Need some input on potential buy
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Joined: Jul 2006
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Need some input on potential buy
Hello everyone.
I am looking at purchasing a 1995 F-150 4x4 with the 5.0 V8. The odometer reads 200,000 miles, but the saler says it the engine has been rebuilt. As I have always been a chevy man myself and dont know too much about fords, could someone give me some input? Some common things to go wrong with Fords of that generation? Any questions or things I should look for on the truck? I went for a test drive in it today, and it ran solid and looked alright. Ran a carfax and everything came up clean. The guy wants $4500 for it but said he would settle for $4000. After KBB I am prepared to offer him about $3600. Any help is appreciated.
I am looking at purchasing a 1995 F-150 4x4 with the 5.0 V8. The odometer reads 200,000 miles, but the saler says it the engine has been rebuilt. As I have always been a chevy man myself and dont know too much about fords, could someone give me some input? Some common things to go wrong with Fords of that generation? Any questions or things I should look for on the truck? I went for a test drive in it today, and it ran solid and looked alright. Ran a carfax and everything came up clean. The guy wants $4500 for it but said he would settle for $4000. After KBB I am prepared to offer him about $3600. Any help is appreciated.
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New User
Joined: Jul 2006
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It is an XLT package with dual exhaust coming out the back. No rust on the body that I saw, but the undercarrige has rust ( atleast looks like rust). Tires look good, except front right one looks a little more worn on the outside edge than the others (im guessing maybe it needs a realignment). He has had the truck for 6 months, and he says he doesnt know too much about what was done with it before. He doesnt plow with it. Selling it because he has just bought a brand new F-150. No receipts that I know of. Thats all I can think of off the top of my head, but I can find out anything else yall wanna know. Carfax came out clean.
Elder User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 623
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From: Mississauga,Ont.,Canada
I think $3,600 is realistic.He has dropped to $4000 already.There is a lot of miles on it but if looked after should not be a problem and it has a rebuilt enine but without any documentation cannot be confirmed.You will probably have to spent some money on it. Shocks, tires ,ball joints maybe some brake work .Some rust on the frame is ok and to be expected.Make sure all the small stuff is working.( tailights,cruise,heater,air that sort of thing) If you can do some of the work yourself it shouldnt be to bad.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,358
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From: Nebraska
They are generally pretty solid trucks. The last couple years of this style are the best ones IMO. I'd say rust is the #1 problem.
I would want to know more details about the rebuilt engine.
Jack up the front end and check for play in the ball joints and tie rod ends. Ball joints especially are usually starting to wear around 200,000; although I've seen them with a lot more.
Check the transmission fluid condition. If it's brown or smells burnt the transmission probably has been overheated or at least neglected. Brand new fluid may be trying to cover something up though. Note how it shifts cold and warm.
Leaks: Check the engine, transmission, transfer case, rear end and around the inside of the rear wheels. Oil pans rusting out is fairly common.
Make sure it runs on both gas tanks. It's probably not any more common than any other 90's vehicle, but these fuel pumps do go bad and I know more than one person with only one working.
I would want to know more details about the rebuilt engine.
Jack up the front end and check for play in the ball joints and tie rod ends. Ball joints especially are usually starting to wear around 200,000; although I've seen them with a lot more.
Check the transmission fluid condition. If it's brown or smells burnt the transmission probably has been overheated or at least neglected. Brand new fluid may be trying to cover something up though. Note how it shifts cold and warm.
Leaks: Check the engine, transmission, transfer case, rear end and around the inside of the rear wheels. Oil pans rusting out is fairly common.
Make sure it runs on both gas tanks. It's probably not any more common than any other 90's vehicle, but these fuel pumps do go bad and I know more than one person with only one working.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,289
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From: Lakewood, Ohio
sounds like a nice truck and the money you are thinking of offering sounds about right.
look at everything already mentioned and try to drive it on the freeway and also a little in 4wd to see if anything feels bad.
figure on spending some money fixing little things to get it to last.
look at everything already mentioned and try to drive it on the freeway and also a little in 4wd to see if anything feels bad.
figure on spending some money fixing little things to get it to last.
