Hello Everyone! I'm new to the board and I have a couple of questions.
To the truck... It's a 97 powerstroke f-350 4x4. It has 57,000 miles. It's the "sonic" blue color. NADA has it around $15,500 to $18,000. The owner was asking $16,500 but I got him to $15,000. Does this price seem reasonable?
Are there any normal things to look for? With the tranny, Engine, etc? I noticed when I took the truck for a ride when it shifted it banged into gear a little. Maybe a u-joint? I'm good with Mustangs but Diesels are a whole new animal.
Do you guys have good luck with these trucks or do they have problems?

Thanks to all that reply!

 

15K is very reasonable, however I would pay a mechanic to check out the noise for you.
It doesn't take much to burn a $3,000 bill on one of these.
In my area 97's with low mileage go for $18.5

 

Good info... Thanks.

Anymore?

 

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wow i would consider that a good deal. it has very low mileage, which is good. i would take it if there was no rust on the body.

 

sounds like a good deal if truck checks out ok

 

Thanks for the warm welcome and helpful info!

The truck does not have any rust, besides on the drivers mirror, the truck is in great shape. Never plowed with, beaten etc. It was used as a round town driver. The guy didn't even haul wood or anything, just drove it like a car.
I'm just weary of spending $15000 on a 1997 truck that I dont know much about. I hope they're dependable, because it's a beautiful truck and I'm 90% sure it's going to be mine.

Any other tips would be great...Thanks again!

 

Hey 93sssSvt have someone check it out very well.I just bought my 97 f-350 a month ago.After the third time driving it I figured out why the tranny fluid was so clean when I bought it. It was changed to disguise the fact that the tranny was on it's way out.Just be wary that's all I'm saying.Good luck.

 

More Good info! Keep it coming.

 

If you need the power of a diesel (the fuel and parts are more expensive), there's no substitute! Fords have their minor glitches, tranny (if not taken care of), CPS, automatic door locks, etc. But so do the other manufacturers. I bought my PSD 1 year ago and love it. I tow a toy-hauler and I can't believe how much power these puppies have (I'd bought a bigger trailer if I had this truck first vs. a gasser). If I was more savvy, I'd look a little longer for the goodies I'll eventually put on. Like gauges, extendable side mirrors, etc. So far, I haven't had any problems with my 2000 w/ 100K miles.

 

I have a story about the hard shifting in my F250HD 4X4 auto. The thing started shifting really hard,even when backing up then putting in drive, it would slam into gear. I had the trans serviced about one year ago at a local garage and he puts the same fluid in every auto trans he services. I took it to the Ford place and told the svc mangr and he pulled codes on the truck and said the torque conv had excessive slippage and put the trans in failsafe mode. He gave me a can of additive and told me to go home and put the additive in and remove the battery terminal for five minutes and then reattach. I did this and now it shifts like it used to. Just before this happened, I had hauled 9 big round bales up a steep gravel hill and had to go in 4wd to claw up the hill. The mech said it may come back, but it hasn't so far.
ps 97 F250 7.5 4x4 auto 75k miles

 

I have the same truck your looking at just in a different color. Bought it with 79K 4 years ago and now at 135K. Only parts that failed have been CPS and power steering hose. I love my PS and wouldn't take anything for it. Good luck on your purchase.

 

What is the CPS??

 

Ohhh... Cam Position Sensor. I got it.

 

As you read through this site you'll see that it's a relatively common problem for Powerstrokes. At least the original CPS that came with the truck. No problems after replacement on mine.