So I am giving up the city life for semi-rural living. I currently have a 2012 Nissan Juke, and I've come to the reality that it would be best to get a pick up. I want to opt for an older Ford F-250 or F-350 because I will not have the money to fix a truck that is mostly computer, and it also gives me the opportunity to learn the vehicle and perform as many of my own repairs as possible.

With that being said, what year would all of you recommend? I'm going to need the vehicle for water haul, and building materials. My cousin recommends a 2001 diesel, but I think diesel is unnecessary since I'm not hauling for hundreds of miles. My friend recommends the 1990s since they have less computer and more mechanical, but my cousin said it would be more expensive to fix because that's pre aftermarket so parts will be harder to come by. So being new to this, I'm confused and worried I'll buy the wrong vehicle. Help?

 

Welcome to the site..

My .02,, mid 90's 250's were reasonably simple to repair and maintain, very reliable if cared for, plentiful, and parts are reasonable. Great trucks.. The aftermarket industry catches up pretty quick and no matter what you decide on, aftermarket availability shouldn't be a huge concern. Plenty of OE used parts available through Dismantlers as well as on the net under sales/auction.

The key with any purchase is to find the lowest possible mileage, and well maintained rig with back up service docs, or proven history if possible. As well as trucks that haven't been used in server service, towing/hauling heavy etc, or include many performance parts, lifted, chipped, fatty tires, or bare the scares of many bolt on enhancements, and of course evidence of anything more than minor body/paint repairs. If painted complete, other than peeling issues, could be an indicator of prior moderate/major damage or again, cared for. Doesn't mean complete paint is hiding anything, but may make me take a deeper look.

For me,, I'd prefer a truck that's a close to stock as possible. Like the one someones Dad/Grand Dad has and used it moderately and now needs to sell.
Not that it's going to prove out to be a bomb if 'enhanced some', but lends to its history IMO. Plus, generally all the add on components, the seller try's to recoup for, rarely achieved, and should you/I want to do some upgrades, it's then a blank canvas.

An 01-2002 7.3 would be a tough truck, but most of the later SD's gas would be a good choice, but can tend to harder for the home tech to keep in line. And my opinion again, follows the same choices and concerns as above for a SD choice.. If your planning on hauling large amounts of tanked water, lumber, trailer towing? etc, I'd stay with a larger engine choice. "There's No replacement for Displacement!"
If any doubt on Y/M choices, have it checked out from a trusted friend or mechanic/shop.
Generally if a sound rig, it's pretty quick to tell its condition, care, and needs if any...

 

Thanks so much for the information. I'm gathering as much information as possible, and it's not far off from what my neighbor said (he's a mechanic). I may be taking a look at this one tomorrow. It seems a little expensive for the mileage, so I want to know what's new that would warrant the cost.

https://www.kbb.com/cars-for-sale/46...vehiclehistory

 

460 is a good platform, fuel mileage, not so good.
But 236K is pretty high mileage for any truck, more so if basically original. That said, my question would be and I'd be assuming the engine is original, but the trans would/should have be replaced or built. If not, it's at he end of its life's service..
Being one of the high ticket expenses when considering any higher mileage rig, any history of repair or replacement may help with a decision for me. Or even less expensive items, but important like radiator/cooling system, Alt, PS, A/C, anything that could pop up that can have the potential to strand the truck, or unexpected costs to correct .
Looks to be in decent shape, and some prior questions and/or if a personal inspection ( if no support documentation) a quick view of the engine bay may tell the level of reliability given its long life and miles covered...

 

Zero work was done other than making it look pretty. So it's surely not worth what they're asking.

 

Agree with "Hayapower", One should consider every factor before buying any vehicle. If it is possible consider bringing your mechanic friend will help you select the best vehicle.