Getting a truck

[RipSpark]

I need some help!!!! We are getting a truck to haul the horse trailer but I can't decide what to do. I keep going back and forth. It is going to be a used truck, and I know pretty much what I want, but can't make that final decision.

Two choices-
A) a new truck with around 50k miles
B) an older truck with over 100k miles, but about 10k less

I want something reliable(obviously), since it is for hauling horses. Is it worth buying a newer one even though it is quite a bit more? But then I will also worry more about damaging it ;) We might be moving so we will be hauling things in it. I don't want to worry because it is so nice. AHHHH. Help ;)

[Buckpoco]

We just got a new (used) truck while in Florida. They had a fantastic place "Gibson Truck World" ... the trucks are like new.
Anyway, we haul the LQ and with our old truck we didn't have enough power. We always regretted not getting a diesel. This time we got a diesel with 65,000 miles on it. As it's a diesel it should last many, many years. I'd say get a diesel...everyone we talked to said 65,000 miles is nothing for diesel and it made some huge difference in the price.

[shewasmyshadow]

I'd get used, but not high mile used. Definitely don't buy brand new.

[AUEquine]

It really depends on what you are looking for. If you're in the market for a diesel then higher miles is ok. If you're in the market for a 1/2 ton gas burner, I really wouldn't go over 100K miles.
With a diesel alot of times older is better. The newer diesels have less power. They kind sissyfied them for the city boys. Lots more bells and whistles to look cool, but less under the hood.
However an older gas is just old! I'm not saying there arn't good gas burnners out there, but it's hard to know with used how well they were taken care of. My gas burning dodge has close to 200K miles on it, but it's only been owned by my father and me. And we've taken good care of it.

[vicklynn]

I bought my 2004 2500HD 4x4 with 30K miles for 25K.

They are out there, just keep looking.

[JackieB]

Generally speaking, I'd go with lower mileage and pay more. But tell us a bit more about both trucks.

[RipSpark]

We want a Ford f-250(or 350 w/e is available), 4 door, towing pkg, gas, and 4 wheel drive. We could go with a chevy or a ram as well, doesn't really matter.

One I looked at is a lariat, but I have read alot of bad things about them. Not just the gas mileage, but that they don't hold up as well. Our old truck is an XL and we love it.

[FatSpottedAppy]

Id do older, with more miles. I bought my f-150 for $3,000, and it has 135k miles on it. Mileage doesnt really mean anything to me until it starts getting in the 210ks.. My boyfriend's Dad has a f150 with 205k miles and it runs as good as gold..

[JackieB]

One I looked at is a lariat, but I have read alot of bad things about them. Not just the gas mileage, but that they don't hold up as well. Our old truck is an XL and we love it.

There shouldn't be a difference, mechanically, between the Lariat and XL. They are the same truck (e.g. F250 XL and F250 Lariat). The Lariat is just the top of the line package option.

I'm kind of old school with regard to mileage. When I was younger, 100,000 miles was about the life of a vehicle. I know they go much, much longer now, but I prefer to either put the miles on myself, or know the person who did. I just hate it if a vehicle burns any oil, for example.

But FSA is right that today's vehicles will run a long time. We're planning to keep our Fords for at least 200,000 miles, and I don't think we'll have any trouble doing so.

[gaited07]

There shouldn't be a difference, mechanically, between the Lariat and XL. They are the same truck (e.g. F250 XL and F250 Lariat). The Lariat is just the top of the line package option.

I'm kind of old school with regard to mileage. When I was younger, 100,000 miles was about the life of a vehicle. I know they go much, much longer now, but I prefer to either put the miles on myself, or know the person who did. I just hate it if a vehicle burns any oil, for example.

But FSA is right that today's vehicles will run a long time. We're planning to keep our Fords for at least 200,000 miles, and I don't think we'll have any trouble doing so.


Very true about the XL, XLT and Lariat models:) That is just the option packages not the base vehicle.

As for mileage, I'm with JB on this one. I'm old school also with the K+ I understand that the motors can handle more mileages when taken care of but who really knows with the care it has received???
Also, the body parts have to take into consideration here. There is a 100k on ball joints, idler arms, tie rods, struts, and many many other parts with 100k wear on them.
I would personally look for a vehicle with less mileage (wear and tear on the motor and body) and spend the extra money for a little more peace and reassurance:)

Oh to add; Remember that the transfer cases on the 4x4's are NOT cheap!

[RipSpark]

So here are the two trucks we are really looking at.

Both are very similar except miles. F250, 4 door, 4 wheel drive, gas, white, towing pkg...

2008 with 53k miles for 25k or 2009 with 8.8k miles for 28k. The reason I am leary of the 09 is because why is it only 3k more?

ETA the older one. It is a 2003 with 83k miles. Only difference is it is an extended cab. It is 15k.

[vicklynn]

Got a link to those 2 mentioned??
maybe we can see something

[vicklynn]

While searching for a truck similar to the ones you are talking about, I found this.
PRETTTTTTTY!!!! Buy it for me!!??LOL
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=277265404&dealer_id=75203&car_year=2005&listingCounter=0&adModel=F250&pager.offset=150&origuri=/find/used-Ford-F250-cars-for-sale-Milwaukee-53203.jsp&adBodyStyle=&search_type=used&model_desc=F250&first_record=151&make_desc=Ford&distance=100&address=53203&listingPriority=30&adMake=FORD&adClassSeries=&cardist=95

[RipSpark]

Lol!

Here are the links.

03- http://www.automotive.com/2003/65/ford/f-250/super-duty/kentucky/somerset/232488698/113/index.html

08- http://www.automotive.com/2008/65/ford/f-250/super-duty/kentucky/richmond/232544182/113/index.html

09-
http://www.automotive.com/2009/65/ford/f-250/super-duty/indiana/milan/232609124/113/index.html

[vicklynn]

On looks alone, I like the 03 and the 08. The tires and wheels on the 09 looks really dull and used. For a yr old truck??? Could of been used heavily in that yr. I dont know. Id check them All out and do some serious thinking.
Me, Id pass on the 09, IF I were even buying a Ford...;)kidding.

[outriding01]

My dad used to have a Lariat and I loved it. I have an '03 F-150 King Ranch Supercrew that I got with 112k miles on it. It now has about 118k and still runs wonderfully. Only issue I ever had was with a brake caliper falling off randomly.... I've hauled horses, boats, furniture and other equipment with it and never had a problem.

[RipSpark]

I loved the lariat but I didn't know if all the cool gadgets were sucking me in ;) I just don't need all that. Power sliding rear window, neat little foot thing in the back that flips out to keep the floor from getting dirty, etc.

And I didn't get an exact price on it, just low 30's. The XLT is the same year and miles and 10k less.

[RipSpark]

OK ok....final question ;) Is there a big downside to the older 03? It only has 30k more miles, but should we expect more problems with the truck itself? My parents XLT is an 02 and they haven't ever had an problems, but just wondering.

[JackieB]

low 30's.

Low 30's!!!!! Rip, you can get a brand new 2011 F-250 for that much. Keep shopping.

[JackieB]

OK ok....final question ;) Is there a big downside to the older 03? It only has 30k more miles, but should we expect more problems with the truck itself? My parents XLT is an 02 and they haven't ever had an problems, but just wondering.

Not if it's been cared for. Just make sure you get an excellent price. For example, I have a 2002 F-150 that is a heavy duty model (used to be their light duty F-250). I bought it new for $28,500 and it's worth a little less than $10K now. An '03 ought to be in the teens. Maybe high teens if it's a diesel, but still in the teens. They aren't exactly selling a lot of 3/4 Ton pickups right now.

Of if I'm off base on that, at least make sure you know the exact Kelly Blue Book value and work from there. It's a buyer's market right now.

[JackieB]

OK, I looked at the links. I like the '03. If the CarFax report looked good, I wouldn't hesitate to buy that truck. I'd probably offer $14,500 and then agree to go up to $15K.

Absolutely not the '09. You can get a brand new one for that much.

The '08 is OK, but not superior to the '03.

Exciting!

[vicklynn]

OK ok....final question ;) Is there a big downside to the older 03? It only has 30k more miles, but should we expect more problems with the truck itself? My parents XLT is an 02 and they haven't ever had an problems, but just wondering.
Check the blue book like JackieB suggested.
Check carfax, they can give you one at the dealer.
Have the truck fully inspected. If they tell you they did, ask to see the paperwork and go over everything with the mechanic.
Beings its out of warranty, get one, they have extended warrantys. Make sure you are covered at least the first full yr, chassy(SP), ect.
Its cheaper to do it when you buy the rig than getting one later.

My only issue with my truck is that I didnt get a warranty with it.
Ticks me off some times that I didnt do it. Havent needed it, but it keeps me looking for a truck with a warranty.

[Yoshi]

I don't know a whole lot about trucks, but I drive a 1999 F-150 Lariat, and I love it. Granted, it was a construction vehicle before I got it, so it's kinda beat up. It has around 160,000 miles on it and we've had to fix a few things, but they are from not being cared for by the previous guys (can't complain about a free truck though :) one of the perks of having a daddy that loves me more than his workers). Other than that, I love my truck, especially the fact that it actually drives like a truck not a car ;)

Good luck on your search!

[RipSpark]

Thanks so much guys! They just sold the 03 on Sat :( but they have another one that is similar. It is an 02 with 72k miles, asking 14k. We are going to look at it tomorrow. I really appreciate all the help. The truck is about an 1 1/2 hours away but the 08 is on the way so we might look at both tomorrow.

[vicklynn]

Cool! Keep us posted

[WashingtonBay]

If I were looking at trucks that have tow packages, I'd ask what they towed with it, how often, and how far. Big difference between a truck pulling a little toy trailer a few times a year to a truck that has been towing a heavy 25 foot motorhome from Seattle to Yuma and back twice a year. I'd also be suspicious if it looks like it's had a camper on it. Or hauled a lot of rock. Look in the bed of the truck. How hard has it worked?

On the other hand, a guy who bought too much truck for his little fishing boat he hauled down to the local lake in summer, or a 2horse trailer so daughter could go to the fair... it's not been too stressed out.

[Ranger44]

I'm wondering if I am missing something! What engines does Ford have these days? It just seems to me that a 5.4L is a little small for a 3/4 ton truck if it would be used to tow anything close to it's capacity. Do they get a lot of horsepower out of the 5.4? My 1/2 ton trucks used to have a bigger engine than that.

[vicklynn]

Why I like my 6. Chevy,,,varoom varoom...hehehe

[RipSpark]

The 350's are 6.8. That is what our other truck is. We don't really have the need for a 350 though.

[vicklynn]

Mines a 250...lol...ok Ill stop. Im just funnin with you.