I am looking at a 94 ford f250 460 5 speed it has 290000 miles on it the guy says it does not burn any oil or smoke do you think the truck will be reliable

 

Until it ain't, just like any other vehicle.

 

Can you do a test drive? try it, also measure the compression on the cilinders if possible, if the guy doesn't let you, don't trust him.

 

What do you think the compression would should be ?

 

For me it would depend on the condition of everything else plus the price. If the price is low enough and the body and interior are in good shape buying it knowing that a rebuild/refresh is right around the corner could still make sense.

 

Agreed!! Also it would help if you mechanical ability is up there pretty good, because at nearly 300,000 a LOT of little things are probably getting close to the end of their service life....

 

Unless they've already been done. Twice.