looking at buying this truck, what do you think?

[Crossfire250R]

2003 Ford F-250 Powerstroke loaded

I've looked at the truck twice now, it does have "odor", there are cigarette ashes on the floor in the back seat. It basically needs the front end rebuilt (wheel bearings, ball joints, new pitman arm, etc...) and it does leak a little oil from the rear of the engine. Other than those issues, its a fairly clean, nice truck, it runs strong and the transmission shifts flawlessly. The guy said he will go down to $14K but I'm not sure if I should be spending $14K on something that needs hundreds of dollars of parts and a weekend of work. What do you guys think?

I have found quite a few other trucks on autotrader throughout the US with lower miles for around the same price, but it makes me nervous to trust someone or a dealer and fly out there just to have it leaking oil and dented up and needs work too.

[NYC F-350]

Funny that the add says:

Inside you'll find full beige leather and no odor! (non-smoker).

and this:

There is not a single issue with this truck. 4 wheel drive is in working order.

I would offer between 12,500-13,000 with it as is (if it is what you say and nothing else is wrong). Tell him if he wants 14,000 make the truck reflect what he said in the add.
These rigs aren't exactly hot sellers anywhere right now.

[cyclonestroker]

$14 would be fine if the truck was exactly as he stated. But, if it's as you stated, probably closer to $13 like said above.

[Crossfire250R]

Thats what im thinking too, I will offer 13, and MAYBE go to 13,500. The front end isn't terrible, it just would need to be re-done this winter or so.

[PGreenSVT]

Take something to monitor the oil and coolant temps like an Edge Insight or a Scangauge II if you can to determine the state of the oil cooler. If you buy a 6.0 you're going to need it anyway and it could save you a couple thou in repairs.

[Crossfire250R]

I have no access to that stuff, but I plan to delete the EGR right away and put in a new oil cooler - I can get one from work for free or very cheap.

[astroinhouston]

Originally Posted by Crossfire250R

I have no access to that stuff, but I plan to delete the EGR right away and put in a new oil cooler - I can get one from work for free or very cheap.

If you can snag a free oil cooler, wouldn't you have access to a monitor?

You can always borrow one from an AutoZone or something. If you plan on deleting the EGR and replacing oil cooler, I guess it might not matter, but if you don't replace them or check the temps, you will not be happy with that purchase should either of them clog.

[Crossfire250R]

Originally Posted by astroinhouston

If you can snag a free oil cooler, wouldn't you have access to a monitor?

You can always borrow one from an AutoZone or something. If you plan on deleting the EGR and replacing oil cooler, I guess it might not matter, but if you don't replace them or check the temps, you will not be happy with that purchase should either of them clog.

No, I don't, all of our monitoring systems are built into the dyno cells and computers, none of it can be transported. And yeah thats why im not too worried about bringing anything to monitor it since I will be deleting the EGR and replacing the oil cooler anyways, just to be safe.

[Galaxie]

13-15 k. monitor everything. make sure she is shifting. its moded so shifting, cold start, and listening for noises are good practice.