Is it worth it?

[Bighouse]

I have found a 1997 F-350 PSD with 357,000 miles on it. I can get it for $3000. I don't want to put very much money into one and this sounds like a deal. The engine hasn't been rebuilt or anything, and I don't want to have to do that anytime soon. What do you guys think?

[willholl79]

I bought my 96 dually with 143,000 last year for $3500.

[Clay Henry]

might be a money pit with those miles...any idea of the maintenance that has been done?

[bfloyd4445]

Originally Posted by Bighouse

I have found a 1997 F-350 PSD with 357,000 miles on it. I can get it for $3000. I don't want to put very much money into one and this sounds like a deal. The engine hasn't been rebuilt or anything, and I don't want to have to do that anytime soon. What do you guys think?

I've talked to road warriors with up to 900k on psd's without engine problems cept monor stuff. Keep in mind that the engine was designed by international to last in medium duty use for between 260- 400k. More important than the engine is the rest of the truck, body part fit, hinges, body mounts, etc. Talkto to one guy that has used hid drive train in two diferent trucks cause the body wore out.

[Bighouse]

I dont know too much about the maintenance. It is actually in another state. I am going off of pictures and the guy's information. It appears to be in very good shape with no rust or anything. I am going to use it to pull a livestock trailer maybe twice a month for about 200 miles roundtrip. However, I dont want anything that is going to cost me lots of money to repair or anything like that. I just need a good dependable powerstroke. Do y'all think that one with 357,000 miles can do that.

[willholl79]

If the motor was taken care of no problem. But you have to remember that the rest of the truck as the same mileage. Bearings, bushings, seals, gears. you will have maintanence cost and repair costs.

Always remember you get what you pay for.

[Bighouse]

I feel like most of that stuff is in good shape. Pretty much the thing that I'm worried about is the engine. I know that you get what you pay for, but I cant really afford to put more than $3,000 into one right now. I am in college and live on a farm when I'm home. I just need something to pull a loaded 32' gooseneck to the cow sale and back.

[willholl79]

Make sure the previous owner changed the oil regularly.

[Clay Henry]

Its definately a gamble but it may turn out to be a cherry! Do your homework and check the background as much as possible. Might take it to a good diesel mechanic to have it looked over. Take the oil fill cap off and start it and put your hand over the hole to see if you feel any air blowing out. If so, it has ring problems and i would stay away from it.

[Grindem]

Originally Posted by Bighouse

I just need something to pull a loaded 32' gooseneck to the cow sale and back.

Just keep in mind that is a large load to put behind any truck, not to mention one with 357,000 miles on it. If all else fails and you do but it, you can probably salvage it out and get most of your money back.