I'm new to the forum and haven't even bought the truck yet, but I need some insight. I'm going to look at an '88 F250 XLT Lariat Diesel. It has 109,000 miles, all the options work including A/C, it's a 4 speed, 4-Wheel Drive and the previous owner had a Banks Sidewinder Turbo kit installed. They're trying to get $4500 for it. Anything to look (or look out) for that's problematic for these years? I figure if it's not beat and has been maintained it's whole life, it's a good deal.
Any input?

 

First off, welcome to the best place for answers for your Ford truck related questions. I started reading here a little over a year ago before I bought my first diesel. I have been working on gas engines my whole life, but never really did anything with a diesel engine. After reading countless posts here, I bought my 1990 F250. It too has a Banks Sidewinder turbo. I paid six grand for it just over a year ago. It had about the same mileage as yours. If you read some of the posts in the "Pre-Power Stroke Diesel" forum, you'll learn a lot about these motors. I've not been disappointed with mine. The maintenance is a bit more than with a gas motor, but you will have a truck that will last you a lot longer and can work a lot harder. There are folks here that have over 500,000 miles clocked and still running strong. You might want to ask your question there even though I'm sure it's been asked a few times already. Good luck!

 

Well these trucks are pretty reliable the 87-96 even ones with the gas engines if maintained and looked after go a long time so 109,000 miles is nothing for a diesel unless it was hard miles 4500 seems pretty good but it depends on your area is there a big market for trucks like these what do similar trucks go for with the options miles and what not so compare

but look out for rust its pretty bad around the wheel wells bottom of the supercab part and the areas around the bed its pretty noticeable