Should I buy this truck?

[Ken00]

I have the opportunity to buy this truck for $3000 and want to know if you think its good deal. 1998 Ford F-150 XL, 105,000 miles, Extended Cab, Short Bed, 2WD, 4.2 V-6, Manual Transmission, AC. No other options. Oil has been changed regularly. The front brakes, alternator, spark plugs, wires, serpentine belt, fuel filter and two freeze plugs have been replaced recently. The tires need to be replaced, the battery is five years old, the rear brakes have never been replaced, and the clutch has never been replaced. No noticeably body damage or rust, interior is in good condition. I’m concerned about the lower intake manifold gasket problem, the engine build date is gone, the truck was built 4/98. Should I get it or pass???

[Analogue]

My .02.

It sounds like a get. but maybe not for 3k. With new tires, battery, brakes etc. that brings it to 3600.00 or so, and that is if you are DIY.

[hotwater6]

I looked high-and-low before buying my pickup (98 F150 4x4 4.6L). Anything $2,500 or less had no working A/C. "Oh, it just needs to be charged," says the seller. There was NOTHING for sale between $2,500 and $3,500. I paid $4,200, and it was worth every penny. Sure, I had to do some things – new plugs, wires, a rear diff pinion seal and a front half axle. But that's just part of buying 15-20 year old trucks. I'd say go for it. 'Course, in South Jersey, I doubt a working A/C drives the price like it does in Texas.