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I'm big into motorcycles, but I'm a complete newbie when it comes to trucks. I'm looking at purchasing a 9th generation F-150 because I really like how they look and they seem to be pretty darn reliable. I found one local that I really like:
Very well kept 1993 Ford F-150, V8 with 5.0L engine, solid truck runs great and does not leak at all. Only 166k, AUTOMATIC TRANS, PS, PB, power windows, AC, sliding back glass window, it's an extended cab 2WD and has always been kept up nice. Has towing pkg lights and new tires with nice chrome rims (need cleaning). Had been repainted original colors at some point so looks good, but it does have some slight rust areas and paint issues here and there, but very straight with good lines. The rear bumper did get bent a little in a parking miss-hap, easy Bend back. Not a rust-bucket, has some rust areas around wheel well in the standard places. Interior is well maintained, minor issues and dash has cracked places. Has good working AC and heat, power windows and locks, working DUAL gas tanks and the engine is clean and strong. The AC has even been refitted to use the Eco-Friendly modern refrigerant with new hoses. Clean title. Worth the pennies it's always been a solid driver and family truck, runs great; good truck for the winter/summer.
I went and looked at the truck yesterday. I really liked how it drove and overall the body looked very clean. A few things I noticed are:
- Low oil on the dipstick (near the bottom of the dipstick well below the low mark)
- Driver's side window struggles to move up/down
- Strange squeaking sound when idling (maybe the belt or one of the pulleys going bad?)
- Aftermarket radio is basically non-functional
So I've talked the owner down to $3,100 for the truck. What do you guys think? My biggest issue is the low oil on the dipstick, I'm kinda picky about keeping oil in all my vehicles fresh and topped off. But maybe it's not such a big deal? Any and all opinions/advice is much appreciated. Thanks!
Last edited by truckguy_95; 04-03-2017 at 08:57 PM.
I look at them like this; they're all worth 300 at the scrap yard. After that what makes it better than the ones getting crushed ?
Comes down to what's good. If the driveline is lower mileage it'll probably be good for a while with maybe a few repairs.
The rest of the mechanical; if it isn't reasonably new it would probably need replacing in the forseeable future.
Body wise, walking around and looking real close is a good start, but the really important stuff is underneath; cab floors, cab mounts, rad saddle mounts, box support rails and all the little corners that might catch mud or snow and rot it out from inside.
If you're not real experienced with looking these trucks over, 50 or 100 dollars at an auto shop to have them put it on a hoist and look it over real good for you would be a really, really good investment.
They may find issues that even the current owner didn't know about. Best to know exactly what you're looking at before you decide how much to pay for it.
If it was 500.00 I'd say if it looks ok just buy it, but for 3000 you might want to invest in a professional's opinion. Might be the best 100 you've spent in a while.
I agree with Chris on this one, you may want to get it up in the air and check it closely..or as he suggested - let the pro check it out and give you the news.
While it appears nice, you will be paying on the high side of what I would see it's value at. I would look very close at the rusted areas and how the "new" paint is holding up. While a lot of trucks have these areas rusty - many do not.
1. Every one of these trucks will need something in the first year you own them. Are you mechanically inclined to do some or all of that yourself?
2. Will it be a necessary vehicle or even just a daily driver? See #1.
I would say that the price is a bit high. But I'm comparing to east Texas prices. And it took me three months to find the one I wanted. If you're in no hurry keep shopping until you have a better idea of what they are worth where you are.
As for the low oil it could be using a little, or they failed to allow for the filter change last time. Your mechanic can do a compression test to see what's up with that.
The window issue is common. New motor is $30-$100, but it may just be the motor plugs (Doorman 74410) that run about $8-$10 a set, and you can replace either of these in an hour or two.
Idle pulley is not expensive. Get the metal one, not the plastic one. But it might be something else. Take a look from the side and see if the pulleys are all in perfect alignment. They should be. Your mechanic can figure out which pulley is squeaking, or if it's just the belt.
Mine had no radio, and I'm fine with that. They are easy to replace, and new ones have USB or even SD card slots so you can have your whole collection with you.
My belt was squeaking and it ended up being the bearings in the water pump were worn out and leaking from the 'weep hole'. Replaced the water pump and all is nice and quiet. Could also be the Idle pulley like seschenburg said.
Like other have said, 'The price is a little high'.....
04-03-2017, 08:54 PM
I Need Some Advice - Is This a Good Deal?
