need some diesel help for a noob
 

I'm considering buying a 1997 ford F-250 with a 7.3L powerstroke. It has 125,000 miles on it and stacks. It has a 8 foot bed, 4x4 and it is a regular cab and a 5 speed. My cousin has owned several diesels and he came to look at it with me and we took it for a test drive. He says it runs and shifts good. There is only a little bit of rust on the passenger side cab corner and passenger side rear wheel well. It isn't rotted all the way through. It comes with an edge programmer. I believe it was used to tow like a 5th wheel trailer. It has air ride suspension in the back, two gas tanks. There is also a dent in the drivers side fender that is easily fixable. All in all it runs good the 4 wheel drive works and it seems like a solid truck all in all. There are no rips in the seats either. It could use some new tires also. The other thing we noticed was that there was some oil on the valve cover. I was told that all diesels leak. Whether that is true or not I don't know. The guy said he would take 7800 for it. I'm sure I could get him to go down some. I was wondering what you guys thought of this price from what I've told you. I am new to diesel engines so keep that in mind please. Thanks for the help.

Not many miles for that year.I used to own a 96black f250 with the stroker it was a good truck sounds like a good deal.you can tell allot about a truck by the owner did he seem like he took good care of it?

Its at a dealer. I believe the owner pulled a trailer with it. The bed looks like it was used pretty well other than that it seems like it was. The seats have covers on it and underneath there are no rips or anything. Just two rust spots and the front fender as a little dent in it but other than that it looks and sounds fine.

My opinion...
 

I would be hesitant about buying a truck that needs new rubber coming up soon. It's a fairly big expense to have put on a truck that you just bought. Maybe get some off the price and it would be okay. Dealers tend to act like all trucks with a diesel are made of gold. Truth is there are usually several around to look at. The comment, "I was told that all diesels leak. Whether that is true or not I don't know." is not true. I've many a mile with diesel engines that are spotless. My pick up is over five years old and there is no oil on the engine. Be careful where you get your advice from. Really no way for us to tell by what you said if it is a good deal or not. A truck is a tool, get the right tool for the job and get what you can afford. Don't get sold on the idea of stacks and a stick and buy something you will not enjoy or even worse regret later on. Be an informed shopper and look at the whole picture and then make your deal with the salesman. It's still pretty much a buyers market and don't let the dealer tell you otherwise. If they don't want to deal, go down the road to the next one.
My thoughts here.
Stay safe out there.
Ken

Thanks for the info. I made that mistake with my other truck with the tires and got into an accident. These tires have more tread on than those other ones but will need it fairly soon. I'd like to get him down a few hundred to get tires. And the thing with the stacks is I would like to get them myself and they are already on so it isn't another big expense that I would need. When we test drove it, it didn't seem like there was more oil on the valve cover. I went there to look at it closer the other day when they weren't open and I crawled underneath and I did notice on the passenger side of the block there was oil on it at one spot but it looked like just that spot. To me it didn't seem like a flow if you know what I mean? But it was on there none the less. I don't know if that's a bad thing or good thing? But when we drove it the motor seemed strong and didn't make any noises or anything.
Thanks for the advise

Nuther thought here...
 

It looks like you are using your head about it. Make your deal with them or they can sell it to someone else. I wouldn't worry about seeing oil on an engine unless it was a leak. Even then, you would need to decide what is leaking and why. I over maintain mine I'm sure so there is no oil on my engine or under it. A lot of shops aren't that careful if they spill a bit and it runs down the side of the engine. See if it is an active leak and then possibly use that in your negotiations if it isn't a real problem. Stacks are great. I have them on my truck. I would be the first to say they are too much money and not really needed but I like them so I got them. Diesels usually last way more miles than what that truck has. Check it carefully and make a decision on it. Don't be afraid to jump in if it is what you want and within your price range. Don't forget who is in control when you make the deal.
Stay safe out there.
Ken