There is a truck for sale in my area. Its for sale at a reputable dealership.

2004 F-250 Lariat CC SB Fx4 Off Road - 82,460 Miles - Price $21,900.

Now this is above my limit of $15,000. However i have been told what my tax return is going to be and i can increase the amount that i was going to put down on the vehicle from $500 to $2,500 dollars. Now i understand that puts my budget at $17,500. When i was talking to the sales person on the phone he mentioned that if i made a decent offer he would bring it to his sale manager, he mentioned "like $18,000". So i dont know if that is a tactic to get me in dealership or if he was hinting at a price. I checked it out for about 10 min with the Fiance, after we had lunch and later today we are going back for the test drive (she has a tutoring Job so i needed to bring her there ).

Now i didnt drive it (yet) but as i can tell no leaks from running it for 5 min. Had an issue at 1st. The dealer jumped in the vehicle while i was checking under the hood (was smelling fluid to see if they where burnt). He had an issue or what looked liked a issue starting Maybe he didnt warm it up 1st, but it didnt start the 1st time, it turned over and on the second time he tried it started.

Now i plan on getting it inspected if this is something i want at a Ford dealership. I asked what has been done to the Valves, EGR and FICM (wow i sound like a pro!) he told me there had been a lot of work on the vehicle. They cold called people and bought the truck off a gentleman in his late 40tys. He used the vehicle to tow his boat, rv and toys.

Here is what has been done, i have the work order sheets in front of me so i will type everything out as it is written:

2 Wiper Blade
2 Brake Clean
1 Air Filter
1 Oil Filter
15 15W40 OIL
1 SOLENIOD 4x4
1 Lift Support Hood
1 Thermostat
1 Gasket Thermostat
2 Coolant
1 Crankshaft Sensor
1 Camshaft Sensor
2 Link Sway Bar
1 O Ring
1 EGR Valve
1 Cetane Booster.
Dealership Cost: 2,588.72

Notes: COMPLETED UCI, LOF, REPLACED AIR FILTER AND CABIN FILTER, REPLACED WIPER BLADES, REPLACED HOOD SHOCKS, REPLACED 4WD SOLENOID, REPLACED THERMOSTAT AND GASKET AND REPLACED FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS, REMOVED TURBO AND DISASSEMBLED UNIT CLEANED AND REASSEMBLED. REPLACED EGR VALVE AND ADDED CETANE BPPSTER.

Some more work...
Smoged, Detailed and Glass Replaced. New Tires - Falken Wildpeak. Computer 4 Wheel Alignment.

It has a tonneau cover, so im sure that adds a little bit of value... right?


Some questions:
I was told 2005-2007 was the best year. How bad is the 2004?
Did the work that was done address the issues of reliability with the 6.0?
How much more work (and cost) is it going to be to make it 3,000 mile travel ready?
What is a good target price i should ask for?
If you were in my position, would you buy it? Why or Why not?
They have autocheck and carfax there, how do i get OASIS report? Just ask?

O and before i forget, here is the vin# 1FTNW21P84EA28374 .

Thanks everyone!
-Chris,

EDIT: I have read and re-read this: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...used-6-0l.html I am still digesting...

 

You need to get some sort is live data reader before you test drive this truck. Scan gauge, phone app. Something so you Can see the health of the truck.

 

Ya i have looked into them. Do you suggest a certain one?

 

Out of curiosity, ask them to show you the cabin filter and then post a pic of it here.

 

I have an edge cts. But that's pretty expensive for just looking at trucks. You can buy a scan gauge for about 150 a lot have this, or buy a bluetooth obd2 reader and buy a phone app.

Also what was the temp outside that it didn't start on the first try

 

Thank Iaff113 ill look into that. Autozone should have it. Is it hard to use?

69cj, Is there a problem/ is there no cabin filter? Im coming to you guys, because ya'll give the honest and straight forward advice. I am a newbie when it comes to mechanics and diesel. I will post a pic of it (if he can show me one..?)

 

I have an '04.. no cabin air filter. Maybe they meant the engine air filter?

 

Yeah they are not going to be able to, or if they do they are BSing you

 

BTW... I have a high mileage 6.0 that's been very reliable BUT, the 6.0 can have some very expensive engine issues. Me? I'd ask them to let me take it to the shop of my choice for a pre-purchase inspection. Take it to someone that knows Ford Diesels.

FWIW.. just as a comparison.. I picked up an '04 4WD, FX4, 6.0 Auto, Short Bed with 150K miles six years ago from a Ford Dealer in VA. Paid $12500. I know prices of new trucks have skyrocketed, and the used market is following.. but there are plenty of deals out there. Just don't get one with a bad motor...

 

if you buy the Scan gauge at advanced auto, use coupon code >>TRT30<< and get $50 off the price. That puts it at about $120 out the door, cheaper than anywhere else. program it yourself and then take it with you.

That list is pretty long but mostly general maintenance stuff, you best have it checked out by someone who knows what to look at.

Mine was an 04 with 97k and all the engine mods completed... oil cooler, new injectors, ARP head studs, and all that stuff... $20k two years ago.

 

Thanks guys!

Linear-Logic/Advanced vehicle monitor for diesel pusher RV and other large diesel powered vehicles SGD at AutoZone.com

This is on 169.99. Im going to take a look at the one that you mentioned above that is 120.00. Wish i knew 1 of you guys here in Redding to lend a hand !!! Id pay ya!

Get the Scan gauge II right?

 

You want this one

http://m.autozone.com/autozone-mobil...26p9?id=914192

 

if you are going to buy a truck, then a scan gauge or the Torque Pro app and an OBD II bluetooth device. But the scan gauge you can get today, order on line and do in store pick-up at Advanced Auto to use the code. Then search here for the PIDs to program it. It will need to be plugged into a truck for it to work.

 

Must be the pre-programmed one.

 

The one he linked was pulling up the RV gauge and plug see up