Hi, I'm looking for advice on a truck I just looked at-
It's a 96 f150 xlt, straight 6, regular cab, 45,000 miles. Nice looking inside and out, some surface rust on the underside, but nothing major and no rust on the body panels. Everything works except cruise control.

What do you think out is worth? He is asking 7,000.

 

A lot of guys will tell you that it is a steal because the mileage is so low. My opinion is that if you are going to pay 7k for a 20 year old truck, it better be pretty friggin immaculate.

 

I'd offer 6k and go from there. The cruise control doesn't work because the module was recalled for issues with heat, leading to fires.

 

Pretty rich IMO.. but hey if you have the means go for it

 

You will have to spend some money on it even with low mileage and a good body, it's still 20 years old. You should have it taken somewhere reputable for a thorough inspection - safety check plus an overall condition inspection.
Probably cost you $100 but if they find any issues (they probably will) that will help you negotiate price.
If they find something really serious, you can walk away, $100 well spent. If they find absolutely nothing wrong, you can buy with confidence (you'd probably have it inspected after you buy it anyway).
No matter how you look at it, a thorough inspection would be a very good investment.

 

It is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. I enjoy the simplicity and rarity of an older F150 and having no payments. Even new cars may need repairs, so look at this one in comparison to a brand new off the lot truck, and then a 4 or 5 year old one...the one you describe may well be a bargain when compared to the triton spark plug trucks, or some of the newer ones that require the cab to be removed to make repairs.

There is very little on my truck that would require a shop to repair (AC and trans perhaps) so I do my own maintenance and love it.

If in doubt have your mechanic/shop look it over as Chris suggests...will be the best $100 you ever spent. Then ask the mechanic what a similarly equipped 5-7 year old and a new or 1 year old truck would cost, and the repairs he sees daily on those.

Best of luck in your decision.

 

The cruise should have been fixed during the recall, it was literally a 10 minute fix. Check the horn, if it doesn't work as well then that means the air bag clock spring needs replaced, $50 part and you can do it yourself in under an hour.

Personally I wouldn't pay that.

 

I thought ford just removed the power entirely from the module?

 

Thanks for your help. I took it in for an inspection last weekend, and all they found was a little oil seaping around the valve cover, and the vacuum lines are starting to crack. And of course, no cruise. Will probably make an offer this a week and see if I can talk him down a little.

 

Try 5000. or even 4500. He may just jump at it.