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Hey, I need you guys honest opinion. I've been looking for a truck. Is this a deal or is it dumb? I've found a running 2004 F150 Lariat with 291,000 miles on it for $3000. The owners says nothing major is wrong with it. From the pictures, the bed of the truck looks pretty beat up. The Cab looks decent from the outside. The interior looks rough but I've seen worse. I haven't seen the truck in person yet though.
Even though its running, I know something is gonna fail soon. I thinking if I do buy the truck, in the spring, I'm gonna put a new motor in it. My plan is once I put a motor in it, The truck will last another 100k - 150k before I get rid of it. Once it hits 400+ I will probably just sale it dirt cheap or trade it in. Is this possible. Should I pass and jump on the deal?
I already have an Honda Accord so if the truck fails I'll still have transportation. I just don't want to make a dumb decision.
The bed looks beat up
Cab looks ok though
it looks good. but personally i wouldn't take the gamble it looks like its towed alot of weight and the exhaust has alot of carbon so it wasnt taken care of that well and it was a work truck.. often. i would find one in better condition. if i were you.. just my thoughts.
I think I've made up my mind. I will test drive it, check it for leaks,etc...If the truck is running OK, I'm going to see the seller will let me get it for 2750 or even 2800. I wanna throw 2500 or 2600 out there but they might not take it. If its running horribly I'm gonna just walk away.
I'm going to look at it Friday. I'll keep you guys posted
The engine running is one thing, keep in mind the cost of other repairs that would be a serious possibility. Tires, brakes, battery, transmission, pulleys, that sort of thing. None of those individually would sink the deal, but with those kind of miles things you don't even think about could need to be replaced. That's a lot of workin in some of those parts! JMO
Honestly, I thought about the tires, transmission, and replacing the battery but I forgot about the breaks for some odd reason. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
I making a list of possible cost to fix things that could go wrong. Some things I will replace from the get go like oil change,Imma grab some used tires, air filter,spark plugs, and change most if, not all fluids.
Possible things that can go wrong.
Engine - I would replace with a used one and I have an uncle(Mechanic by trade) who could help me put it in. ($2000 )
Transmission - Again, my uncle can help me replace this. (1000-1500)
Breaks - Can handle on my own ($100-$150)
Ball Joints and other front end parts (I need to look up the cost of these parts)
Exhaust manifolds - (Gotta price check this as well.)
Maybe alternator could go out soon.($200)
Anything else I should put on my list?
That was the first thing I thought when I saw the pictures. If you're not afraid of miles (which you shouldn't be, by default), give it a chance. If it runs good, and doesn't tick/having timing chain slap, offer 2500.
If it made it that far the guy had to have have taken care of it to a certain point. I would say it sounds like a good deal if it runs and drives straight. Are the cab corners rusted out?
If it made it that far the guy had to have have taken care of it to a certain point. I would say it sounds like a good deal if it runs and drives straight. Are the cab corners rusted out?
From the pictures, it looks like it could be some rust. Is rust a big problem with 04 - 08 like it is with 97 - 03?
09-03-2014, 08:14 AM
