Been looking for another truck lately. Found a couple Chevy’s but they all seem beet to death and are still priced high. Looked at a 1996 F-350 crewcab 4×4, 5.8 motor. Only option it has is a/c which is just fine for me.
I don’t have any experiences with the 351 motor around that year. Has 81,000 miles on it and sounds and drives really well. Just wondering if it will survive for a little while yet. Don’t know past service records. All opinions are greatly appreciated.
Greg
Werner Building & Remodeling
Huntingdon PA
Replies
I'd visit Click & Clack at Cartalk.com and use their database to find a reputable mechanic in your area who can give the truck a thorough examination; a competent and ethical mechanic will be able to provide a prioritized list of existing and forseeable problems for a reasonable fee. Cheap insurance that could help you avoid a vehicle with a costly future.
Good luck,
-Jazzdogg-
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
A compression test - if you can remove the spark plugs - would tell you part of the story. Look for approx. 10% variations between cylinder pressures. 20% variation: the engine is likely past its prime. Good luck Greg.
I've started looking for a replacement van, but the lousy gas mileage might fool me into thinking I can operate my small handyman-reno-sometimes carp op from a stretch mini-van.
Any comments about minivans for multi-trade work?
Edit: Yeah, I know, wishful thinking.
Edited 8/13/2005 11:17 pm ET by Pierre1
I use the only 3/4 ton minivan I know of, for multi-trade work. Gets about 18mpg loaded. The typical contents of the van is listed in this post:61522.17That van can haul 30 4x8 sheets of drywall or plywood laying flat (if my tools are unloaded). Usually I have that stuff delivered though (or use a trailer).Here is a review of the van I drive (the best small van for trades IMO):http://www.wnep.com/global/story.asp?s=2591467
An excellent review by John Matras. Sounds like this van has made all the right compromises. I'll check one out.
Thanks.
Greg,
consult with your accountant before your purchase.
The money that probably is flowing through your buisness may warrant the purchase of a new vehicle. Otherwise you will lay out excessive money to uncle sam.
With low interest rates, depriciation etc. it may be your best alternitive.
we all now that contractors do very well in Pa. Go for the deluxe contractors version: Ac, power everything, reading box etc.
When I lived in Pa. that was my buisness plan. Living in Montana now I am looking at one of those used 1976 ford 150's @ 300,000 miles it is just getting broke in. A couple of 2x"s I can build a ladder rack.
Tom
Working for nothing is not getting any cheaper.
"When I lived in Pa. that was my buisness plan. Living in Montana now I am looking at one of those used 1976 ford 150's @ 300,000 miles it is just getting broke in. A couple of 2x"s I can build a ladder rack."
LOL - now there's a businessman who knows how to read the local economy, adjust his biz plan, and protect his margins. ;)
Check this site out:
http://www.samsriverside.com/
They have a Red Ford F350 Dually w/ crew cab 7.3L., loaded 2003, for $22,500. Has some minor damage from theft.
My BIL has purchased 9 vehicles from them, all good. My 2003 work van is from Sam's (had just 9,000 miles on it--with minor storm damage--and I only paid 10K).
I think you'll find AAA will do inspections for a fee. Well over the $100 mark, tho, as they're extremely thorough. That'll set your mind at rest and give you some bargaining power.
ciao for niao
To those who know - this may be obvious. To those who don't - I hope I've helped.
my accountant helped me get into a new truck -- it seems that there is this nifty little loophole that says -- a truck over 6500 pounds is no longer a truck, but a piece of heavy equipment.
therefore, your ususal write off of $2000 the first year is replaced with a $20,000 write off.
I got the big Ram diesel -- pulls all of my trailers and boat with ease and still gives me 18 -20 miles per gallon. plus it'll last for 500,000 miles -- money in the bank.
(banks will lend on these behemoths quite long term)
I have the 1/2 ton version of the one you're looking at, also with the 351. Mine's a '94, and with gas prices what they are I cursed that beast every fill up (all 34 gal. @ about 10-12 mpg) until I bought a trailer. Now I sing praises to it every time I need to merge while towing with the A/C. It's no diesel, but it does get down when I need it. It's been plenty reliable and aside from the usual suspects hasn't needed major work.