Noob with noob questions

[cavuseeker]

Hi guys. Just joined, and don't even have a truck yet. I'm not a noob to motorized vehicles (I'm active on the Jetta TDI boards and Goldwing Boards, and do most of the wrenching on my bikes), but I'm a noob at Ford pickups.

I haven't 100% decided on a Ford, but I do want a diesel PU to replace my aging Chevy gasser, and most of the ones around here (Seattle area) that are in my price range are Ford F-150's and 250's, mid 90's.

This truck is a 3rd vehicle (7th, if you count the motorcycles) so it won't be getting a lot of miles. I have put maybe 40K on my 76 Chevy half ton since I bought it 12 years ago. I mainly drive it in the snow (quite a bit of that this winter, we've had 3 times the snow that we normally have) and hauling stuff to the dump, etc. That could change with this one if we get a travel trailer of some sort, as I would like to get one with a tow package. It still will not be a daily driver, at least that is not the current plan.

I am going to look at one specifically this weekend (assuming it isn't sold before I get there) and have a couple of questions. It is at a dealer that has done a "104 point inspection". I plan on asking for the checklist. It is a 95, SuperCab, 221K, tow package, ~$8300.

1. This truck has 221K on it. I know diesels last longer than gas engines (I have two new Jetta TDI's in the family that I plan on keeping a long time). Just wonder if this is "high mileage" for this truck.

2. I've read some of the stickys and whatnot, but any major things to look for on these?

3. Is that a decent price? It seems to be about in the middle. I've seen some in the 10K range, and some with lower mileage in the 4K range. But most are in the $8-10K

Any thoughts would be helpful

Jason in Redmond
Microsoft Country

 

[BamaSixGun]

welcome jason.

there are some guys on here that have trucks from that year, that have well over 300,000 on their trucks.

i dont have any personal exp. with those, but i am sure some of these owners will answer all your ????'s

glad you came to SDD

 

[cavuseeker]

I am going to look at one specifically this weekend (assuming it isn't sold before I get there) and have a couple of questions. It is at a dealer that has done a "104 point inspection". I plan on asking for the checklist. It is a 95, SuperCab, 221K, tow package, ~$8300.

OOps. Forgot to mention this is 4wd.

 

[Tx_Atty]

Jason, take a look here. About 1/2 way down there is a section about buying a used PSD and what to look for/ask about. It is tremendously helpful.

Good luck whatever you choose. I'd like to chat about your TDIs. I plan to buy one in the next 12-18 months.

 

[cavuseeker]

OOps. Forgot to mention this is 4wd.

Forgot another question. What all does the "towing package" include? I assume a trailer hitch and wiring harness, but what else? A tranny cooler, different gear ratios? What, what? (As Howy Mandel would ask).

BamaSixGun - Thanks. 300K sounds good. I would say I will be doing well to put 80K on this truck, if I buy it.

Jason

 

[cavuseeker]

Jason, take a look here. About 1/2 way down there is a section about buying a used PSD and what to look for/ask about. It is tremendously helpful.

Good luck whatever you choose. I'd like to chat about your TDIs. I plan to buy one in the next 12-18 months.

You have a PM.

 

[bbressler]

I'll only comment on the price, I think that's a bit on the high side.

Bought my 94 350 with 146K on it 3 years ago (before high gas prices) for $7,500. It's crew cab, 2wd. With that many miles, I would think you could get them down to about 7k.

Does it have any extras?

 

[hheynow]

I'll only comment on the price, I think that's a bit on the high side.

Bought my 94 350 with 146K on it 3 years ago (before high gas prices) for $7,500. It's crew cab, 2wd. With that many miles, I would think you could get them down to about 7k.

Does it have any extras?

bb -IMO buying a used Powerstroke in Texas is a buyers market. There are so many of them for sale compared to other areas of the country. Two wheel drive vehicles are usually less expensive than 4WD.

cavu - Baz's site is a good place to start. Have it checked out and scanned. Make sure that it starts when cold and have the glow plugs ohm'd. Drive it and make sure it doesn't wander (bad steering box) or drift out of lane (bad front end, shot spring bushings, pitman arm etc). That kind of mileage is not high for the engine if it has been maintained. Heck at 259K mine's just getting broken in. Oh BTW...welcome.

 

[cavuseeker]

Yes, it has a lot of stuff listed, although I don't know what was standard and what wasn't.

I put everything into Kelly Blue Book's online calculator and it comes up with $10,895 for Suggested retail. THat is taking into account the mileage, and assumes "Excellent" condition. Can't judge that, I've only seen pics, but it looks clean and I am assuming a Ford dealer, with a local trade-in, won't be reselling a piece of junk.

NADA shows this as $8,850 Low retail, 10,150 Average, and $11,150 High.

So based on these #'s, this is a pretty good deal at $8,491. Assuming there is nothing majorly wrong with it.

Jason

 

[addicted]

Cavuseeker

Welcome to the site. I wonder around TDI forums as well as that is what my wife drives. I lived on the Westcoast...Portland and southern coast and that seems like a pretty fair starting off price for that area. Of course depending on the condition and your haggling skills I highly reccomend you don't pay that price. There is always room for negotiation.

I agree though as far the engine goes and for how much you drive 221K isn't that bad.