What do ya'll think. About 6-7 weeks ago I spoke to a salesman in the used car department at a Ford dealer. I was inquiring about a 2004 6.0 with 82K, LTD. Nice shape. Not really sure if I wanted to get into ownership of one of these based one what I've learned about them regarding the expenses related to upgrade them to being reliable and long lasting. Seems to be hit and miss on that. I had spoken to salesperson 3X and asked questions he couldn't answer. He stopped returning calls he said he would. About 2 weeks ago he starts calling again leaving messages. The first and most interesting; "uhm, yeah, its me......, from,,,,,,,,,,,,,Ford. Wanted to let you know the Ex is back on the market. It had to go into the shop for some extensive repairs. Please call me to discuss. And we lowered the price $4k.

I call. Tells me it was in the shop for amongst other things, alignment, engine oil leaks, front shocks, ball joints, and a head gasket. I asked if they used the ARP studs. Only one head gasket I ask? Said he would find out. 2 weeks go by and he calls this AM. "Both head gaskets were done and torque to yield 1 time units were used. From other conversations I've had with him, he is, shall we say, slow. I really dont want to give myself another headache talking with him again. Did they use studs or bolts when they did the gaskets do you think?

Might be willing to take a risk on a PSD if I could find one with most of the requisite updates done, low miles, and priced reasonably.

I think prior owner really didn't maintain this vehicle mechanically too well and knew what he'd be in for so he traded it. Now dealer is "stuck" with it and had to make extensive repairs to make it marketable again and according to bright light salesperson, they are now "selling for a loss".

 

Unless you are sure it is solid or can get it for a reduced price I would pass. Seems like there could be other issues that are hidden right now. They did not use the ARP studs, just stock from what he told you.

 

tell them to throw in a 200k warranty. that should be the end of that.

 

I would get the extended warranty. If the price is right then you can always drop some cash on making the motor bullet proof if needed. When we bought our 04 it was $8k less than the 05 I was looking at. The 05 had 60k miles the 04 had 101k miles. I figured with the $8k in the bank I could take the chance with the 40k extra miles and if something happened I could fix it. Even though I liked the color of the 05 and the front end better, the 04 was better equipped (05 was just an XLT) and again $8k less.