Posted on 10/24/2012 1:13:31 PM PDT by ChocChipCookie
I'm checking out a truck this afternoon for possible purchase and would like some advice. It's part of an estate sale in Sun City, Arizona. Here's the info from the seller:
"We have a vehicle for sale this week too...a beautiful 1997 Ford F-250 XLT Extended Cab Truck with only 79,000 original miles! It has all power, cruise/tilt, ABS brakes, CD Stereo, camper shell, and more! The bluebook is $6,485, but the asking price is only $5,200!"
She sent two photos, and the truck looks to be in excellent shape.
Besides the physical condition of the truck, what else should I look for? Is this model/make/year known to have any issues?
I will probably sell our '02 Tahoe (163K miles) and use this vehicle instead, if I buy it.
Any input is welcome.
Buy Ford...I did.
You have the first part right, it is not from Obama Motors.
With Ford pickups look for rust in the tailgate and doors.
What size engine and tranny? Has it been sitting long?
What size engine and tranny? Has it been sitting long?
What size engine and tranny? Has it been sitting long?
What size engine and tranny? Has it been sitting long?
What size engine and tranny? Has it been sitting long?
Its a Ford so you’ll have issues with door latches but other than that it should be a good truck.
The Triton Pickup engines of this vintage are well known for blowing out sparkplugs. Google for it. It happened to me too.
It's a good truck. Low mileage is good but be aware that that many model years on it will result in brake line and hose deterioration, etc. not a big deal but something to be aware of.
Are you able to do your own work on it if need be?
If you know of a reliable mechanic, arrange for an inspection during a test drive. Years ago I did that and it only cost me 30.00-—passed inspection and deal was good.
Sun City owner. Obviously an old geezer. His widow should have all the maintenance receipts - many retirees are obsessive/compulsive about getting ripped off and hoarding records.
Sun City residents are required to garage all their vehicles; so I wouldn’t worry about rust.
Probably not driven ‘hard’ and the mileage indicates he just drove it to the store and golf course.
It sounds like this truck might be pre-Triton. 1997 3/4 tons were the model design change year.
Sounds nice. We are also looking for a used vehicle. How did you find this one? We are in Arizona also.
Find out if the spark plugs have been changed. In the late ‘90s, particularly with the 5.4L, the spark plugs had insufficient thread and unless they are torqued correctly, you can have a plug blow out (or worse, strip the threads which is a very expensive fix.
(Some of) The late ‘90s extra cabs also had problems with sheet metal tears where the the door mounts are located. Look for this.
sorry for multi posts, don’t know how that happened
Check out the VIN number for info on the internet. ( Remembering here, for example, that vehicles went all over the country from Katrina with flood ravaged engines.) California vehicles have all those crummy emissions standards added, if it was ever bought and owned in CA.
Probably it’s a splendid buy. Good luck.
Which engine....... gas/diesel and check maintenance records. If necessary you can runa carfax or some type history report.
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