Hey everybody! Quick intro, looking to purchase a 1993 W250 Cummins this weekend. Will be the first diesel I have ever owned. My father inlaw is a diesel mechanic and says this is one of the better ones to buy, along with the second gen, so I am kind of taking his word on it.

It is pretty stock, only stacks and a radio have been added (according to the owner). Here is how he described it:
121,xxx miles
4x4
Automatic trans w/ overdrive
3.55 gears
Power windows and locks
Little rust on cab corner, no other rust.
Clean interior without any holes.
Rollbar with toolbox
New back brakes, fresh oil change, fuel filter
No mechanical issues

Soo... with that being said, and judging by the attached picture, what do you think it is worth in the Midwest and what things should I look for when it comes to known issues?
Is it me, or does the bed look a little tweaked in this picture?

 

I don't know about the Midwest, but around here he could ask $10k and get it.

 

Thanks,
I have heard anything from 8-12.. am trying to be realistic with what I pay for it. We agreed to a price yesterday and he has called me twice today saying that he is being offered more by other people. My guess is that I will end up losing it before the weekend.

 

Wouldn't surprise me if that thing vanished faster than a prom queen's cherry.

 

what things should I look for when I go to buy it?

 

Standard stuff like oil, trans fluid, brake fluid and coolant level/condition, make sure it shifts, stops and 4wd engages, all the lights, windows, horn, etc. I always check for blow by, frame cracks behind or near the steering box, frame and floor rust, wet or water-stained carpet under the glove box, butchered wiring. If it's getting close to dark, I turn the headlights on before I start looking at it. If they're on after 10 minutes, the switch is good and you won't drive it off the road on the way home when everything goes black. That's about all there is to my checklist; everything else I play by ear when the truck is in arm's reach.

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It wouldn't hurt to pick up an oil pressure gauge tool before you go. The factory oil pressure gauges on these trucks are notoriously unreliable. You don't want to pass on a deal because you mistakenly thought it had no pressure and you definitely don't want to buy a truck with no pressure that you thought was tight.

 

Great list! Thanks

 

i am looking at a 1st gen too, where does the crack near the steering box show up? in front of the box? behind it?

 

Normally it is on the Plate that the box bolt's too or behind the box on the frame from twist. If it was My truck lift it and go Cross Over steering you will never Look back.

 

I paid 6k for mine with a broken odometer and speedo with no interior trim or headliner with a 5spd conversion. It has upgraded injectors and a bigger turbo. 8k might be a reasonable price for it.