Used F-150
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Joined: Oct 2004
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Used F-150
I've been looking into buying a used, pre-97 F-150 with a 300 for a long time. My strategy has been to call private parties and dealerships and ask to take the truck to my mechanic for a look-over. Problem is, this seems to complicate things and delay the process. I'm losing potential good deals because the seller does not want to wait. Can anyone explain, or direct me to an article, describing step by step what to check for on a used F-150?
Thanks in advance,
Tom
Thanks in advance,
Tom
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Taking a truck shouldn't take more than an hour or two. They don't want to wait that long then something is wrong. Anyway check oil pressure, motor noise, trans shift good, rust in fender wells, rust on underbody Thats the major stuff I can think of now.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 401
Likes: 9
From: Brighton, IL
Test drive will tell you most. Tell tale signs are a clean and rustfree dipstick. The bottom of oil filler cap should not be gooked up. Trans fluid shouldn't smell burnt. Usually but not always if it drives good (no play) in the wheel the front end is tight. Check for front tire wear. You also can sight the front wheels and compare them to the back and get an idea how the alignment is. If the inside is worn I would question ball joints. Make sure the tires was not rotated. Check breather tube into air box. Oily would indicate blowby. Rust is a killer in the north. I would really check out brake lines for excessive corrosion. The power steering lines are also prone to rust. What price range are you looking to go??
