Need used truck opinion

[Kernopelli]

This may be a little unorthodox...I've been looking for a used F250 work truck. I've been watching my favorite Gov auctions site but haven't found what I'm looking for there. I would prefer 4x4 but I ran across this F350 cab and chassis on Truck Paper and wanted to get an opinion here of what people in the know think of this particular truck. I already have access to a very clean used flatbed I can pick up specific to this model ( reasonable enough...$750) is it a deal or no deal... I hate to post the link but really trust the TBN members opinions so here goes.

2000 FORD F350 XL 1 Ton Truck For Sale At TruckPaper.com

 

[wallace]

Too much money for a 2 wheel drive gaser work truck with no box!
That truck is only worth $3,500 with a box in that good of shape.
I would keep looking...If you want a 4wd gaser they are out there, clean and cheap!

 

[Diamondpilot]

I agree with Wallace. Its 10 years old and under powered. It may do what you need but the 2 wheel drive would be a deal killer for me. I have a 04 F-250 and a 06 F-350 and they are only so so in the mud and snow and both are 4x4. They are heavy in the front end due to the diesel engines in both mine but just are really limited compared to my old F-150 and my current Titan.

There is never a perfect used anything so by the time you buy the truck, put the bed on it, and fix the little items wrong with it you will be over $5000 on it and upside down.

I would keep looking. Be patient. I am finally, took me years to learn the hard way making many mistakes, but it does pay off.


Chris

 

[Soundguy]

i agree.. a 5.4 gasser.. not too yummy...

soundguy

 

[Dmace]

Do yourself a favor and pass any Ford F-250/F-350 with the 5.4l V8 unless you plan on never towing anything over 6k or hauling any more than 1,500lbs in the bed. I've put plenty of miles on 3 different Super Duty's with the V8 5.4l and it's way too underpowered for that truck. Find a V10 or look for another make of truck if gas engine is a must.

 

[Kernopelli]

I'll take everone's advice. The $4900 is not dirt cheap in my book because it is a stripped down 2x4 5.4L cab and chassis but I also wasn't planning on paying $4900....everything's negotiable as they say. I am a notoriously frugal bargain hunter.

K7LN, Thanks for the CL link. It's about 400 miles up there so that wasn't a deal breaker, plus I've got family up north and I figured I could make a visit out of the trip. It's definitely a plain Jane truck but it suits my needs fine. Air bags, power steering, A/C and am/fm were standard equipment on the 2000 F350 XL ( if you scroll in on the truckpaper pic you can also see it also has Ford floor mats....she's a real dream)!

I will wait months (and months...and months) if I have to and have many times to find a bargain. The price is under blue book which I always refer to but never use as my standard, it's just one reference. The main thing is that it's under comparable units I've found so far. These old f250/350's are like gold in our area...apparently a lot of areas as well because I am looking at trucks up to 1000 miles from home. For the condition and mileage, this is the lowest priced one I've found yet, even factoring being a cab and chassis. Factor in 2WD though and that alone is almost a deal breaker...price and condition has to be excellent to make that a go. Sounds like the consensus says it's not there.

 

[Bikewanderer]

I saw this one the other day if you want to travel:

hay truck

 

[56FordGuy]

Check with Larry Stigers if you're looking for a basic truck. When I was shopping, they had a pretty large inventory of work trucks, cab and chassis models with service boxes, flatbeds, no beds, and about all the engine/ drivetrain options you could think of.

Of course, it seemed like 95% of their trucks are also white XL model trucks. If you're okay with that, they may have one that will fit your needs.

 

[saltbranch]

I guess it depends on the part of the US you are from, I read that as a steal. The 5.4 is a **** good motor, I have several 08' f250s with them averaging 13 plus mpg, the 6.4 diesel only better them by 1-3 mpg on average. When you factor in the upgrage cost of the diesel, oil change, price of fliters. fuel....that 5.4 is gonna look sweet.
Its hard to beat the fuel/maintence of a 5.4 gasser over the 6.0 or 6.4 diesel

 

[Dmace]

I guess it depends on the part of the US you are from, I read that as a steal. The 5.4 is a **** good motor, I have several 08' f250s with them averaging 13 plus mpg, the 6.4 diesel only better them by 1-3 mpg on average. When you factor in the upgrage cost of the diesel, oil change, price of fliters. fuel....that 5.4 is gonna look sweet.
Its hard to beat the fuel/maintence of a 5.4 gasser over the 6.0 or 6.4 diesel

You do realize your comparing an engine that makes less power than most V6's to a diesel engine that makes more power idling than that 5.4l could ever dream of? Comparing these two engines together is borderline crazy... :confused2:
BTW, 13mpg in a "small" V8 barely making 300hp is not impressive at all.