Does this look like a decent buy? Is there any known problems for 93's? I know I can't go wrong with the 6, but there can always be a clutch or trans issue. Guy says it has 165k on it. Carfax shows one incident on left side with "sign post". It's worth 1200 excellent so I think I will try 1000 or less, or no deal... My first vehicle. Thinking being, learn to drive 5 and get used to it, good mpg and a cheap Ford to mess with.

http://sarasota.craigslist.org/cto/1368865422.html

Thoughts on anything? Thanks!

 

Come on guys, I need some opinions...

 

No known inherent problems with the 93s, or any of the series from 87-91 and 92-96. Pretty solid trucks all the way around, mechanically.
Being from Florida, you shouldn't see the rust that sometimes pops through on the top of the rear wheelwells. Perhaps one area to look at closely, in case it is an auction vehicle imported from elsewhere in the country.
One point to consider - with the 'cash for clunker's thing - hearing some chatter that the prices of used vehicles has been pressured upward somewhat. Not sure how true this statement is, or to what degree the prices are changing.
On the other hand, vehicles in general aren't moving that well - so suggest you're in a good ballpark for your initial offerings.
What's the deal with the bed? Maybe it's just the perspective of the photos, but looks like the rear bumper isn't square, which may suggest the frame has been twisted. Not a deal-breaker, perhaps an additional negotiating point.
With any vehicle of that age and mileage, much of the reliability is due to the maintenance done on the vehicle up to this point. The 300 (4.9L) is a highly-respected motor with a very long life and great reliability. For many - 165K is viewed as 'just broken in' for this motor. However, don't bank too much on economy. Would suspect mid-teens for fuel economy.
Looks like the front end is sitting unusually low - may wish to check the front tires for wear on the insides, which indicates the springs have sagged. Not a deal-buster - I bought a replacement set of springs for about $100 which put things back to stock height, plus this was cheaper and a much better solution for me than all the spring spacers that would have been required, also affecting suspension travel. Another negotiating point.
Always have liked the looks of the standard cab / short bed. With a little TLC and some ingenuity - this could be a really good looking clean truck.
IIRC, XL was the base model - many times with vinyl seats and rubber floormats. Make sure this is what you're really after. Have to strike a balance between buying a fixer-upper, against getting one that has everything you want already.
These are just my opinions - hopefully others will chime in with their thoughts. At any rate, best of luck - and keep us posted on how things turn out.

 

If it has the orig bumpers, no rust, no knocks and shifts, and runs good 1200 is a good deal.

 

Thanks for the reply and info. Like I read from the Carfax, nothing is listed about a rear end hit, I have to see it person to see how bad it is. I sure hope the springs aren't going out as I don't have much money to play around with fixing things often. He told me it has a cloth seat. That and the AC will make it livable compared to a vinyl seat and no AC. I don't plan to do many huge improvements. Just stock XLT chrome wheels, if the truck is actually worth putting them on. I love the 2 dr short beds as well, can't see my self with a longbed 2 dr...

 

If the rear bumper looks aftermarket, it might have been hit, also look at the paint on the rear frame rails, if it is flaking, look for bends or weld marks where they might have replaced it. And not to poke fun, I have a supercab longbed I cant live without.

 

id hold out for a 4x4. but if thats not your thing, then assuming its as clean as the add says its a pretty good deal.

 

Well I'm in FL, only have to get to HS and back, and want to learn to drive a 5 and get used to it. I love 4x4's but my dad has had 2 2wd 150's so I am partial to them...

I just have no use for a longbed, and have always thought 2 door shortbeds look pretty sharp...

 

Yep. I have a 93 with the L6 engine as well. Really just depends on how well it's been maintained. I know there's guys on here running 225K miles on that engine with no problem.

I would say to expect 14 to 17 mpg with it, that's about what I get in my 93.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. Called him today, said he's selling it for his brother, good tires, clean cloth bench, and FL title. Who knows with anyone on CL, only you can hope its not a lemon and hope its always been in FL...

Supposed to go check it out tomorrow...