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Craigslist Project Trucks for Sale Cheap: Where to Find Your Next Build GuideMechanic.Com Are you hunting for a project truck to restore, rebuild, or customize — without spending a fortune? Craigslist is a goldmine for cheap project trucks, often listed by owners who simply want them gone.
Whether you’re into classic restorations, diesel swaps, off-road builds, or rat rods, you’ll find plenty of cheap trucks for sale on Craigslist that are perfect for your next garage project.
Craigslist Project Trucks for Sale Cheap
See Also: Craigslist Barn Find Pickup Trucks
What Is a Project Truck?
A project truck is a pickup or work truck that needs work — mechanical, cosmetic, or both. It may not run, or it might just need some TLC to be roadworthy again.
Common types include:
- Old trucks with rust or bad paint
- Non-running pickups with solid frames
- Classic trucks missing engines or interiors
- 4x4s with broken transmissions
- Diesel trucks with engine issues
These trucks are often sold cheap, making them ideal for DIYers and hobbyists.
Why Buy a Project Truck on Craigslist?
Craigslist has tons of listings posted by:
- Owners cleaning out their yards
- People giving up on unfinished projects
- Sellers needing quick cash
Since you’re dealing directly with the owner, you can often negotiate an even lower price and get the full backstory.
Pros:
- Huge selection, often local
- No dealer markup
- Ideal for hobby builds or budget restorations
- Easy to find classics and 4x4s
Popular Project Trucks Found on Craigslist
Here are the most common types of project trucks you’ll find:
Truck Model | Project Appeal | Why It’s Popular |
---|---|---|
Chevy C10 (1960s–80s) | Restoration, resto-mod | Classic body lines, parts availability |
Ford F-Series (1970s–90s) | Rust repair, diesel swap, lift builds | Cheap to buy, endless mods |
Dodge D-Series/Ram | Mopar loyalists, off-road builds | Underrated classics |
Toyota Hilux/Tacoma | Overland builds, diesel conversions | Legendary durability |
Jeep Comanche | 4×4 trails, budget off-roader | Unique and rare |
Square body trucks | Custom hot rods, slammed builds | Bold looks, easy to modify |
Old farm/work trucks | Utility rebuilds, patina projects | Usually cheap with cool character |
Craigslist Project Trucks – Price Table (2025)
Truck Model | Typical Condition | Price Range | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
Chevy C10 (1970–1987) | Rolling shell to partial runner | $1,500 – $6,000 | Prices rising fast for solid frames |
Ford F-100/F-150 (1975–1995) | Rusty but running | $1,200 – $5,500 | Great entry project truck |
Dodge Ram (1980s–90s) | May need drivetrain work | $1,000 – $4,500 | Less common = cheaper |
Toyota Pickup (1985–1995) | Runs rough or no motor | $2,500 – $6,000 | Still highly sought after |
Jeep Comanche | Rust or trans issues | $1,800 – $4,000 | Harder to find, but cheap when available |
GMC Sierra (1988–1998) | Cosmetic damage, high miles | $1,500 – $4,500 | Perfect for resto-mod or street builds |
1990s 4x4s (mixed brands) | Non-running/off-road rigs | $1,000 – $3,500 | Good for trail builds or parts rigs |
Tip: Sellers often list these as “not running,” “needs work,” or “project truck.” Use those terms when searching.
Craigslist Project Trucks for Sale Cheap
How to Search Craigslist for Cheap Project Trucks
Smart Search Terms to Try:
Use these keywords to filter for the good stuff:
- “Project truck”
- “Roller” or “rolling chassis”
- “Needs motor” or “no engine”
- “Not running”
- “Barn find”
- “Farm truck”
- “Parts truck”
- “Cheap truck, needs work”
How to Search:
- Go to your local Craigslist (choose your region)
- Select “cars+trucks – by owner”
- Set max price to $5,000 or $10,000
- Use terms like:
- project truck
- classic truck cheap
- 4×4 non-running
- C10 roller
- Ford F100 needs engine
Green Flags:
- Clean title or no title issues
- Straight frame (check for accident damage)
- Solid cab corners and bed floor
- Engine turns over, even if it doesn’t run
- Clear, honest description from seller
Red Flags:
- Seller says “ran when parked” (could mean anything)
- Frame rust or big holes
- No VIN or lost title
- No keys or wheels
- Bad flip jobs with spray-can paint
Best Craigslist Project Trucks by Purpose
Build Goal | Recommended Trucks | Why |
---|---|---|
Classic restoration | C10, F100, early Dodge D-series | Vintage appeal, collectible value |
Off-road 4×4 | Jeep Comanche, Tacoma, Ranger 4×4 | Affordable, easy to modify |
Diesel swap build | F-250, Ram 2500, 1980s Chevy 3/4-ton | Space for big engines, solid axles |
Slammed cruiser | Square-body GM trucks | Great aftermarket support |
Budget hot rod | Old Ford stepsides, late-70s Chevys | Cool patina and cheap entry cost |
Example Listings Found on Craigslist (2025)
Listing Title | Location | Price | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
“1985 Chevy C10, roller only, no engine” | Oklahoma | $2,000 | Solid frame, needs full drivetrain |
“1979 F-150, not running, project” | Georgia | $1,500 | Good bones, surface rust only |
“1994 Toyota 4×4 – blown head gasket” | Oregon | $2,800 | Clean title, runs but overheats |
“1983 Dodge D150 – full project” | Texas | $1,200 | Needs everything, but complete body |
“1990 GMC Sierra, lowered, no trans” | California | $3,500 | Built for custom or LS swap |
Craigslist Project Trucks for Sale Cheap
Tips for Buying Your First Project Truck
- Bring tools: Magnet (for rust), jump box, flashlight
- Ask questions: Why is it parked? How long? Any parts missing?
- Inspect carefully: Floors, frame rails, wheel wells
- Plan storage: Make sure you have a garage or safe spot to keep it
- Budget extra: You’ll spend at least $1k–$3k more to get it driving
When to Buy for the Best Deals
- Winter: Fewer buyers, sellers desperate to clear space
- End of summer: People abandon projects before moving
- Post-tax season (April–May): Influx of used and half-finished vehicles
Final Thoughts
Craigslist project trucks for sale cheap are perfect if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves. These trucks aren’t showroom-ready — but with the right skills, tools, and patience, you can turn a $2,000 roller into a $15,000 classic.
Keep your eyes open, move fast on the good ones, and always bring a trailer (because many won’t drive home). In return, you’ll get a one-of-a-kind truck built by your own hands.
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