Potential Purchase help
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
1989 F250 Potential Purchase Help
So, I just joined this forum after hunting for somewhere to discuss possibly purchasing a 1989 F250 Lariat 4x4 Reg cab/ long bed with a 351/5 speed (guessing the ZF-542), prob. a 4.10 axle, and only 83,000 miles. It's got cruise, and pd/pw, a brush guard, and looks 90% besides a beat up tailgate from another truck and a rip in the seat. 2nd owner is asking $3,100 OBO. I found the truck listed locally, and have emailed back and fourth with the owner to set up a time to see it.
I need a new personal work truck because I have an antique short bed truck with a 3 speed/ 6 cyl 1bbl carb and I'm always tired of having to borrow my friend's 3/4 ton trucks to do any real work. I am a ch*vy man, but one of my buddies in high school owned a '90 F250 gasser and abused it horribly; it bent but never broke, and another friend has a '96 that he has worked real, real hard and at 220,000, it's still going. I have gained respect for Fords.
My question is, Is this a good truck--for the money--for someone who does kinda-frequent hauling and needs to tow 2,500-7,500 lbs. on occasion? (landscape, vehicles, furniture, and other stuff) What are some of the problems with these models that I should look out for?
Thanks muchly folks. Roll Tide.
abwilsonF250
I need a new personal work truck because I have an antique short bed truck with a 3 speed/ 6 cyl 1bbl carb and I'm always tired of having to borrow my friend's 3/4 ton trucks to do any real work. I am a ch*vy man, but one of my buddies in high school owned a '90 F250 gasser and abused it horribly; it bent but never broke, and another friend has a '96 that he has worked real, real hard and at 220,000, it's still going. I have gained respect for Fords.
My question is, Is this a good truck--for the money--for someone who does kinda-frequent hauling and needs to tow 2,500-7,500 lbs. on occasion? (landscape, vehicles, furniture, and other stuff) What are some of the problems with these models that I should look out for?
Thanks muchly folks. Roll Tide.
abwilsonF250
Last edited by awilsonF250; Dec 14, 2008 at 11:08 PM. Reason: title
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,118
Likes: 149
From: South Dakota
My neighbor used to have a truck that same description right down to the 4.10 axles, except it was a year newer 1990. He bought it new and had nearly 250,000 miles on it before he gave it to his daughter. We talked a lot he pretty much told me every time his truck took a sh**. Probably the most major expense was when twice the clutch slave cylinder blew out and required the transmission to be pulled to replace. Two ignition modules went dead, which was perfectly normal for this vintage of Ford vehicle. Other than that just normal little things. I would say all in all a pretty good truck. That 4.10 axle should be perfect considering the larger tire size of the F-250, my neighbor claimed 2200 rpm at 65 MPH in 5th(overdrive) gear.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Thanks for the prompt replies, folks.
Are there any specific problems with this model truck I should look for when I go drive it? (Like specific electrical grimlins, strange transmission noises, or anything that seems to be common.)
Also, is the 351 a pushrod Windsor? How do they last, and do they produce adequate power?
Are there any specific problems with this model truck I should look for when I go drive it? (Like specific electrical grimlins, strange transmission noises, or anything that seems to be common.)
Also, is the 351 a pushrod Windsor? How do they last, and do they produce adequate power?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,118
Likes: 149
From: South Dakota
No specific problems I know of. The 351 windsor was a good motor(and yes pushrod) with adequate power, but it depends on how well it has been maintained. Keep in mind it is a 20 year old truck so you don't know what might show up bad on it(probably after you buy it, if you buy it). The owner is claiming 83,000 miles but it could be 183,000 miles, as there is no extra digit on the odometer. I would crawl underneath and check for rust and leaks.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,026
Likes: 0
From: Renton, WA
Check to make sure it doesn't say Chevy, Dodge, Toyota, or Nissan on it anywhere, if not it's OK.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 6
From: Lakewood, Ohio
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
I'z from Alabama (thats southern talk). I KBB'd it for price, but on the options, they didn't have a place to list the Lariat package, whatever options it brings. So, i just put the power windows, locks, cruise, etc in on the options. I know the price is set to where it can be negotiated down, and i was thinking about opening with an offer of $2,200, which is below book value by very little. Should I start lower?
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 206
Likes: 2
Two things make the KBB next to useless for older vehicles now: 1) in the north (why I asked where you are) if the vehicle can push a snow plow or has one on it, it's worth much more this time of year. 2) This economic situation has values of old trucks and things like that in the toilet. I picked up a running, driving (but badly rusted) 1989 F350 4x4 7.3 diesel with a Fisher plow for $550 in mid August for parts. Now that truck would probably bring a grand as a parking lot plow.
Being that you're in the south I don't know what factors may influence truck prices for you, but in general lowballing is probably the thing to do.
Being that you're in the south I don't know what factors may influence truck prices for you, but in general lowballing is probably the thing to do.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,995
Likes: 0
From: raymond alberta
like stated start around 2200 but since hes listed at 3100 buy it anyways up here in canada that things probably worth at least 4k
seems like a pretty good find man never offer the listed price cause you never know where the seller might settle...ive sold some stuff and i always list over what i decide what i want for it
seems like a pretty good find man never offer the listed price cause you never know where the seller might settle...ive sold some stuff and i always list over what i decide what i want for it
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Ok, so I'm getting this feeling like ya'll think I should buy it.....ha.
I have a good mechanic who will be able to take care of everything I can't, my real problem is how do I break this to my mother? She will kill me when she finds out that I now own 4 running vehicles. Guess its time to start paying my own insurance.....
I have a good mechanic who will be able to take care of everything I can't, my real problem is how do I break this to my mother? She will kill me when she finds out that I now own 4 running vehicles. Guess its time to start paying my own insurance.....