I am going to look at a 1984 F250 on Thursday and this will be my first diesel. It has 155,000 miles, it has no leaks underneath it, he says the motor is in great shape and starts right up. The body is kind of rough but I just need it for hunting/fishing and winter use.

Should I take it to the local diesel shop to get a "compression test" done on it?

Is there anything that I should look out for specifically?

He is asking $1500 for it.

Please let me know what you guys think about this?

 

I wouldn't even go there... If you need a cheap older vehicle for rec use especially in winter a vintage diesel will not be your friend. Also especially since it will be your first diesel. If you buy it, it will probably be your last one as well since you'll be cursing at it. Is price a main concern or what's your budget?

 

well I was just looking for a cheaper 4x4 diesel because I have a 2wd dodge gasser and I need something for the fall and winter. we had a pretty rough winter here last year and I need something to get me to work and to haul scrap for my brother. yea money is kind of a problem right now so I was just looking for something cheap to get me by.

 

Wow, the body is pretty rough. These motors are pretty solid, I sold my 86 to a friend and it still purrs with over 200k miles on it. Put in some good motorcraft glowplugs and a pushbutton for them and it will fire right up no matter what time of year. The IDI's aren't big power makers, but they will get the job done. Parts are dirt cheap as well if money is an issue. Being mechanically controlled there is very little to go wrong and leave you stranded. Looking at the body though, I would try and get the price down a bit, closer to $1000-$1200.

 

I wouldn't go there, I'd give em 300 for scrap metal.

 

yeah ... she looks like Swiss cheese friend..... I would offer 800 cash ... if no then walk

 

Alright well so far three out of four have said no so I guess I will not pursue this but I will send him a quick text and maybe I can get it extremely cheap but if not I am going to let this one go.

Thanks for the help guys and saving me from a potential total disaster. I guess I will keep looking.

 

no way would I pay 1500 for that.

I paid 2 grand for my powerstroke.

500 bucks.