I am new to this forum and trucks in general and need some advice on a truck I am thinking to purchase.

I am currently in Afghanistan which has kept me from test driving and looking it over myself. Therefore, I hired AIMinspection.com to send a tech out to view it and test drive the truck. I am also having my wife pull the Oasis report from ford from me. It is a 6.0L diesel which I understand some are unhappy with, but I know that there are some good 6.0s out there.

The inspection was completed this morning and came back as a grade B for overall condition. I am fine with the overall score, but I am a little concerned by its handling reports. The truck has a lift and large off road tires. I know that it won't drive like a care, but the test drive reported it to pull to the left. It also shuddered when you brake and the transmission shifts roughly. The last thing mentioned was a " a very rough ride ".

So my question is, is that normal for a lifted diesel truck or is that an indication that things were not put together correctly or with care? The transmission shifting roughly also concerned me.

Most of my concerns come from a lack of knowledge about these trucks... that is why I am researching and picking others for as much knowledge as possible to reach the wisest decision.

For those with some time... here is the link to the truck as well as the report from AIM. I would really apprciate anyone with the time to browse it quickly and offer any advice.

AiM

2003 Ford F-250 SD - bmotors

I feel as though the price is a little high for the truck given the cosmetic issues and possible mechanical stuff... Let me know from any experts please.

Thanks in advance to all... I appreciate it.

Dillon

 

First year of 6.0. No I would stay away from that truck. If I did buy it, I would feel much more comfortable buying from the original owner than a dealer on a truck like that. At least the owner could tell you what all had been done to the truck, mods, repairs etc.

Just my opinion, but I would not buy that truck without seeing it. Take the lift off that truck along with the cool wheels and tires and it would just be a white f250 with a first year 6.0 being sold buy a dealer, not Ford mind you. They probably have no idea the mechanical history on it and I doubt they have the owners mechanical history with to be sold with it.

Keep looking, find a later year 6.0 that had a lot of the problems worked out on, or an older model 7.3. And wait till you get home so you don't end up buying a money pit that is waiting for you when head home.

Thanks for your services!! Good luck.

 

The only way I would buy the truck is if it was a third that price. If the previous owner does not have the correct gears installed then that would explain the trans. Not good there.
Bottom line is that if I were you, I would look at the truck. The steering issue could be as simple as a bad tie rod or as severe as a bent frame. Bottom line is u just don't know Til u look. Don't get into a Hurry on a truck. Are you on deployment? I would just wait Til you get home to look at trucks. Take your time. There's a million of them on the road.

 

Look for a later model 6.0 powerstroke such as a 2006-2007. I wish I waited and bought a later one. I have a 2004 with about 41700 miles and the bedsides are starting to rust out. Never personally had any trouble with mine but replaced the altenator 2 months after I bought it and warranty just expired a month before. I replaced typical stuff such a set of tires, brakes, air condition compressor(clutch came loose and lost it), should have just bought clutch. Would like to get rid of it while still looks okay.
That truck looks decent but don't buy it if you don't see and drive it yourself. Hold out for a later model one.

 

Moved to the 6.0L Powerstroke Diesel forum.

 

Rough shifting tranny could be a sign of no maint. or a tuner that can destroy them. Steer clear is my op. and wait till you can personally see and test a truck. Will save you a lot of future grief.

 

RUN!

Do have a compelling reason to buy before you get back home to check one out yourself?

 

Looks to me like the folks at AiM did a pretty good job. The truck looked very good in the pics the dealer took in your first post. After looking at the report I have to agree the price is too high. Good luck in your search!