Hey All,
New to these thread but not to the forums. I used to have a 99 7.3 that I did some pretty extensive work to based on information on here. I then tried to downsize to a GMC canyon. That lasted about 3 months. Then I upsized to an 08 Ram with a cummins. Now, I changed careers from computers to ranching and can't afford the payment any more. I also drive it 30 miles a week, or less.

So, my new goal is managing my finances better and undoing my mistakes. I found a 92 F150 for 2500 out the door. I wanted your opinion on the pictures and the info to tell me if this truck would work for occasional camping trips and trips to town. At the most, maybe 400 miles from home. I doubt I will put more than 5000 miles on it this year...

I am pretty heavily upside down at this point, but have arranged financing to fix it.

The complicated part at this point is that the truck is 300 miles away, and it fits the bill for what I am looking for (except the red interior) and I am in communication with the dealer. I have a buddy going out to drive it and I am in the process of doing as much research as I can to determine a guess on how long it will last. I know it won't be perfect...

Here is the truck: 1992 Ford F-150 - EB Autos Sterling, CO 80751

I am interested in your opinions on 200,000 miles.
The engine, the transmission, common problems, etc.

Thanks in advance for your help!
Lloydable

P.S. I realize that I have managed my trucks and money very poorly, so take it easy on me. My ultimate goal is to be debt free in the next year or two, so I need cheap but useful transportation until I get ahead again. Do you think this could fit the bill?

 

Truck looks OK, I don't know your local market but around here that price seems a little high.

When purchasing old, used vehicles, I always buy private party to get the best deal. Remember that buying and old, used vehicle from a dealer means some (often most) of your money goes to that dealer's profit margin.

But if that truck has the equipment you want, at a price you can afford, then great.

 

As someone who has lived in Colorado all their life that and looked at these trucks tp buy even more of before, I can say that is about average price and for a 4wd model actually its about 1k cheaper than I see most of those trucks go for with less miles and in much better condition. People around here seem to think these trucks are made of gold or something even the F150s. Anyways it doesn't look like a bad deal to me.

 

That is not a bad deal for where I live, that truck would probably bring around $4000 here just because it's 4x4.
200,000 miles is a big number, but if it runs and drives good. Then I think it's a good deal.

 

Same here. $4000 seems to be about the starting price for a 4wd truck in running condition. Looks like a good price to me too.

 

Looks decent to me. I dont like the look of the rust on the body but hey! you dont sound like you're looking for a show truck... I would say you're getting up there in miles. the biggest concern would be what your buddy can tell from the test drive. Idle, Steering slop, tranny etc.. if the big issues look/sound good I'd say it sounds like itl suite your needs

 

5.0L parts are plentiful and dirt cheap ---just don't try actually towing anything with it..........

 

things to remember about car dealers ...

they have overhead which needs to be covered by the profit margin on the vehicle ; thus, it is virtually impossible to get a better buy from a dealer than you could from a private seller.

they know the market, usually much better than the buyer; thus, if they are selling a particular vehicle at or below the price of private sellers, there is a reason, and that reason is either extensive cancer or a serious mechanical problem. anytime i have found a dealers price to good to ignore, i always found a smoking engine/slipping tranny/non-start ("it just needs a good tune-up") when i got there.

 

I'd look it over carefully and ask for a history report if you can get one. (the dealer I bought mine from did one for me, no charge)

To me it looks like that truck has been in some form of accident. The things that give it away are; the missing trim on drivers door, as well as what looks like a **** poor paint job (looks to me like the trim has been sprayed over?) Also the fact that it states "new flat bed" would make me wonder if the box wasn't totalled out. I'd look the frame over very carefully.

Maybe its just me, but those things stand out....

 

Well, my buddy drove it and said it was in bad shape. Sloppy trans and valve cover seals leaking bad. Plus other stuff. Back to the drawing board. Still looking for that type of truck though. Thanks again!

 

When buying from an auto dealer, the asking price means absolutely nothing. I bought my truck from a dealer then wanted 3998$ and I got it for 2000$. 1 owner local truck 1990 f250 xlt lariat extended can 200000miles 460 e4od.

 

Can you shed some light on this?

I have narrowed my truck options to a ford, and either a late 70's or early 90's.

I would want to tow at least a small truck on a car trailer, or a boat/a 16 foot U-haul if necessary. Is the 302 too small for that.

 

I'd look for something bigger than the 302 if you want to tow over 5000lbs. A car trailer is usually a ton itself, a small truck like a Ranger is around 3000, depending on year and options.

 

I agree 100%. For towing anything 4k or higher I'd want at least a 351w for a potential motor. If you don't mind upgrading to a 3/4 ton then you could get the 460 gasser or 7.3 diesel which are supreme motors for towing anything. However if you won't be towing a lot or keeping the loads under 8k or so, then a 351w should do you just fine.

 

Thanks for the advice. That helps a ton. I will make sure to get a 351W or bigger.