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Craigslist Non Running Trucks for Sale: Hidden Deals for the Right Buyer GuideMechanic.Com If you’re searching for budget-friendly trucks to fix up, flip, or part out, Craigslist is a goldmine — especially for non-running trucks.
Whether it’s a seized engine, blown head gasket, or just years of neglect, non-running pickups often sell for thousands less than their road-ready counterparts.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to find non-running trucks on Craigslist, what to look for, potential pitfalls, and how much you can expect to pay in 2025.
Craigslist Non Running Trucks for Sale
What Does “Non-Running” Mean?
See Also: Craigslist Old Trucks for Restoration
On Craigslist, “non-running” can mean anything from:
- A dead battery or clogged fuel line
- A blown engine or transmission
- Electrical issues from rodent damage or bad wiring
- Abandoned project trucks
- Sitting for 5–15+ years with no attempts to restart
The condition varies wildly. That’s why asking the right questions is key before making an offer.
Why Buy a Non-Running Truck?
- Lower price
You’ll often save 40–70% versus a running truck of the same year/model.
- Great for project builds
Perfect for engine swaps, restoration, or turning into a trail/off-road rig.
- Rare or vintage trucks
Many classic pickups that aren’t running are still in high demand due to rarity.
- Parts value
Even if you don’t plan to fix it, you can part it out and make money.
Craigslist Non-Running Trucks Price Table (2025)
| Truck Model | Condition | Estimated Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 Ford F-150 | No start, sat 5 years | $800 – $1,800 | Common project truck, easy parts |
| 2004 Chevy Silverado | Blown head gasket | $1,000 – $2,500 | Good body and interior worth saving |
| 1987 Toyota Pickup | No spark, rusty frame | $1,500 – $3,000 | Great candidate for 4×4 off-road build |
| 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 | Transmission issue | $1,200 – $2,000 | Often needs full rebuild or swap |
| 1979 Chevy C10 | Non-runner, barn find | $2,000 – $4,000 | Desirable vintage truck with patina |
| 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD | Diesel, no crank | $2,500 – $4,800 | High value if engine is fixable |
Craigslist Non Running Trucks for Sale
How to Find
Best Search Phrases:
Use these keyword combos in the Craigslist search bar:
- “non running truck”
- “not running pickup”
- “won’t start”
- “needs engine”
- “mechanic special”
- “no start”
- “project truck”
- “blown motor”
- “bad transmission”
Tip: Use quotes in your searches to target exact phrases.
Smart Filters:
- Category: Cars & Trucks – By Owner
- Price: Set max to $5,000
- Sort by: Newest
- Location: Choose nearby cities for more options
Types of Non-Running Trucks You’ll Find
| Category | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Barn Finds | Ford F-100, Chevy C10, Dodge D-series | May be worth restoring or customizing |
| Work Trucks with Issues | Silverado 2500HD, Ford F-250, Ram 2500 | Diesel repairs can be costly but profitable |
| Abandoned Projects | Franken-builds or half-finished swaps | Often need full rewiring and assembly |
| Off-Road Trail Trucks | Toyota Tacomas, 4×4 Rangers | May have axle or transfer case damage |
| Flood/Fire-Damaged Trucks | All makes | Proceed with extreme caution |
Craigslist Non Running Trucks for Sale
What to Ask the Seller
Always clarify:
- How long has it been sitting?
- What exactly happened before it stopped running?
- Does it have a clean title?
- Has it ever been in an accident?
- Did they attempt to fix it?
- Are all parts still there (battery, ECU, fuel system)?
- Will it roll freely for loading on trailer?
Sample Craigslist Non-Running Truck Listings (2025)
| Listing Title | City | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| “2004 Silverado Z71 – blown motor” | Houston, TX | $1,500 | Strong body, great for LS swap project |
| “1978 Ford F150 – won’t start” | Spokane, WA | $2,000 | One-owner, original paint, full interior |
| “1997 Tacoma – bad trans, clean frame” | Phoenix, AZ | $2,200 | Rare 5-speed, no rust, good base truck |
| “2006 Ram 1500 – no crank, clean title” | Charlotte, NC | $1,800 | 4.7L V8, was daily driver until 2023 |
| “Non-running F250 diesel 6.0” | Des Moines, IA | $2,800 | Bulletproof it or swap for Cummins |
Is It Worth It? Run the Math First.
Before buying a non-running truck, ask yourself:
- Can you do the work yourself?
- Do you have a shop or mechanic you trust?
- Can you find affordable parts or engines locally?
- Will it pass DMV inspection once fixed?
A $1,500 truck with $3,000 in repairs might still be a great deal if the finished value is $8,000+.
Pros and Cons of Craigslist Non-Running Trucks
Pros
- Lower upfront cost
- Ideal for tinkerers or learning mechanics
- Good resale value if repaired
- Plenty of trucks to choose from
Cons
- May require towing
- Hidden damage not always disclosed
- No warranty or buyer protection
- DMV paperwork can be a hassle if title is missing
Tips for Towing Non-Running Trucks
- Use a winch-equipped trailer
- Bring a battery or jumper box just in case
- Check if it rolls and steers
- Use wheel dollies for frozen brakes
- Always verify title and VIN before loading
Final Thoughts
Craigslist is full of non-running trucks just waiting for someone with tools, time, and patience. Whether you’re looking for a diesel workhorse with a dead fuel system or a classic pickup project with a stuck motor, Craigslist is where these vehicles often appear first and cheap.
If you enjoy restoring trucks, flipping them for profit, or just want a unique rig you can build yourself, buying a non-running truck might be the perfect next move. Do your homework, bring a trailer, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty — the savings can be massive.
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