dnlow

I actually think that is a pretty good price, if I am reading correctly that it is $17k out the door. My only question would be is how inclusive is the warranty? Is it a very minimal coverage warranty or more like a factory warranty?

If buying from a Ford dealer maybe you could get them to change the spark plugs, transmission fluid and filter, and coolant as part of the deal.

One other thing you may want to look at is a private party deal. I always like those since you generally save a lot more money that way.

VanoFord

I say make the dealer do the 100k tuneup AND take the additional $500 they gave you off as well. Tell them if they dont like it, you can easily find the same truck, with less miles in Autotrader.com. He'll bite the bullet and pony up the tuneup out of his pocket (or he's a fool to lose a $17k deal over $500). Also, make sure he is giving you at the VERY LEAST 36K miles on that 3 yr warranty. The time frame of a warranty isn't as important as the mileage allowed for a warranty. I had the factory 5yr/60k and blew the 60k out in 2.75 yrs. Truck runs like a champ still though! Anyways, good luck and post some pics after your purchase!!!

foolwitools

I believe $500 off to be a "gimmee" discount..

Go to the lot, but first make sure the salesperson will be able to see your checkbook in your shirt pocket.....then offer $2000 ( or more) less. When they tell you they can't do that, stand up ( litterally) and say " I gotta go home to check with the wife" and head for the door... And never, never, never give a check or a credit card as a "deposit" before the deal is set in stone....

In buying my last 2 trucks these tactics have caused salespeople to react in an unusual way.... like yelling for the manager's help, offering you his cell phone to call the wife, blocking you from going out the door, and at the very least saying "Let me see what I can do...." In any event, never call... GO! Leave. don't hesitate. tell them you promised the wife a "face to face" before you do the deal. ( of course she said "too much") Go have a coffee or a beer, let the lot guys simmer for a few minutes.
Pretty sure that when you get back (15 or 20 minutes) there will be smiles, handshakes, and a much better attitude to see it your way.

Used car salesman's montra........ "never let 'em leave without a leaving a deposit". Don't let them win.

If none of this works, you lose nothing. You gotta go a long way to make a used car salesman dislike you.

Best of luck,

Bob the Fool

jhelrey

I pulled the wife card on some guy I was buying a used truck from private party. I told him I had to call her to see if I could spend that much. Well, I really called her to tell her I was running a few minutes late and I would pick her up in a bit.

He was asking $4,400.00 for a 97 F-150 with 4x4, and 124,000 miles and I got it for $3,500.00 cash. It helps to that he needed the money, and I was the first one to call and look at the truck. I even had a mechanic buddy check it out for me.

The ball is in your court. You hold the money. If you don't like the deal, walk.

A good place to check for repair are panel gaps, opening doors, fuel door, looking under the bed to see if dents are still visible on the inside of the bed, but not the outside since you can see the entire fender.

_Flea_

Personally, I would spend a little more for less mileage.

And I think the "highway miles" thing is bs. They're still miles, and you don't know how hard those miles were driven.