I agree with all thats been said thus far. It has always seemed to me that in the TRUCK market, not CAR- reigonal value determines price more than anything else. For example- used trucks in a densely concentrated farming area such as Nebraska are going to command a higher price than ones in a metropolitan area considering that they are more rare and less used in the latter. IDIs are somewhat of a rare bird here in Memphis. Most always when I see one advertised, it is listed as a Powerstroke even though an enthusiast would know differently and can potentially argue price from that standpoint.
The number one selling point down here on any vehicle is largely mechanical: It runs or it doesn't. Rust isn't an issue unless its something that has been up north and was traded here in which case it is literally worth NOTHING down here. Rusty cars are junkers to us southerners. 3/4 and 1 ton trucks of any flavor are rare around here like I said and unless a person requires that heavy of a vehicle for work or towing, most buyers pass them over in favor of a loaded out 1/2 ton that "rides better" which drives the price down the longer a truck sits on a lot. I got my first IDI for free, my second essentially free from the plumbing company I worked for, and the third for $1500 down from $2500 which is what the dealer was asking for it.
Way back in the day, my grandfather owned and ran a small used car lot in the middle tennessee area and would always drive north to find rusty, good running trucks cheap to sell to local farmers who couldn't afford the price tag on a new truck. They would buy one and work it till it broke and then go buy another one. He made a living for 60+ years doing that. He sold trucks based on utility, not aesthetic value.
My suggestion to anyone looking at buying an IDI is to do it. In my opinion it is the BEST value in theused diesel truck market today. What other truck could you potentially buy for less than 2k running and driving and tow from here to california reliably, fix it yourself if it broke, and keep on going? Not saying that new trucks aren't nice, Lord knows they are, but when they are down-they are OUT. IDI's may go down, but they are never out.............
wish i could have bought one for that cheap
