Need to get a truck.... advice?

next1 · #1 06/22/10, 01:08 AM

Never owned a truck but I recently moved away from the city and now I have animals that need to be hauled as well as other heavy cargo. I'm in Pacific NW and a 4x4 is a must due to my property location. I was thinking about a diesel F250 but I don't want to break the bank. Any advice? My budget is only $3000.
This is my first post and I should have introduced myself first. I really appreciate your vast knowledge as well as wonderful advice that is given in this forums!

foxtrapper · #2 06/22/10, 06:37 AM

At three grand, you're not shopping for a specific truck, you're simply going to be looking at what comes up and seeing if it's in decent enough shape for you. Be it a Ford, a Chevy, a Jeep or a Dodge.

Ray · #3 06/22/10, 11:53 AM

like mentioned, three grand wont get a whole lot, maybe you could get what you need but luck would have to be with you. Could you use a trailer? You could easily pick up a pretty fair 16 foot box trailer for that amount or less and tow your things. Trailers are close to the ground nice and easy to use if you have something to pull them with?, best wishes, ray

Citiot · #4 06/22/10, 10:21 PM

I think you're headed in the right direction, I would definately go with the old 7.3L powerstroke diesel. I saw one on Craig's List a week back for $1500, obviously it had some issues but the point is that if you've got time to wait it out, you'll find one eventually.

The powerstroke diesel is the premier diesel to convert to run on vegetable oil as well if that interests you.

next1 · #5 06/23/10, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Citiot

I think you're headed in the right direction, I would definately go with the old 7.3L powerstroke diesel. I saw one on Craig's List a week back for $1500, obviously it had some issues but the point is that if you've got time to wait it out, you'll find one eventually.

The powerstroke diesel is the premier diesel to convert to run on vegetable oil as well if that interests you.

I was thinking more into a 1990-1995 production model. I know that my budget it's small but you guys think that I am asking for trouble... with this small budget?
One thing for sure is that I hate to buy cars.

foxtrapper · #6 06/23/10, 06:14 AM

No, I don't think you're asking for trouble with a small budget. You are limited in your choices. Wonderfully equipped spiffy low mileage trucks are not in the $3k and under range. At $3k and under, you are simply looking for something that works reasonably well.

They certainly can be found. I got mine for $1,300. But, I had to accept the fact that it was well dented, had a shorter bed than I preferred, wasn't low mileage, baby blue cloth interior, etc.

next1 · #7 06/24/10, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxtrapper

No, I don't think you're asking for trouble with a small budget. You are limited in your choices. Wonderfully equipped spiffy low mileage trucks are not in the $3k and under range. At $3k and under, you are simply looking for something that works reasonably well.

They certainly can be found. I got mine for $1,300. But, I had to accept the fact that it was well dented, had a shorter bed than I preferred, wasn't low mileage, baby blue cloth interior, etc.

That is my ideal vehicle for around the farm; I don't need gizmos and brand spanking new. Thank you!

oz in SC V2.0 · #8 06/25/10, 09:17 AM

I am going to be in a similar situation as you,my Dodge diesel 4x4 is being traded for work done and we will for the first time in over ten years be without a 'real' truck....

I have also been looking in your price range or even a little less...not a lot out there in diesels.

I personally am leaning towards a 6.5 GM diesel if I go the diesel route...not quick(relatively speaking) but can be had for much less money.

I am also starting to wonder if a diesel is really worth the added upfront expense,especially if you aren't driving long distances....my truck get roughly 20mpg...if a gas truck gets 14mpg but is cheaper to buy AND fuel is a lot less then is it worth it???

Diesel here right now is $2.80 gallon.
Regular gas is $2.50.

next1 · #9 06/25/10, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oz in SC V2.0

I am going to be in a similar situation as you,my Dodge diesel 4x4 is being traded for work done and we will for the first time in over ten years be without a 'real' truck....

I have also been looking in your price range or even a little less...not a lot out there in diesels.

I personally am leaning towards a 6.5 GM diesel if I go the diesel route...not quick(relatively speaking) but can be had for much less money.

I am also starting to wonder if a diesel is really worth the added upfront expense,especially if you aren't driving long distances....my truck get roughly 20mpg...if a gas truck gets 14mpg but is cheaper to buy AND fuel is a lot less then is it worth it???

Diesel here right now is $2.80 gallon.
Regular gas is $2.50.

I know one thing for sure! My little "New VW Beetle" averages 50-55 miles/ Gal... diesel.
As somebody else said, right now diesel is expensive but in the long run, torque, strength, gasoline can't compete with diesel. I might be wrong, I'm no expert in geo-political issues to know the future of diesel engines in this country but I'll stick with diesel.

HermitJohn · #10 06/25/10, 11:52 AM

Diesel vs gas does depend on how many miles you are going to put on it. It isnt worth it for occasional use. Take forever to makeup the initial price difference. However if you are going to drive it 100 miles a day and tow a trailer at same time, then yea, definitely get a diesel though might want one in very good condition and you aint going to get that for $3000. Old diesels are going to be EXPENSIVE to repair when they need repair. But then the newer electronic gas engines arent cheap or easy to repair either.

Had friend with later model full size Chevy van (gas engine) few years ago, the fuel pump went leaving him stranded. $800 to hire a shop to replace the fuel pump. Just my old fashioned way of thinking, but $800 should rebuild your engine, not just replace a fuel pump. Oh well, gotta shake down the "little people" one way or another.

oz in SC V2.0 · #11 06/25/10, 12:01 PM

HJ,that is how I am thinking regarding diesel V. gas.As long as the gas truck isn't getting below 10mpg it should be okay...but then from reading a little it appears the 460 powered Fords DO get less than that...

To give an example of expense,I paid $160 for the throttle pedal position sensor(small plastic sensor) which was cheap considering it is normally a $400+ part.

Now the odd thing is there is no real NEED to have an electronic throttle position sensor,a regular throttle cable would have worked just as well.

On my wifes SUV,had to replace the radiator fan clutch...now this is electronically controlled and cost $160 for the part alone...dealer price is $400.

Again the electronic part fails and serves no real purpose.

fordy · #12 06/26/10, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oz in SC V2.0

I am going to be in a similar situation as you,my Dodge diesel 4x4 is being traded for work done and we will for the first time in over ten years be without a 'real' truck....

I have also been looking in your price range or even a little less...not a lot out there in diesels.

I personally am leaning towards a 6.5 GM diesel if I go the diesel route...not quick(relatively speaking) but can be had for much less money.

I am also starting to wonder if a diesel is really worth the added upfront expense,especially if you aren't driving long distances....my truck get roughly 20mpg...if a gas truck gets 14mpg but is cheaper to buy AND fuel is a lot less then is it worth it???

Diesel here right now is $2.80 gallon.
Regular gas is $2.50.

..............I'd stay away from the 6.5 diesel , they can be very pricey too fix ! Your best bet is too find a 5.7 older Chevy 4x4 . The 5.7 or 350 cubic inch engine is bullet proof and gets decent fuel milage . , fordy

oz in SC V2.0 · #13 06/26/10, 09:48 AM

Well.....EVERY diesel is pricey to fix it seems...

Found these two on CL:

http://eastnc.craigslist.org/cto/1788500764.html

http://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/cto/1742068178.html

fordy · #14 06/26/10, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oz in SC V2.0

Well.....EVERY diesel is pricey to fix it seems...

Found these two on CL:

http://eastnc.craigslist.org/cto/1788500764.html

http://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/cto/1742068178.html

.............Very nice looking truck ! Go for a test drive and offer him $3350 , IF it seems as described ! I'll be he'll sell for $3500 , plus it's 4x4 ! , fordy

OntarioMan · #15 06/27/10, 12:03 AM

I suppose how heavy and how large a load you need to move on a regular basis would be a good place to start. 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton trucks all have the same size box (assuming you're not looking for flatbeds).

Watch out for 4x4 trucks which have been used/abused commercially, like plowing. One advantage of the 1/2 ton trucks is that there are more of them which haven't been worked that hard, so they're generally in better shape. I.e. I could find a cheap 1/2 in good shape far easier than I could find a cheap 3/4 in good shape.

Beeman · #16 06/27/10, 08:42 AM

Very hard to give a person advice on buying used when you don't know the person and their abilities. I have a great advantage in buying used as I own a complete auto repair shop. For the average person once you get into later 90's model vehicles things get expensive and the technology puts basic diagnosis out of your easy reach. That is why many of the vehicles you look at will have the check engine light on or you will be told they need work. The guessing game of just replacing parts because it's cheaper then paying a shop has gotten too pricey. On GM's if you stay 95 or older with a 5.7L gas engine things stay pretty simple and cheap.

oz in SC V2.0 · #17 06/27/10, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beeman

Very hard to give a person advice on buying used when you don't know the person and their abilities. I have a great advantage in buying used as I own a complete auto repair shop. For the average person once you get into later 90's model vehicles things get expensive and the technology puts basic diagnosis out of your easy reach. That is why many of the vehicles you look at will have the check engine light on or you will be told they need work. The guessing game of just replacing parts because it's cheaper then paying a shop has gotten too pricey. On GM's if you stay 95 or older with a 5.7L gas engine things stay pretty simple and cheap.

I agree...and even the dealerships don't necessarily know what is causing problems,they rely heavily on the OBDII codes...

Do you think a 350 of those years would be a good choices for occasional towing if beefed up?
What about 1/2 tone trucks?I have stayed away from 1/2 ton trucks as I thought they might not be up to the job.

fordy · #18 06/27/10, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beeman

Very hard to give a person advice on buying used when you don't know the person and their abilities. I have a great advantage in buying used as I own a complete auto repair shop. For the average person once you get into later 90's model vehicles things get expensive and the technology puts basic diagnosis out of your easy reach. That is why many of the vehicles you look at will have the check engine light on or you will be told they need work. The guessing game of just replacing parts because it's cheaper then paying a shop has gotten too pricey. On GM's if you stay 95 or older with a 5.7L gas engine things stay pretty simple and cheap.

..............Very true ! On my 2003 , 8.1 the check Engine light will come on
every 4th. tank of gas IF I fillup at a different station , and it goes off in two or three days . Once it came on and stayed on , I read the code and it indicated that a drivers side O2 sensor was not working . So over about 6 weeks I got prices in preparation for a purchase . Stupid light just turned itself off one day and I didn't have too spend a $100 for a new sensor . My suspension is that the 10% Ethanol being added too the gasoline in Tx is all over the map as far as consistency , meaning one load may have 5% and another load may have 15% . My guess would also be that the lower the % of Ethanol the less likely it is too cause the sensor too cause the ceck engine light too come on . So , any load with a % greater than 10% is going too potentially , energize the check engine light too come on .
................The ethanol producers could care LESS what kinds of problems their products cause too the owners of older vehicles . They definitely wouldn't want too hear what I have too say them about Ethanol as a politically mandated ingredient of gasoline . , fordy

oz in SC V2.0 · #19 06/27/10, 09:39 AM

Make sure the gas cap is tight,that will set off the 'Check Engine' light too...

THAT is exactly what I want to get away from really....it is foolish in my opinion and only adds expense to the cost of having the vehicle.

HermitJohn · #20 06/27/10, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oz in SC V2.0

I agree...and even the dealerships don't necessarily know what is causing problems,they rely heavily on the OBDII codes...

Do you think a 350 of those years would be a good choices for occasional towing if beefed up?
What about 1/2 tone trucks?I have stayed away from 1/2 ton trucks as I thought they might not be up to the job.

I havent tried towing with modern half ton and I know they have stiffened the frames compared to older trucks, but my mindset, I wouldnt tow anything but light utility trailer with a truck less than a heavy duty 3/4 ton. I am also not a fan of small block Chevies though I know they have improved quite bit since the old days. For any serious towing, I'd probably go with a 454 Chev and I am not sure when they discontinued them, probably in the 90s?? I always thought the Chev big blocks were much better engine. They pretty much got 10mpg whatever you did with them though. Not lot choice as traffic on hiways is crazy anymore with people insisting they have to go 90mph and doing road rage if it doesnt happen like in their dreams. I dont care what you are driving short of a race car (roll cage on wheels), 90mph is not safe, expecially trying to tow something. I just flat out wouldnt tow anything over 60mph, dont care how safe and modern and powerful the tow vehicle is supposed to be. Just so much less reaction time the faster you go.

I rented a big moving van once and it had a 350 in it. It did ok though I thought it was underpowered for the job, but only offering an automatic tranny with it was pretty stupid. I am sure it was very cheap for rental company to maintain or replace if necessary, but the automagic added insult to injury far as power. On positive side, no car was going to challenge a medium duty truck so even if it took forever to get up to speed, wasnt huge problem.