Cowlady: I would diffinately recomend you have it checked by a "really" good mechanic. Not only the engine but the frame too. Make real sure that an alignment will fix that hard pull to the right. Meaning, make sure it doesn't pull right because of being wreaked or having a tweeked frame.
Just thought of something else: the 4x4 part: my last truck was 4x4 and I too was told "use it or lose it". Is this truck's 4x shifter on the floor?? My last truck it was on the floor and I had to kind of push it in and then over to make it engage. When I went to sell the truck, I had a couple of different dealers(mechanics) check the truck out. Both of them test drove it.(with me in truck too) They put it in 4wheel and then did the tightest turns the truck could make. I have no idea what that proved but they both seemed to be listening for something or some sound. There were no noises or anything that wasn't a normal engine sound and said the 4x system passed their test. (whatever that was???) So maybe, test drive that truck in 4 wheel drive and make some really sharp turns in L4 (go slow) and listen for any strange noises. Of course the dealer may think you're just crazy but he's already got 2 marks against him so his opinion doesn't count

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2k F250 CC SWB 6 speed 4x2 Diesel XLT Super Duty, Woodland Green
Power Mirrors, 3.73 LS, Captains Chairs, ARE tonneau top, rear privacy glass
TT Pkg, Class IV hitch, sliding rear window, running boards, mud flaps
265/75/16 AS OWL tires, am/fm/cassette/cd, rechargable MagLite
Clarion APA 5240 amp, Memphis speakers:Components front, 5x7 rear, 10"sub
SuperChip, Stepshields, Ventshields on windows, rubber bed mat
rugged liner bedliner on tailgate, quick disconnect jumper cables
unaFORDable (decal on tailgate)




[This message has been edited by Tina (edited 09-24-2000).]

 

I have been reading this and didn't jump in because I agree with Tina and Shifter, but I have a Question. This can't be the only F150 available can it?
Geez the Dealer sounds like a creep and Quite frankly where do you go for warrenty work? The Dealer, so if you can't trust him now when he is trying to make a buck, how do you think he will be when it comes to warrenty work when he isn't making a buck?

Look, if you were a dealer, and it only needed a front end alignment, wouldn't you have done that BEFORE a potential customer looks at it?
What about the spare tire? Do you really think he removed it to put on another Truck? Even if he did, that means he intended to sell this Truck to someone who didn't notice, and was too cheap to put a new tire on the one that needed it. Which also means he will swap another tire off some other Truck to put one on this Truck and so on. Or maybe it didn't come with the spare in the first place, cuz eveyone knows that the spare tire set up tends to damage the spare anyway. He is probably so used to swapping out parts amongst his vehicals, that he didn't even notice if it had one or not. And gee he didn't have time to give it a front end alignment, but found time to remove the spare?
Either way this is further proof of his BS!
This guy also doesn't know anything about F150's (4 cyl?) and either also doesn't know what a supercab is, or he had one, and sold it, and 'dug' this one up for you, or probably got the Truck after he found out you wanted one.
I like the 4.2 but honestly, they are a 'dime a dozen' once used, and the 4.2 is the most commonly leased Type of F150. The 4.6 is only worth a little more. The 5.4 is more in demand and so is the 4x4 as far as resale is concerned.
Sure it's a 4x4 but with the smallest engine available, even if thats what you want, and I know plenty have LOVE theirs, you can get this 'set-up' under WAY BETTER circumstances.
Go to another dealer, or better yet, call one on the phone, thats what I do, (bought three new cars this way) either they have it or they don't, regardless, DO NOT tell them you are desperate (I was carless when I called, but didn't tell them) and hang up if they sound like they are making up the script as they go along.

I have to tell you, I would ditch this deal.
Even though most dealers suck, everyone knows no matter how nice and accomidating they are, and how honest they appear BEFORE the sale, the 'customer treatment' goes a little downhill after that. This guy is lying now and it will only get worse once he has your money.

Damn, I'd like to 'have at him' right now based on what you've said.

 

I wouldn't touch this deal with ANY kind of pole. I agree with everything previously posted. He obviously knows nothing about F150s. Secondly search thru the V6 threads and engine threads. If I remember correctly quite a number of V6 that need the gasket/seal recall, blew up after the fix was done. I think you would much happier and better off in the long run by finding another truck. There are thousands out there. See if you can find a reputible (sp) Ford dealership near you and go to them. Most dealerships have a system linked to other dealerships and can search for a truck equipped the way you want or at very least close to it. Just my .02

 

I agree with all the advice here. I have a funny feeling too. The only reason I am considering this truck is the price - $13,800 w/o any bargaining yet.
I thought about leasing or payments but I can't right now. I am close to losing my job. The medical center where I work has just cut back hours severely & are looking to close the pharmacy department which is MY department. Payments are not something I can take on knowing I may be out of work.
I also have to get something SOON! I've been renting a car for over 6 weeks now & just can't keep doing this. I need to get to work but more importantly, to my parent's who are 90 miles away. Since my Dad is so sick I have to be ready to go in a flash. As it is my parents are helping me out. I AM desperate but haven't let him know that!
All the other trucks I've seen are way over my price limit. Gee - wish I had married my high school sweetheart now - he's got a great job! LOL!
Anyhow, I'm going to see what that officer digs up - hopefully it will be good news & if not then I keep looking & looking & looking! Hey - anyone wanna sell me thier truck? I can tell everyone here takes great care of them! Can't blame a girl for trying!

 

I just read this on another board and I haven't checked to see if it's true or not but it's something you should check out. IF you are serious about that truck and it's diffinetely from Canada then you should check w/any Ford dealer about what kind of warrenty you get with it. What I'm hearing is that US dealers don't want to work on Canadan trucks. You said that it would have a dealer warrenty. But that's what the shyster dealer told you. Check w/Ford dealers to see if they will honor the "warrenty".
You asked About the 4wd changing everything: Actually it only makes me more leary of the deal because he's offering it at such a cheap price. Makes me think there's even more wrong with it than you think.
At least with all you've got going on, you still have a sense of humor. Hang in there.

 

atst, said it all. car dealers suck as a general rule and this guy makes most look like the type of people you want to have over for dinner. i've helped friends of mine deal with people like this. the best advice is stay away from him. he is lying to you. period. if the truck seems to cheap, as it does, remember the old saying if it seems too good to be true...
as far as the v6. i have one in my 4x4 and absolutely love it. would have preferred the v8 but the 6 was what i found in the flairside that i wanted. it does just fine pulling dirtbikes and motorcycles all over the place.

terry

 

This young lady needs help checking out a vehicle. Any "onliners" in the Buffalo area who can lend a hand?

Cowlady, check elsewhere on this board for used trucks for sale where you live. Nothing wrong with an older F-150, you know.

You're right about members on this board being enthusiasts who generally take care of their vehicles. Or, check the Auto-Trader-type weekly magazines, probably called Truck Trader or something like that in your area. You can get them at any corner stop-and-rob. Try the on-line www.autotrader.com.

Last resort, which is what I'd do, get or borrow a good mountain bike and some Gore-tex outer clothes to get you to work until your job situation firms up before buying any vehicle, truck or not. If you have to, rent a small car on weekends to visit your folks for a while, or call on friends.

I hate it when a woman, or anyone for that matter, gets stuck with a bad used vehicle from a bad-a$$ salesman, that only costs way more than it should have, like Andthensometoo found out, above. Anyway, you asked for advice and you got it. Best of luck to you!

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Black 2000 SC short-box XLT. 4.2V-6, 5-speed, 3.55 limited-slip. CD, remote entry, factory side steps, FORD box liner.

My third F-series: '73 F-100 Custom 240-cube 3-speed, '98 F-150 XL-SC 4.2 5-speed, and '00 F-150 XLT-SC 4.2 5-speed. GREAT trucks!

 

OK now that you have posted the price, here's more food for thought:
I once bought a K car because the price was right (really my parents steered me towards it when I wanted them to help me get a taurus)$1500 and I didn't need any $ help buying it like I would have for the Taurus ($2,400)
Lets see if I can make this short ....
One week into it and the brakes (all four) locked up. Cable was frozen .. I mean rusted solid. rebuilt fronts and cut the back cable for about $200
Next week: Oil pump went, got freind of friend to re-do for $200
Next week: all the pieces of the Constant velcity joints fell out while driving it, leaving a trail of pieces down the road. FOF fixed for $600.
Next week: Timing chain. FOF fixed $200
Next, I found an oil leak, got tired of paying people so I got out my wrenches seeing it was only a 4cyl OH engine. I was comming from the cam area, I pulled it and the cam was terribly worn at one end. New cam was a couple hundred, a whole head was $400 but I was out of money so I told my mom, who then had my dad call around. He found a place that would put in a another head for $400. I wanted to do it my self, but they wouldn't sell me the head and that was the bigger, more rare 4cly that I had.
I didn't like it but parents were paying for it soo...
next day after they 'fixed it' motor blew up!
the shop of course tried to say there was no oil in it, so I said well that sounds like your problem because that timing chain also drives the oil pump (DUH) he came up with more stuff but I apearently knew more about that motor than he did. anyway, they finally ran out of excuses and had to fix it. But they couldn't find the parts, so I was carless once again.
Cut to the chase: Go back and add up what I spent (and that just what I remember the most, there were more repairs than that) and then see what I thought I couldn't afford!

[This message has been edited by Andthensometoo (edited 09-25-2000).]

 

Ok - here's an update on that truck. It was checked & the officer who ran the check said it's "clean" as far as damage, salvage & title. It was never stolen. The dealer bought it in 3/00 for $12,2 with 39K miles on it, took it to auction sometime this year & it didn't sell. I believe the auction was Odessa. Odessa ia a HUGE auction here & I was told they "check" the vehicles over before accepting them. Why it didn't sell is anyone's guess. The body is perfect - a few scratches at the bottom of the tailgate where it meets the floor of the bed. It may have been a rental before it was bought back by Ford. It does pass US emissions now. The officer said it MUST pass inspection or the dealer is obligated to fix whatever fails. According to the officer, he said it "SEEMS" to be a good truck BUT cautions it has to be checked by a reputable mechanic first. My sister is going to bring it to her mechanic, whom she has a very good relationship with & trusts & have him do a thorough check.
I am still worried but I have run out of time to "browse" & have no choice but to seriously consider this truck. Unless I can find another reasonably priced truck this week, I may have to take this truck because I have spent over $1,200 in rentals so far. My Dad starts his chemo this week - today in fact (please say a prayer for Lou!) & as soon as I am well enough to go out there I have to go help my family. Anyhow, I don't mean to make this into a "sob" story - my life is just not as smooth riding for the moment as an F150 is!!!!
Let me know if any of this new info changes anyone's mind. I am not firm on it yet - not till the mechanic checks it out. If he finds anything seriously wrong I don't take it. But if he gives the "thumbs up" I guess I'll have a truck by the end of the week.
I can't tell you how much all of your comments mean to me. At a time when I need all the support I can get, you folks have come thru with flying colors! If I could personally thank each of you I would give you all a greta big hug & a ride in my truck! Maybe someday we can arrange a central place to meet with our trucks & see each other's pride & joy!
Thanks again - now I have to get to work in a 2K Taurus. Nice CAR but I want a TRUCK! LOL! Have a good day! bye!

 

Cowlady, first of all I want you to know that Lou is in my prayers tonight. And you, too!
My thoughts on the truck. Misgivings at first, but everything seems to be checking out. It looks good and if the mechanic gives a thumbs up, I don't see why you should not take it. You do not have the luxury of having more time to shop.
If the dealer bought it for $12.2K I would offer him that amount. He's had it for a long time and I am sure wants to move it.
Make sure he does what he says about the front end alignment (get a receipt) and spare tire. To set your mind at ease, I would go to a Ford dealer and buy an extended warranty. Various prices but you can get full bumper to bumper coverage with a $50 deductible for about $1000. Other policies with less coverage, or larger deducts can be much cheaper. Oh, and the
V-6 is great for your needs. Let us know what you decide.
God bless you and your family.
Ken
Just my two cents.

 

Kenster - your post made me cry THANKFUL tears! I can't tell any of you how special you are for keeping my Dad in your prayers. He's always been so healthy & strong & now he's afraid. The doctor's seem to have finally begun to feel somewhat optimistic - I attribute that to all the prayers!
I haven't heard yet when the mechanic can check the truck over. I'm hoping it can be done soon so I can either get it or start looking again. The next "inexpensive" truck I saw was originally listed at $20,999 & before I left the lot, w/o ANY haggling the DEALER offered ME the truck for $17,999! Huh? Aren't I supposed to be the one asking for the price to be lowered? This is another dealer - a local Ford Resale lot that has mostly off-lease vehicles. They said it's been there "for awhile" & when I aksed how long they said about 40 days. You can look at it @ www.basilauto.com - it's stock # P9557. It's a '98 with extended cab & more "goodies" than the 1 I'm thinking about. To me, they should be able to get more than what they offered me without any problem. The truck is spotless. Guess I may just be a bit nervous & find it hard to trust any dealer. One guy at another dealership was PUSHING a '97 - fully laoded for about $13K. He kept telling me how "sweet looking" it was. Sure it was BUT it had 100,000+ miles on it! I flipped out! I told him it would look really sweet & pretty in a junkyard soon! To me, that truck was BEAT! I don't care if it was towed for that many miles! I know Ford trucks are tough but every vehicle has limits! As you can see, I've met some "winners" in my quest for this truck! Did all of you have the same experiences? Is it just me?
I've gone on too long. Than you again Kenster for your thoughts & prayers. I never realized how many wonderful people I'd meet here! I definitely want to meet all of you someday! Send me directions - I'll drop by with my truck! LOL!

 

Ok everyone - forget that truck. I just talked to a guy (dealer) who knows it. He saw it at the auction where it didn't sell. He DID bid on it but when he was allowed to test drive it he heard a noise in the bottom end of the motor so he refused it. When it went to arbitration they agreed & let him out of the deal. Evidently the "oil change" they did 1,000 miles ago must have been an attempt to hide the problem. I'm guessing they put a heavy weight oil in - I didn't hear a thing - neither did my Dad & brother-in-law. But this guy described the truck to me exactly! What are the odds that 2 teal '98 F150 regular cabs & V6's BOTH didn't sell at auction??? Pretty slim!
So I'm back to square 1 & so desperate I may just end up with a car which is exactly what I didn't want!
Oh well - have to check Auto Trader. I'll keep you posted. Bye for now.