Considering Buying a PSD

[paper1122]

Hello Friends!

Every few years I get an itch and have to buy a different vehicle. Right now it seems that I am looking to get a different truck. I have a rather interesting vehicle history I've been driving since 99.

Trucks (in order of ownership)
1980 Chevy LUV
1998 Ranger XL R.Cab SB 4cyl 5spd
1998 F150 XL R.Cab SB 6cyl 5spd
2000 F150 XLT Ext. Cab SB 6cyl 5spd
2008 Nissan Titan XE CC 8cyl Auto - Current Truck

Cars (same order as above)
1991 Honda Accord
2001 Acura CL Type-S
2002 Mustang Vert 6cyl 5spd
1983 Porsche 944
1991 Jeep Wrangler 4cyl 5spd
2005 Honda S2000- Current Toy

Bikes
1985 Yamaha Virago

I have wanted a Super Duty for a long time, however they have always been out of my price range. I traded in the last F150 on the Titan only because of the deal that I got (half price brand new). As luck would have it the Titan is worth what I paid for it 3.5 yrs ago and is currently paid off. This affords me the situation of being able to drop in a few extra grand and get myself into a SD.

The big "Con" to this, however, is that my Titan only has 45k on it and I'd have to go to a SD with over 100k.

My ideal SD seems to be: 05-07 CC 4wd SB Auto FX4. I would prefer Lariat due to a few of the features but XLT will suit me fine.

Being that I don't "have" to do this I am willing to wait for a while. My goal is somewhere around $18k with 120k miles or less. I want one that hasn't had a fifth wheel installed (kind of looking for grandpa's truck). Ideally I'd like to find one that's already had the EGR and head studs taken care of and that hasn't been modified.

Am I out in left field?
Any other tips?

[AzPatMan]

Welcome first of all - as I'm new here myself.
I was in the same boat as you. I'd been debating (wanting...) a diesel for some time - an been doing plenty of searching around, until I recently picked up mine.
For an `05 through `07 with only 120k for $18k, may be a tough search - I couldn't find any like that under $25k anywhere (unless they were tap'n 200k miles on up...)
But don't let the mileage discourage you. I'd be more interested in making sure it's had regular maintenance (fluid changes) done than anything. If that's been done - 150k should be nothing for a diesel if it's been well cared for and maintained.
In my opinion (FWIW), chances are - if the truck(s) you're looking at had the Studs and EGR delete's done - it's very probable at it's been tuned or chipped at somepoint as well.
I don't doubt that you may find a smoke'n deal like I did for my Excursion, but it may be wait -and lot's of due-diligence and searching!

Edit:
Just as an FYI - I picked up my `03 that has 180k miles on it now - (174k when I bought it) for $14,500. No Trade in or deposit...
So trust me when I say I know what it's like wait and find the right deal!

[paper1122]

Thanks for the response!
I've been digging around and a few have popped up that are somewhat in my range. But I haven't gone to look at any yet.

A few details I left out. I'm in Central Florida and 98% of my driving is commute/jobsite to jobsite. I rarely tow or haul any real loads. In otherwords, I don't NEED a SD, I just want one.

[SuperCrutyPS]

Glad to have you - to the ORG!!

Seeing that you are not in a hurry to get a SD, you can 'shop' for a bit. That sort of takes the pressure off so you do end up with what you want vs grabbing 'something' to satisfy your need. It sounds cool to me to be in that position. Enjoy the search!!!

[colo_dually]

Howdy, and welcome to the ORG.

Take your time and look for a 6.0L that's right for you, and mechanically sound.

The following two threads are a great starting point for any new 6.0L owner:
Things to consider about owning a 6.0L
Write Up: Bullet-Proofing the 6.0L PSD.

Good Luck with your search.

[Hank]

Welcome to the org.!

[paper1122]

Thanks for the welcome!

I am going to get a schoolin' from one of my buddies who has almost the exact truck that I am looking for tomorrow. He has been through the EGR/Head Stud issues and has given me a lot of great information.

["Stroker 8"]