I found a 2006 6.0 diesel in Texas that I'm seriously considering purchasing. The only problem is, I'm in California.

Being that the 6.0 having a certain reputation makes me weary about flying all the way out to take a look only to have wasted time (that at the moment I really don't have).

I have a brother in the area that can go take a look but he doesn't really understand these machines (he wears a suit to work, I'm a farmer).

Is there a way to have this truck looked over by an experience third party before I drop the money on it?

In the airplane world, it's not uncommon for someone like me to hire an experienced mechanic on the specific make/model to head over and take a look, draft a write up of condition and weak points for the buyer to consider before purchasing- which is why buying an aircraft from a distance is really a non-event.

Would negotiating with the seller to drop it off at the dealership for a "pre-buy" **** them off and make them move on from the deal? I am not sure of the etiquette with something like this. I just hate broken equipment.

From a distance, I can request the carfax and have the dealer run the oasis, right? Once I get those reports, what should I be looking for?

If all checks out, I'd like to send a mechanic out and see. Should I just search for mechanics in the city or talk to the dealership/seller about a meeting?

What do you guys think?

 

Is it really worth it to drive/fly out there and drive it back rather than buying locally?

There are a lot of ex oil field trucks from Texas. They usually sell cheap but are fairly worn out.

If the seller has a problem with having a third party check it out, I'd move on and find another truck. Is this a dealer or private seller?

 

Yeah, because this truck in TX has low miles, and is sub 20K where in CA a truck of this model and comparable mileage would be 28K.


Trucks in CA are just ridiculously expensive. To save 10K+ is worth the distance. Brand new? I'd go down the road and pick one up. Used, always look to Texas and Oklahoma. It's a dealer.

 

First - I think having it checked out by an independent mechanic is just smart business. I have been on both sides of this equation in buying and selling equipment. Only caveat I have ever made is that it has to be a dealership mechanic. I would not drop my vehicle or equipment off to a back alley garage mechanic to inspect. The buyer always pays and I require when I am the seller of the vehicle or equipment that I am entitled of a copy of whatever report the inspection mechanic provides the buyer.

Second - if the seller has an issue with having the vehicle inspected by a legitimate mechanic - I would pass on the vehicle.

 

Whaddya think it'd cost to get that truck looked over? Should I contact the dealer tomorrow?

Should the seller pick up the oasis and carfax?

 

I'm not sure what it would cost out there - some dealerships have their own "inspection procedure" and might be able to tell you right upfront what it consists of and how much it would cost. Other places I dealt with, I had to detail exactly what I wanted done - it really depends on who you get on the phone - I usually ask for the service manager - explain that I am from out of town and looking to but this used vehicle or equipment - and ask if he could have the vehicle inspected. If they ask what kind of inspection I first ask if they do an inspection to "certify" their used cars, if they do, I ask for that inspection. I generally ask for a 10 mile test drive to be included in it's an on road vehicle I am buying.

I have had several dealerships throw in the service record of the vehicle, such as the oasis report for free with the vehicle inspection.

As far as the carfax is concerned - I would ask the seller to provide one at the seller's expense.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

 

The truck is sitting at a ford dealership as a certified used truck. Would I be an idiot to have the dealership do another look around or ask them to guarantee the truck for 1k miles after purchase just incase this thing shows up DOA?

The next dealer is a ways away so maybe a compromise would be to just get a small retainer/guarantee. I wonder if they'd go for it.

 

Dealerships are usually pretty good about not selling junk. Most of the time they send the junk trade ins to auction. This is no guarantee however. It came from somewhere. Why did the previous owner get rid if it? It can't hurt to ask about a warranty but who's going to fix it? If anything, I'm sure they would want you to bring it to them however...

 

Would seem to me in a worse-case scenario like that, I'll take it to a local dealership and let them discuss with eachother what's what. At least at that point it's staying 'in the system' so to speak and not being sent to a private mechanic whom I may or may now know.

 

Just as an update, I mis-read, it's not certified, it's being offered as a, "Vehicle is a trade-in and is offered for a limited time before taking to the auction
XYZ Dealership makes no representations to the condition of the vehicle.
Vehicle is sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS (No delivery option is available).
Cash Only"



Not that it bothers me given it gets a look through from their mechanic, but I guess that's the risk you take when saving a couple grand across the country.

I'm just hoping a mechanic there can take a look/do an inspection and it comes up good to go. Dealership has 4-5 stars with a lot of reviews.

 

OK that changes everything in my mind - a dealership that is offering a vehicle on their lot "as is" is not going to let one of their staff do an inspection and tell you anything.

 

Kind of what I'm figuring. If a dealership is selling a vehicle, why wouldn't they do the inspection themselves and certify it/add on the additional couple grand of mark-up. Especially considering paying their already on-site mechanic would be worth the gain in value.

This thing was probably rolled in smoking with blown heads and they're like, "well, f--- it, sell it to whomever for whatever."

 

Just found a 2008 xlt ext cab with 80k miles, 4x4, diesel for 18K

Seems solid. Maybe I'll pursue this one instead. At least I'm out of 6.0 land. :lol:

 

You can always take a trip to Florida and buy this before I do, because if I buy it I will be the one getting divorced not the guy on the ad...lol.



2005 ford f250 6.0 must sell getting divorce

 

CA Grown you have a PM....i might be able to help.