first diesel

[norfolkff05]

I've been looking at diesels for some time and I want one, but I dont know a lot about them. I've been reading a lot on different forums. A friend at work is selling his 89(maybe 88?) f250 4x4, ext cab, 5 speed with about 236k miles for $3200. It has new tires and looks great, new paint about 3 years ago that looks almost new. There aren't even any noticable tears/rips in the upholstery. He bought it new and has maintained it very well...new g plugs, brakes, and fuel pump just recently. I haven't driven it yet, but he says it has no problems except the ac isn't working. It's an xlt with all the options. Is the price he's asking good? What should I look for and what do I want to avoid? I've read about what to look for when buying 94-97psd, does the same apply? should I check sca levels, etc? anything to look for in the oil? I'm planning on spending the cash to put a turbo (probably ats or hypermax) on it, any suggestions? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

[Banshee34]

I'm not sure about pricing on the OBS, but I'll bump this up to the top for ya!

[TEXCRAWLER]

Make sure that the radiator dose not have rusty coolant because when you do a radiator flush after that many miles it may be rusted from the inside out. Yes the price dose seem quite high. The AC is no big deal, it is easy to change from R17 to R134 even if you have to change some of the hoses. Make sure that the oil is BLACK! lol Make sure there is no water weeping from the water pump. That many miles I'd be liery of the head gaskets!

[pipelayerjdh]

The price sounds reasonable to me, however less is always better.

Make sure it cranks when cold. That's about all I have for a 7.3. They either run or don't. Check the truck for wear. Look at the suspension, the front springs are probably sagging pretty bad by now.