The logic in the OP sounds a lot like what I went through before getting my F350 with the 351. I didn't much care which gas engine it had, as long as it ran well. I wasn't looking for a dedicated towing rig, but rather for a farm truck. I've known many people who got diesels if differing makes and every one had told the same tale- they loved the power and economy but upkeep and repair were a bear. Even the guys hauling cattle for a living complain about the upkeep. I tend to think of a diesel as a commercial rig no matter the brand.

Best of luck on the new truck- to both of us!

 

I'm going to see the truck on Saturday. I hope it's as clean as described by owner. The pics look great.

BTW: On this truck vintage (1992 F-350 2WD, CC, LB) and with the 460, are there things to look for that can be visually inspected (ex. on a diesel you can take off oil fill cap (engine running), flip it upside down, place it on top of fill hole and see if it stays put or is it pushed off by excessive blow by - Excessive blow usually indicates high mileage)
Thanks

 

It may be me, but 8k seems a but much. Where in CA are you from? I'm from the Inland Empire area and for that much, I can easily get a 1994-1997 PSD 4x4.

60k miles is low, but you have a 460 that is over 20 years old, gotta think that main seal among other things has deteriorated because of that alone, not miles. Age does do damage. I'm sure it's a beautiful truck, but definitely have to consider its age for 8k.

Here's a 1997 PSD for way less.
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/4373437771.html

 

Or if you are willing to drive out of state...

http://flagstaff.craigslist.org/cto/4336603454.html

 

But with 4 times the mileage. I would not hesitate to buy a 240k PSD but I apparently have extraordinary luck with high mileage vehicles.

OP is set on low mileage gas and has laid out some good points for why it fits him, now it's all about finding the right truck and negotiating a fair deal.

 

I'm sure its great. Just 8k for a 92' seems high.

 

Not interested in a truck with 1/4 of a million miles! Plus the first one looks rough.

The truck I am considering is actually $7k and perhaps a little lower. It is much, much cleaner the the two you posted.

As soon as one of those breaks, you are talking serious coin and I am at the mercy of a diesel repair shop. Most items on the 460 I can tackle. If it needed to be at a repair shop, the cost is far far less to repair a 460 vs 7.3

 

I totally hear you. Its why in the end I opted for a gasser. I didn't originally think I'd want to pull a good sized RV, but now that I do, its why I wish I had the diesel. But that being said, my F350 with a 7.5l is definitely a beast.

 

hey Jesus--

I'm in the IE too.

Just think of it this way.....what you have lost in gas cost, you gained in the price of the truck and what ever break downs you would have incurred with the diesel.

I'd like the diesel to tow my RV too. However, I am not willing to pony up an extra $5K-$10K for a diesel with well over 100K miles. I'm gonna tow a 5er or TT with my truck, whatever I get. About a 32' 5er or 28' TT. This way I have about the same overall length. As I stop and fill up for gas during my travels, I'll have this to think about.....I saved $10K and I have NO truck payments!! Man, that will feel great!!

Plus if it ever broke down on the road, any garage can work on the gasser and any parts house will have parts!! and cheap compared to diesel!

BTW.....I'm still waiting for someone to sell me on the diesel based on my intended uses and the pro/con information I provided.

Now, I found a 2000 F-350 4WD, CC, SB with 115K miles and has the V10. $8900. Looks to be very clean. Decisions???? Here it is.....

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/4383970744.html

 

I like it. But I don't have much experience with the V10. Although the aftermarket is probably better than an EFI 460.
I found a 97' PSD CC XL trim with a stake bed and 137k on it. Guy wanted $1700. Barely spoke english too. Wish I had a close by buddy who knew diesels who could take a look for me. Ive got a garage full of XLT interior trim with power windows, door panels, locks, and wiring harnesses.

If I could have snagged it I could have had a PSD 97 (which from what I've been told, late model 97' CA PSD's have split shot injectors.) on the cheap.

 

hey man, out where in the inland empire are you based?

 

Near Hemet

Here are the two trucks being considered at the moment. Going to try and see the 2000 tomorrow and the 1992 on Saturday.

Like you, I know little about the V10. 115K miles may be a little high. Do they get about the same mpg, is the V10 as robust and durable as the 460.

I bet the 2000 rides better than the 1992.

1992 Ford F350 Crew Cab Truck W/Fiberglass Shell


2000 FORD F350 LARIET 4X4

 

115k, is nothing. One thing I do know about them is that they do run well, but that's based on other people's accounts. My father in law has a 99' motorhome with the V10 with 300+k and its all original on the engine.

One thing about that SuperDuty though, I could be wrong but those plates aren't CA. If it's not a CA registered vehicle, making it CA emissions viable might cost a pretty penny.

And that 92' looks CLEAN.

 

Yes, I texted the owner about out of state plate to see if it has been registered and smogged in CA. I wouldn't buy unless he has a smog certificate (which seller is required to do anyway)

Yes, the 1992 is super clean! Decisions, decisions!

 

I posted over on the super duty section to see if I can get some V10 information