Why would anyone do this? New parts before returning the truck?

It's a lot like the posts on here that say they won't use truck stop towels because of the things they see drivers use them for in the showers. What kind of places do these guys go that they watch people shower!? Am I missing something?!

 

Changing the batteries makes perfect sense.

A running truck is worth more then a non running truck.

 

And the more the truck brings at auction, the smaller the deficit the lender will pursue the borrower for.

 

I've seen some of those repo trucks. They bought them with brand new tires and 10 aluminum wheels. And then when they go to repo none of the tires match and they got all steel wheels you know things like that.

 

If it runs it goes to one auction.
If its busted up and don't run goes to a different auction and possibly Mexico.

 

That could have been the case with this guy. I read somewhere that per statistics people living in the South are more religious and such things like filing for bankruptcy are less frequent because it goes against their moral compass. Some call it honesty, others, and surely the vast majority, call it naivety.

 

They're sunk regardless. Why not just keep the $1500 in pocket because they won't ever see that money back in pocket again at auction time.

New batteries and a new windshield aren't going to make or break a sale at auction. Nobody is buying anything at auction with the intent of it being work ready. They know they're going to have to put money into it before it goes to work.

A truck with a rot-free frame/axles, solid cab and good interior with dead batteries and broken windshield is worth more to most than a similar unit that's been driven into the ground with brand new batteries and windshield.

Not saying the guy's truck is worn out, just pointing out that there are a lot of factors towards what someone will pay for something at auction.

 

Maybe a better description would be responsibility.

 

Windshields cost $1300 these days?

I picked up 3 batteries for $200ish dollars after core return last year.

 

Last time I bought batteries for a truck was 10 years ago and they were $180 a piece x4. I only assume they've gone up since then.