I have read more bad than good stories regarding the above engine. Recently I have the opportunity to purchase from a dealer a 2006 f350 lariat 180k for $8k with the FX4 package. However there is no maintenance paperwork and nor was I able to acquire anything from the ford owners website for prior service. truck runs nice but you know how that goes. Nice now and 500 miles later bang here comes the problems.

Thoughts please. Yes no move on to the next.

 

Any used vehicle with 180K on it is going to be a crapshoot.

Depends on you. What is your comfort level with a vehicle that will require upkeep? Expecting to just jump in and get 100K of care-free mileage out of any 9 y/o used vehicle is a pretty unrealistic. If you're prepared to spin a wrench when necessary, it's possible it could be a decent vehicle (assuming it was left stock and never monkeyed with previously*). However, if you don't know a stand pipe from a branch tube, and will be relying on paying a mechanic to fix "uh-oh's" for you, it might be a poor choice.

I'm not you, but in my experience with the 6.0 I wouldn't be afraid of the example given, assuming it passed my inspection. With the prices (and complexity) of new diesels, I'm anticipated picking up a clean used 6.0 in the coming year myself. I'll be keeping the '04 though.

One thing about the 6.0 is you can't turn over a rock w/o finding someone who will tell you they're the worst thing ever in the history of the ever ever. They're not. But they're also not for everybody.

*ETA: EGR cooler delete is the exception. IMO this is a vital modification for ensuring longevity in this motor. Again, JMO.

 

Black1,

That's some pretty solid advice right there.

Sarge

 

180k on a diesel with no maintenance records?

Pass.