Hello,

I am re-posting this in the general diesel forum instead of the introduction page. I would love some help on what I should buy. I'm not in a rush, so any and all opinions will be looked at. After several replies in the introduction forums I am leaning towards the Dodge 12v, however this guy might be asking too much. Please tell me if you think it is and what I should offer. I know the craigslist asking price is just that, asking price. So, what is fair? Also, I have seen many other trucks in my area for sale with the automatic. My sole purpose for choosing a stick is that I can change out the clutch, but cannot afford to have to rebuild an auto. I'm sure they are dependable, but I don't know how to quantify the life of an automatic. I am going to start looking at dieselbombers.com classifies too. Below is what I am looking for in a truck. Help steer me into the right direction. Thanks

1) Something I can work on - simpler the better but willing to learn, scratch that, looking forward to learn.

2) Something I will have fun in and fall in love with.

3) I like a stick on my gas vehicles, but I know the power band is much shorter on a diesel and willing to go auto for the right reasons.

4) 4x4 a must

5) bigger the cab, the better

6) short bed, don't need a bed at all, would be neat to put a flat bed with tool boxes on it.

7) I will use this truck 90% without a load of any kind and like to accelerate fast. I want to be able to burn rubber at a whim (I know I might have to build it up to do that too)

8) Ain't got to be pretty. If it's too nice, I feel obligated to clean it and not get it scratched. I want functionality over looks.

9) I have 25k to work with but want to start small and try it out first like under 7.5k.

10) Dually vs single rear..... I don't know. Dually would look way cool, but then I would have to buy two more tires.

Thanks for everyones opinions....... I can't wait to see what ya'll have to say.

I am currently looking to buy my first diesel. I am looking at the following two vehicles and wanted some feedback from other members for their opinion on which one they would buy.

1) 1995 Ford F250 7.3 powerstroke xtra cab 4x4. 150K miles 5-speed with current issues of grinding 2nd and Reverse gear. I am ok with swapping out the transmission if the price is right. Currently he is asking 6k but said he would come down to 5k. I was going to offer 3k since a rebuilt tranny will cost me 2k plus shipping and core. I am familiar with this truck more than any due to the use in the ambulances I have driven, but I know that there are a lot of moving parts under the hood, which kind of makes me nervous. I'm mechanily inclined to the point of using Haynes manuals, YouTube, and members on sites like this. I have swapped a Jeep 4.0L, replaced a few transmissions and rebuilt a transfer case (wow, scary).

Here's the local ad
4x4 powestroke


2) 1993 Dodge 12v xtra cab 4x4 230K miles 5 speed with exhaust brake. Currently he's asking 7.5k, however the body condition needs some attention, but can be driven as is for a while. For the past 6 years I have been on a helicopter as a Flight Paramedic and have found that our aircraft mechanic is extremely **** with the work that is done and refuses all help offered to him. He is a unique guy and would trust my life with his work on anything. That being said, this guy that ones this dodge 12v, is an airplane mechanic, which make me believe that he really took care of this truck and might be a diamond in the ruff. He says that he just rebuilt the front axle, and took care of all maintenance of the rest of the truck. I have heard so much about this 12v that makes me consider this as an option. all mechanical and no electronics to mess up. I would love this truck if the price is right, plus only one head, 6 of everything not 8, and one turbo instead of two.

Here's the ad for the Dodge
1993 dodge cummings 4x4

My goal with the truck;
I want a rig that can haul water, since here at 7000 ft some of the outlying neighborhoods have to haul in your own water to a cistern in the ground. So a 500 gallon tank in the bed is a must. 500x8.34=4170lbs twice a week in the bed. Both trucks should be able to handle it. I think the Ford looks better and has a better looking interior, but the Dodge has that awesome 12v with limitless potential and many less moving parts to work with. I have never owned a diesel and look forward to this buy. It is not my only vehicle, just a fun truck to have for the winter snow and hauling wood and water. I also volunteer for wood4warmth.org. We collect wood all year long and haul it with our personal trucks back to the wood lot to process it for the winter months. We then give it away for free to those who need it. I have delivered wood to people without electricity and use wood as their sole way of heating and cooking. So it is important to me to do and very rewarding.