Baffled by choices

[sgnden]

As I have decided not go out and spend $35k+ for a new truck, I am looking for something under $12k or so.

This would be a daily driver, 4x4, and a cool platform for a few performance and looks mods, occasional hauling and work use. Crew cab or extended maybe.

What do any of you think would be my best bet if spending $9-$12k?

Some of the trucks I have seen - Is there a reason so many people seem to be selling the late 90's diesels?:

95 F250 Powerstroke diesel - 67k miles $13000
03 F250 Powerstroke diesel - 126k miles $11500
97 F350 Crew 7.3 diesel - 94k miles $8500
97 F350 7.3 diesel - 110k miles $12000

What should I be looking for in a regular gasoline fueled rig or are things like the above good bets? Maybe an F150, eh?

Any guidance appreciated!!

SG

 

[blacksnapon]

As I have decided not go out and spend $35k+ for a new truck, I am looking for something under $12k or so.

This would be a daily driver, 4x4, and a cool platform for a few performance and looks mods, occasional hauling and work use. Crew cab or extended maybe.

What do any of you think would be my best bet if spending $9-$12k?

Some of the trucks I have seen - Is there a reason so many people seem to be selling the late 90's diesels?:

95 F250 Powerstroke diesel - 67k miles $13000
03 F250 Powerstroke diesel - 126k miles $11500
97 F350 Crew 7.3 diesel - 94k miles $8500
97 F350 7.3 diesel - 110k miles $12000

What should I be looking for in a regular gasoline fueled rig or are things like the above good bets? Maybe an F150, eh?

Any guidance appreciated!!

SG

Why dont you get us the Vin of the 03 and the 05 and we'll run an OASIS for you?

 

[sgnden]

I am thinking about looking at the 95 and 03 tomorrow, and I'll get the VIN if it's as advertised. I really don't see any reason for me to be driving the F350's.

Are those diesel engines as bulletproof as I have heard in these things? They'll go 200k+ miles without big issues, yes?

Thanks!

 

[blacksnapon]

The 03s are a little suspect. Many times if they have high mileage on them, they're pretty good. An oasis will show if its been a problem child over its lifetime. The 05s are when the bugs were getting worked out. Again an oasis is handy to see previous issues.

 

[Raptor22]

That 97 Crew looks like a real good deal. A little over 90k, you get a Crew Cab, for only $8500.

And the Gen9s are the handsomest generation IMHO.

 

[flareside_thunder]

200k is nothin for the older PSD like the one in the 95.....diesels are meant for abuse...used to be anyways now they want them to me quiet...shhhhhhh

 

[sgnden]

Yeah, that 97 f350 PSD Crew looks pretty good for $8200.

I have never owned a diesel and when fuel costs get back up there....could be seriously expensive...but could be a cool truck with new paint someday.

 

[flareside_thunder]

where are you located?

 

[Skandocious]

Keep in mind that th fuel costs for the diesel will be offset by the fact that you can get upwards of 20mpg with a healthy PSD and the right computer program. My 5.8L only gets 12mpg and doesn't have nearly the pulling power of my brothers 7.3L psd.

That being said-- my brother has the extended cab and I have the crew cab, and it makes a WORLD of difference to have the extra doors. Even if you don't think you'll be loading people back there very much, I use mine to load cargo all the time and it's very convenient. Shoot for the crew cab