a lady at my mom's work is selling her 81 ford f-150 it is a standard cab longbed automatic(3 speed i believe) has a 302 and 66,300 original miles miles are believed to be accurated she bought it from her dad who only used it to haul things and he bought it from a man win it only had 5 thousand miles on it. It also has a camper shell. She doesnt know what it is worth and just wants to get a fair price for it around blue book she said. The only place i can find an 81 is on edmunds and 1t says about 1000. how much should I try and offer. also what kind of things should i look for when test driving it etc. she says she hardley ever drives it and it will need a tune-up it wostly sits in there drive way. And if I get it what kind of maintainence should be done. tune up, oil change new belt etc. also what are the hp and torque ratings and what kind of gas mileage will it get approx.

Thanks
Brad

 

how rusty is the body? if it's not a 4x4 but it runs well I would offer $600 thats all a 2wd 80 to 86 is worth because the body is usually rusty. things you should color and level of tran fluid it should be a bright red next oil make sure it's not milky. let it run for a bit to get it up to temp and check the oil pressure it should read about about half way on the gage check break fluid color,level and coolent the color smell of the fuilds will tell you alot besides that the 302 engine is one of the best motors in the ford family if you need more info email me @ smince(No Email Addresses In Posts!)

 

Depends how flush you are and/or what talent your friends have.

You could take it to a certified repair shop and for $50 get a
run down on brakes(fluid), driveline, condition of motor, wear
and tear etc.

or have someone you know look at it. It is pretty expensive
now adays(I'm over 60) so you can get a glimps of the cost
of bringing that pickup up to operating standards. You did-
n't say if you are in a state with emission standards and
that cost can be high(in Nevada $400 worth of work before
certification).

 

thanks for all the help and info so far. It is only 2 wheel drive and I live in nebraska we don't have any emissions standards here.