Looking at purchasing a ford diesel
 

Hello everyone. It's about that time again where i'm going to need to grab a truck. It absolutely is going to be ford, no ifs ands or buts. I don't want to go newer than the 96 generation due to cost. And I don't want to go over say, $4500. I COULD but i don't want to. It doesn't have to be anything special, and I don't necessarily need a diesel by any means, the truck isn't going to be worked hard. It won't be my daily driver either but will be run for a few weeks then parked then run etc. Will be hauling sand, mulch, pellets, etc. Right now I can grab a 96 f350 gas with 100k,8ft bed, runs like a top (personally know the owner and have used the truck in the past) for $3k with plow. It's in decent shape, could use a rear bumper and bed (dented not rusted). Don't need the plow, but whatever.

For kicks i've been browsing craigslist and our local newspaper. Most the diesels around that generation and price have 140,000+ And everyone says "You know that's low for a diesel!" Even the 220k guy says that. Well, they have to die at one point. So if properly maintained, how long should they last? As a prior jeep guy, I learned all too often that just because the motor can last, doesn't mean the rest of the drivetrain will. So what can I expect? What to really look at when checking these rigs out? Would you pay 3 - 4k for a stocker in decent shape with 140k+? Or would it be worth my time to pick up the gas job with low miles? Any input is great!