hello from another looker.

[61scout80]

hey all,

looks like i have found the mecca of powerstroke message boards here! a lot of knowledge and friendly people!

i'm currently looking for a powerstroke truck, due to some one unable to stop their roll back before making my car the meat in a sandwhich on the freeway. I've been looking at some 97-01's, trying to find the best bargain for my dollar (aka payments less than $300 a month) What should i be looking for in a used diesel? here is what i've figured so far:

car fax
maint. records
leaks, tire wear, recently replaced parts
obvious body repair

what else should i look at be looking for on these trucks? i know to look for the obvious stuff, but this will be my first diesel, so any help would be appreciated!!

thanks,
Vinny
Chandler, AZ

[Clay Henry]

Try to find out what they have towed with it. Don't buy from someone who runs HotShot loads for oil companies. There wear there trucks out with overloads.
Find a grandpa whos been to Colorado 2 times a year with his 10k lbs 5th wheel and kept it in the garage the rest of the time.

[Rodslinger]

Welcome to Powerstroke.org Vinny!!!

[61scout80]

thanks guys.

It might be tough to judge what it was used for, i probably going to be buying from a dealer, but i'm going to be looking for any tell tale signs of commercial use/abuse like repainted doors or other indications that a company logo used to be there. also looking at what kind of hitch / brake controller they have. I found one without any hitch or controller, with ok mileage but there was a ton of cig holes and an aweful smell, as well as a poorly wired alarm...the dealer couldn't figure out how to turn it off and start the truck.....


rodslinger, i think your premium membership fee is a little low, I can't buy 3 stickers for $12!!

[Banshee34]

WELCOME!!!

What options are you looking for in a rig?

[61scout80]

Originally Posted by Banshee34

WELCOME!!!

What options are you looking for in a rig?

diesel. everything surround the diesel engine is a bonus....

[Brian]

might be a good idea to take a truck you like to the ford dealer (one who has good diesel exp.) and have them check it over, it may cost you a hundred bucks, but could save you big in the long run.

[mschn99]

Welcome to the forum.......Just check it over as you have said you were gonna and you should be fine, and bryans idea of havining someone else check it out is a good one too!!!!

Just to lower the odds of a beat one don't get one that has any evidence of a 5th wheel or goose neck. To many people have them and don't know how to take care of the truck. The people that have them and have taken care of them won't sell them. Check ball joints and brakes. That is the main stuff. Leaking water pumps and oil pumps are out there but are a piece of cake to replace.