Hey so my 98 prelude was just totaled and I started looking at trucks.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

I found this one and have had it checked out by my mechanic, only problems are that its due for fluids change. Also its missing it spare. It also has some cosmetic damage to the left rear side.

I dont mind the damage i live on campus and my poor prelude was hit on every side.

Also i got them down to 4800 because of the missing spare. They woudnt go any lower than that.

What do you guys think, decent deal or no? Also i onky have a few days to look.

 

Private party book value in good condition is about $4800. The actual value is that less what it costs to fix it - replace the spare and fix the body damage. So, the price is too high in my opinion. "Fair" book is $4200. You will almost always have to pay more than private party book at a dealer.

However, it should be a very reliable truck. I checked the VIN and it has a 4.6. Do not expect much performance or gas mileage. My son in law has an almost identical truck - 98 Lariat Supercab 4x4 with a 4.6 auto and about 170k miles - his has the offroad package. Same color, as a matter of fact. He gets about 12 mpg commuting and about 15 on the highway, all on E-10.

 

i don't think the honecomb grille's were painted to match the rest? did you get a carfax on it from the dealer?

for the mileage it's not terrible, definitely not a steal.

 

Yeah seems to be the lowest priced f-150 in my area that has 4x4, which is what I am looking for. The next closest priced vehicle is a 2001 XLT which has 190k miles and the guy wont go lower than $5500.

As far as the damage that will probably never get fixed. It doesn't look bad unless you are looking for it. I just know living on campus it will get hit while its parked. My preludes new paint job only lasted 3 months before someone backed into it with a f150.

 

Yeah I got a carfax. Everything checks out on there.


Yeah I tried to find a steal, but hard to find with only a few days to look

 

Hey so if I get the truck. What do you guys recommend I do first?

I was think changing out all the fluids, engine, transmission, differential, and coolant. Also changing out the oil, fuel, and air filters.

Am I missing anything?

Also what manual do you guys recommend, will Haynes be good enough?

 

Not a bad truck. The topper adds a little value. It also looks like the torsion bars have been cranked. I say go for it..... and definitely change all the fluids

 

Oil: Motorcraft 5W20 semi-synthetic, Motorcraft FL-820S filter from Walmart.
Tranny: Mercon V, get a new filter, drop the pan, change the filter, drain the torque converter. It takes 14 quarts. Reuse the factory pan gasket.
Diffs: Rear - 75W140 full synthetic, add a bottle of Ford additive if it's limited slip. Front: 80W90 or 75W90, synthetic not required. Buy gaskets or use black RTV on the covers.
Transfer case: ATF.

 

The price is a little high but not too bad. That's a fairly decent price from a dealer. Looks to be a nice truck. Where is the damage at? Looks like the rear driver side fender is rolled in?

 

Blue book values don't hold respect anymore. They go up and down so much with gas prices and the economy, they just aren't a reliable source to base the value of a vehicle on. Just going by what trucks around here are going for, that is a good price IMO. Look around, you will probably not find anything as nice looking, riding or reliable in a 4x4 truck that what you are looking at, at that price. Very comfortable, ride nice, look good and are dependable with good maintenance. It's not a steal, but it is a good price for that truck. I say buy it, change all the fluids for good measure and see how it does.

 

Personally I'd get a 99 - 03. In 99 they improved the interior (changed the interior door skins and revised the gauge cluster) and on the 5.4 they revised the heads to produce more power. If you like the supercab style, in 2001 the F150 was available with a moonroof and they got revised seats. They added King Ranch Edition trucks, the Harley Davidson Edition, as well as the FX4. 98 trucks are still good trucks, but after 99 they got even better. You can get 99 and up trucks for decent prices, and buying with over 100k shouldn't scare you, that is when they are just warming up

 

So i found a 190k 2001 xlt. The guy has all the maintenace records. Also looks to be very well taken care of. Very little rust also. Still trying to get him to go lower but he seems stuck at $5500. It is in better shape than the 98, just wish it wasnt 5500 lol.

 

way too many miles.. hold out for another month for gas prices. truck prices will drop alot.

 

I agree!! People will be looking at getting rid of their trucks and quick.

 

Kinda tough when the OP needs a vehicle NOW.