Hay everyone i am super new. Been looking for a Diesel for a few months now. I recently had one just drop into my lap and i need some advice.

I came across a 2001 Ford F-250 4x4 Platinum CC/SD, here are the stats and what i know:

Make: Ford
Model: F-250
Trim: Platinum Edition
Engine: V8 - 7.3L Turbo Diesel
Mileage: 91,243
Transmission: 4 Speed Automatic with Over Drive
Drive Type: 4 Wheel Drive - Rear
Price: 24,999

This dealer doesn't sell any car's, some trucks but mainly trailers. He would be willing to go down to $20,000 but he would put the stock rims and the old tires on it.

Before today i had never seen one of these., I KBB it and retail it is $18,700. Is this a good buy? I was hoping to find one for $15,000 (my cap was $18,500). However with this being a rare vehicle and with lower miles then anything i have found with a 7.3L in the $15,000 range i been thinking of going for it.

He told me i could get it inspected at a Ford Dealership (cost of $106). He also doesnt provide CarFax's because he is so small and does mainly trailers. That would cost me another $40 dollars. Now he said he might be willing to knock off another $150.00 if i bought it since i paid for a CarFax and Inspection.

I have never had a diesel, but i hear they are the most reliable and last along time. I take care of my vehicles (regular maintenance). I don't tow anything HEAVY, i rarely use a trailer. I do make long drives up and down the Cali Coast and sometimes CA - SC. I know these are work trucks (nothing says i wouldn't use it for that) but i do miss having a truck ( ) and if i am going to get one i want it to last. Thanks for reading my essay !

 

Platinum Edition trucks are very rare, expecially with that few miles. Id say incredible find! With that few miles, and it being a platinum, I would say 20k is a very fair price. That is if it doesnt have any rust and the Ford inspection and CarFax check out. I say go for it! That truck deserves an owner that will treat it well. If you need anything else, feel freee to ask or PM me.

 

The 7.3L is one of the most reliable motors Ford and International ever produced and is a big part in starting the race between the big 3. If you do your research and the carfax check out then I would have to say you got a good find. Just make sure the motor and tranny are in good condition and that the truck has not been abused. Small rust is easy to take care of but just time consuming. If there are any oil leaks its usually these three things, front main seal, rear main seal or the oil cross over lines. The front and cross over lines are easy fixes the rear takes a little more time. End state dont worry too much if it has a small leak. If you have any question feel free to let me know.

 

Thanks for the reply's! I checked it out today and there are little rips and tears in the seats (not a big deal), however; there is a lot of rust on the under carriage. I don't know how much of it can or will come off... He is firm on his low price of 20k. Basically i will be maxing out what i have to spend on the truck at that price. How much is it to clean up the rust? I haven't set up a time for the ford dealership to check it out and i haven't paid for a carfax yet (carfax says it has 4 records) i did run the vin through https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck . It checks to see if the vehicle is salvage or any theft was reported. Wont give anything past that. Anyways, ive wanted to get back into a truck for a long time now. But i am taking my time picking one out. Thanks for reading!

(P.S: Anyone have a 7.3 they wanna sell in California? )

 

Rust on the undercarriage is normal, to be expected, and not a big deal. I was talking about rust on any of the body panels, but if those are clean, thats an awesome find.