper van and take it out to report from the road.

NoRush
NoRush
1 year ago

I vote for all of A.Barth’s and MaxHeadbolts’ plans. It’d be an epic ride! And probably the most comfortable Gambler rig ever. And, btw, the smallest BFG KO2s made are all of 1/4″ larger diameter than stock… Just sayin’…

Parsko
Parsko
1 year ago

It’s your profit margin. Each of you takes an 8 hour shift Uber’ing.

RustFreeDreams
RustFreeDreams
1 year ago

The clear and proper answer is below: wrenching exp with David and SWG for member(s) and then give away to family in need.

The more fun, but worse, answer is turn it into “tender” for the Autopian RV as a combined “build the RVs garage and make a shorty Sienna”.

Adrian Clarke
Adrian Clarke
1 year ago
Reply to  RustFreeDreams

Close, but the Sienna is for me and all my boots on the Autopian cross country RV trip. That way I don;t have to put up other’s terrible music choices and if I don’t like the look of the unwashed rabble assembled to meet us, I can motor on by to the next stop.

RustFreeDreams
RustFreeDreams
1 year ago
Reply to  Adrian Clarke

Mobile Stately Clarke Manor Brougham Edition it is, just add opera lights, black vinyl roof, and coffin pull door handles.

Drew
Drew
1 year ago
Reply to  RustFreeDreams

That’s a good combo, and I think everyone involved could feel good about what they’re doing.

Drew
Drew
1 year ago
Reply to  Drew

(The first one, that is. The second one is a good combo for everyone to stop and question their life choices, but have fun doing it.)

RustFreeDreams
RustFreeDreams
1 year ago
Reply to  Drew

Always the intent, always.

Last edited 1 year ago by RustFreeDreams
Taco Shackleford
Taco Shackleford
1 year ago

Send it with David to Galpin and pimp that ride yo. I heard you like shrimp dawg! But in reality do what boxing pistons said.

Clear_prop
Clear_prop
1 year ago

AWD? $500? I think you found the Autopian’s Gambler 500 entry.

Phuzz
Phuzz
1 year ago
Reply to  Clear_prop

Or 24hr of Lemons.

Max Headbolts
Max Headbolts
1 year ago

This is actually one of my current shortlisted to-buy vehicles, if you guys pass on it, care to throw it my way?

The plan:

  • 3″ lift front and rear, and new struts while I’m in there along with any other worn suspension bits
  • AT Tires, I think it’ll clear 31s post-lift
  • Refresh all the lighting, add some additional Hella lights to the front, along with some SuperTone horns
  • Upgrade the audio system with a modern Android head unit for Car Play, replace the speakers for better OONTZ
  • R&R anything broken or almost broken
  • Add an A-Team stripe down both sides.
  • Embarrass my children for the next decade by driving them everywhere in it.
10001010
10001010
1 year ago
Reply to  Max Headbolts

I wasn’t sure where you were going with this but your last two bullet points sold me.

RustFreeDreams
RustFreeDreams
1 year ago
Reply to  10001010

Concur!

10001010
10001010
1 year ago

Three words, “Sienna Full o’Shrimp”!!!

When is the next LA Auto Show?

MATTinMKE
MATTinMKE
1 year ago
Reply to  10001010

That sounds delicious and somehow repulsive at the same time.

TXJeepGuy
TXJeepGuy
1 year ago

Mid engine 3.5L TT Hybrid Max van?

Drew
Drew
1 year ago

Tempt someone into buying the wrenching with David experience and the van, then use that experience to make that person’s van-build dream come alive?

Boxing Pistons
Boxing Pistons
1 year ago

Give it a once-over and give it to someone in need.

Drew
Drew
1 year ago
Reply to  Boxing Pistons

That’s really the best use of a cheap family hauler.

M0L0TOV
M0L0TOV
1 year ago
Reply to  Matt Hardigree

And it’s also a decent tax write-off.

A. Barth
A. Barth
1 year ago
Reply to  Boxing Pistons

That’s way better than my ideas. Good on ya.

Dave
Dave
1 year ago
Reply to  A. Barth

Ditto.

notoriousDUG
notoriousDUG
1 year ago
Reply to  Boxing Pistons

This is the best idea.

FlavouredMilk
FlavouredMilk
1 year ago
Reply to  Boxing Pistons

This is the most inverse thinking to most media groups within the car community.

Anyone else would paint dicks on it and send it off a ramp into a busted old caravan just for the views leaving all of the viewers thinking, “but why?”

I think it’s genuinely a good opportunity for the Autopian to show what is a genuine truth and that’s that it’s built from a love for the cars and the people who love them.

Myk El
Myk El
1 year ago
Reply to  Boxing Pistons

Yeah, I’m on board with this one. To take it.a step further, The Autopian, or rather its community, could definitely find a “donate your old car” charity to partner with and make it a recurring wrenching event. Like Habitat for Humanity builds, only Autopians descend on a few seen better days cars and wrench them to safely operable.

A. Barth
A. Barth
1 year ago

Wrap it in Autopian livery and use it for a) pop-up events in and around southern California and b) overnight trips where the RV wouldn’t be necessary. Also possibly as a company car for everyday tasks.

Some of the overlanding elements would be good, too – like the snorkel and the liftgate spare.

In fact, you could use it as a platform for testing stuff. Rooftop tent? Solar power? Porta-loo? Sleeping accommodations? Tools? It’s wide open!

Buzz
Buzz
1 year ago

Spill pizza sauce everywhere and then give it away a few months later 😉

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