thinking about first diesel

[mek42]

Which would also be my first full-size pickup truck. Found a '99 F-250 4x4 7.3L with 135K for about $5K in my local used market. Is there a reliability difference between early '99 and late '99?

Right now it is equipped with 20" wheels and 36" off-road tires. Would it be better for me to take this to a collision shop for a pre-purchase inspection to look over the frame for off-road abuse or will any reputable repair shop be able to inspect for this?

Also, what questions should I ask the current owner to find out if I can put smaller wheels on for better fuel economy?

Generally, what sorts of things should I be aware of while considering moving from a gas compact truck to a diesel full-size? Things like block heating, more oil at oil change, more expensive tires, etc., etc.

Thanks!

[jethro]

where are you from and not really a reliability issue but a modification issue the early 99 is kind of a frankenstien of sorts it has some obs motor parts and some sd motor parts but it should be a good truck regardless of early or late if you post up pics of the motor we can tell you if it is early or late most likely btw

[ridiculously_necessary]

Originally Posted by mek42

Generally, what sorts of things should I be aware of while considering moving from a gas compact truck to a diesel full-size? Things like block heating, more oil at oil change, more expensive tires, etc., etc.

Thanks!

answer: happiness

check for leaks in the engine valley and under the truck. if it leaks post them here. have a reputable shop check the tranny.

before purchase, expect to have to change fluids, glows, batteries, relay, etc. and if you end up not havign to thats moer $$ in your pocket. where do you live? 20*F and colder it shoudl start fine, but youll become fond of the block heater.

[jethro]

i fired mine up at 5 degrees the other morning after sitting for over 2 days it started but it wasnt happy but it did fire right up even not being plugged in

[mtcarmelfarm]

Sounds like a good deal!
If you take the truck to a reputable garage, he should be able to look it over and tell you, oil leaks and such. Sounds like a good deal to me......

[driximus]

Thats is an awesome price and relitively low miles for a 99. get it checked if its gtg pick it up.

[mek42]

I'm from central NY, near Syracuse-ish. A week or two ago our gas car didn't want to start right away.

Just updated the profile for location.

[icysmooth]

Never hurts to run a carfax report on it either so you don't get any unwanted surprises.

[Zaairman]

You're talking about the white extended cab short bed truck correct? It's spam spam spamity spam and has been posted from coast to coast for around $5000-$5500.


EDIT: Scratch the white truck, you're looking at this truck correct?

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/cto/1562532867.html

Still spam.

[Dietoremain]

that is what you call a 'wire me the cash then i'll bring u the truck' scam. lol