good deal or should i keep looking?

[johnisimpson]

I'm looking at an '88 F350 4x4 with a 7.3 and flat bed, 5speed.
It has around 180,000 miles (confirmed that csa's have been added in the past). It was a farm truck but the body looks to be in good shape, paint is very decent for the age, no major rust or dents (small dings that most would expect in a truck this age). I haven't test driven it yet but am going to in a couple days. If it cranks well, drives well, etc., is $3500 too much?

I've been reading a lot of posts in the last couple weeks in the effort to understand diesels better and I just want to say thank-you from the start for everyone adding so much information here.

I"m looking forward to your thoughts,

thanks,

john

[dakotajeep]

As many will say the big factor is location. Where are you at?

I personally think that I would offer $3000 if it seems to be in good shape. But everyone has their own opinions.

Good luck!

Thad

[johnisimpson]

Thad,

i'm in chattanooga, TN. I used to spend a good bit of time in the Ft. Rucker area though, most of my extended family is from there. i'd mention some of their names but i'd rather you keep a good opinion of me for a bit.
thanks for the response

john

[johnisimpson]

forgot to mention, it's a crew cab and has a couple underbody tool boxes

[noslostroke]

I would shop around alittle more. Great deals are out there you just need to look in all the right places. I looked on craigslist in your area and found a truck you might try checking out.
1995 Dodge 3500 Dually Cummins 5 speed

[dakotajeep]

I would second shopping around unless this is the exact setup you want. After I bought mine there were about three others that I wish I would have waited for!!! Also, its definately a buyers market right now with the current cost of fuel. You might score a real good deal if you have the patience, I dont.

Thad

Rucker isnt too bad but there isnt much to do on Friday night. We usually end up just hanging out at my house and drink/eat/etc......

[johnisimpson]

i'm trying to be comprehensive and looking everywhere i can. it kills me to think of missing a great deal by not being patient enough.

What do you like more about the dodge for sale? it seems higher miles and more known mechanical issues but i'm just getting into diesels so i certainly don't know the ins and outs of different models.

thanks again

[noslostroke]

It is all prefrence. And patience is the game if your looking for that deal that you think will never happen. I got a 2003 f-350 4x4 with a bad tranny and a couple other smaller problems from a guy locally for 1200.00. And a friend i work with got a 99 f-250 6 speed for 1700.00 with a bad tranny. As far as the cummins goes, it has a little more book value and dodge ran that style for a while so parts may be a little easier to come by. You could pick up a door and whatever else it may need fairly cheap. But if your looking for a farm truck with 4wd and a flatbed with boxs then you might try talking him down on his price. Other than that i don't know much about the two except the dodge came with a turbo and the fords didn't till much later than 88. But i'd keep a eye on craigslist and ebay i'm on both everyday. But if you do go look at the dodge/ford offer way less than he's asking(like 2300). They were asking 2 for mine and i would have givin it to them but offered them 1000 and got it for 1200 so if he wants it gone and hasn't had many hits on it he may be just wanting rid of it but good luck.

[dakotajeep]

I would agree that getting a IDI with a turbo would be great. If I could do it again mine would have a factory turbo, but whatever. They were factory options in 93 and 94......

[johnisimpson]

the more i think about it the more i am finding myself in agreement with both of you. i don't really want to get soemthing that is going to take much work to be a good driver (just not enough time right now) but i'm not exactly in a rush since my current f-150 is still running strong. i'll keep looking and see what i can come across.

thanks,

john