[HiPsi]

Guys,

So I'm looking to get rid of my Lightning, and get a F250. I'm pretty specific about what I'm looking for.

- '99+
- F250
- Diesel
- CrewCab
- 4x4
- Auto

Now, I've NEVER owned a diesel engine. I know the longevity of a diesel engine, and more importantly, the Powerstroke is stellar. I've found a truck that I really like. It meets all my requirements, I love the color combo, and it's local. My only reservation is that it has 194k miles. What are some things I should be concerned about? I would be using this truck for a daily driver. Very rare towing duties. Should I be that concerned with the mileage? Or just take it to a good local diesel mechanic to have it checked out, and if all is well, just consider it "broken in" good? Thanks for any and all help and information.

BTW, if anyone out there has what I'm looking for and wants to even trade, or my truck and some cash for a Lightning, let me know. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif

 

[GrampyJim]

If you don't specifically need the torque and pulling power of the diesel, I'd say a 50/50 split on whether you are satisfied with it or not.

Over twice as much oil as your Lightning at each change, fuel cleanliness and quality is a genuine concern, twice as many batteries to crap out....

Others will have differing opinions and even some feel the sound of a diesel makes a personal statement. For me, there are times I wish I had a diesel and there are times I'm thankful I don't.

 

[POS]

Getting the service records from the previous owner or from the dealer who mostly serviced it would be real nice. The engine/tranny can easily do over 200k if it's been well-cared for.

But why settle for a truck with so many miles? There's lots of good trucks out there that have fewer miles - meaning fewer repairs for awhile. I would think at 200k, the engine will be due for water pump failures, cooling issues, ignition issues, etc. solely because of time and wear.

 

[NCHornet]

200K is getting up there. Not for the motor maybe but surely for the rest of the truck. This is one thing the big three have not addressed very well. They all build motors that if taken care of will last 400K but the rest of the truck will fall apart at about 1/2 that. With a truck with that many miles on it, it would really come down to maintenance. If he doesn't have the records on how often the oil was changed, ATF changed etc. I would probably pass. I keep all my records of everything I do to my truck complete with oil analysis. I would for sure take it to a good diesel mechanic and have the thing gone through. Even with a good report plan on dumping some money into it here and there as things start to fail. I agree, unless you are getting this truck cheap, keep looking around for one with less miles. I bought the truck in my sig last year with only 21K on it. Yes it was hard to find but they are out there. Good Luck.

 

[HiPsi]

Well, I can get the truck for about $15,500. Plus it's local. Suprisingly, it's not very easy to find what I'm looking for very close to Ga. It seems there are many to be had in Texas though. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif

 

[TSUTrojan]

There are tons of these in GA. I know, I looked at about 200 in the Atlanta area before I found one with a 6 speed in it. I ended up with a short bed instead of a long bed, but otherwise it's just what I wanted.

If you are in West GA, look at web page or web page . In my experience they will deal fair and they always have diesels (new & used).

 

[HiPsi]

Ok, I went and looked at it and drove it. Runs good, tranny shifts firm, no noises from the torque convertor which I've read is an indicator of the tranny going out. Looks like it was well taken care of. Overall it's pretty clean. It's at a small car lot. Guy said he bought it from Carl Black and that it was a trade in they sold off. No maintenance records unfortunately. After going back and forth with the guy for a few minutes, the lowest he said he could take for the truck is $14,500.

http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/6/28/185/040/1566831510.185040481.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.527x421.jpg
http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/6/28/185/040/1566831511.185040481.IM1.02.565x421_A.527x421.jpg
http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/6/28/185/040/1566831512.185040481.IM1.03.565x421_A.527x421.jpg

 

[nastynotchback1]

[ QUOTE ]
Ok, I went and looked at it and drove it. Runs good, tranny shifts firm, no noises from the torque convertor which I've read is an indicator of the tranny going out. Looks like it was well taken care of. Overall it's pretty clean. It's at a small car lot. Guy said he bought it from Carl Black and that it was a trade in they sold off. No maintenance records unfortunately. After going back and forth with the guy for a few minutes, the lowest he said he could take for the truck is $14,500.



[/ QUOTE ]

let me know if you decide you dont want it.i would like to take a look at it.i am considering selling off my truck and buying another.thanks

 

[HiPsi]

Ok, here's an update guys.

I did a CarFax on the truck and it was a one owner before being traded in at a large dealer here in Atlanta. The small local dealer bought it from the larger dealer. CarFax is clean of any major accidents, but does list one accident in 2002, in which the truck sustained no damage. I also had a friend at Ford pull up the service history on the truck. It was in and out of the dealer for a few minor things in the first 10 months or so in 2000. (sqeaky bushings, loose console lid, etc.) Unfortunately, the service record didn't list a tranny replacement. I'm going to see if my friend can get me the original owner's info and I'm going to try to contact him to inquire about the truck. Since he's not the one selling, I should be able to get some honest answers about the history, if anything major was replaced, etc. If anyone can think of anything else I might want to specifically address or look at I'm interested in hearing.

Thanks.

 

[vettejeep]

Think long, think hard - how much cash do you want to burn repairing this truck? If you don't need the towing or hauling capability - think even harder. Ford has built a lot of Yugo-Dutys, maybe some Super Dutys but I didn't get one. Mine is the most unreliable new vehicle that I have ever bought - the only one that I have felt it necessary to carry an auto parts store with me on the road.

Glow plug relays fail constantly - so the truck won't start when a little freeze hits unless the block heater is plugged in. The Cam position sensor is a roulette wheel - can fail at any time. The auto trans is a ticking time bomb ready to raid you wallet to the tune of $3k plus.

OK - I'm a little bitter right now - the automatic trans just ruined our vacation & a sticking EBV valve would have melted the motor except for warnings from my aftermarket pyro. With only a 1200 lb boat in tow, we couldn't climb the smallest hill at even 45mph until I 'exercised' the valve with a tire iron.

My wife was in tears - at least the truck is 'Super-Duty' enough that I can't find any dents where she was beating it up with her fists!