Now that's funny!

 

I don't believe Texas equals cold winters. I lived in Maine for 4 years and have been to Texas over the winter and the two states felt totally different climates to me. At age 14, I would not be looking at SD. Gas mileage is terrible and the lack of income is probably just as bad. I think age 14 is too young to even consider driving unless it is a farm tractor. Just my $0.02.

 

I would want to know more about this 13 year old's lifestyle before I encouraged or discouraged him from purchasing a truck. He may live on a ranch and has lots of chores like a hired hand. He may be extremely responsible and has money in the bank. It really depends on his maturity as to whether he should be considering the purchase of a truck.

The reality is, at 13 years of age, he cannot make the purchase without his parent's approval. Minors are not allowed to contract so it would be with his parent's blessing that he purchased a truck.

 

I dont know the laws in each state but here you need to be 16, i believe, to drive and if you only have a permit you need someone licensed with you. But again it's been a while. I'd be curious to its intended use if you couldnt drive on the roads......

 

WHOA!!! I did not expect this many responses! And I do agree on the weather thing, but about one or two weeks ago, it got down to less than ten degrees, but most of the cold is the wind chill of west texas. I do in fact have my parents approval, and am making money by buying and reselling stuff to the local pawn shop. In less than one month, I had about $200 dollars invested in some stuff, and sold all of it for over $600 and the pawn shop owner said to bring him more stuff, so I have a source of income (Sort of). You are correct on needing to be 15 to have a permit and have a licensed co-pilot (passenger) of at least 21 years of age. My brother got his truck almost 3 years ago, a few days after turning 14. His is a 1995 Do#$e dually with a 12-valve cummins turbo diesel. It is a 2WD auto. We have removed the turbo silencer ring, moved the fuel plate, added mudflaps and a ranch hand bumper, replaced batterys and filters, replaced one dually fender, rigged up a fuel solenoid pull cable, put in a pioneer stereo, rotated tires, etc. We also had a shop install an AWESOME straight pipe exhaust and re aligned the front end. We do have a small shop and nearly 10 acres. We have most common tools like a CH air compressor, wrench sets up to 2 1/2 inches, socket sets, impact wrenches, and basic hand and woodworking tools.

I appreciate all the help and advice.

I also have another question. I am not trying to be sarcastic, but does a straight piped ford v10 sound good, or is it just a glorified weed-eater?

 

The exhaust will get varied opinions and I don't think they sound good. Not bad but just not right. A diesel or V8 with an exhaust sounds better. And I own a V10. I also prefer a quiet vehicle that I need to drive around, although I really like a diesel with a good sounding exhaust.

 

I like the "Old guys rule" phrase! I remember a few years back, I saw an old man driving a WICKED dually truck, but I do not remember if it was a ford or a D@^#e. My favorite part was the bumper sticker that said: "The old days SUCKED"

 

Do you mind me asking what town you went to in Texas? There are many parts of it that usually do not get below 20 degrees.

But texas is CERTAINLY known for it's heat. Any good ol' TX boys with me?

 

I got 380,000 out of my 99 and the guy that bought it is still driving it around today. Had some spark plug trouble but that sorted itself out with the suggestions above. Can tow well and was pretty quick empty.

 

V10 is the way to go. The mileage is about 10 in the city....13 on the interstate, but gas is cheaper than diesel. Also oil changes are much cheaper. And the diesels give problems unless you have the 7.3. The injectors are notorious for giving problems from the 6.4s and even on a new truck they are not covered under warranty. The only major problem with the V10 is gas mileage, but for a 3/4 ton or ton truck you shouldn't expect a whole lot anyways. The gas burner will pull all you need and then some. So many people drive diesels just because...and they don't need them. I've had a gas burner with 270,000 miles and didnt burn any oil whatsoever. My current V10 runs like a champ, but doesn't make it past too many gas stations

 

heck yea, i'm running the ac tonight in the middle of january

 

A 3/4 ton up is probably one of worst vehicles for a young persons first vehicle. Well unless the parents pay for everything.

 

Sorry for not telling you, but the mileage earlier. It is 210,XXX,and it is $3,000

 

I gotta hijack this for just a second: I think it's an age thing, but lots of guys my age (almost 50!) dismiss anyone under 20 as not "deserving" to own (fill in the blank). Having said that, I live in northern California where lots of kids work full time at family ranches in addition to school and sports. A friend of my Dad's just turned 65 this month and he worked on his family's dairy when he was in grade school and high school. He was never paid, but when each of the kids turned 16, they were each bought a brand-new car. He chose a brand-new '65 GTO. He also had to listen to everyone talking crap about him and his "spoiled" sibs all driving new cars. He told my Dad that those same people who talked that way never saw him working 7 days a week for his whole life before that, with no childhood vacations, ever. Dairy cows don't wait for you to get back from Disneyland! So to those who might wonder why a 13 year old is planning ahead, cut him some slack. And to the OP, check the truck over carefully and if it looks good and you can afford it (and the gas!) then go for it. I've never been sorry buying more than I need.

 

I appreciate all the support!!! I took a look at the truck, and found out it is 4wd. I decided to make the smart financial decision, and I will pass on the truck. There are plenty of trucks out there, and I will keep looking. Plenty of time. Thank you all for the time and advice you have given me. Who knows? Maybe this thread helped someone out.