Posted: Feb 27 2005 at 9:11pm | IP Logged

Unless the dealer is giving away this truck for free, I see absolutely no way that you can convert a 4X2 into a 4X4 and still come out ahead.

The biggest and most expensive component you will need to make the conversion is a transfer case. I'm sure that's at least $1,000. 

Since the Titan is a new truck, finding parts for it will be difficult unless you happen to find one at a salvage yard. Good luck there.

Also, how much can you do? If you can perform all of the work yourself or with a buddy, then obviously you will save a few dollars, but I doubt anywhere near enough to offset the prices of the parts.

If you look hard enough, I'm sure you can find an excellent deal on an '04 Titan 4X4 that some dealer is looking to sell to make way for the '05s. 

Posted: Feb 27 2005 at 9:28pm | IP Logged

Wow! I know it's a 4X2, but $12,000!

I'd wonder, too, why a truck that's one year old with just 15,000 miles is selling for such a low price. I take it that it's being sold by a private seller.

Well, since you have the VIN, go to Carfax and get a vehicle history report. It will cost you about $25 to get unlimited reports for a month on this vehicle and any other, but it's worth it if you're seriously considering this truck.

Good luck.

By the way, I've seen diesel prices in western PA as low as $1.99/gallon.

Posted: Feb 27 2005 at 9:44pm | IP Logged

Actually, Kelley Blue Book does not give prices on used Titans.

Try www.edmunds.com.

Posted: Feb 27 2005 at 10:28pm | IP Logged

Other possible options? If you find this vehicle has a clean history, buy it, sell it for a profit and apply towards a 4x4?? Or, buy it and part it out - given these are new, you'd probably make even more with minimal work, of course potential buyers are limited too  , but the vehicle history won't matter. [I assume you have the time given that you'd consider a conversion. . .]  Its an option I'm considering instead of a trade-in of a Ford (at least there's lots of potential customers) . . .