looking for a new daily driver. local guy has a 96 f250 xl, reg cab/long box, 351/auto. it has 175k on it,but says it runs good and was taken care of. wants 1,800 or best offer. would you bother checking out a truck like this?

 

have a reputable mechanic look it over first, it would be worth the hours labor.

are you in construction or need a pickup for a dd? reason i ask is you probably wont see more then 15mpg out of that truck on the hwy.

 

I bought mine with 177k. It was owned by someone who worked construction, and bought it when he no longer needed a diesel to tow. The original owner only kept it until 20k, when the construction worker bought it. I'm #3.

 

My truck has 215k on it and it still runs well. It was a total piece when I bought it though.

 

Have it checked out, specifically the coolant levels and color. I bought mine at 145k last year. It needed a tune up, tires, and brakes right off the bat but it runs awesome now.

 

As long as the motor runs good and not smoking, knockin, or ticking. And the trans is not slipping, it should be good.

Check the trans fluid and engine oil too before you buy.

 

bought my f250 with a 460 with 167 on it and runs like an animal needs a lil body work and tires but man i love it

 

Check out the trans fluid and all gears. Bring a hydraulic jack and check the front end for wear. If it runs and stops well and looks good to you go for it the mileage isnt that high, there are plenty of trucks in this era with higher!

Also it should get near 20mpg in my experience with mixed hwy/city driving. The 351 is the best engine to get aside from the diesel IMO comparable mileage and better power than the 302 or 300.

Scott

 

i need some of that magic fuel that you guys are burnin up in BC

 

The best I got with my truck was 19. (more than once, city/hwy mix) That was 100% gas and mid grade fuel and before the lift. (havent checked since lift, but can tell its not 19).

This 10% ethanole crap sucks.

 

Me too........

 

Ditto, I top out at 19 with 2wd and a 302


But yea, pay a mechanic to look at it, they won't bs you on anything, and will catch a lot more problems than you could. Also post some pics if you get the chance

 

I had a 94 f150 4x4 ext cab short bed 351/e4od 355 gears and 31X10.5 all terrains. 350,000km

Using cruise control on the highways and commuting 80-100km per day I was getting in to the 20-21 region, vs the 97 ranger 2.3 5speed 2wd I was driving before that which was getting 23-24 I was pretty pleased. The 351w doesnt have to work to keep the truck up to speed in the wind or on hills.

My 89 with the 300 only gets 14-15 at best because its always wound out in a lower gear to hold speed on hills or wind. Almost as bad as the little ranger!

Also have a 91 f250 4x4 with the 302/M5OD and it is just as lacklustre to drive as the 300 and gets about the same mielage but it is propane/gas.

Scott

Scott