I have been looking around online and trying to figure out a truck that I can get into that will give me ok fuel economy, not cost too much and will still be in good shape with life left in the motor.

Here is what I came up with... I would like to sell my 1998 1 ton gmc, 4 door, 454 engine, 8 miles to the gallon gas guzzeler and get a deisel. In a price range of less than $10,000 I think I have settled on a 1997 f250 extended cab. My reasoning is as follows:

First. The price range means I'll need to be 2000 or older. It seems that a dodge cummins engine would likely still be running well (with a 2nd or 3rd fuel pump) but the chassis would probably be falling apart. The gm deisels don't seem to have the track record yet and from all indications the 7.3 power stroke seems to be the best deisel engine ever made and should put my fuel economy around 14-16.

What am I missing?

 

not much, be prepared to replace some parts...

 

to DB!

 

Thanks H.R.D.....

Fordornoting.... So when you say parts are you talking normal stuff like starters, alternators, brakes, fuel injectors, etc? That stuff's all fine with me cause I'm used to having to fix stuff on the trucks I've had over the years cause I've always bought about 10 or 15 yrs old and stuff just wears out...

I'm mainly just trying to be sure that if there are certain things I should be looking for in my purchase that I know about them.. As an example I read much about the Dodge's fuel pump issues...

Thanks for your thoughts guys...

 

well there really aren't any major issues with the fords... how many miles? if it's above 150K ish the ball joints haveprobably been replaced.