Ok here is my situation so i plan to go look around tommorow with my dad at some local dealers who have trucks and some private deals id say year range between 1990-1996 would be right on depends really no newer maybe bit older but i need advice im only a teenager my dad is helping me though and he has bought a lot of used vehicles (chevs) mostly cars too i need to know what to look for in case i find something so then i have the knowledge i know i should take the one i like and interested in to a mechanic and I know where the rusting mostly happens what about other common problems with these trucks and are the 302 and 351 good engines reliable durable long lasting like because i have found many of these type of trucks for sale with 200,000 k or more should i stay away from those ones? my dad thinks i should cause he never got to 200 k with his cars without a crapload of problems but most where chevy too i would like super cab or reg cab short box dual tanks 4x4 or 4x2 dont matter what should i look out for with 4x4s? and i probably want automatic so if i go with the E4OD is that a good choice i have heard these are weak trannys really junky is this true sorry im asking so many questions but i need to know the facts i dont wanna buy something then start having trouble but i do understand that buying used you take a gamble..

 

Go to a dealer you trust and tell them what you are looking for. Most are willing to help a first time customer. The 302 and 351 engines are both good reliable engines .I don'tknow a lot about auto trannys but most fords have the e40d.I personaly like the old C6 .

 

Well now...... Some of your questions r what debates r made of. Personaly, what i look at is the frame work. Check to see if the box cross members are shot, if leaf springs are busted, any signs of leaks,[at tranny,engine, fuel tanks and along the axles and frame. before starting the truck check the engine oil, if any is in there, color, if it looks new check to see if the filter was changed. {if not then then must be burning it or leaking it] check brake fluid. start engine, watch gauges, if you could check codes that would be a plus. try the parking brake. try all the gears. check tranny fluid with engine running, smell it, taste it, love it,[well u get the drift]lol when you put it in gear listen to any bangs or whatever you can. dont for get to ask for the price.lol dont listen to the usual" lady driven or highway miles'' all a bunch of...... ask if the engine was ever replaced repaired, and the same as the tranny.Then its all up to u and dad.Oh yeah, take it for a test spin. and get it up to cruizin speed. as for your 200 000 km question, opinions vary, depends on who drove it, how they drove it and what ever other logical thought comes to mind. as for the E4od tranny, my personal opinion is they suck, electrical side of things anyways. [to much reliant upon the computer] but maybe it was rebuilt and had upgrades, and to be even more optimistic.... i hear they improved on them after 94. Thats the list of thing i look for, but on the other hand my 92 f150 is incompasitated at the moment. [Damn that E4OD anyways] Take care, and happy hunting.
P.S want to buy a good used 92 F150?...lol
Hukd on foniks wurkd fur mee!
EYE SOFA KING EAT TODD IT [say it out loud a few times, youll see]

 

The english teacher in me just had a coronary brought on by acute lack of punctuation.

Now to your questions, There are a few rules when buying a used car; First, Don't take anyone at their word, take it to a mechanic. Most of the shops around here (Dallas) charge a flat rate, usually around $75, to give a car a bumper-to-bumper look over. That will give you a pretty good idea of where a vehicle is mechanically.

Also, don't be suprised if a dealer won't let you take a car to a mechanic. If they won't let you, screw 'em. Those that will let you take it might ask for a deposit and WILL ask for a copy of your drivers lisence. Make sure the deposit is refundable.

Rule two: Mileage doesn't necessarily matter, but maintenance does. I bought a 2000 Saturn for my girlfriend with only 70000 miles, but the oil was so old it had all turned to sludge. A vehicle can have 280,000 miles (my parent's 93 suburban, original engine and trans.) and be in better shape than a six year old one, simply because it was properly maintained.

Rule three: Follow your gut. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. If it looks, sounds, feels, and drives like a piece o' [insert], it is. Be patient, the first truck you look at doesn't have to be the first one you buy.

Now, both the 302 and the 351 are great motors. Personally, I'm a straight sixer, but no hard feelings. Unless you're doing some serious hauling, or have a gas pedal fetish, you won't really have a use for the 351, the 302 has more than enough power. Also, if you're not going to regularly use it,I wouldn't recommend a 4x4 - they cost more than a 4x2 equivalent, don't ride as well, MAY get worse mpg, and have a more complicated drivetrain, but it can get you out of a potentially troublesome situation a 4x2 might not. It all depends on what you're going to use it for. I don't know much about the aod transmission, but what I've heard wasn't good - I can't [in good faith] recommend either way.

Don't be afraid to ask more questions, there's plenty of friendly, smart people in these forums more than willing to help! I hope this helps! Good luck on the truck hunt!

 

Yeah ill for sure take it to a mechanic for the dealer thing im 16 first vehicle so there are so many dealers here I havent checked out really any before so dont know which one to trust ill mostly be doing daily driving and highway driving maybe some towing a little trailer in the future not sure so ill take a 300 or 302 or 351 dont matter i think i might head 4x2 so i dont have to worry about 4x4 depends i wont be off roading its just but here in the winter sometimes hard to get around like i live on a dam hill and my dads 96 gmc reg cab long box 2wd cant get up sometimes sooner or later he does so do you guys truly recommend for me to buy a vehicle with 236,000 kms for example and trust it my dad is skeptical and for the year mostly been lookin at 92 to 96 might go older but not newer thanks for the help and if someone can reply as soon as possible id appreciate it....

 

For me, the basic idea is: If its between a vehicle that's low mileage, but has been abused and a vehicle that's high mileage but has been properly maintained, I'm probably gonna go with the higher mileage vehicle. Now to the 4x4, if you're going to use it - it can really be worth it. But if all you do is drive around in the city, its not worth it. Also, Be prepared to pay a little more for a 4x4.

 

Yeah im kind of thinking going the 2wd route too just not worth its another expense especially if i dont use it often enough just 4x4 seems to be a popular option on these years of trucks thanks for the reply